Contact: Erin McClellan, OCP, 503-460-5363

PORTLAND, Ore., March 21, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- This week, Catholic recording artist Josh Blakesley released his newest album, You Are the Light on iTunes to the delight of an ever-growing fan base -- a full two months before the CD is available.

Listeners have already welcomed Blakesley and his band with the title single from the album, "You Are the Light" debuting at #9 on the Christian Radio Weekly Adds Chart and receiving radio requests and airtime from Christian and Catholic stations across the U.S and Europe. After one day, You Are the Light has commanded the 17th spot on iTunes Gospel/Christian charts and continues to rise. (www.bit.ly/You_Are_the_Light_iTunes)

"I have always led my life and ministry by the scriptural ideal of going out and making disciples of the nations," says Louisiana-based Blakesley. "I'm humbled and honored at the overwhelming response to 'You Are the Light.' It strengthens my own resolve in the mission I believe God has set before me. I pray that it moves people into lasting relationships with Christ."

In the works for years, the 7-track album boasts a bold list of contributors from Grammy-nominated Sarah Hart ("Better than a Hallelujah") and multi-platinum, Grammy award winning producer Ed Cash to Dove-nominee and new industry elite, Audrey Assad. Of working with Blakesley, Assad writes, "Writing with Josh was and is a pleasure. He's an incredibly talented singer and minister, and I'm thankful for his work in the vineyard!"

"We were blessed to work with some amazingly talented people," says Robert Feduccia, general manager of spiritandsong. "Josh is one of the most complete artists the church has today. He put a lot of himself into this album and it shows. From the crystal clear vocals and soaring guitars to lyrics that only begin to demonstrate the depth of his spirituality, You Are the Light is a testament to the restorative power of God's love."

In its entirety, the CD is a pure, heartfelt adoration of Christ. "I write from my own life experiences and I've learned some exceptionally hard lessons," Blakesley explains. "This album is the assemblage of pain and healing. It's the marriage of suffering and resurrection. I can only hope that the music will inspire listeners where they are in their own trials and triumphs."

Fans will find You Are the Light on iTunes. Fans can sign up to be notified of the full release -- slated for early summer, 2012 -- at www.spiritandsong.com/30104908. For more information and other media requests about Josh Blakesley or You Are the Light, please contact, Erin McClellan, 503.460.5363, erinm@ocp.org.

About spiritandsong.com
spiritandsong.com, a division of OCP, offers the latest releases by both big-name artists and emerging new talents. OCP, a not-for-profit publisher of music and worship resources based in Portland, Oregon, has been in operation for more than 80 years. Worship materials produced by OCP are used in thousands of churches in the United States and are distributed worldwide. More information is available at 1-800-548-8749 and ocp.org. Facebook.com/OCPmusic