Ginny Owens, Jump5's Brittany Hargest sign to Soul Stride Records

NASHVILLE-based songwriter and producer Aaron Rice has launched Soul Stride Records. The label will focus on faith-based music of all genres, The first artists signed to Soul Stride are Dove Award winner Ginny Owens; former member of million-selling pop group Jump5, Brittany Hargest; acoustic soul-pop artist Haley Morgan Smith; and gospel act Isaac Simpson & Divine Providence. Said Rice, "I am truly humbled to be part of this amazing adventure and couldn't be more excited about the new model of artist and label partnerships we are building. We not only want to be widely accepted and supported in the church but in the general market as well. We are about making music that is consistent with the hearts of our artists and the heart of Christ. I believe if we are genuine in that effort and do it with excellence, then where each artist, song, or record fits in the marketplace will happen organically with God's direction."

Soul Stride's first release is by Isaac Simpson & Divine Providence to be followed by a new studio project by Ginny Owens in early August. CR

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