Following is the official press release from Inpop Records regarding our previously reported news about Mat Kearney's mainstream deal with Aware/Columbia Records:

Inpop Records artist Mat Kearney recently inked a general-market partnership with Aware/Columbia Records, home to multi-platinum singer/songwriter John Mayer, Grammy-winning rock band Train, and alternative pop outfit Five for Fighting, among others. Kearney released his Inpop Records debut, Bullet, last October to critical acclaim. Aware/Columbia Records will handle all general-market promotions and marketing, including consumer publicity, radio promotion and distribution. Inpop Records will continue to market and distribute Kearney’s release Bullet to the CBA market. Kearney has also signed on with Creative Artist Agency, which represents artists working in film, television, music and more.

“The second I heard Mat’s music, I knew I had to sign him and help expose him to a massive audience,” said Aware Records Founder/President Gregg Latterman. “Everyone here at Aware/Columbia is extremely excited for rest of the world to hear Mat’s music,” he said.

“We’re excited about teaming up with Aware/Columbia and what that means for Mat,” said Inpop Senior Vice President/General Manager Rob Poznanski. “We’ve watched what Aware/Columbia has successfully done with other projects, and we feel this partnership is the beginning of a great future with them.”

Kearney sprung onto the music scene in October 2004 with “Undeniable,” the first single from Bullet. The song broke the record for the largest number of out-of-the-box adds for a radio single on Radio and Records’ Christian CHR chart. Bullet, co-produced by Robert Mavin and Kearney, features a unique blend of acoustic guitar, thoughtful lyrics and driving rhythms. The 11 songs comprising the album were all co-written by the duo. Kearney joined label mates Shane & Shane for a successful fall tour last year.

“I’m honored to be a part of the Aware/Columbia community,” said Kearney. “I’ve watched Aware Records for some time now, and I have a huge respect for the music this company has ushered into the marketplace. The staff at Aware/Columbia really stood out because they showed such initial belief in me and shared a similar vision for my music and where I hope to take it.”

Currently, Kearney is in the studio working on new material. Beginning February 14, he will join alternative rockers Graham Colton Band for a seven-city run, and this spring Kearney will co-headline a tour with Warner Bros/Teleprompt artist MuteMath.

For more information, visit www.Inpop.com or www.matkearney.com