On Friday, worship leader and songwriter Paul Zach released his debut solo EP God Is The Friend Of Silence. Recorded last December at Mason Jar Studio in Brooklyn, N.Y., the five-track album came about after Zach reconnected with producer Isaac Wardell who also produced The Porter's Gate debut album Work Songs: The Porter's Gate Worship Project, where Zach co-wrote five songs and was a featured vocalist on three tracks, including "In the Fields of the Lord" with Audrey Assad.

"I decided to do the EP after recording with The Porters Gate this past summer and wanted to challenge myself to record an album live with no edits or recording tricks," says Zach. "It was so much fun in the studio recording these songs live along with an amazing string quartet."

"The combination of Liz Vice and Paul Zach's soulful vocals with the sophistication of the lyrics and string arrangements make this EP into something more than the sum of its parts," adds Wardell. "Each of these songs is crafted and performed exquisitely and thoughtfully with the end effect being a simple joy for the listener."

Celebrating the release today, Zach wrote on Facebook, "My first solo EP is out today! We recorded this EP completely live with no studio tricks or edits up in Brooklyn, N.Y. My friend Liz Vice sang backing vocals and my friend Isaac Wardell from The Porter's Gate Worship Project produced this EP. I've always tried to surround myself with people that are much more talented than I am and I really succeeded in doing that on this project. [smile]"

Speaking about how the album's title track, "God Is The Friend Of Silence," came about, Zach quotes the late Mother Theresa of Calcutta, who once said, "We need to find God and God cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence."

"Prayer has always been difficult for me," Zach says. "I've usually felt the absence of God more than his presence when I pray. Writing this song has helped me to continue in the discipline even though I find it to be difficult."

In the past, Zach has toured with his brothers in Remedy Drive for nine years, released three acclaimed EPs with The Silver Pages that have featured guest appearances by All Sons & Daughters, Phil Joel, Leeland, and others. Currently, he is writing songs and leading worship at Portico Church in Charlottesville, Va.

To stay up to date on Paul Zach's music and upcoming tour dates, please visit his official website and Facebook.

God Is The Friend Of Silence can be streamed or downloaded in the U.S. and internationally here, and you can watch the live music video for the title track, "God Is The Friend Of Silence (feat. Liz Vice)," on YouTube below.