|PIC1|Multi-Platinum and three time GRAMMY-winning Christian band Jars of Clay is paving their own path with the creation of their own label imprint, "Gray Matters", under the Nettwerk Music Group umbrella.

The U.S. band has been with Essential records for 12 years. Distribution will remain within Provident/Integrity Distribution system for both the Christian booksellers Association and general market.

The first result of this new juncture will hit shelves in October, their debut Christmas CD, Christmas Songs.

"As we pursue the goal of making more music, and being creative in a spectrum of ways, Gray Matters will be able to facilitate any of the ideas we want to bring to life," remarks lead singer Dan Haseltine.

"This is such a great way for us to bring more art and music into being. We can collaborate with other artists and take ideas that always seemed to get caught up in the traditional label mire, and make sure those projects have a chance to be heard. This is the beginning of a very creative season. Gray Matters will be a fantastic way to share our artistic philosophy, by giving other artists and creative thinkers an outlet for their ideas."

"With the creation of their "Gray Matters" imprint, the guys are charting new territory," commented Nettwerk Management's Michael Corcoran. "By allowing the band to have a new type of ownership in their work, we've opened up their creative floodgates and are looking forward to watching "Gray Matters" grow and unfold. Christmas Songs is a first step in this unfolding, and the guys have really delivered, giving fans the Christmas record they've been wanting for years."

Jars of Clay launched their career with the universal hit, "Flood," in 1995. Since then, they have amassed more than five million in career sales along with several RIAA certifications (5 Gold, 2 Platinum and 1 Double Platinum) an American Music Award nod, 17 No.1 radio hits, and numerous film credits.

While celebrated for its music and writing, Jars of Clay is most concerned with the needs in Africa. Compelled to make a difference, members Dan Haseltine, Stephen Mason, Matt Odmark and Charlie Lowell founded the Blood:Water Mission in early 2002.

The first effort of this non-profit was the "1000 Wells Project" with a goal of raising funds to build, rebuild and repair 1000 wells in urban and rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa. To date, 200 wells have been constructed bringing clean water to more than 100,000 people.