Since Petra retired in 2005, Schlitt has been taking a new path with his music. He has signed with Franklin, Tennessee based Fused Management for this new chapter.
In a press release, he said, "I’m very excited to be working with Fused Management. My career is going in a whole new direction with new management and a new album. The music itself is going down a whole new path; the fact that my interests have changed as I have grown older is reflected in The Grafting.
"The subject matter on this project is just as important as the music," further explained Schlitt. "The songs cover a variety of adult-themed topics including adoption, divorce, taking care of third world children, among other issues of importance in today’s world."
Produced by Schlitt's son-in-law, Dan Needham, The Grafting is more personal and emotional than his earlier solo projects.
"Ultimately I felt a lot more comfortable going places subject-wise that were really personal to me," said Schlitt. "There were actually some moments during the process of recording when we all got choked up and had to stop. That was a new experience for me."
