Matt Maher
Hey, Matt! Great to have you back on ACU! What's new and exciting in your life?
Well, I still like coffee, and I'm working out now — mostly running and swimming. Just yesterday I ran three miles! That's a lot for me! I'm having a blast being out on the road with the band. We are learning first-hand how diverse the church is and learning how to serve her better.
This is your first ACU since the release of Overflow. What were the recording sessions like? Any standout stories to share?
The recording sessions were really awesome. When you're working with Jeff Thomas, there's never a dull moment! We recorded the tracks for bass and drums at The Bennett House Recording Studio in Franklin, TN. We were actually some of the last people to get to record in this one awesome drum room before they converted it into office space. That was really exciting.
Any "undiscovered gems" from the Overflow tracks that you want people to know about?
In the song "Everything You've Done" there's this one part just after " . . . dance for the Lord . . . hey, hey!" — just before it goes into double-time — where you can hear my drummer, John, screaming. It's such an emotional crux of the tune and you've got to have that emotional "push" to really get those out-crashes right. He just had to yell! If you listen carefully, you can totally hear it!
Are you still involved in parish music ministry, or has "life on the road" become your main focus?
Life on the road definitely is a focus, but local ministry certainly hasn't taken a back seat. I've really tried to remain equally focused on both. I'm still working as part of St. Tim's ministry team as an "artist in residence." One of the ways I feel I can best serve my local parish and the church as a whole is by traveling around and seeing what God is doing throughout the church at large, which helps my ability to write songs as well as share with other music ministers what our team is seeing throughout the church body.
You tour with a very cool band. Tell us about your musicians. Who are they? How did you all meet?
You're right! I do travel with some really cool guys: Kemi (bass), Kenny (guitar) and Dan (drums). Kenny, Dan and I met through playing together at XLT at St. Tim's every week. My cousin is a great friend with Kenny's whole family, so I've known him for years — like since he was a teen! Kemi moved here from St. Louis, and when my original bass player went off to medical school, a friend told me about Kemi, who also began playing XLT with us. I didn't really suspect that we'd tour together, but it just kind of evolved. Someone asked me to do a concert — I asked the guys "Hey, do you wanna come?" — and it just kind of happened. We clicked so well as a group both on stage and off, that it just felt right. One night, when we were all playing XLT together, I really sensed God say "Matt, this is your band." Since then, we've been continuing to play and tour together. We still do XLT every other Tuesday at St. Tim's and simply love it. The guys are really a Godsend to me. I'm so blessed to get to work alongside them.
Here are some totally random quick-fire questions:
Most recent movie?
The past two 9/11 movies.
CD or music download you just bought?
I was given an advance copy of Chris Tomlin's new CD See The Morning, which is now out in stores. The last CD I bought was Arcade Fire's most recent release.
Favorite animal?
I'd have to say "man's best friend": the dog.
American Idol or Dancing with the Stars?
How about Lost or 24?
Book you've read recently?
Body Piercing Saved My Life: Inside the Phenomenon of Christian Rock by Andrew Beaujon.
Favorite "spare time" activity?
Spare time? What's that? Ha, ha! Honestly . . . going to cultural centers. For example, last time I was in Atlanta, GA, I visited the 5-Points area. I really enjoy understanding and seeing local culture any time I have the chance, whether that's just learning what the local dress style is like, or visiting a used record store or window shopping. Anything that teaches me about the local culture, I totally dig it!
Batman or Superman?
Is Spider-Man an option?
And now the Final Jeopardy questions:
Do you have any advice for young musicians who aspire to a career in Christian music?
My advice for young, aspiring musicians would be the same as I'd give to anyone, and that would be to not aspire to a career but, rather, spend your time and energy aspiring to know Christ and to be like him. In that, pursue excellence in your abilities. When you're doing what you've been called to, and doing it to the best of your ability, then the rest is up to God.
Anyone you want to thank?
Gosh, you know how it is when you start naming names. You unintentionally forget that "one person" who should have been included. Ha, ha! Seriously, though, I'm grateful each and every day for the people that I'm in daily relationship with. I have a great community who keeps me grounded in honesty and humility. I am just so thankful to everyone around me who supports the work that God is doing.
Check out Matt's CDs!
More fun!
Matt Maher's MySpace
