John Tibbs Releses FairTrade Services Debut EP "Dead Man Walking"

By Timothy Yap Oct 16, 2015 02:27 AM EDT

Acclaimed singer/songwriter John Tibbs makes his FairTrade Services debut with October 30th's Dead Man Walking EP. The five-song project, produced by Ben Shive (Rend Collective, Colony House, Ellie Holcomb), previews Tibbs' full-length label debut slated for release next year.

Highlighted by the title cut and lead single featuring Dove Award-winning singer/songwriter Ellie Holcomb, the recording also includes "Silver In Stone," "Run Wild," "Abraham" and "Love Stands Tall." Tibbs, who grew up in Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Indiana, showcases honest, often autobiographical lyrics set to his signature heartland roots/rock sound.

"Sometimes we exist on this earth in chains-it could be an addiction, guilt, anxiety, or even having a hard time talking," says Tibbs, who has struggled with speech difficulties since childhood. "'Dead Man Walking' is a song that speaks into the fact that Jesus came to change all of that, to take our chains and toss them aside so you and I can be the people He's created us to be and have the Hope He's given us-to experience chance after chance after chance."

Prior to signing with FairTrade Services, Tibbs spent four years as a worship leader at Madison Park Church, near Indiana's Anderson University. In addition to touring consistently, he amassed an online community of more than 100,000 fans who helped crowd-fund two breakout independent recordings which earned national notoriety on Noisetrade. Earlier this year, audiences across the country were introduced to Tibbs' compelling live performance as a special guest on Newsboys' "We Believe...God's Not Dead" Spring Tour.