JFH News: Spotlight Music Group Signs First Artist, Justin Rizzo

SPOTLIGHT MUSIC GROUP SIGNS FIRST ARTIST, JUSTIN RIZZO, TO LONG-TERM RECORDING CONTRACT

First Of Three New Recordings, Paid It All, Releases Today

NEWS SOURCE: Hoganson Media
January 17, 2020

Spotlight Music Group has signed acclaimed worship leader Justin Rizzo to a long-term recording contract and releases his first EP under the new agreement, Paid It All, today (Jan. 17). The four-track EP is available now at iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, Google Play and additional digital and streaming outlets globally.

Widely known for leading worship at the International House of Prayer of Kansas City, MO for 15 years, and penning such notable worship favorites as “Tree,” “Found Faithful,” “Above Every Other Name,” “There is One Found Worthy” and “Glory Will Cover the Earth,” Rizzo offers Paid It All as the first of three new recordings to release, one per month leading up to his first full-length album in seven years, Love So Fierce, on March 20. His second EP, Worship And Adore, is set to release Feb. 14.

“Justin Rizzo’s mission and calling to lead people into God’s presence is what drew Spotlight Music Group to make him our first artist signed to the label,” says Spotlight Music Group president Steve Nicolle. “We are excited and honored to have this opportunity to support Justin and his undeniable gifting, both in worship leading and in songwriting.”

“The passion and vision of what Spotlight Music Group is wanting to do really resonates with me,” says Rizzo, adding that the title track of the new EP is one of his favorite songs to play live.

“‘Paid It All’ is a combination of two songs my good friend Caleb Andrews wrote,” continues Rizzo. “I heard them both one day and said, ‘We need to combine parts of each song together.’ It quickly became one of my favorite songs to lead not only because of the theology and message, but also how it engaged congregations to sing along, declaring the worth of the blood of Jesus.”

The new EP also features “You Are My Treasure” that implores worshippers to love God like they did at first, and “Love Won’t Stop,” a reminder from Rizzo that “no matter what's happening in our lives, God’s love will never give up on us. John 15:9 says that the same way the Father loves Jesus is the way Jesus loves us. This love is unlike anything we’ve ever known on earth. The love between the Trinity is something we are brought into.”

As a full-time worship leader at the International House of Prayer, Rizzo led six, two-hour worship sets per week for 15 years. While these times focused on interceding for the nation, ending of human trafficking, world crisis events, etc., most sets were spent spontaneously singing the Bible. “We would study different verses and passages of scripture off stage as a team – singers, musicians, sound tech, etc. - and then lead as a team, creating spontaneous music, melodies and choruses while singing through certain passages or themes. This has absolutely changed my life and continues to be one of my most enjoyable, life-changing experiences.”

In addition to being a worship leader, songwriter and recording artist, Rizzo produces musicals and films through his Firelight Creative production company. He has written and produced three full-length musicals to date, including From Patmos, which is based on the life of John while enslaved on the Island of Patmos. One of two new musicals in the writing phase now is a comedy based on the Garden of Eden.

Along with a new book on worship leading and a podcast that will release later this year, Rizzo is also a worship coach. “I help worship leaders who feel overworked and isolated experience peace, confidence and create thriving worship communities.” His flagship Worship Leader Academy program offers not only unique online training resources, but also unlimited one-on-one access to Rizzo.

For all the latest Justin Rizzo music, films, musicals, touring, book and more news, visit http://justinrizzo.com/, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Spotify and Apple Music.

About Justin Rizzo:

Born and raised in Buffalo, NY, Justin Rizzo began playing a variety of instruments at an early age and leading worship at 12-years-old. Releasing five solo albums and featured on multiple compilation projects along with writing and producing three full-length musicals, Rizzo also travels extensively to lead worship and speak at conferences and events around the world. Justin is currently based in Kansas City, MO where he serves as a worship leader, songwriter, blogger and composer. Justin is married to his wife, Naomi, who also sings and leads worship. They have two children.

About Spotlight Music Group:

Spotlight Music Group is a music label and song publisher with sales, marketing, promotional, radio, television and film expertise. Spotlight provides distribution platforms across all digital channels, including but not limited to Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, YouTube, Amazon, Deezer, Tencent, Google Music, Facebook, Pandora, Tidal, Sirius and Rhapsody. Physical distribution includes online retailers such as Amazon, national retail chains, sub-distributors and internationally through well-established licensee’s and distributors.