Artists band together for Passion of the Christ album

New York, NY - Artists inspired by Mel Gibson's epic film The Passion of the Christ have banded together for Passion of the Christ.

The album features newly recorded original songs sparked by the experience of seeing the film, and features the diverse lineup which includes tracks by former Creed singer Scott Stapp; Lauryn Hill; P.O.D.; Kirk Franklin featuring Yolanda Adams; Brad Paisley & Sara Evans; Third Day - Steven Curtis Chapman - Mercy Me; MxPx featuring Mark Hoppus; Charlotte Church and others. The Stapp contribution is the album's lead single and marks his debut as a solo artist. The collection will also serve as the inaugural release for Lost Keyword Records, an imprint which will be marketed and promoted by Wind-up Records. Provident will handle marketing and distribution in the CBA marketplace and BMG through the secular market. The album will be released on August 31st, the same day the film's much anticipated DVD arrives at retail.

The Passion of the Christ released February 25, 2004, creating a tsunami of media and public interest before and after it hit theatres. The film from Academy Award(r)-winning director Mel Gibson is a story of courage and sacrifice depicting the final twelve hours in the life of Jesus Christ. Featuring stunning cinematography and an inspired performance by Jim Caviezel as Jesus, The Passion of the Christ is considered a triumphant and uncompromising filmmaking achievement. To date the drama is credited with over $370 million box office receipts in the United States alone, and over $600 million worldwide.

Gibson welcomed the artists' support. "My kids think these guys are cool, so they must be," joked Gibson. "It means a lot to me that this group of artists dug my film and all wanted to contribute a song. The project came about very organically. Some of the artists on the album saw early screenings of the film and offered to create a song because they had been so moved by it. When we got similar reactions from others, we knew we had something special happening."