Kevin Gales, CEO/Owner of ROXR Records, announced today the release of a new single from the label’s newest signing, Ashley Ellen. The powerful ballad, When We Call His Name, showcases Ellen’s superb vocals that can soar, but also at the same time deliver the lyrics in an intimate way. The song was produced by the team of Craig Swift and Chris Bevins (Jaci Velasquez, Karyn Williams) and Chris Hauser of Hauser Promotions is working the single at radio. The song will be available at iTunes and all online digital outlets on August 14th.
“I love the opening message of When We Call His Name as the lyric says, Every wounded heart breaks free today. It means that even in the loneliest and darkest of times, there can be that moment of clarity, that moment of redemption and hope, by simply and earnestly calling on the name of Jesus,” explains Ellen. “And Craig and Chris were amazing to work with on this song. They brought out more vocally in me than anyone ever had before and made me feel like I could do anything!”
When We Call His Name also has a personal message for Ellen as it was her prayer while her husband was out of work for a year after graduating from college. “Being without work, unfortunately, has become such a common worry and the concern is constant. Then we were surprised with an unplanned pregnancy in the middle of this search. While we were overjoyed, but terrified at the same time, we wondered how we could provide for this little person. We realized quickly that we wouldn’t, but God would. And He did. Three months after becoming pregnant, my husband’s part-time internship turned into a full-time mechanical engineer position. We remembered that even in the depths of our struggles God was with us.”
Gales knew the first time he heard Ellen sing that ROXR Records had a new songstress who would soon be signed to the label. “The first time I heard Ashley sing was during a church service and I knew her well already. We were definitely close enough that we were already talking about a possible recording. Then one Sunday morning, I watched as Ashley just completely owned Brooke Fraser’s hit song, ‘Hosanna.’ That was a special morning.”
As Ellen was headed into the studio to record her new single, there was already buzz building about her and her music from 2011. With the release last year of Ashley’s debut EP, The Life You Promised, rave reviews started pouring in from such high-profile Christian media outlets as CCM Magazine, CMSpin.com, and CMaddict.com. CCM Magazine heralded Ashley as an enchanting vocal powerhouse, indie standout, and called her music, meticulously crafted. Her EP broke out on iTunes at #33 on the Singer/Songwriter Chart and her video for the single, “My Dear,” hit over 100,000 views on YouTube.
Ellen is based in her hometown of St. Louis, MO, happily married to her high school sweetheart, and mother to an active 16-month old son, Elijah. For future updates and upcoming tour dates please visit online at www.weareroxr.com.
About ROXR Records and Management
ROXR Records and Management is an independent record label and management company based in St. Louis, MO. ROXR has a distribution and marketing agreement with Inpop Records, which helps ROXR to facilitate its commitment to developing emerging artists, and release them to the marketplace with the strength of one of Christian music’s top record labels. ROXR’s roster includes Tidewater, Mandolyn Mae, Ashley Ellen, and Raymond Gregory. For more information, visit weareroxr.com.
About Inpop Records
Inpop Records is an independent music label based in Brentwood, TN and is home to some of the best-known bands in Christian music. Distributed by EMI Christian Music Group, Inpop Records has become one of the top-selling independent labels within the industry, having established a reputation for seeking out the best artists in emerging talent and for expanding the music marketplace with sound and ideas. Inpop’s roster includes Newsboys, Mat Kearney, Jaci Velasquez, Tricia Brock, Jimmy Needham, and The Advice among others. For more information, visit inpop.com.
