FAIR TRADE SERVICES KICKS OFF THE NEW YEAR WITH TWO STAFF PROMOTIONS
Former COO Darren Elrod Becomes President, James Rueger Promoted To Chief Creative Officer
2024/01/10.FairTradeServicesKicksOff2024WithTwoPromotionsDarrenElrodToPresidentJamesRuegerToCCO.asp NEWS SOURCE: Merge PR January 10, 2024
10 January 2024 - Brentwood, Tennessee - Christian Music executives Darren Elrod and James Rueger have been promoted to President and Chief Creative Officer of Fair Trade Services (FTS), respectively. These promotions were announced today by Fair Trade Services Founder and CEO Jeff Moseley, to whom both will report.
In Elrod’s expanded role, he will oversee all aspects of FTS’s business, financial, and marketing matters while continuing to manage the company’s day-to-day activities. Rueger will oversee all aspects of the company’s A&R and creative-related objectives for both the recorded music and music publishing businesses. Both will work closely with Moseley who will continue to oversee label strategy to support the ongoing development of FTS.
“Darren and James have consistently exhibited excellence in their respective areas of responsibility for our company," Moseley explains. "This is public recognition of what our artists and managers have already known. They—along with our amazing team—have continued to deliver for our roster of artists for many years. Their promotions are well-deserved and strengthen Fair Trade Services for the years ahead."
Elrod joined the FTS team three years ago as COO. With more than 20 years in the industry, Elrod was previously COO at Provident Label Group, departing in 2020. He shares, “I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and excited about the future. We have such an incredible roster of artists at Fair Trade Services and this company exists to serve these artists well. I look forward to continuing this work with Jeff, James, and the rest of the team.”
Rueger has been with FTS since 2005. He initially joined as an A&R manager leading to his most recent role as Sr. VP of A&R before becoming CCO. “I’ve been fortunate enough to spend 19 years at Fair Trade Services working alongside and advocating for our gifted, passionate artists and songwriters," Rueger says. "They are incredible music makers, and I’m as excited as I’ve ever been to continue the journey with them.”
ABOUT FAIR TRADE SERVICES: Fair Trade Services is an independent record label founded in 1999. Based in Brentwood, Tennessee, FTS serves the faith-based community and is home to numerous multi-platinum and gold-selling artists, including MercyMe, Phil Wickham, CeCe Winans, Micah Tyler, Anthony Brown & Group therAPy, The Afters, and others. Fair Trade is also home to Fair Trade Music Publishing and Fair Trade Films.
This Wednesday, March 18, 2026
ALBUMS Pipe Bomb Hell Hole [Resuscitation]
This Friday, March 20, 2026
ALBUMS Brinson How To Kill a Demon [GodChaserz] The Caballerials Waxed Curbs & Suburbs - EP [Small Step] Les and Joyce Carlsen Free Will (independent) Dex the nerd who loves Jesus Repent and Believe - EP [Syntax] Fine China I Felt Called - The Complete Sessions [Velvet Blue] God Behind Bars Music God Behind Bars | Angola Prison - EP [Provident] Lakewood Music House of Worship (independent) Tae Lamar For Your Commute II [Polished Arrow] Tommy Royale ChurchBoy [Capitol CMG] Bella Taylor Smith for the home - EP [Universal] Various Artists Jesus Be the Name: Worship Songs for Easter [Provident]
SINGLES AustinThaNoble Free Indeed - Single [Syntax] Elan Brio Attitudes - Single [Fly Dog] DJ Noble Queued Up - Single (independent) Drea LP & OnBeatMusic Never - Single [Syntax] Freedom Church The Church - Single [DREAM Worship] goodwill. World So Cold (ft. Xay Hill) - Single [Syntax] Griffin Dirty Hands - Single [Polished Arrow] Josh Grove Rain or Shine - Single (independent) Hillside Recording A Savior Who Cares - Single [Ocean House] Tiffany Hudson Jesus The Only (feat. Davide Mutendji) - Single [Elevation] Hulvey DAVE - Single [Reach] Jus'Rzd Hol'On - Single [Syntax] Kelo & DreBeeze Da Godson VULNERABLE - Single [Syntax] Vic Lucas By Your Side - Single [Syntax] Amber Lynn Bathroom Floor - Single [Sonlite] Jeannie Ortega Outside - Single [Syntax] David Pataconi You Don't Waste a Tear - Single (independent) Tommee Profitt Blessed Assurance" (feat. Mara Justine) - Single [Capitol CMG] Josiah Queen judas - Single [Syntax] Michael W. Smith Hymn for Communion - Single [The Fuel] tonyxtrotter WE GOT EACHOTHER - Single [Syntax] tylerhateslife lose your kryptonite (remix) - Single [Syntax] MAYIA WARREN Jesus Loves Me - Single [Syntax] Bethany Wohrle That's How I Know - Single [Bethel]
VINYL Seph Schlueter Counting My Blessings Vinyl [Provident/Sony]
Next Thursday, March 26, 2026
ALBUMS Limoblaze Solid Ground - EP [Reach]
Next Friday, March 27, 2026
ALBUMS Romy Fay The Chosen Adventures (Vol. 1) [feat. Romy Fay] [Capitol CMG] Gaither I Go To The Rock [Gaither] NEEDTOBREATHE The Long Surrender [UMG] Point of Grace Lady Wisdom [Curb] Tommee Profitt The Resurrection of the King [Capitol CMG] Various Artists We Shall Behold Him Tribute to Dottie Rambo [Daywind]
SINGLES 29:11 Worship The King and The Lamb - Single [Dream Worship] Evelyn Cormier Leaning on Jesus - Single [BEC] ETSU Bluegrass Pride Band The First Time I Heard About Heaven - Single [Daywind] Freedom Church Is He Not Worthy - Single [Dream Worship] J. Suthern Hicks You Are Loved - Single (independent) Tasha Layton x Claire Leslie Whispers - Single [BEC] Patrick Mayberry Three Days Later - Single [Provident/Sony] Matthew Plante Love You Have - Single [Dream] River Valley AGES Anxious for Nothing - Single [BEC] The Sagehens Dumb & Drummer - Single [Velvet Blue] Angelina Saathoff Butterflies & Goodbyes (Feat. PAIGE) - Single (independent) SEU Worship A Forgiving God (Moment) - Single [Provident/Sony] Switchfoot Wake Up, Mr. Crow - Single [By Design/BMG]
Phil Wickham Releases "Song Of The Saints (Deluxe)" and Begins Spring Tour
RSS
Pipe Bomb 
