Two-Twelve (2-12) Records

With the systematic discrimination of Catholic recording artists in the ‘Christian Music Industry’ being what it is (“Catholics are not saved.”), Dan has decided to form an independent label that will sign and promote those artists who are specifically Roman Catholic. [Note of clarification: Dan fully supports and has been ministered to, and inspired by, many Christian recording artists who are not Catholic, such as Mercy Me, Casting Crowns, Bebo Norman, Geoff Moore, MW Smith, Steve Camp, and many others. It is the “industry” that discriminates]

Being Catholic, though, is not enough to be part of 2-12. Each artist must be living a life that shows an active, personal relationship with Jesus Christ and should be participating in Catholic liturgy on a regular and consistent basis. “I will mentor, pray with, walk with, anyone who is searching for Jesus. However, because any artist on 2-12 is representing not only the record label but more importantly is representing what a personal relationship with Jesus should look like, I will sign only those who are ready to make that commitment to live as best they can every day for Jesus and His Church.” - Dan

Why the name “2-12”? It comes from the fact that water boils when it reaches 212 degrees (F). Anything less than that is just hot. Even at 211 degrees… it’s just hot water. But add that one degree and what a difference it makes.

Dan uses this to remind himself and all associated with his ministry that we need to always give that one degree more. That one degree more of love, of performance, of prayer, of patience, of intercession, of being an instrument, of being a Christian leader… that one degree makes all the difference in the world. Jesus is the ultimate 2-12er.

2-12 Artist Matt Di Filippo

Hometown: San Antonio, TX
Big brother to two siblings, Eagle Scout, Reagan HS Senior Class ’08, Future Aggie
Catholic Christian, LifeTeen / XLT, Steubenville South, Musician, Song Writer
Discography: “Mystic Heaven” (2007)

… in his own words…

When I was 14, I picked up the guitar not knowing where it would take me. I spent hours learning and understanding how to play. Once I got the basics down I began to write music. As I progressed with my playing, the music and songs I wrote developed and progressed as well.

One of my good friends, Levi Guffey, also plays the guitar and we got together and started adding and writing new songs. I had reached a point when I felt like I was good enough to play in front of an audience so I looked in to playing at church. I talked to one of the musicians, Dan Dúet, who plays at my church, Holy Trinity Catholic Church. He invited me to join with him in music ministry by playing at Mass.

Before I met Dan I already had a strong faith from growing up in a strong Catholic family. He helped me to expand my faith by encouraging me to ask God to use me as His instrument as I continued writing and playing. Dan told me that if I opened my heart to the Holy Spirit with the music I was writing, God could minister through the music.

So I did just that… I started to ask God to play through me and use me for His glory. Then one night I was praying and playing the guitar at the same time and out of nowhere this amazing song formed. I just started to play it and it blew all the other songs I had written away, far away. After this experience I kept after it and continued to ask God to use me. Once I started to play the guitar for God rather than for me, songs just seemed to come from left and right. Sometimes after a song was written, I would feel like there was no way I could have written it by myself and that's when I knew it had to have been God who inspired me.

I showed Levi the new songs I wrote and asked him if he would write and add some music to go along with the songs. What he wrote and added took them to another level. God had to have been playing through him just as He played through me. Levi deepened the emotion of the songs and brought a stronger feeling of peace. Together we have expanded our musical talents and became more creative with our writing. All of this became possible through the work of God.

One day me and Levi played one of the songs for Dan. He was blown away and knew the Holy Spirit was very present. He offered me the opportunity to be the first recording artist on his new record label, 2-12, and now I have my first CD, “Mystic Heaven”. It’s a collection of instrumental songs that came from my prayer time.

All things really are possible through and with Jesus Christ.

Calling all Musicians/Singer-Songwriters

Are YOU the next artist on 2-12? Send Dan a message and he will give you instructions on how to submit samples of your music. Send e-mail to: next212er@danduet.com and ask for information.