Anticipated newcomer Audrey Assad recently signed with Sparrow Records and will release her debut album The House You’re Building on July 13 with a digital EP titled For Love Of You released this week on May 11.

Digital outlets have already welcomed Assad with the single “For Love Of You” receiving one of iTunes strongest debuts on the Christian/Gospel Singles chart.

Assad has already toured with industry elites Chris Tomlin, Matt Maher, Tenth Ave North and more. The 27 year-old, Phoenix-based singer songwriter also landed a duet with Chris Tomlin with “Winter Snow” on his Glory in the Highest Christmas album as well as sang with Brandon Heath on 2 songs from forthcoming Jars of Clay Shelter project.

"A lot of new artists come and go quickly in this business,” says Charlie Lowell of Jars of Clay. “Audrey Assad will not be one of those- she's a refreshing artist- a voice comforting and challenging together.

"Her melodic sensibilities are infectious, and she communicates God's caring and creative heart in a way that cuts through the day-to-day mess of life. It will be a privilege to share the stage with Audrey, and to watch her grow as an artist over the years."

Produced by Marshall Altman (Marc Broussard, Natasha Bedingfield, Bethany Dillon, Brooke Fraser), The House You’re Building features collaborations between Assad and everyone from Maher, LaRue and Ben Glover (Britt Nicole, Mandisa, Gloriana) to Marc Byrd (Hammock, Third Day, Kutless, Leeland) and Sarah Hart (Amy Grant, Adie Camp, Robbie Seay Band).

Additional lyrical inspiration came from Assad’s love of literature and her memories of middle school; Audrey turned to favourite poems by Gerard Manley Hopkins and Francis Thompson, to the works of St Augustine and CS Lewis, and to her own feelings of still not quite fitting in.

“The record is about faith. It’s about the cross and fear and pain and how God is carrying me even though sometimes it doesn’t feel like it,” Assad explains.

“Marshall pulled things out of me emotionally that I don’t think I’d ever accessed, making me realise that every time I sing these songs, I have to channel my pain and walk through it… That’s been my journey the last few years, learning to believe that and walk in that acceptance of God choosing me. That’s what my journey will probably always be. The first reason I write songs is to preach to myself.”

The first single “For Love Of You” which was inspired by the Hopkins poem “As Kingfishers Catch Fire”, has already made a splash at radio with K-Love recently adding the single and Assad making an aggressive radio promo tour across the country talking about the single.

Assad’s "For Love Of You" secured the highest debut on the national audience chart this week at No 28 with the largest spin increase on the charts this week. Other notable tracks include the more personal “The House You’re Building,” the heartache-filled “Restless” and the metaphorical “Breaking Through”.

On the web: www.myspace.com/audreyassad