GRAMMY Award nominee Matt Maher has extended his popular “The Love In Between” tour to include 16 additional dates. The follow-up run to his fall leg will feature guest artist Sparrow Records singer-songwriter Audrey Assad, with Reunion Records newcomer Lindsay McCaul at select shows.
Originally kicking off mid-September, “The Love In Between” tour visited more than 25 cities through late October, seeing thousands in attendance and multiple sold out shows. The tour’s second leg will open tonight in Altoona, Pa. with additional stops in Atlanta, St. Louis, and Cincinnati, among others.
“The Love In Between” tour was named for Maher’s latest label project, released Sept. 20, 2011. The album debuted at No. 7 on the SoundScan Top Contemporary Christian Chart and graced the Billboard 200 at No. 97. The Love In Between additionally experienced notable success at iTunes, breaking into the Top 5 on the Christian & Gospel Top Albums Chart. Maher willplay a selection of songs from the current record on tour, including new radio single, “Rise Up.”
Visit www.mattmahermusic.com for an up-to-date tour itinerary or refer to the schedule following this release.
Eight-time GMA Dove Award nominee worship leader, singer and songwriter, Matt Maher, was recognized by The Recording Academy® with a GRAMMY Award® nomination, during last night’s hour-long special broadcast, "The GRAMMY® Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music's Biggest Night®," which aired live on CBS from Nokia Theatre at L.A. LIVE.
Maher’s nomination was received in the Best Contemporary Christian Music Song category where he was recognized as a songwriter on “I Lift My Hands” recorded and co-written by
Chris Tomlin and Louie Giglio.
The 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards® ceremony will be held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Calif. on Sunday, February 12, 2012.
Matt’s most recent release The Love In Between (Sept. 20, 2011) debuted at No. 7 on the SoundScan Top Contemporary Christian Chart, and graced the Billboard 200 at No.
97. The project was also a notable success at iTunes breaking into the Top 5 on the Christian & Gospel Top Albums Chart.
In addition to promoting The Love In Between, Matt recently wrapped “The Love In Between” tour. The coast-to-coast headlining tour, which visited more than 25 cities through late October, saw attendance in the thousands with sold out shows in multiple cities. For an up-to-date tour itinerary, visit www.mattmahermusic.com/tour.
Eight-time GMA Dove Award nominee Matt Maher heads out on a coast-to-coast fall headlining tour, visiting more than 25 cities through late October. “The Love In Between” tour is named after Maher’s forthcoming Sept. 20 studio release, whose debut single, “Turn Around,” is currently impacting Christian radio.
Kicking off Sept. 15 in Longview, Texas, the first half of Maher’s tour will be sponsored by his own non-profit, Comm+Unity, and feature guest artists Essential Worship’s One Sonic Society as well as recent Integrity Music signing All Sons & Daughters. Compassion International will present the remaining tour dates, joined by award-winning singer/songwriter Laura Story and new Essential Records artist, labelmate Andy Cherry. Information about the tour can be found at http://mattmahermusic.com/tour/.
Among the tour’s key dates are a The Love In Between CD release show in Phoenix on Sept. 20 and a concert at The City National Grove of Anaheim (Anaheim, Calif.), host to several sell-out concerts including Ray Charles, Morrissey, Jill Scott, Cyndi Lauper, George Lopez, Merle Haggard, Jamie Foxx, Dropkick Murphys and Seal, among others, on Sept. 22.
Maher comments, “My hope for this tour is to bring together believers of all ages and denominations and provide a night where we can reconnect with God and each other; that we’d leave with a greater desire to see, in concrete ways, how connected we are meant to be.”
Interconnectedness is also a theme on Maher’s new album, along with the ideas of suffering, grace, redemption and hope. These concepts are neatly swaddled in a new folk-Americana “blue collar gospel’ sound, fusing rootsy, hook-laden tracks with compelling stories and undeniable truths. The project’s debut radio single “Turn Around,” is already connecting with listeners nationwide, climbing its way to No. 11 this week on the National Billboard Christian Audience chart and No. 10 on the Billboard AC Indicator chart. WONU-FM radio listener Jen comments, “The song is awesome. I think it has potential to reach non-Christians because it is realistic in its lyrics. Definitely play this one on the air.”
Greg Cassidy, JOY-FM music director and morning show host, also comments, “St. Louis is lovin’ the new Matt Maher tune! It’s hitting real people where they really are. From the 51-year-old woman in her seventh day of sobriety to the couple that have been pondering divorce...that simple reminder to 'turn around" has made its point! Home run for Matt!”
To sample an audio stream of “Turn Around” and for an up-to-date tour itinerary visit www.mattmahermusic.com. Also follow Matt on Twitter at www.twitter.com/mattmahermusic.
Matt Maher has earned a reputation as one of Christian music’s most sought-after singer/songwriters and worship leaders in the music community today, but he’s also known as a man with striking conviction and the ability to relate that passion and conviction to listeners ranging from the studied theologian to the layperson.
On September 20 Maher will deliver The Love In Between, an album that takes church from within the four walls to the handshake between two people. Matt’s third national release on Essential Records is a watershed album defining his artistic direction and setting apart his signature vocals and compelling writing style. The Love In Between is encouraging, hopeful and authentic; the articulation of who Matt is as a man, husband, soon-to-be-father, brother and follower.
While holding strong to his calling as a musical missionary, The Love In Between unveils a side that delves more deeply into the ideas of suffering, grace, redemption and hope. These concepts are neatly swaddled in a folk-Americana sound. Introduced by Matt's 2010 hit "Hold Us Together" - featured on Alive Again (9/21/08), it fuses the best elements of this accomplished musician pulling from years on the road as a touring artist and worship leader. One can listen through the entire track listing and find a very personal energy only found in the observations of one going through some serious life changes.
And it’s that very personal side of a relationship with Christ that consistently informs Maher’s music. “If you look back over history, specifically around the time Jesus was physically here in the flesh, humanity has struggled with pride, resulting in a subculture that, while having the best of intentions, ends up marginalizing the people who are most in need of God, ” Maher says about The Love In Between’s first single “Turn Around.” “However, Jesus came offering a message of repentance for all who would be willing to receive it. Those on the outside and on the inside of the Church.”
At the same time, Maher finds a way to hone in on what he calls “blue collar gospel,” a fusion of rootsy, hook-laden tracks with compelling stories and undeniable truths, creating instantly memorable tunes. Maher found that niche via “Hold Us Together” on his previous project Alive Again, and expands on it on The Love In Between with songs like “Turn Around,” “Write Your Love On My Heart”
and “On My Way.”
“Turn Around” goes for adds at AC and CHR Radio formats on June 24 with an add, three weeks early, on the powerhouse KLOVE Radio Network.
And then there’s the Maher unafraid to be quiet, to draw the listener in with more personal lyrics and instrumentation, revealing a man in love with both his Creator and the people placed in his life. Songs like “New State of Mind” and “My Only Love” are watersheds for Maher the artist, taking his comfort level as worship leader and bringing it into what are very personal, very intimate musical moments.
Suffering and hope, grace and redemption, and above them all, love – all elements find their way into the vivid picture Matt Maher paints on The Love In Between.
Alongside the 12-song LP, Maher will launch the first in a series of ongoing headlining touring efforts hosted by his newly formed non-profit called Comm+Unity, which will support multiple non-profit efforts locally, nationally and internationally. The first of these efforts will feature Maher as the headlining act with support acts One Sonic Society (Jason Ingram, Stu G., Paul Mabury) and Integrity artists Sons & Daughters (David Leonard, Leslie Jordan).
The tour will launch in Texas in early September and route to the west coast through the beginning of October with a hometown CD release event on 9/20 in Gilbert, AZ. Maher will then partner with Compassion International & Christian radio in a newly launched effort called “Rock for Radio” throughout the rest of October with support acts Laura Story and Essential Records newcomer, Andy Cherry.
Matt Kees, Director of the Christian Musician Summit, concurs. “Matt Maher is a great fit for us at the Christian Musician Summit - he has the ability to reach people on a variety of levels at our conferences, and we're excited to see how he's made the steady climb into a strong headlining artist. Not only is Matt a well-trained and accomplished keyboardist and guitarist, he is a top-notch songwriter, and a well respected lead worshiper with years and years of ministry experience. Matt can teach, perform and relate to Christian musicians and fans of all shapes and sizes.”
For a list of tour dates and cities please visit www.mattmahermusic.com and http://www.twitter.com/mattmahermusic.
Three-time GRAMMY® Award-winning band Jars of Clay will take the community-minded theme behind its latest album, Jars of Clay Presents The Shelter, on the road this spring with the launch of The Shelter Tour. Featuring award-winning songwriter/worship leader Matt Maher and special guests Derek Webb and Audrey Assad, the tour will kick off March 30, in Greensburg, Pa., and travel through nearly 20 cities before wrapping up in Jackson, Miss., on May 7.
The Shelter Tour comes on the heels of Jars of Clay’s top billing in the Rock and Worship Road Show, one of the winter’s largest multi-artist tours, and is an opportunity for the band to create a live extension of the collaborative moments offered on their Shelter album. For that critically-acclaimed project, Jars of Clay brought in a collection of both songwriting and vocal guests (including both Maher and Assad), creating a huge collaborative environment never before attempted on any of the band’s previous projects.
“We knew in the beginning that we wanted as many voices as possible in the record,” guitarist Matt Odmark explains. “We wanted to make a record about community, and we wanted the recorded process to be community. We wanted it to be an expression of what it was trying to articulate from a concept standpoint.”
In that same spirit, The Shelter Tour will offer these musical colleagues and co-creators an opportunity to form a true collaborative evening not to be missed. Multi-platinum-selling Jars of Clay will perform songs from the new release, including the album’s single “Out Of My Hands,” along with many of their numerous hits – “Flood,” “Two Hands,” “Dead Man (Carry Me),” “Worlds Apart,” “Love Song For A Savior,” to name a few – which have become concert favorites.
The Shelter Tour will be sponsored by relief organization Blood:Water Mission and Azusa Pacific University.
Jars of Clay and Blood:Water Mission will celebrate the building of their 1000th clean water well in Sub-Saharan Africa during a May 10 event at the historic Ryman Auditorium. Tickets to the “Well:Done Celebration, Blood:Water Mission's Journey to 1000 Wells” are still available at http://www.bloodwatermission.com/welldone.php.
Songwriter, recording artist and worship leader Matt Maher picked up a handful of nominations for the 42nd Annual GMA Dove Awards today for his work on “Christ Is Risen” from his sophomore Essential Records release Alive Again, and his contribution to The Essential Christmas Collection.
The Newfoundland-born Maher gathered a nomination for Worship Song of the Year, and two nominations as both artist and songwriter in the Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year category. He is also recognized with a nomination in the Christmas Album of the Year category for his recording of “Silent Night” on The Essential Christmas Collection.
Maher is currently on the road on The Rock & Worship Roadshow Tour with labelmates Jars of Clay, as well as MercyMe, Thousand Foot Krutch, The Afters and Lecrae. After that tour wraps in mid-March, Maher will be back on the road with Jars of Clay as part of The Shelter Tour, together with Derek Webb and Audrey Assad, running through May 7.
The 42nd Annual GMA Dove Awards will be held at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Ga. on Wednesday, April 20th. The awards show will be televised on GMC at 8:00p.m. ET/delayed PT on Easter Sunday, April 24th
It’s safe to say that singer/songwriter and worship leader Matt Maher’s music is out of this world, literally. His latest album Alive Again (9/22/09) is currently orbiting aboard space shuttle Atlantis, servicing its final scheduled journey after almost a quarter-century of missions. Atlantis launched from Kennedy Space Center on May 14, 2010, and will spend 12 days in orbit and 7 days docked to the International Space Station where astronauts will deliver a Russian research module, along with other equipment and replacement parts.
Maher’s music has become a staple carry-on item for NASA astronaut, Mike Good, who has officially selected Maher’s song “Alive Again” as one of his “wake-up songs” -- not only reviving Good from an outer space slumber but the rest of the STS-132 and International Space Station crew as well.
Astronaut Good relayed a message of inspiration after a recent wake up call from NASA headquarters, “Good morning Houston! It’s great to wake up here in space again. We’re looking forward to another beautiful day docked at the International Space Station. I thank God for this opportunity to view the glory of His creation from this perspective -- and thanks to Matt Maher for that song, ‘Alive Again.’”
This marks the third year in a row that Maher’s music has visited the cosmos. In June 2008 and 2009 Matt’s previous album Empty & Beautiful (4/8/08) found its way onto shuttle Discovery for NASA Mission STS-124 with astronaut Ron Garan and aboard Atlantis STS-125 with Mike Good.
“I had the pleasure of meeting Mission Specialist, Mike Good when I was in Houston last year thanks to a friend of mine; seeing the NASA facility and hearing about the work that everyone there does was amazing, especially since, as a child, I always aspired to be an astronaut!” says Maher. “Music intersects with people's lives and inspires something unique from every person, so really, it's such an honor that he would choose one of my songs to start his day. Having my song played in space is one thing, but in context with what he says reminds me of what a great Man of God Mike is. It is such an honor to have my music start anyone's day.”
Space fans all over the country can view the International Space Station (where Atlantis is currently docked) in the clear nighttime skies by following this link: http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/cities/skywatch.cgi?country=United+States
Also, listen to the official “wake-up song” “Alive Again” broadcast through the space shuttle followed by astronaut Good’s response by clicking this link: http://tiny.cc/aliveagainspace
Songwriter, recording artist and worship leader Matt Maher continues to pull in accolades for his work both as a solo artist and a collaborator, picking up a total of six nominations for the 41st Annual GMA Dove Awards.
Maher, called “this year’s breakthrough nominee” by the Associated Press, is nominated in the prestigious Song of the Year category, as well as Worship Song of the Year for “I Will Rise,” a song recorded by Chris Tomlin. Maher picked up another nod in the Worship Song of the Year category for the song “Alive Again” as well as one for Praise & Worship Album of the Year for his acclaimed sophomore project Alive Again.
His Dove nomination slate is rounded out by mentions in the Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year category for “Since The World Began” as well as Special Event Album of the Year for Glory Revealed II: The Word of God In Worship.
Simultaneously excited and humbled by the nominations, Maher approached the announcement with his usual aplomb, noting, “I’m very honored and excited to stand alongside friends, peers, and the music industry as we take time to celebrate and give honor to a God who gives us the ability to create and craft songs and melodies that in turn, point back to Him. All music and art is a wonderful, yet pale reflection of the beauty of God and the Gospel, but we do it because we're compelled by this great Love.”
The Dove Award nominations cap a career-accelerating 2009 for the longtime worship leader and songwriter, which also featured Apple, Inc.’s iTunes Store, the industry-leading digital music retailer, naming the song “Alive Again” as the Best Christian & Gospel Single of 2009.
Maher’s current single “Hold Us Together” from the nominated Alive Again project, is gaining traction at radio, and Maher is featured on the recent Michael W. Smith-organized benefit single for Haitian earthquake relief “Come Together Now,” released under the banner of Music City United For Haiti.
Maher is in the midst of his spring 2010 “Hold Us Together” Tour which began in January and runs through early April, followed by a tour with label-mates Leeland and Phil Wickham in April and May. Other scheduled spring highlights for Maher included performing and speaking at the influential Q Conference in Chicago in April, and Canada and the YC Edmonton, Alberta, Canada event.
Songwriter, recording artist and worship leader Matt Maher recently notched another high-profile endorsement of the power of the standout debut single off his sophomore Essential Records project, Alive Again.
Apple, Inc.’s iTunes Store, the industry-leading digital music retailer, recently named the song “Alive Again” as the Best Christian & Gospel Single of 2009. When asked Maher said, “It’s always great as a writer and worship leader when a song you write connects with people at radio and live, and to have iTunes honor it this way is a nice way to end the year.”
The single also is currently in the top 10 on two Christian radio formats, No. 6 at AC-Indicator and No. 7 at CRW-AC which translates to more than 250 + million cumulative impressions.
As Maher wraps up a busy and successful 2009, including just finishing a tour opening for label-mate Michael W. Smith, he’ll ring in the New Year in Orlando, Fla. at the National FOCUS Conference (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) in front of more than 3,000 students representing FOCUS chapters from all around the country.
Looking ahead to 2010, Maher will be part of Break Forth, the largest equipping and renewal conference in North America, in Edmonton, Alberta in late January. Maher will perform alongside Michael W. Smith, Robin Mark, Newsboys, Francis Chan and Lincoln Brewster. More than 15,000 attendees representing more than 1,000 churches are expected for the two-day conference.
Maher will embark on a full touring schedule in the spring of 2010 starting with the “Hold Us Together Tour” (named after his upcoming single, “Hold Us Together”) running January through early April, followed by a co-headline tour with label-mates Leeland and worship leader, Phil Wickham in April and May. Maher will finish out the spring season performing in May as part of the World Prayer Day in Newfoundland Canada and the YC Edmonton event.
(Nashville, Tenn.) September 15, 2009 -- Worship artist and renowned songwriter Matt Maher vaults into the Top 20 of Billboard’s National Audience Chart this week with “Alive Again,” the title track of his highly anticipated sophomore album. In addition, Matt’s song is up six spots to No. 22 on the Christian AC Monitored chart, with two new adds in Jacksonville and Roanoke.
Early adds came from many of the largest Christian AC stations in the nation, including K-LOVE Network, KSBJ/Houston, KTIS/Minneapolis, KCMS/Seattle, FISH-Los Angeles and KSOS/Las Vegas, and positive audience testing has already pushed “Alive Again” into heavy rotation in Houston and Seattle at a quicker-than-normal pace.
“Matt is one of our favorite emerging artists! I love his heart for the music and I am anxious to
see ‘Alive Again’ begin to impact our audience,” says Chuck Tyler, Program Director of
FISH-Los Angeles.
As the Sept. 22 album release approaches, Maher is confirmed for performances at fan appreciation events in markets including Houston (KSBJ), San Antonio (KLOVE), and Las Vegas (KSOS).
Alive Again solidly captures the penetrating spirit and charisma Maher has become known for in
a live setting. Produced by Christopher Stevens (Delirious, tobyMac) and Paul Moak (Mat
Kearney, Shane & Shane), the 12-song studio project—with all compositions co-written by Maher—spotlights his addictive organic-pop sound melded with vulnerable and engaging lyrics, making Alive Again a soundtrack for believers in both personal times of worship and corporate moments on Sunday mornings.
“Alive Again is my favorite CD of the year so far—it’s moving, beautiful and original. God has uniquely gifted Matt Maher to be the next global worship leader,” says Darren Garrett of CBNNewsChannel.com. “I cannot recommend it highly enough for someone interested in great music and in drawing closer to God.”
Maher will be touring the U.S. this fall as part of GRAMMY® winning and multi-Platinum
Michael W. Smith’s “New Hallelujah World Tour.” Traveling to 17 major markets in October and
November, the tour sees Maher serving as musical host of the concert’s first half, which also
features his Provident Label mate Phil Stacey (www.philstacey.com) and new artist/worship leader Meredith Andrews.
For more information on “A New Hallelujah World Tour,” including itinerary and tickets, please visit www.mattmahermusic.com or www.michaelwsmith.com. For the latest in Matt Maher news and updates, follow him on twitter: http://www.twitter.com/mattmahermusic.
(Nashville, Tenn.) June 15, 2009 – Worship artist and renowned songwriter Matt Maher, whose breakout composition, “Your Grace is Enough” appeared on his 2008 debut Empty & Beautiful, recently completed recording his widely-anticipated follow-up Alive Again set to release September 22.
Alive Again, Maher’s second studio recording with Essential records, solidly captures the penetrating spirit and charisma he has become known for in a live setting. Produced by Christopher Stevens (Delirious, tobyMac) and Paul Moak (Mat Kearney, CompassionArt), the 12-song album is both immediate and soulful. Matt’s addictive organic-pop sound melded with vulnerable and engaging lyrics make Alive Again a soundtrack for believers in both personal times of worship and corporate moments on Sunday mornings.
“On a musical level, I feel more confident; like I have more freedom to make mistakes and to be more authentic than ever before,” explains Maher. “There’s a certain ‘rawness’ on this album that’s true to who I am and how I communicate.”
Maher has long seen his music born out of community. This time around, in fact, every song on Alive Again was co-written. Featured co-writers include SESAC’s 2008 Christian songwriter of the year Jason Ingram, Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, up-and-coming writer/vocalist Audrey Assad, Mark Byrd and Mia Fieldes (Hillsong).
“The process of making the record was a communal experience,” affirms Maher. “The writing process was like prayer between two people as opposed to a typical writing session. ... These songs were not written ‘about’ my faith, but ‘from’ my faith. They’re much more vulnerable and personal.”
The first single “Alive Again” goes for adds on July 3. Matt shares, “‘Alive Again’ is my attempt to use language and music in the form of a pop song to re-create the moment when God reached in and grabbed my heart for the very first time. There’s nothing more compelling than waking up in a dark world and knowing that God is fervently pursuing me and shouting my name -- even if, at first, I don’t recognize His voice.”
As a poet-musician, “troubadour” is a term readily used to describe the artful theologian. Thematically, Maher explains that his music is about recognizing the preeminence of Christ in the world around you.
“You see the light before you see the sunrise,” he says. “God is ahead of us.” Maher also takes a broader view than conventional thinking when it comes to the influence of worship in a person’s life. “I hope Alive Again prompts listeners to stop and ask some tough questions about who they are and where they are letting God maneuver in their hearts,” he says.
Thanks to the international reach of songs he’s written and his recording agreement with Essential Records, the last two years have taken Maher from full time ministry at his local church in Mesa, Arizona, to a high-profile platform, leading worship around the world. His instant classic, “Your Grace Is Enough” saw especially strong gains in church exposure during the spring and summer of 2008.
According to Christian Copyright Licensing International (CCLI), which tracks the popularity of music in churches across the U.S., “Your Grace Is Enough” was the 13th most popular song sung in churches in the United States for the April-September 2008 tracking period. At the time, the song was sung in nearly 150,000 CCLI licensed churches in the U.S., which translates to more than 5 million people singing this song.
This summer finds Maher leading worship and performing new songs from Alive Again at the upcoming Worship Leader conference in July, leading worship at the International Christian Retail Show’s Sunday Worship service alongside Anne Graham Lotz and touring Australia before returning home for fall tour dates.
Singer/Songwriter/Worship Leader Matt Maher received an out-of-this-world honor when his album Empty & Beautiful (4/8/08) was a carry-on item for astronaut Mike Good on NASA Mission STS-125. Astronaut Good took Matt’s music for inspiration on his journey to the Hubble Space Telescope. Space shuttle Atlantis launched on Servicing Mission 4, the final astronaut visit to the Hubble Space Telescope May 11th and returned May 24th, using the 13-day mission to install new instruments, upgrade technology and prepare the telescope for many more years of cosmic exploration.
“I wanted you to know that I was praying for you and your band while orbiting above God’s beautiful creation,” wrote NASA astronaut Mike Good in an e-mail to Matt Maher after returning to Earth. “I flew the CD you gave me (Empty & Beautiful) back at Johnson Space Center and enjoyed listening to you guys on orbit on my iPod. It was awesome looking out into space and back at Earth while listening to your beautiful music -- really inspiring.”
This mission marked the second time that Maher’s music visited the cosmos. In June 2008 astronaut Ron Garan orbited the earth on NASA Mission STS-124 with Empty & Beautiful.
(Nashville, Tenn.) March 3, 2009 – “Your Grace Is Enough,” the modern worship classic, written by Essential Records recording artist MATT MAHER, saw strong gains in church exposure during the spring and summer of 2008, according to Christian Copyright Licensing International (CCLI), which tracks the popularity of music in churches across the U.S.
According to CCLI’s tracking system, “Your Grace Is Enough” was the 13th most popular song sung in churches in the United States for the April-September 2008 tracking period. That represents an 18-point jump for the song over the previous tracking period. Over the past 6 month period, “Your Grace Is Enough” has been sung in nearly 150,000 CCLI licensed churches in the U.S., which translates to more than 5 million people singing this song. “Your Grace Is Enough” is ranked alongside “How Great Is Our God,” “Blessed Be Your Name” and “Here I Am To Worship.”
Rick Muchow, Pastor of Worship at Saddleback Church, shares, “Matt’s song, ‘Your Grace Is Enough’, is connecting with churches of many shapes and sizes because it biblically addresses a universally relevant theme and it’s melody is congregationally singable while adaptable to many worship styles. It is both a song that can be prayed and a prayer that can be sung!”
“I love this song,” shares Joel Hudson, Venue Worship Pastor, Thompson Station Church in Thompson Station, TN. “I'm reminded of Paul’s words in Philippians...whatever was gain, whether position, religious accomplishment, or zeal amounts to nothing in comparison to knowing Christ---and that's all from grace--His grace is enough. In fact it's everything!”
“It is very unusual for a song to make this big of a jump to such a high position on the CCLI chart”, says Jimi Williams, Director of Worship Resources for EMI CMG Publishing. “I think it speaks to the wide embrace that the song has received within the church and to the influence of Christian radio.”
“Your Grace Is Enough” appears as the leadoff track of Maher’s Essential Records debut Empty & Beautiful (4/8/08), as well as on Tomlin’s 2004 release, Arriving. Maher’s relentless touring and radio exposure during 2008 helped fuel the song’s rise within CCLI.
“Your Grace Is Enough” was one of the most spun songs at Christian AC radio in 2008 and “Empty & Beautiful,” Matt’s current radio single, is already receiving glowing reviews from highly-influential stations including WPOZ in Orlando and KCMS in Seattle.
Impressively, Maher’s writing was once again accessed by Tomlin for his latest single, “I Will Rise” which is also seeing success at radio since its launch just a few months ago.
Matt, known for his unique ability to connect in a live setting, will be a featured part of the “Worshiptogether.com Live Tour,” launching March 14 and running through March 24. The tour reflects the heart of worshiptogether.com by offering a day of worship training that ends with a concert with top worship leaders including Matt Maher, Tim Hughes, The Michael Gungor Band, Kelly Minter and Al Gordon. For more information, including dates and cities, please visit: www.worshiptogether.com/live.
Following the “Worshiptogether.com Live Tour” Maher will continue to tour on the strength of Empty & Beautiful, as he simultaneously prepares to go back into the studio to record his sophomore Essential Records project slated for release later this year.
About Matt Maher:
Matt Maher, worship leader, songwriter, singer and recording artist, has taken his calling as a
“musical missionary” to create a substantial impact on a national and global stage. As an award-winning songwriter, Maher gained notice as the co-writer of the internationally renowned modern-worship song, “Your Grace Is Enough,” recorded by Chris Tomlin.
Highly sought after for his poignant yet poetic writing style, Matt has recently had songs recorded by such artists as Tomlin; Bethany Dillon; Phillips, Craig & Dean; Brenton Brown and others. In addition, Maher’s songs can be found in (and climbing beyond) the top 15 ranked songs on the CCLI chart, marking their popularity in church worship-services around the world.
Maher’s current project Empty & Beautiful (Essential Records 4/8/08), his first major-label project after three independent releases, has jumpstarted his work as a touring artist placing him in front of audiences worldwide, totaling more than 750,000 in 2008 alone. He has shared recent stages with artists such as Tomlin, Leeland, MercyMe, Michael W. Smith and Jeremy Camp.
Amid busy touring and writing schedules, Maher finds it important to serve alongside ministries including Life Teen, Adore Ministries, and Catholic Relief Services while still playing an active role with Oregon Catholic Press’ spiritandsong.com. Further, he serves as a regular host for Worship Together’s “Newsong Café,” has performed live on “FOX & Friends” has written for Billboard Magazine and is an active, bylined contributor to OnFaith.com (www.newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith), an interactive conversation on religion. Most recently, Maher was featured on the covers of Breakaway and Christian Single. For up-to-date information on Matt Maher, please visit www.mattmahermusic.com.
Matt Maher to lead worship at Annual Arise DC Festival in Washington DC on Saturday, February 21 alongside speakers Paul George, Ralph Martin, Henry Capello and Bishop Gonzalez.
The vision of Youth Arise International & the Arise DC Festival is to bring together young adults from all over the local DC area to come together celebrate their Christian faith.
It is our hope that young adults will have a powerful encounter with Christ through participating in this festival.Youth Arise International is a Catholic federation of International Youth organizations promoting youth ministry. Its vision is to network between youth leaders and to encourage, equip and empower emerging leaders, young adults and professionals, for the mission of proclaiming Christ to all peoples.
This year's event takes place at Catholic University of America / Pryzbyla Center / 620 Michigan Ave., N.E. / Washington, DC 20064 and ticket information can be found at http://www.itickets.com/events/222945.html%20
Matt Maher and his band played in front of
30,000 people this morning in Washington DC at the Verizon Center for the
Pro-Life Rally that is the precursor to the March for Life taking place at noon
on the Mall.
Worshiptogether.com is the leading online resource for
worship leaders and Singer/Songwriter/Worship Leader Matt Maher
is a regular host for their New Song Cafe and a regular contributor to their
endeavors to resource the church on a regular basis. Thousands of people in
church leadership search for copyrights that are fitting for their
congregations and this week the No. 2 most-searched song on their website is
Maher's "Silent Night (Emmanuel)". Expect to hear Matt's version of
“Silent Night (Emmanuel)” at your church service between now and the end of the
holiday season. For more information about Matt Maher, please visit: www.mattmahermusic.com.
Matt
Maher,
Essential recording artist, singer, songwriter and worship leader is featured
on the cover of two magazines: Breakaway’s December issue and Christian Single’s November
issue. In Breakaway Matt discusses the “Art of Making Music,” while in
Christian Single he talks about “Breaking Down Denominational Barriers.” To learn
more about Matt Maher please visit: www.mattmahermusic.com.
(Nashville, Tenn.) November 5, 2008 –Singer/songwriter/worship leader Matt Maher can add two prestigious awards to his list of accomplishments for 2008.
After the April release of his debut album, Empty & Beautiful his song “Your Grace Is Enough” quickly rose in popularity on radio charts. Last weekend, Maher was honored with two Christian music awards at two separate ceremonies: “Praise and Worship Album of the Year” and “Artist of the Year.”
Maher received the “Praise and Worship Album of the Year” for Empty & Beautiful at the Covenant Award’s 30th Anniversary in Calgary, Alberta on October 24. The Covenant Awards are part of GMA Canada Week, which includes five days of artist-related activities for Christian musicians. Maher, a Newfoundland native, was nominated in five categories, including New Artist of the Year.
The following day, Maher was honored with “Artist of the Year” at the 9th annual Unity Awards in New Orleans. The Unity Awards are held by the United Catholic Music and Video Association.
In other news, Maher spent part of October working with radio stations to conduct a series of workshops for worship pastors at local radio market churches. Drawing from his success as a worship leader and songwriter over the past 13 years, Maher shared his music, experiences and inspirations to audiences in Portland, Ore., Winston-Salem, N.C., Fayetteville, N.C. and Fort Wayne, Ind.. The hour-long seminars also included a Q&A forum where Maher moderated discussions on issues pertaining to today’s worship leaders.
Earlier this
week, Essential recording artist Matt
Maher had a run in with a scorpion in his hometown
of Phoenix, Ariz. He was in his car driving when he noticed a
sharp sting and burning sensation in his foot. Maher quickly removed his shoe
and was shocked to discover a scorpion had crawled in and stung him. He decided
to call 911 and the Poison Control Center to make sure he was going to be ok,
and the 911 operator instructed him, “No need to do anything. Just tough it
out. Don’t be a wimp.” To keep up with Maher and his speedy recovery, please
visit www.mattmahermusic.com.
(Nashville, Tenn.) June 11, 2008 – Singer/Songwriter/Worship Leader Matt Maher, whose Essential Records debut album, Empty & Beautiful, released on April 8, 2008, and whose current radio single “Your Grace Is Enough” is in the Top 5 at Christian AC radio, will play a major musical role during the upcoming World Youth Day 2008 event in Sydney, Australia in front of over 125,000 people. The event will mark the first visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Australia.
World Youth Day is the largest youth event in the world, and will be held in Sydney, with pre-World Youth Day events taking place all over the world. Organized by the Catholic Church, World Youth Day brings together young people from around the globe to celebrate and learn about their faith on a more regular basis. World Youth Day 2008 will be the largest event Australia has ever hosted. It will attract over 125,000 international visitors - more than the 2000 Olympics. Through the World Youth Day 2008 experience, young people from throughout the world will make a pilgrimage in faith, meet, and experience the love of God. World Youth Day is an invitation from the Pope to the youth of the world to celebrate their faith around a particular theme. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Maher is no stranger to events involving the Pope, or World Youth Day. When the Pope came to St. Louis, Mo. in 1999, Matt performed as part of the event. In 2000, Matt played at the steps of the World Youth Day in Rome, and in 2002, Matt’s “Litany of the Saints” was played at World Youth Day, in Toronto, Canada. On April 19 of 2008, Maher played as part of the Papal Rally in Yonkers, N.Y.
During World Youth Day 2008, Maher will be a part of nine events as part of the pre-World Youth Day pilgrimage, and the main World Youth Day festivities. Those performances are as follows: Thursday, July 10 at a Youth Arise youth rally in Brisbane, Australia; Friday, July 11 at a Youth Arise mass performance, also in Brisbane; Saturday, July 12 at DID08 Festival in Melbourne, Australia; Sunday, July 13 at Youth Arise with Rexband, in Brisbane; Wednesday, July 16 at both the Franciscan Friars’ “Come to the Water Youth Festival” at Bondi Beach, and a Sisters of Life Event called “Festival of Life,” in Sydney; Thursday, July 17 at a Life Teen Event, in Sydney; Friday, July 18 at Receive the Power Live, with Hillsong United and Darlene Zschech, in Sydney; and Saturday, July 19, Concert Park Series, also in Sydney.
Matt Maher is still involved in local church ministry at St. Timothy Catholic Community, as well as working closely with two national Catholic ministries, Life Teen, a worldwide Catholic youth ministry, and Adore Ministries, based out of Houma, La. Maher shares his heart about what it means to be a part of such an impactful event, for youth worldwide. “To be part of World Youth Day is to be part of a movement of the Holy Spirit in the young church Universal; a chance for youth and young adults from every tribe and tongue to gather in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. It’s a chance to realize the full potential of the gospel in our own hearts, and to be empowered by the love of God to bring the message of the risen Jesus Christ to every corner of the earth. It’s a chance to proclaim to the world this message, written over and over in the scriptures – ‘Be not afraid! God loves you!’ Never before in the history of the global family of man, do we need a vision of a life that is greater than our suffering. People are linked in our longing for meaning, purpose, and identity. It’s an honor to serve the vision the Holy Spirit gives to the Pope, as He prays for wisdom and lays out the vision for each World Youth Day. It was that way with Pope John Paul II, and it still is that way with Pope Benedict XVI.”
On Maher’s 12-track album, Empty & Beautiful, he breaks open the two simple words in the title, through songs that are both corporate and reflective; driving and soft; each one telling the story from a different perspective. Empty & Beautiful was co-produced by Matt Maher and Jeff Thomas, except for, “As It Is In Heaven,” which was produced by Ed Cash (Chris Tomlin, Bebo Norman, Bethany Dillon).
Maher describes the heart behind his Essential Records debut, “The realization of our own emptiness without God is both a moment of sadness, and a window to joy, which opens to something so much bigger and more beautiful than ourselves. To lay down one’s life for the Gospel in service of God and neighbor, is a reflection of the beauty of God. That is our charge as Christians, and that is where these songs came from.”
Empty & Beautiful, primarily written by Maher, comprises the following 12 tracks (track sequence subject to change): “Your Grace Is Enough,” “Look Like A Fool,” “For Your Glory,” “As It Is In Heaven,” “I Rejoice,” “Maranatha (Come Again),” “Great Things,” “Leave A Light On,” “Shine Like the Son,” “Unwavering,” “Lay It Down” (co-written with worship leader / songwriter, Brenton Brown) and “Empty & Beautiful.”
(Nashville, Tenn.) May 30, 2008 - Singer/Songwriter/Worship Leader Matt Maher, has plenty of reason to look up. Not only is his current, self-written radio single, “Your Grace Is Enough” continuing to climb the radio charts, but tomorrow afternoon (Sat., May 31, 2008), his new album, Empty & Beautiful, will launch into space on NASA’s Space Shuttle Discovery Mission STS-124, which is scheduled to launch on from the John F. Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Maher’s current single at radio, “Your Grace Is Enough,” is No. 4 at Billboard Christian AC-Monitored and AC-Indicator, as well as No. 6 at CRW AC.
On Maher’s 12-track, Essential Records debut album, Empty & Beautiful (4/8/08), he breaks open the two simple words in the title, through songs that are both corporate and reflective; driving and soft; each one telling the story from a different perspective. Empty & Beautiful was co-produced by Matt Maher and Jeff Thomas, except for, “As It Is In Heaven,” which was produced by Ed Cash (Chris Tomlin, Bebo Norman, Bethany Dillon). Maher describes the heart behind his Essential Records debut, “The realization of our own emptiness without God is both a moment of sadness, and a window to joy, which opens to something so much bigger and more beautiful than ourselves. To lay down one’s life for the Gospel in service of God and neighbor, is a reflection of the beauty of God. That is our charge as Christians, and that is where these songs came from.” Maher is still involved in local church ministry at St. Timothy Catholic Community,in Mesa, Ariz., as well as working closely with two national Catholic ministries, Life Teen, a worldwide Catholic youth ministry, and Adore Ministries, based out of Houma, La.
Singer/songwriter/worship leader Matt Maher will spend the evening of Friday, May 30 doing some of the things he loves most, praying with and serving friends. Maher will perform a 7 p.m. (CT) benefit concert in honor of cancer-victim, Ray Lacy, at the Auditorium on the Campus of the University of Mississippi, Gulf Park Campus, in Long Beach, Miss. 28-year old Ray Lacy, a Life Teen youth minister at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Long Beach, and a religion teacher at St. Patrick High School, also in Long Beach, was recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of colon cancer. The proceeds of the show will directly aid Lacy’s fight with the disease. For ticket information about the event, contact Lori Lea Sawyer at 228-596-8040 or
lorilea@cableone.net. Matt Maher’s current radio single, “Your Grace Is Enough,” is currently a Top 5 hit on the R&R AC-Indicator Chart.
Matt Maher's April 8-release,
Empty & Beautiful, will be heard in space on Space Shuttle Discovery Mission STS-146, scheduled for launch later this month, out of NASA, in Houston. During Matt’s recent VIP tour of NASA, which took him into many high-security areas, his astronaut friend, Ron Garan, told Matt, “we’d let you be our pilot any day,” following Matt’s flight of the Space Shuttle simulator. Maher and Garan became friends serving together with Life Teen, of which Garan is a core member alumnus. Following the Space Shuttle mission, Maher and his band will receive a certificate of authenticity, as well as a photo (which will be seen here) of
Empty & Beautiful floating in outer space, aboard Discovery. Maher is pictured (below) talking on the president’s red phone, which used to be a direct-line to the White House, in the Apollo-Era Mission Control Center.
Maher’s current radio single, “Your Grace Is Enough,” moved up four spots this week to No. 7 at R&R AC-Indicator.
Tune in to FOX News Channel (national TV) on Saturday, April 19, at 6:10 PM ET (5:10 PM CT), to see a live, in-studio interview with Matt Maher, following his performance in conjunction with Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to St. Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers, N.Y., where the Pope will preside over a youth rally; encouraging youth to seek vocations within the church. Maher is no stranger to events involving the Pope. In 1999, when the Pope came to St. Louis, Mo., Maher performed as part of the visit.
(Nashville, Tenn.) April 16, 2008 – Singer/Songwriter/Worship Leader Matt Maher, who just released his Essential Records debut album, Empty & Beautiful (4/8/08), will perform when Pope Benedict XVI visits New York, on April 19. Maher, who is Catholic, will share his music in conjunction with the Pope’s visit to St. Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers, N.Y.,where the Pope will preside over a youth rally; encouraging youth to seek vocations within the church. Maher is no stranger to events involving the Pope. In 1999, when the Pope came to St. Louis, Mo., Maher performed as part of the visit.
“I am extremely humbled, excited and honored to be invited to be a part of this event,” shares Maher. “I think this visit is a significant turning point for the life of the youth of our Church, and a chance for young people to connect with the vision of Christian life that the Holy Spirit is breathing through the pontificate of Benedict XVI.”
Maher is still involved in local church ministry at St. Timothy Catholic Community,in Mesa, Ariz., as well as working closely with two national Catholic ministries, Life Teen, a worldwide Catholic youth ministry, and Adore Ministries, based out of Houma, La. With an incredible love for Jesus, and a heart to reach people for Christ, Maher seeks to meet people where they are.
In addition to being a part of the Pope’s historic visit to the United States, Maherwill play a major, musical role during the upcoming World Youth Day 2008 event in Sydney, Australia. This year marks the first visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Australia. In 2000, Matt played at an event with Life Teen in the Piazza D’Espana (The Spanish Steps) during World Youth Day in Rome. In 2002, Matt’s “Litany of the Saints” was played at World Youth Day, in Toronto, Canada.
During World Youth Day 2008, Maher will perform at the following events: Thursday, July 10 at a Youth Arise youth rally in Brisbane, Australia; Friday, July 11 at a Youth Arise mass performance, also in Brisbane; Saturday, July 12 at DID08 Festival in Melbourne, Australia; Sunday, July 13 at Youth Arise with Rexband, in Brisbane; Wednesday, July 16 at both the Franciscan Friars’ “Come to the Water Youth Festival” at Bondi Beach, and a Sisters of Life Event called “Festival of Life,” in Sydney; Thursday, July 17 at a Life Teen Event, in Sydney; Friday, July 18 at Receive the Power Live, with Hillsong United and Darlene Zschech, in Sydney; and Saturday, July 19, at Youth Festival Outdoor Concert Series, also in Sydney.
“To be part of World Youth Day is to be part of a movement of the Holy Spirit in the young church Universal; a chance for youth and young adults from nations all over the world to gather in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. It’s a chance to realize the full potential of the gospel in our own hearts, and to be empowered by the love of God to bring the message of the risen Jesus Christ to every corner of the earth. It’s a chance to proclaim to the world this message, written over and over in the scriptures – ‘Be not afraid! God loves you!’ Never before in the history of the global family of man, do we need a vision of a life that is greater than our suffering. People are linked in our longing for meaning, purpose, and identity. It’s an honor to serve the vision the Holy Spirit gives to the Pope, as He prays for wisdom and lays out the vision for each World Youth Day. It was that way with Pope John Paul II, and it still is that way with Pope Benedict XVI.”
On Maher’s 12-track album, Empty & Beautiful (released 4/4/08), he breaks open the two simple words in the title, through songs that are both corporate and reflective; driving and soft; each one telling the story from a different perspective. Empty & Beautiful was co-produced by Matt Maher and Jeff Thomas, except for, “As It Is In Heaven,” which was produced by Ed Cash (Chris Tomlin, Bebo Norman, Bethany Dillon). Maher describes the heart behind his Essential Records debut, “The realization of our own emptiness without God is both a moment of sadness, and a window to joy, which opens to something so much bigger and more beautiful than ourselves. To lay down one’s life for the Gospel in service of God and neighbor, is a reflection of the beauty of God. That is our charge as Christians, and that is where these songs came from.”
Born and raised in Newfoundland, Canada, Maher grew up in a strong culture comprised of two elements: music and tradition. Maher continues, “Music is part of the fabric of the culture there, similar to places like Louisiana or the Appalachian mountains; and over the years, not just Celtic music, but music of every kind. During his college years, Matt received a scholarship from the Jazz Department at Arizona State University, where he studied Jazz Piano.
Empty & Beautiful, primarily written by Maher, comprises the following 12 tracks (track sequence subject to change): “Your Grace Is Enough,” “Look Like A Fool,” “For Your Glory,” “As It Is In Heaven,” “I Rejoice,” “Maranatha (Come Again),” “Great Things,” “Leave A Light On,” “Shine Like the Son,” “Unwavering,” “Lay It Down” (co-written with worship leader / songwriter, Brenton Brown) and “Empty & Beautiful.”
Singer/Songwriter/Worship Leader Matt Maher has signed with Provident Label Group’s Essential Records, and has announced the release of his 12-track debut album,
Empty & Beautiful, which will hit stores April 8, 2008. On
Empty & Beautiful, Maher breaks open the two simple words in the title, through songs that are both corporate and reflective; driving and soft; each one telling the story from a different perspective.
Empty & Beautiful was co-produced by Matt Maher and Jeff Thomas, except for, “As It Is In Heaven,” which was produced by Ed Cash (Chris Tomlin, Bebo Norman, Bethany Dillon).
Maher describes the heart behind his Essential Records debut, “In life, we end up having to empty ourselves to achieve that which is beautiful. If you don’t, you never really get made beautiful. It’s a weird dichotomy, especially in the world we live in because there’s so much focus on beauty. The whole idea of having to empty one’s self to achieve beauty is completely counter cultural, but that’s what happens—marriage, service of the poor, sharing the beauty of the gospel. That’s what Christ calls us to do, and I hope these songs will help inspire people to follow Jesus in that way.”
Empty & Beautiful, co-written entirely by Maher, comprises the following 12 tracks (track sequence subject to change): “Your Grace Is Enough,” “Look Like A Fool,” “As It Is In Heaven (co-written with Ed Cash),” “I Rejoice,” “Great Things,” “Leave A Light On,” “Empty & Beautiful,” “For Your Glory,” “Shine Like the Sun,” “Unwavering,” “Lay It Down (co-written with Brenton Brown)” and “Maranatha.”
For upcoming tour dates and additional information on Matt Maher, visit
www.mattmahermusic.com.
