Andrew Witt at ShoutLife.com

Singer/songwriter/worship leader Andrew Witt is turning heads and generating national attention as he puts his mission of "reaching the lost and encouraging the found" into practice through a high-energy, highly contagious pop/rock sound and well-crafted lyrics that both challenge and inspire.

Andrew recently announced pursuing a solo career after fronting the band Rough Draft, a group he and drummer Pedro Quinones started in 2004. With multiple guest appearances on the nationally syndicated radio show Total Axxess, featured performances at major music festivals - including LifeLight and Heaven Fest - and shared stages with some of Christian music's top acts - including a tour in support of Sanctus Real, Remedy Drive, and Vota - Andrew had an impressive and ever-growing resume. Averaging more than 150 concerts every year, he sold nearly 10,000 copies of two independent releases, but Andrew felt something was missing.

"I feel it is now time for me to hold on tight to the ministry that God has specifically put on my heart. It's time for me to write the songs that God has placed in front of me instead of writing songs that try to please other band members or the industry. It's time for me to truly define what God is calling me to do as an individual. I've always been the primary writer so don't expect much of a change in the musical style, but when it comes to the message of the songs, expect them to be more from my heart than they ever have been."

Writing and performing music since the age of 10, Andrew has the experience and stage presence of a seasoned professional. But at 19 years old he feels like he is just getting started and is now making his songwriting abilities well-known to the industry and his peers. Fellow singer-songwriter and friend Chris Sligh says, "Andrew Witt is one of the most talented, creative kids I have ever been around. He has great song writing skills, as well as good instincts about what feels right. He has a great voice and is a fine musician. I think he has a long and fruitful career ahead of him."

The heart behind Andrew Witt lies in a simple statement he adopted years ago: "reaching the lost and encouraging the found." Andrew strives to always be authentic, often sharing both his struggles and triumphs from the stage. While Andrew loves performing, he is equally excited about what happens after the show - the opportunity to connect and build relationships with people.

"I want to spread the Gospel to those who don't know Christ," Witt explains, "but I also don't want to forget about those already in the church. All people need encouragement, and just because you are a Christian doesn't mean you're exempt from struggles. Just because I am the one on stage doesn't mean I have it all together either. I struggle just the same as everybody else and I don't see any reason to be anything but real about it."

Andrew's love for worship extends well beyond the songs he writes. He can be found leading worship at events throughout the country, including church services, retreats, camps, and conferences, and he infuses his own unique sound into some of today's best worship music for an experience that is powerful, dramatic, and authentic.

With a batch of brand-new songs in the works and a strong commitment to ministry, Andrew is poised to turn heads once again. He recently finished his first national tour in support of Chris Sligh's "Back to School Tour" with Aaron Shust and Meredith Andrews. As an independent artist Andrew is hopeful his hard work and commitment to the ministry will land him a contract with a major record label in early 2010, but he knows that wherever his passions lead him, God will be guiding his path.

"The one thing I know is that I feel God's hand leading me forward and all I can do is keep writing from the heart. I'm excited about what's coming next."

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