Left: Abenezer; Right: Johan Åsgärde

July 25, 2025 – Los Angeles, CA – Bell Partners Christian Music, the faith-based division of Bell Partners Worldwide, is proud to announce a new strategic collaboration between David Media and Gotee Records, uniting two influential forces in worship and contemporary Christian music to develop and launch emerging artists.

Since joining the Bell Partners family in 2023, Sweden’s leading worship music publisher David Media has remained focused on its independent mission: cultivating songwriters, developing artists, and equipping churches and listeners across the Nordics. Founded in 2000 by Lars Petersson, the company oversees a catalog of more than 100,000 songs and organizes Sweden’s national worship conference, Konferensen Lovsång.

Gotee Records, established in 1994 by Joey Elwood, Todd Collins, and Grammy-winning artist TobyMac, has long championed artistic diversity. The label has played a key role in launching the careers of Relient K, Jennifer Knapp, Sonicflood, Aaron Cole, and others. Earlier this year, Gotee officially became part of Bell Partners Christian Music, with Elwood and TobyMac continuing to lead both the label and the new division.

Drawing on David Media’s worship heritage and Gotee’s expertise in mainstream Christian music, the partnership kicks off with the debut of two new artists: abenezer and Johan Åsgärde.

abenezer’s first single, “i was lost,” is available today [LISTEN HERE]. With its evocative soundscape and heartfelt lyrics, the track introduces him as a compelling new voice in contemporary Christian music, exploring themes of redemption and grace. Born in Ethiopia and raised in Sweden, abenezer draws from his multicultural roots and personal journey to create emotionally rich, faith-driven music. His lyrics explore themes of identity, loss, and renewal—shaped by life-altering trials and a deepened commitment to faith. With a sound anchored in authenticity and storytelling, he invites listeners into a raw and transformative experience of grace.

On August 15, Johan Åsgärde will make his debut with “Coming Home,” a melody-driven reflection on spiritual renewal. Produced by Åsgarde along with Oliver Lundstrom and Mike Eriksson, the single is designed to resonate both in church settings and across digital platforms. Johan Åsgärde is a Swedish worship leader and songwriter whose music is rooted in personal transformation and a desire to create space for deep, authentic worship. He has written songs for churches across Sweden and internationally, and is the founder of the ministry Noise Village. Through his work, Åsgarde encourages a lifestyle of worship that reaches beyond Sunday services into everyday moments.

“Bell Partners Worldwide is already shaping up to be an amazing body of creators, writers, producers, and executives; extremely dynamic, diverse, and collaborative,” says Joey Elwood, CEO of Bell Partners Christian Music/Gotee Records. “The David Media/Gotee Records team is an exciting start as we march forward towards an artist roster that more closely aligns with the global consumer landscape, where although our differences may be many, our music has to speak as one.”

“We’re excited and grateful for the partnership with the brilliant Gotee team, and we’re looking forward to working alongside them to make dreams of global music collaboration come true,” shares Mia Runeson (Managing Director, David Media).

About Bell Partners Worldwide:

Bell Partners was started by top industry executives who believe now – more than ever – there is a unique opportunity to empower like-minded companies and creatives through world-class music services and financial resources. Through our team and our vast, global network, we offer unprecedented access to new opportunities in your home market and abroad. We are a full-service music company with expertise in publishing, label services, distribution, administration, licensing and management. We also provide access to capital investment in our partners’ catalog and future works. To learn more, visit: https://www.bellpartnersworldwide.com/

David Media AB:

Founded in 2000 by Viva Records pioneer Lars Petersson, David Media AB gives Swedish worship music a dedicated home. The company’s breakthrough came with the subscription series Davids Hjärta (“David’s Heart”), whose 1997 debut compilation became a bestseller and set the tone for an ever-growing catalogue. Today David Media administers rights to roughly 100,000 songs, releases its own titles and provides Nordic distribution for several top international Christian labels. Headquartered in Alingsås with a core staff of six, the company works across denominational lines and partners with Nya Musik (Jönköping) for physical distribution. Beyond publishing, David Media has long organised Konferensen Lovsång—Sweden’s national gathering for worship leaders. Since 2023 David Media has been a wholly owned subsidiary of global group Bell Partners Worldwide, gaining fresh networks and resources while retaining an independent focus on songwriting, artist development and worship tools. With heart, experience and innovation, the company continues to serve churches and digital listeners throughout Sweden, the Nordics and beyond.

About Gotee Records:

In 1992 a production team of three talented guys with diverse tastes shared a love for music. Producers Joey Elwood and Todd Collins, along with Grammy-winning artist TobyMac, launched Gotee Records in 1994… Through all the changes in the tumultuous music industry, the boutique label’s independent spirit is maintained through a steady focus on artist development and diversity. In 2025, Bell Partners Worldwide acquired Gotee Records launching a new division, Bell Partners Christian Music, aimed at expanding the global reach of Christian music artists. Gotee executives Joey Elwood and Toby McKeehan (tobyMac) will continue in leadership roles at Gotee as well as at Bell Partners Christian Music, with Elwood serving as CEO of the latter.

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