Award winning singer-songwriter, Darwin Hobbs, has launched a new endeavor, HeartART Worship, a community for creative worship artisans. Under its umbrella, pastors, leaders, musicians and others will foster opportunities for mentorship, discipleship and creative expression. “It’s been over a decade since I recorded an album,” Hobbs says. “I spent time away from the music industry to regain a sense of focus and purpose. I needed to center myself and reestablish the reason why I record music. Once I learned that recording was still part of God’s big plan for me, then I began to take the necessary steps to re-enter the arena. I decided not to sign another exclusive recording agreement, but to launch my own company under which I’ll record music, write books and build a community where other creatives can gather and connect with each other.”
The first HeartART Worship release is Hobbs’ new track, “Get Ready,” which is available on all digital music platforms now. It’s his first gospel radio single since 2017’’s Top 25 hit, “Call the Name of Jesus.” He co-wrote it with Apostle John W. Stevenson, a gifted songwriter who also officiated Hobbs’ 1993 marriage to his wife, Traci. The mid-tempo R&B-flavored groove of divine expectation – featuring Mo’ Horns (Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige) – was recorded creatively in separate parts because of the COVID-19 lockdown. The musicians played their parts from their home studios, the background vocals were sung at an Atlanta studio while Hobbs recorded his lead vocals at The House of Blues recording studios in Nashville. It’s a warm and comforting return to the national stage for Hobbs.
“We have been admirers of Darwin for a long time and are excited to partner with him on this new music,” says FairTrade Services President, Jeff Moseley. FairTrade will distribute HeartART product and jointly market it with Tyscot Records. “We’re so excited to be working with Darwin again,” says Tyscot Records President, Bryant Scott. “I love working with artists who possess unique distinguishable gifts. Darwin’s gift is extraordinary.” Tyscot released Hobbs’ highest charting album to date, Free – featuring his signature tune “He’s Able,” which reached #2 on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums sales chart in the fall of 2008.
“Darwin has always been one of the most inspirational, talented and anointed vocalists I have ever met,” says his manager Christopher Pina, 5P Management. “He has poured his heart and soul into this new music with purpose, intention and a heart for those he serves.”
Throughout the `90s, Hobbs made a name for himself as a session vocalist, backing up Pop stars such as Kenny Rogers, Vanessa Williams, and Christopher Cross. In Nashville, he backed a who’s who in Christian music ranging from Chris Tomlin to CeCe Winans. He later recorded four albums for EMI Gospel where he enjoyed radio successes with a remake of Luther Vandross’ “So Amazing,” “Glorify Him” and a duet with Michael McDonald, “Everyday.” He moved on to another label for his 2010 album, Champion, which garnered two Stellar Award nominations. Aside from consulting with a variety of churches, he currently serves as one of the worship leaders at the Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn, NY where Dr. A.R. Bernard is the pastor.
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