And a definite impression is what Rocketown Records artist Watermark has made. As the musical duo Watermark, the husband and wife team of Nathan and Christy Nockels has walked an unforgettable path since the release of their self-titled debut album in the fall of 1998. They launched the album on a nationwide tour with platinum-selling artist Point of Grace, and follwed that up as a part of the critically acclaimed "A Night in Rocketown - An Acoustic Tour" featuring label head Michael W. Smith, label mates Chris Rice, Ginny Owens, Wayne Kirkpatrick and Word Records' Cindy Morgan. The result has been a debut record that spawned two #1 songs at Christian radio, sales of over 100,000 units, performances for over a half million people and three nominations for the 2000 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, including New Artist of the Year.

On Watermark's sophomore release, ALL THINGS NEW on Rocketown Records, the group proves the strength of their artistry and continuous momentum with a contemporary soundtrack for the Christian life with songs that are lyrically powerful and musically memorable.

Yet, even with the strength of their rapidly growing career and newfound success, the group's musical journey began before Nathan and Christy had ever met.

A History Unfolds

Although Christy was born in Ft. Worth, Texas, both she and Nathan spent most of their childhood growing up in Nathan's home state of Oklahoma. Christy began singing in her church at the age of six, and started writing songs and poetry at the age of eight. Nathan began taking piano lessons at the age of six, and eventually became the keyboard player in his home church by the age of 13.

Although Nathan and Christy both attended Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU), it wasn't until they ran into each other at the Christian Artists Seminar in Estes Park, Colorado in 1993 that a relationship was formed. The two began to write songs and sing together at different events, and in 1995, they were married in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. In the summber of 1997, following Nathan's graduation from OBU, they moved to Houston, Texas, put together a band, and began to lead worship every Mondy night for 3,000 single adults at the well-known Metro Bible Study in Houston's First Baptist Church.

New Beginnings

Soon thereafter, Nathan's long time musical role model Michael W. Smtih and his Rocketown Records label approached them. They signed with the label in 1998, released their first album and immediately began a nationwide, year long tour with Dove Award winning Point of Grace.

"We knew it was quite an honor to go on the road with Point of Grace," Nathan shares. "It was a difficult decision to leave Metro (Bible study), but after the first night on the Point of Grace tour, we knew that God had planned it all along. Each night we were able to share our hearts and pour out the songs God had given us. We are so grateful for that experience."

As their reputation for being successful recording and touring artists has grown, Nathan and Christy have remained committed to their roots and diverse talents by continuing their involvement as worship leaders for the nationwide Passion collegiate worship/teaching events. "To see Nathan and Christy serve this generation of students as members of the Passion Band is such a Kingdom thing," comments the Passion organization founder Louie Giglio. "They are signaling with their lives that God's heartbeat is for a generation that breaks down dividing walls and raises the anthem of His praise."

It was Giglio who helped birth the idea of 'Watermark' as a suitable name for the duo who had previously toured under the name Sons & Daughters. Following massive floods, Giglio visited Kansas and noticed marks on everything in sight...enduring reminders indicating how high the water had risen. Giglio expressed that such a picture "could just as well be true of our lives as we experience an ourpouring of God's Spirit, a powerful movement that marks us for eternity." That's exactly what Nathan and Christy's songs are all about.