After reading the 'distortion' explanation, [I thought they were masters] it was clear to me that this is a really viable commercial compilation....because, aside from the clipping, the music and recording is fab.
If you were interested in shooting for Christian Contemporary, I think you'd have an excellent shot at contract ink. I often listen to a Christian network station, and every band sounds like Nickleback. I hear NOTHING of this J Johnson-style, laid back thing. There's a wide-open field there waiting for this. [Christian commercial radio bands hop on commercial pop radio conventions that work to appeal to more general audiences...then pummle the sound to death...like Nickleback's stamp....ugh the raspy pretenders have made me turn it off]
This would also be right at home on Adult Rock/Folk/Blues [high quality b'cast 50,000w FM] , too, but they eschew blatant Christian messaging.
Same with general pop.
Crossovers from Christian to general audience radio are rare.
SO I'd say you'd be increasing potential by hanging this CD on some busy Christian radio publishers. Forget 'labels'. If these guys hear what I heard, I think they'd be pitching it for a distribution deal. And you'd also have the spiritual benefit of spreading the Gospel, hooking 20-somethings on a sound they enjoy...as they swing by a Christian radio station on the way to somewhere else. I swear I've never heard the style play on Christian radio.
I'm a hopeless, broken sinner..and a brother. Maybe the Spirit is commanding I encourage you to go there with your project. I don't mind being used that way.
Your stuff is real good. Inspired, I'm thinking.
ps...I know a lot of guys don't like the idea of giving up publishing....they'll take half the profit. But without a connected, savvy publishing house, you're more likely to end up with half of nothing....or all of what you can get at the little tables. Write the deal with non-exclusive or project-limited representation, looking forward to a day when the distributors will come to you, directly, with papers to sign....and you can publish yourself, and double your income on future projects.
You're on your way. You've found your ministry.
BTW...for future reference: How to find THE publishers to approach:
Go to a large music store. Go to the 'Christian' section. Grab hold of CD's of artists you know...or ask the clerk to give you a list of the top 25 sellers. The name and address of the publisher is on each CD. TADAH!
Go to the publisher's site. Look for a submissions policy and guide. If none, send them an email or letter asking PERMISSION to submit. They'll give you a name and, maybe a number to add to the address. About 25 houses is a good number to wrangle with. It's a lot of work.