Press Release

In the wake of the furore over the sharing of digital audio files via Napster, it seems inevitable that the Internet will soon be the primary vehicle for the distribution of music, both secular and Christian. 

Amid the speculation, ShareSong.org is fast becoming established as the major vehicle for the distribution of praise and worship music freely on the Internet.   

“The Internet will act to help level the playing field.  Even though the large corporations will still maintain a large percentage of control, there will be lot more room for independent labels and individuals.  The Internet is an empowering medium above all else,” says Sam King, co-founder and vice president of mp3.com.au.

According to USA Today (“Faithful Believe in Net’s Power”, 12/22/00), 81% of churches are going online to find worship resources.  ShareSong.org aims to connect songwriters with the quickly expanding audience of Christians trawling the Internet for praise and worship resources.  

For consumers of Christian music, ShareSong.org provides a dynamically expanding showcase of some of the best new praise and worship music available on the WWW. Users can return regularly for an all-you-can-eat feast of new praise and worship music.

For worship leaders, ShareSong.org provides a place where they can legally access the latest songs for use in their church.  Looking for a great new song to go with a particular sermon topic?  Just type in your keywords and search over 1250 songs by more than 350 songwriters, browse through the results of your search, and then download the mp3s, sheet music, chord charts, lyrics, midi files and OHTs of the songs you choose.

For songwriters, ShareSong.org gives access to a global audience.  Without the costs and complications of manufacturing CDs, distribution contracts, and marketing, songwriters can see their songs used for God’s glory internationally.

Since launching September 2000 in partnership with freepraiseandworship.org, more than 350 songwriters from all over the world have submitted over 1200 of their songs to the database!  

"This technology facilitates a new paradigm for sharing music in the church worldwide," says Russ Reese, founder of freepraiseandworship.org.  "There are a lot of great, inspired songs out there, and now we can share them as though we were all members of the same church.  Come to think of it, isn't that what we are?" 

The future looks bright, and the response so far has certainly been encouraging: 

“I have been hoping and praying that a third party would start such a site.  Worship Leaders need a reliable, unbiased source of praise and worship music without constantly having to pay for everything.”  Paul Borderkircher, RPJ Artists Group  

“Let me commend you for your desire to provide worship resources for the church and at the same time remain sensitive to the legal copyright issues.  It looks like a great opportunity for the independent songwriters to gain greater exposure.”  Rod Rachinski, Vice President, North America Operations, Christian Copyright Licensing Inc

“Writing songs is the easy part. Getting them performed and promoted is the hard part. Keep up the good work!”  Ken Halverson, CA, USA

“I think this could be the beginning of the end of the strangle-hold that the establishment has on the supply routes to the church.  Wouldn't it be something if God has found a way to sidestep the people who require that we give them our copyrights before they will use our songs!  I am delighted to be a part of the revolution.”  Lenny Smith, Author of “Our God Reigns”

“This is THE most amazing site on the web for praise & worship music! Thank you Lord & to your team! Wow!”  Keith Berry, Cape Town, South Africa

ShareSong.org… empowering songwriters, worship leaders, churches, and individuals for God’s glory!