Matt Maher | Close Up
Q: You've pretty much grown, in just a few short years, from a local parish youth minister at St. Timothy Parish in Tempe, AZ to a global phenomenon in contemporary Christian music. How have you dealt with the changes in your life?
A: I think God's unconditional love for us is a phenomenon, and that He has used me in any capacity for His glory is phenomenal. But the more "notoriety" you get, the more attention -- the more I need to deflect it to Him. It's all for His glory.
Q: You seem to have a real gift for keeping things in perspective and for guiding young people in their faith. How do you keep it all so real?
A: Don't treat yourself so seriously, and remember -- it's not about you.
Q: Is there a song you've written that means the most to you spiritually?
A: Not really... they all have their moments. A lot of the songs I have written have come out of a servant place -- that being, we needed a song about a particular reading at Mass, or a retreat, or a Lenten theme song, or a psalm. A lot of it is when people tell you how a song you wrote was used in their life to point them to God. That means a lot spiritually.
Q: You've had great success with some major Christian artists recording some of your songs, Chris Tomlin and Kathy Troccoli, among others. How do you feel about their recordings of your songs?
A: I am really honored that anyone would want to record any of my songs, and I completely understand the need to make it your own as an artist. I actually play the chorus of "Your Grace Is Enough" now the way Chris recorded it, and sing the verses the way I recorded it.
Q: The song "Just Like You" has quickly become a national anthem for Catholic youth. What was behind the writing of this song?
A: St. Francis and Rich Mullins. It was a retreat song for my parish in Lent of 1999. The retreat was about falling deeper in love with God. I had just attended a "reckless abandon" retreat run by Rich’s brother, David. I was so moved by that idea of being reckless about our abandonment to God.
Q: You do a lot of collaborating with your buddy Tom Booth and you've referred to him as you mentor. Tell us a little about the role Tom has played in your life.
A: Tom is to me what I think Paul would have been to Timothy. He really took me under his wing and showed me what it truly means to be in a servant relationship with Jesus Christ; to embrace the Pascal Mystery on a daily basis; and to live in a communal lifestyle.
Q: Who are some of your favorite musicians and who most influenced your musical style?
A: That would really take up too much space on this webpage. I would say that constant repeats on my iPod are Rufus Wainwright, Radiohead, Weezer, J.S Bach, Oscar Peterson, and Motown Revisited, which is a collection of Motown hits re-approached by different DJ's... very cool stuff!
Q: What do you pray for when you think about the future of our Church?
A: Obedience and unity.
Q: And now, for the most important question of all... best movie you've seen this year?
A: Batman Begins (theater); either that or Supersize Me (rental).