|PIC1|In the midst of finishing up a new hymns record in the studio, internationally renowned Christian artists Avalon releases For Freedom, a three-song tribute record available today through digital outlets, including iTunes, Napster, Sony Connect and Rhapsody.

The Digital EP includes a brand new song, ‘For Freedom,’ produced by Shaun Shankel and written by Matt Moran, as well as ‘We Will Stand,’ from the groups’ January release and the title cut from ‘The Creed.’ For Freedom will be available for download as a single or as a package of all three songs.

‘For Freedom,’ written by Matt Moran for his grandfather, who was a soldier in WWII, is considered a tribute to the courage of all soldiers past and present and to those who they have left behind. Matt explains, "As a young kid, I loved to sit at my Grandma's feet and listen to her memories of the time surrounding WWII. Like so many others, she was forced to say goodbye to the love of her life when he was sent off to fight in1944. I've always been struck by the courage of those men and women who have, over the years, chosen to sacrifice so much for their country. It is no small thing to give up a life that is relatively comfortable in exchange for something so dangerous and completely foreign, not to mention having to say goodbye indefinitely to those you love the most. While I had grown accustomed to hearing songs that paid homage to freedom and the United States, I wanted to write something more personal...a snapshot of the individual lives that are affected by war and its tragedies. Written back in 2002, "For Freedom" is, more than anything, a tribute to the courage of our soldiers and to those who love them."

The four members of Avalon, struck by the story behind Matt’s song, asked to hear the song and they felt like it was a perfect fit for the group. “Freedom is truly a wonderful gift and privilege that we have all been given at a tremendous price to others,” says Janna Long. “I am humbled every time I think of the thousands of great men who have given their lives so that I might enjoy all the liberties given to me,” she explains.

The group continues to tour and to move beyond the three million sales mark, worldwide. Upcoming Avalon dates include concerts in the DC area and State College, PA, Boston and Lexington, KY. Avalon will also appear at upcoming Women of Faith Conferences in Omaha, Rochester, Fresno and Atlanta this June and Chicago, Cleveland, Washington, DC and Calgary, Alberta Women Of Faith Conferences in July. A complete listing of these events and other upcoming Avalon appearances, information and images can be found at www.avalonlive.com.