American Idol season 8 alum Danny Gokey has signed a new record deal with Capitol Christian Music Group, reports Billboard magazine. The Christian contemporary singer, whose last album Rise earned him a Grammy nomination, is currently recording new music for the label.
“I had my first few writing sessions for this one in early January, but then I had to take a break to be out on the road for Hits Deep,” said Danny, currently on tour with TobyMac (season 5 alum Mandisa is also on the bill). “We’ll get back to concentrated writing time after the tour ends. Every project’s process has been different and pulls things out of me in a different way. Sometimes it’s a timing thing and we only have a small window to create. It’s always interesting to see what God does in those times because I have to really press into what he’s saying and doing to write things that connect with people.”
“Danny Gokey is an artist we have admired since we heard his voice for the very first time,” says Peter York, Chairman/CEO Capitol Christian Music Group. “We are genuinely honored to have him join our family of artists. Our team is highly motivated and excited to represent him in the marketplace. His songs encourage listeners with a message of hope and compassion, things this world could use a lot more of.”
Danny expects to work with longtime producer, Bernie Herms, who produced his hits “Hope in Front of Me,” “More Than You Think I Am,” and his current effort “Masterpiece.” Danny said, “He pulls out something in me when we get in the studio that challenges me to go to a new level with my song interpretation and my vocal performance, so I know for sure he’ll be working on this one. There may be one or two others added to the mix. My last album had several producers, so we’ll see. It all depends on the songs.”
Prior to signing with Capitol, Danny released music through distributors BMG. Before 2011, Danny had a deal with 19/Recordings/RCA Nashville where he released My Best Days in 2010.
Plans include a new single set for the fall, followed by an album in early 2019. “Sometimes I have a little more time to work on things and it pulls more out of me about things that are happening in my life and lessons that I’m learning,” Danny said. “This time, we’ve set aside some time where I’m off the road, for the most part, and able to really dig into the process. I can’t wait to see where it goes.”
