Fierce! pick up rights to Integrity Music offshoot Vertical Music

UK-BASED Fierce! Distribution have taken on the European distribution for US label Vertical Music. The label, an American youth culture worship offshoot of Integrity Music, had previously been marketed by Kingsway Music. The first releases under the Fiercel/Vertical deal will be 'Much' by Ten Shekel Shirt, 'Live To Worship' by Lincoln Brewster and 'Home' by Jami Smith. To mark the tie-up Fierce! and Vertical have organised a special competition encouraging British youth groups to create their own worship sounds by offering some dream prizes. Participants need to submit a demo of their favourite worship song performed in an "alternative" way. The winner will receive £1000 for music/recording equipment - and their track will appear on a forthcoming worship compilation with other leading worship artists. Said Jonathan Brown of Fierce!, "We are thrilled to be working with Vertical Music. Like ourselves, they see the need to offer contemporary sounds to today's worshippers." Shirley Ferrier of Integrity Music also welcomed the news. "We recognise in Fierce! a creativity and competence in getting modern worship into the hands and hearts of 21st century youth."