Gotee Records
Encyclopedia
Gotee Records is a record label
founded by dc Talk
member Toby McKeehan
(professionally known as tobyMac
), Todd Collins, and Joey Elwood
. The label began as a production company.
's Lovin' the Day
, but they couldn't find a label to sign the act to, and so formed Gotee Records and began distributing the band's material on their own. The label was a part of EMI Christian Music Group
, however they bought back EMI's minority share to become fully independent again as of March 31 2008. Toby McKeehan
is currently the president of the company and as of 2009, the label is currently distributed by Warner Bros. Records
.
Toby got the name "Gotee" from the song "Socially Acceptable" on dc Talk
's album Free at Last
. A member of the band GRITS
was doing the background vocals, and he was saying, "Let it go, T, let it go." ("T" refers to Toby) Toby happened to be growing a goatee
on his face at the time, and when Mark Heimermann pointed out the coincidence, he decided to name his new record company, "Gotee Records."
However, Toby does not publish his own albums under this title; instead he publishes his own records under the same label dc Talk
was signed to, ForeFront Records
. He owns the name the Gotee Bros
.
Relient K
Sonicflood
Record label
In the music industry, a record label is a brand and a trademark associated with the marketing of music recordings and music videos. Most commonly, a record label is the company that manages such brands and trademarks, coordinates the production, manufacture, distribution, marketing and promotion,...
founded by dc Talk
Dc Talk
DC Talk , is a Grammy-winning Christian rock music trio. The group was formed in Lynchburg, Virginia in 1987 by Toby McKeehan, Michael Tait, and Kevin Max Smith. They have released five major studio albums together: DC Talk , Nu Thang , Free at Last , Jesus Freak , and Supernatural...
member Toby McKeehan
Toby McKeehan
Toby McKeehan , better known by his stage name TobyMac , is a Christian recording artist, music producer, hip-hop/pop artist, singer-songwriter, and author....
(professionally known as tobyMac
TobyMac
Toby McKeehan , better known by his stage name TobyMac , is a Christian recording artist, music producer, hip-hop/pop artist, singer-songwriter, and author....
), Todd Collins, and Joey Elwood
Joey Elwood
Joey Elwood is one of the co-founders of Gotee Records, along with the other Gotee Brothers, Toby McKeehan and Todd Collins. The record label was created when, after failing to find a label willing to sign the group Out of Eden, Elwood, McKeehan, and Collins decided to produce Lovin' the Day on...
. The label began as a production company.
Formation of Gotee
Toby and Todd intended to produce Out Of EdenOut of Eden
Out of Eden was an American Gospel music group often identified with R&B, and contemporary Christian music. It featured sisters Lisa Kimmey, Andrea Kimmey-Baca, and Danielle Kimmey...
's Lovin' the Day
Lovin' the Day
Lovin' the Day is the debut album of the Dove Award-winning American urban gospel group Out of Eden, released in 1994. It features sisters Lisa, Andrea, and Danielle Kimmey...
, but they couldn't find a label to sign the act to, and so formed Gotee Records and began distributing the band's material on their own. The label was a part of EMI Christian Music Group
EMI Christian Music Group
EMI Christian Music Group is a subsidiary of EMI which contains its Christian music record labels, and is headquartered in Brentwood, Tennessee...
, however they bought back EMI's minority share to become fully independent again as of March 31 2008. Toby McKeehan
Toby McKeehan
Toby McKeehan , better known by his stage name TobyMac , is a Christian recording artist, music producer, hip-hop/pop artist, singer-songwriter, and author....
is currently the president of the company and as of 2009, the label is currently distributed by Warner Bros. Records
Warner Bros. Records
Warner Bros. Records Inc. is an American record label. It was the foundation label of the present-day Warner Music Group, and now operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of that corporation. It maintains a close relationship with its former parent, Warner Bros. Pictures, although the two companies...
.
Toby got the name "Gotee" from the song "Socially Acceptable" on dc Talk
Dc Talk
DC Talk , is a Grammy-winning Christian rock music trio. The group was formed in Lynchburg, Virginia in 1987 by Toby McKeehan, Michael Tait, and Kevin Max Smith. They have released five major studio albums together: DC Talk , Nu Thang , Free at Last , Jesus Freak , and Supernatural...
's album Free at Last
Free at Last (dc Talk album)
Free at Last is the third studio album from DC Talk, which was released in 1992. Music videos were filmed for "Jesus Is Just Alright", "The Hardway" and "Luv Is A Verb"...
. A member of the band GRITS
GRITS
GRITS, also known as G.R.I.T.S., is a Christian Hip Hop group from Nashville, Tennessee. Their name is an acronym, which stands for "Grammatical Revolution In The Spirit." GRITS is made up of Stacey "Coffee" Jones and Teron "Bonafide" Carter, both of whom were DC Talk dancers.Their song "Ooh Aah"...
was doing the background vocals, and he was saying, "Let it go, T, let it go." ("T" refers to Toby) Toby happened to be growing a goatee
Goatee
Goatee refers to a style of facial hair incorporating hair on a man’s chin. The exact nature of the style has varied according to time and culture.Traditionally, goatee refers solely to a beard formed by a tuft of hair on the chin...
on his face at the time, and when Mark Heimermann pointed out the coincidence, he decided to name his new record company, "Gotee Records."
However, Toby does not publish his own albums under this title; instead he publishes his own records under the same label dc Talk
Dc Talk
DC Talk , is a Grammy-winning Christian rock music trio. The group was formed in Lynchburg, Virginia in 1987 by Toby McKeehan, Michael Tait, and Kevin Max Smith. They have released five major studio albums together: DC Talk , Nu Thang , Free at Last , Jesus Freak , and Supernatural...
was signed to, ForeFront Records
ForeFront Records
ForeFront Records is a Christian Music record label founded in 1987 by Dan R. Brock, Eddie DeGarmo, Dana Key, and Ron W. Griffin. It was purchased by EMI in 1996 from current owners Dan R. Brock and Eddie DeGarmo and is now part of the EMI Christian Music Group.In 1998, ForeFront released a 2-CD...
. He owns the name the Gotee Bros
The Gotee Brothers
The Gotee Brothers were a Contemporary Christian Music group formed of Toby McKeehan , Joey Elwood, and Todd Collins that recorded one album in the 1990s entitled "ERACE". The album's name abbreviated "Eliminating Racism and Creating Equality", and its contents dealt with racial issues...
.
Current roster
- Abandon KansasAbandon KansasAbandon Kansas is an American Alternative Rock band. As the name suggests, the band originates from Wichita, Kansas. The band is currently on tour to promote their new album, Ad Astra per Aspera, which was released on Gotee Records in 2011....
- House of HeroesHouse of HeroesHouse of Heroes is an alternative rock band from Columbus, Ohio. They were also known by the name No Tagbacks. They are generally considered to be Christian rock, though their lyrics are not always transparently Christian...
- Jamie GraceJamie GraceJamie Grace Harper is an American Contemporary Christian musician, rapper, songwriter, and actress from Atlanta, Georgia. She is best known for her role as Jamie Grace on IShine KNECT on Trinity Broadcasting Network...
- Stephanie SmithStephanie SmithStephanie Smith is an American Contemporary Christian music singer/songwriter. She is signed to Gotee Records. Her first studio album, Not Afraid, was released on May 27, 2008 digitally and in stores on December 23, 2008. She received national attention on the Winter Wonder Slam tour with...
Former artists
- 4th Avenue Jones4th Avenue Jones4th Avenue Jones is a Christian American hip hop band based in Los Angeles, California. Their name comes from the last name of founding members Ahmad and Tena Jones , and the street where they lived in South Central Los Angeles when they began their rehearsals.-The Interscope Years:4th Avenue Jones...
(Disbanded) - Andy ZipfAndy ZipfAndy Zipf is a singer/songwriter from Indianapolis, Indiana, currently living in Northern Virginia. Zipf has been touring across the country for the last seven years and has quickly become a constant on the East Coast...
(Active, with P is for Panda Records) - Ayiesha WoodsAyiesha WoodsAyiesha Woods is a contemporary Christian musician signed to Gotee Records. She has released two studio albums on Gotee: Introducing Ayiesha Woods and Love Like This . Woods is known for the hit songs "Happy" and "Big Enough" from her debut album...
(Active, Independent) - B. ReithB. ReithBrian James Reith, better known as B. Reith, is a Christian hip hop/pop singer and rapper. He began his musical career with the release of his first album, "Urgent Message" in 2003. In 2008, Reith signed to Gotee Records and released his EP, "The Forecast". Later that year, he toured with TobyMac...
(Active, currenly Independent) - ChristafariChristafariChristafari is a Christian reggae band formed in 1990. It is centered around the personality of ordained religious minister Mark "Tansoback" Mohr , an American born-again Christian. Until the age of 17, Mohr was a Rastafarian...
(Active, on Soul of Zion Entertainment) - Curious Fools (Disbanded)
- Deepspace5Deepspace5Deepspace5 is a Christian indie hip hop collective currently including Beat Rabbi, Manwell?/DJ Manwell, Fred B, Listener, manCHILD & DJ Dust of Mars ILL, Playdough, Sintax.the.Terrific, Sivion, and Sev Statik. Past Members have included Illtripp, Recon & The Pride...
(Active, on Deepspace5 Records) - DJ MajDJ MajMike Allen, professionally known as DJ Maj, is a Christian music DJ, contributing to Gospel music albums released by tobyMac, GRITS, Ill Harmonics, Carman, dc Talk, and the Newsboys...
(Active, on Tractor-Beam Records) - Family Force 5Family Force 5Family Force 5 is a Christian crunk rock band from Atlanta, Georgia. They consist of Solomon "Soul Glow Activatur" Olds, Jacob "Crouton" Olds, Joshua "Fatty" Olds, Nathan "Nadaddy" Currin, and Derek "Chap Stique" Mount...
(Active, on Tooth & Nail RecordsTooth & Nail RecordsTooth & Nail Records is a record label founded by Brandon Ebel in the U.S. state of California in November 1993. The label later moved to Seattle, Washington, where it is situated today...
) - Fighting InstinctFighting InstinctFighting Instinct was a Christian rock band formed in 2004 out of Winston-Salem/Greensboro, North Carolina. The current band members are TJ Harris , Jason Weekly , Chris Burrow , and Derek Drye . They released their first CD, Fighting Instinct, in the summer of 2006...
(Disbanded) - Flynn AdamFlynn AdamFlynn Adam is an American producer/singer/rapper originating from Los Angeles, California. He is currently independent and has released a new EP titled Bang the Drums. Flynn Adam has also been featured numerous times on RadioU and TVU for his music video, "Such a Time," and is an active member of...
(Active, Independent) - The Gotee Bros.The Gotee BrothersThe Gotee Brothers were a Contemporary Christian Music group formed of Toby McKeehan , Joey Elwood, and Todd Collins that recorded one album in the 1990s entitled "ERACE". The album's name abbreviated "Eliminating Racism and Creating Equality", and its contents dealt with racial issues...
(Disbanded, side project of tobyMacTobyMacToby McKeehan , better known by his stage name TobyMac , is a Christian recording artist, music producer, hip-hop/pop artist, singer-songwriter, and author....
of dc TalkDC TalkDC Talk is the first studio album released from vocal trio DC Talk. It is the most hip hop-oriented of all of their albums as each later album gradually progressed into a more rock-centered sound. Michael Tait stated that their original goal for the album was to sell 10,000 units. It sold 7,142...
) - GRITSGRITSGRITS, also known as G.R.I.T.S., is a Christian Hip Hop group from Nashville, Tennessee. Their name is an acronym, which stands for "Grammatical Revolution In The Spirit." GRITS is made up of Stacey "Coffee" Jones and Teron "Bonafide" Carter, both of whom were DC Talk dancers.Their song "Ooh Aah"...
(Active, on Revolution Art) - I Am TerrifiedI Am TerrifiedI Am Terrified was an American Christian metal band originating from Birmingham, Alabama. The band was signed to Gotee Records and toured to promote their self-titled debut EP...
(Disbanded) - Jeff Anderson (Active)
- Jeff DeyoJeff DeyoJeff Deyo is an American Contemporary Christian music solo artist and worship leader. He was also the lead singer of the band SONICFLOOd from its creation in 1999 through 2000....
(Active, on Indelible Creative Group) - Jennifer KnappJennifer KnappJennifer Lynn Knapp is an American-Australian folk rock, and formerly contemporary Christian musician. She is best known for her first single "Undo Me" from her debut album Kansas , and the song "A Little More" from her Grammy Award-nominated album Lay It Down . The Way I Am , was also nominated...
(Active, currently unsigned) - John ReubenJohn ReubenJohn Reuben is an American hip hop artist signed to Gotee Records until late 2010. Reuben has sold over 200,000 copies of his first four albums. He released his sixth album, Sex, Drugs and Self-Control on December 22, 2009...
(Active, currently unsigned) - Johnny Q. PublicJohnny Q. PublicJohnny Q. Public was a Christian alternative rock band from Springfield, Missouri. Although their sound was wholly modern, it was influenced by bands such as Led Zeppelin and Cream. In addition to their music they were known for their Charismatic theology, which they would dramatically display...
(Disbanded) - The KatinasThe KatinasThe Katinas are a Contemporary Christian music group. The family of five brothers hails from American Samoa, and moved to Washington, USA after the death of their mother in 1988. The group's members sang in church as children, and began playing fairs, soon moving up to nationwide slots opening for...
(Active, unsigned) - KnowdaverbsVerbs (rapper)Verbs is a Christian hip hop artist who has achieved respect in the industry. Knowdaverbs has recorded for the Gotee label, home to GRITS and affiliated with dc Talk.-Background:...
(Changed name to Verbs; currently with 1280 Music) - L.A. Symphony (On hiatus; members now performing solo)
- Liquid (Active, unsigned)
- Mars ILLMars ILLMars Ill is an emcee/DJ hip-hop duo from Atlanta, Georgia. The duo consists of Gregory Owens and Nathan Corrona . They are also part of the hip-hop collective Deepspace5....
(Active, on Deepspace5 Records) - Our Heart's HeroOur Heart's HeroOur Heart's Hero is an American Christian pop rock band founded in 2004. The group's touring members include Nick Joyce, Jeremy Toler, Jacob Lawrence, Benji Smith and Kody Christian....
(Active) - Out of EdenOut of EdenOut of Eden was an American Gospel music group often identified with R&B, and contemporary Christian music. It featured sisters Lisa Kimmey, Andrea Kimmey-Baca, and Danielle Kimmey...
(Disbanded) - Paul WrightPaul WrightPaul Wright may refer to:*Paul Wright , British diplomat, ambassador to Congo and to Lebanon*Paul Wright , American Christian singer and musician*Paul Wright , Scottish footballer...
(Active, unsigned) - Relient KRelient KRelient K is an American rock band formed in 1998 in Canton, Ohio by Matt Thiessen, Brian Pittman, and Matt Hoopes during the band's junior year in high school and their time at Malone University...
(Active, on Mono Vs Stereo Records) - Sarah KellySarah KellySarah Kelly is a contemporary Christian artist from Rockford, Illinois. She was signed to Gotee Records, a Christian label under EMI. Kelly is a two time Grammy Award nominee for albums "Take Me Away" and Where The Past Meets Today in the category of Best Rock Or Rap Gospel Album...
(Inactive, currently a teacher at USCUniversity of Southern CaliforniaThe University of Southern California is a private, not-for-profit, nonsectarian, research university located in Los Angeles, California, United States. USC was founded in 1880, making it California's oldest private research university...
) - SONICFLOOdSonicfloodSonicflood is an American Christian Worship band from Nashville, Tennessee. Originally under the name Zilch, the band formed in 1997. The group took the name Sonicflood in 1998 as they became known as a praise and worship band following some line-up changes...
(Active on Resonate Records) - StorySide:BStorySide:BStorySide:B was an American Christian rock band signed to Gotee Records. It was headed by guitarist and vocalist Lucio "Lu" Rubino. Rubino and drummer Jordan Mohilowski took first place in the band division of the 2003 "Exalting Him" talent contest, which aired on TBN. They went on to form a band...
(Disbanded)
RIAA gold certified artists and releases
Jennifer KnappJennifer Knapp
Jennifer Lynn Knapp is an American-Australian folk rock, and formerly contemporary Christian musician. She is best known for her first single "Undo Me" from her debut album Kansas , and the song "A Little More" from her Grammy Award-nominated album Lay It Down . The Way I Am , was also nominated...
- KansasKansas (Jennifer Knapp album)Kansas is the first major label studio album by Christian folk rock musician Jennifer Knapp. It was released in 1998 on Gotee Records. The album went on to sell 500,000 copies in the U.S., and was certified Gold.-Release:...
(1998)
Relient K
Relient K
Relient K is an American rock band formed in 1998 in Canton, Ohio by Matt Thiessen, Brian Pittman, and Matt Hoopes during the band's junior year in high school and their time at Malone University...
- The Anatomy of the Tongue in CheekThe Anatomy of the Tongue in CheekThe Anatomy of the Tongue in Cheek is the second full-length album released by the Christian rock band Relient K. It was released on August 28, 2001, and peaked at #158 on the Billboard 200. On June 26, 2006, the album was certified Gold by the RIAA for sales in excess of 500,000 units in the...
(2001) - Two Lefts Don't Make a Right...but Three DoTwo Lefts Don't Make a Right...but Three DoTwo Lefts Don't Make a Right...but Three Do is the third full-length album released by Christian rock band Relient K. The album was nominated for a Grammy for Best Rock Gospel Album, but the award that year ended up being won by Worldwide by Audio Adrenaline...
(2003) - MmhmmMmhmmMmhmm is the fourth full-length album by Christian rock band Relient K, released in November 2004. This album is especially notable for two reasons: First, it marked their debut on Capitol; and second, it was Brian Pittman's last album with the band...
(2004)
Sonicflood
Sonicflood
Sonicflood is an American Christian Worship band from Nashville, Tennessee. Originally under the name Zilch, the band formed in 1997. The group took the name Sonicflood in 1998 as they became known as a praise and worship band following some line-up changes...
- SonicfloodSONICFLOOd (album)Sonicflood is the debut self-titled album by the Christian rock band Sonicflood, released in 1999. The album features modern pop & rock renditions of praise and worship songs. Musically, the release was likened to a combination of Third Eye Blind and Radiohead, or PFR.-Track listing:...
(1999)
Compilations
- Gotee Records presents: Showcase
- We Are Hip Hope
- Freaked!Freaked!Freaked! is a tribute album to the album Jesus Freak. It features artists from Gotee singing most of the songs on the original album. The last track from Jesus Freak is omitted, as it was a poem by Kevin Max.-Track listing:...
A Tribute to dc Talk's Jesus Freak - Gotee Records Freshman Class 2000
- Gotee Records: The Soundtrack
- Ten Years Brand New
- Gotee Night Out
- Hip Hope Hits collection
- 'Tis the Season to be Gotee
See also
- List of record labels
- Toby McKeehanToby McKeehanToby McKeehan , better known by his stage name TobyMac , is a Christian recording artist, music producer, hip-hop/pop artist, singer-songwriter, and author....
- EMI Christian Music GroupEMI Christian Music GroupEMI Christian Music Group is a subsidiary of EMI which contains its Christian music record labels, and is headquartered in Brentwood, Tennessee...
- Hip Hope HitsHip Hope HitsHip Hope Hits is an annual collection of Christian rap songs. The series is produced by tobyMac's Gotee Records under the name of Various Artists. The series began as a one off collection titled We Are Hip Hope. In late-2004, the first of the albums in the current format, Hip Hope Hits 2005 was...
- Joey ElwoodJoey ElwoodJoey Elwood is one of the co-founders of Gotee Records, along with the other Gotee Brothers, Toby McKeehan and Todd Collins. The record label was created when, after failing to find a label willing to sign the group Out of Eden, Elwood, McKeehan, and Collins decided to produce Lovin' the Day on...
- Mono Vs. Stereo (Independent Rock Imprint of Gotee)
External links
- Official Gotee Records site
- Gotee Records Photo Group on Flickr Pictures of Gotee artists in concert, with fans, backstage, etc.