FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ALLIANT MUSIC GROUP GARNERS THREE STELLAR AWARD NOMINATIONS

KOCH Distribution’s #1 Selling Label for Gospel Music Celebrates 2005 With Daryl Coley, James Grear and Newcomer, Eddie Baltrip; Reveals Artist/Label Partnerships for 2006

LOS ANGELES—Alliant Music Group, KOCH Distribution’s main supplier of Gospel music, received three Stellar Award nominations as it celebrates its first year in business. Reverend Daryl Coley was nominated for Traditional Vocalist of the Year, the Traditional Choir of the Year category ushered in a nod for James Grear & Nu Friends, and one of San Diego’s leading Ministers of Music, Dr. Eddie Baltrip and his ensemble, Fulfillment, earned a nomination for Contemporary Choir of the Year.

Paul Wright, CEO of Alliant Music Group says, “We are excited about the nominations for the artists. Alliant is slowly becoming a frontrunner as a newly launched label. We want to sincerely thank the Stellar Awards Gospel Music Association for recognizing these men for their music and ministry.”

James Grear’s fifth release, “James Grear & Nu Friends Live,” brings a fourth Stellar nomination to the Minnesota native’s long list of accomplishments. Grear returned to the scene in June 2005 with a newly formed choir and a label partnership deal with Alliant Music Group. James Grear & Nu Friends recently completed an extensive Midwest tour, and they are booking dates for 1 st quarter 2006.

Gospel legend, Reverend Daryl Coley enjoyed a successful 2005 with the release of his project, “Just Daryl,” (Alliant/Diego Music Group) a timeless collection of signature songs from Coley’s fruitful career that has spanned over two decades. Earlier this year, Coley was named the official spokesperson for The American Diabetes Association for the African American community. Alliant Music Group, Diego Music Group and The American Diabetes Association collaborated to produce public service announcements that were sent to Gospel radio stations to educate the public about Diabetes awareness. Coley will continue to perform and minister to the Gospel community about the illness, which is the leading cause of blindness and amputation for African Americans. Coley also introduced the Gospel world to his Godson, Dr. Eddie Baltrip, who landed his first Stellar nomination with his debut CD, “Daryl Coley Presents: Eddie Baltrip & Fulfillment---Instrument of Praise.”

Clyde Williams, President and CEO of Diego Music Group says, “It’s no goodness of our own, but God’s favor that Diego Music Group is honored to have our first two projects nominated for a coveted Stellar Award. And it’s our 1 st year. We appreciate the support of radio, fellow artists and music industry executives, and of course the consumers.”

Wright’s vision for Alliant was to create a partnership between artists and his label where they could express their creativity through song, launch their own label and enjoy the financial benefits of ownership. Coley and Baltrip’s nominations are a testimony to Wright’s formula for success which clearly is shown through Alliant’s collaboration with Diego Music Group. Wright explains, “We’re excited about how we do business. We partner with artists and we want them to have a stake in their career, and have something they can walk away with in terms of what they do as an artist. I enjoy giving the artist back their control in their ministry and their artistry.”

In addition to attending the Stellar Awards in January, both Wright and Williams have big plans slated for 2006. The Gospel music community can expect at least three major announcements from Alliant Music Group about new partnerships with some of Gospel music’s most admired and accomplished artists.

About Alliant Music Group

Alliant Music Group was formed in 2000 by Gospel music industry veteran, Paul Wright III. The label has become a major force in the Christian music industry with multiple Dove and Stellar Awards from releases such as “Quiet Times Vol. 1-4”, “With This Ring Vol. 1&2” and “Kidz Shout.” By signing industry legends such as Lamar Campbell, Daryl Coley and James Grear, and by featuring guest appearances on compilations by Israel Houghton and Fred Hammond, Alliant Music Group has earned its position as one of the top-selling record labels in Gospel music.

To set up interviews with Alliant Music Group’s Stellar Nominees, contact:
Kia Jones-Glenn: Publicist, Alliant Music Group
kjonesglenn@alliantmusicgroup.com

323.481.6176

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