Photo via assistnews.net

Deep ties to Haiti make Lara Landon one of most promising artists

At the age of nineteen, Lara Landon left her home in southern California to study music business at Belmont University, and from there worked to make industry connections while honing her skills at local shows, reports Michael Ireland, chief correspondent, ASSIST News Service.

Landon, who is a singer-songwriter, is one of 2009's most promising new artists, kicking off the new year with one simple goal: to make a difference.

Last week, Landon joined Michael W. Smith and dozens of artists at Belmont University's Ocean Way Studios in Nashville to record "Come Together Now," which will be made available for sale soon with all proceeds going to benefit relief efforts in Haiti.

But her relationship with Haiti is much deeper than one single evening in a Nashville recording studio.

Landon is the co-founder of New Reality International (NRI), a non-profit organization dedicated to helping those who are victims of extreme poverty, disease and injustice access free healthcare and vocational training.

The song "Better" from Landon's debut album, Beloved (Bema Media/Provident-Integrity Distribution), is the organization's theme song.

Just two months prior to the devastating earthquake, Landon spent a few weeks in Haiti assisting in ongoing efforts there to bring medical aid to a country in desperate need. NRI is currently in the process of mobilizing several teams to return to Haiti this month to aid in the relief efforts there.

"During my previous travels to Haiti, I realized what a wonderful country it has the potential to be," says Landon.

"The people are so full of life and beauty. The children there truly stole my heart and when I saw the recent re-devastation of the country, I knew that God had been preparing me to respond through our organization NRI.

"We are dedicated to helping Haiti recover and rebuild. When the world's attention has faded away we want to still be there making a difference in their lives. I feel very tied to this place now."

"Beloved, the debut release from Lara Landon, is, like most beloved things, a thing of beauty," declares NewReleaseTuesday.com.

The album has received stellar reviews since its release in September, with additional high marks from Focus on the Family's Plugged In Podcast, ChristianityToday.com, Soul-Audio.com, HigherRockMusic.com, CrossRhythms.co.uk, AlphaOmegaNews.org, ChristianMusicReview.org and many others.

"The real star of this album is Landon's voice," states JesusFreakHideout.com, comparing her to the likes of Sarah McLachlan and Leona Lewis.

TAGS: USA Haiti earthquake Lara Landon Belmont University Michael W. Smith Come Together Now Better Beloved

[02/04/2010]

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