When Canadian melodic alt-rockers Downhere hit the U.S. music scene in 2001 with the release of their self-titled debut, Christian music fans took notice. The band's combination of powerful vocals, intelligent lyrics, and commitment to ministering to their audiences, helped earn them a Dove Award nomination for New Artist of the Year, a Juno Award for Best Gospel Album, and Canadian Gospel Music A...ssociation Covenant Awards for Rock Album of the Year and Rock Song of the Year (for "Larger Than Life").

The momentum continued with the release of So Much For Substitutes in 2003, earning the band a Dove Award for Modern Rock Recorded Song of the Year for "Breaking Me Down," as well as Best Male Vocalist honors from Christianmusictoday.com for co-lead vocalist Marc Martel.

For Downhere, the aforementioned industry accolades heralded the advent of a quietly introspective time. Two scant months after winning a Dove, they retreated from the forefront of the industry to reassess their direction as a band. A widespread and fiercely loyal fanbase continued to follow them through their dogged touring schedule, but behind the scenes, the band carefully took stock of where their ministry and artistry were going.

"We went through a brief season," says Downhere drummer Jeremy Thiessen, "of saying 'OK Lord, are we still doing the right thing? Is this band still where you want us?'"

"But pretty quickly we all agreed," adds co-lead vocalist/guitarist/keys player Jason Germain. "This is what we're supposed to do. We're supposed to be on the road, encouraging the church, singing our love songs. So we hit the road and that's where we've been for three years, touring and playing."

Life lived and lessons learned during that season find musical expression on the band's highly anticipated Centricity Records' debut, Wide-Eyed And Mystified. Produced by Grammy Award-winners Greg Collins and Mark Heimermann, along with the band themselves, Wide-Eyed And Mystified is a project ripe with a mature and passionate sense of calling, purpose, humility and community, not to mention raw melodic power. For Collins, whose credits include U2, Gwen Stefani and Matchbox 20, the project marked his first production in the Christian music arena.

The 13 musically diverse songs that comprise Wide-Eyed And Mystified have as their unifying center not only a hard-won sonic identity that comes through the band's years of playing as a unit, but a deeper cohesion drawn from the web of relationships, rooted in love for Christ, that extend from the band to the circle of people closest to them, and outward to the hundreds of churches they serve each year in ministry.

From the epic, orchestral "A Better Way," which speaks of Christ's sacrifice as the ultimate love letter, to "The More," an energetic mod-rocker centered on the daily outworking of one's faith, Wide-Eyed And Mystified maintains a sense that this isn't just a band making a record, but four committed believers issuing a communal call to walk out the implications of Christ's teachings.

"Since the beginning," says the band's bass player, Glenn Lavender, "we've tried to be a band that remained down-to-earth. We always want to be real and accessible to the kids where we play. We talk to them, play soccer, hang out, pray with them. When they see that we're real people sharing this journey of faith with them, it gives our music a different voice in their lives."

While Downhere is comfortable in their role as ministers to the church, they've long sought to maintain a standard of honesty in expression that intrigues and draws nonbelievers into conversation as well.

"We throw a lot into our 'vulnerability box' and really try to be relatable to the audience," Jason explains. "People can sense the fact that when we sit down to write a song we're really pouring ourselves into it, so there's a humanness they relate to."

Another stand out cut on Wide-Eyed And Mystified is the Brit-pop tinged "The Real Jesus." The song begins as a commentary on Western culture's numerous misunderstandings of the person of Christ, but it quickly reveals itself as a call to the church to proactively wrestle with what it means to live as Christ's representatives in the world.

"One of the themes on this record," says co-lead vocalist and guitarist Marc Martel, "centers on being real about what a life of faith is, rather than quoting easy cliches and saying 'Everything's going to be alright.' There are quite a few songs on Wide-Eyed And Mystified that acknowledge faith isn't always easy."

The ambient piano-based "Unbelievable" stands as a thematic counterpoint to the ongoing tension of sanctification, acknowledging that worship of God is an eternal calling, and that we are a part of an unfolding history of generations whose voices are joined in adoration of God's love.

"I don't think we solve much by pointing out problems," Jason says. "The solution comes through pointing at God's heart. When you understand how much God loves you, when it hits you for the first time, it's like a tidal wave and you're just totally lost in it. That's something we're trying to communicate. Despite difficulties, conflicts and broken relationships, there is a God who is Love, and worshipping Him is our highest calling."

Downhere acknowledges not only the legacy of worship, but the ongoing legacy of faithful service to God that has been handed down to them by previous generations. Marc and Jason joined forces to write the soaring anthem "Little Is Much," an emotional tribute to their fathers, both pastors of rural churches.

"My dad's not a great gifted speaker or a brilliant theologian," Jason explains, "he's just a wise and faithful shepherd with a great heart. His years of ministry embody for me the truth that if God is in something, no matter how tiny it is, it amounts to a greatness we can't even understand. That's our hope too, as we write and tour and sing our little songs, that God would take the four of us, take Downhere, take this record.............


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Ask anyone who has ever been to a DecembeRadio show to describe the experience and you’ll get an enthusiastic barrage of comments about the band’s blistering stage show, an adrenaline-fueled rock spectacle that leaves audiences nearly breathless. Yet intertwined among the searing guitars and anthemic choruses, the heart of the band shines through on every note. It’s that unwavering commitment to s...pread the Gospel that defines the essence of DecembeRadio and reverberates throughout their sophomore set Satisfied (Slanted Records).

“God has called us to do this and we know that,” says guitarist Eric Miker. “Every time we play a show we hear how our songs have impacted people. We’ve had people come up to us after the show and say, ‘This song is what made me realize that no matter what it was that I was going through, I could turn back to God.’ They just need to hear the words.”

Few bands more effectively fuse music and ministry than this Virginia-based foursome. Miker along with lead vocalist/bassist Josh Reedy, lead guitarist Brian Bunn and drummer Boone Daughdrill burst onto the national scene with their self-titled Slanted Records’ debut in 2006. The project was nominated for a GRAMMY for Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album and earned the group four Dove Award nominations, including nods in the Best New Artist category and Song of the Year for “Drifter.” That night the band claimed their first Dove Award when DecembeRadio was honored for Rock Album of the Year, an impressive feat for a new band.

Their winning streak continued at radio where “Love Found Me” and “Dangerous” heated up rock radio airwaves while “Drifter” and “Find You Waiting” became back to back Top Five hits in the CHR format and won fans among AC listeners as well. “Dangerous” became the theme song for the Discovery Channel’s “Hazard Pay” program and was used in the CBS-TV drama “Cane.” DecembeRadio was named Breakout Band of the Year at the Rock Radio Summit and were the only Christian act touted among Billboard Magazine’s 2006 “Artists to Watch.” Christianity Today named them Best Band of the Year and Best New Artist.

Needless to say, there’s a heightened level of expectation surrounding Satisfied. The band confesses to feeling a little nervous as they headed into the studio to work on the new album. “There’s definitely a lot of pressure,” admits Bunn. “At the same time, we know we’re doing this for the right reasons and God’s going to take care of us. So we went into the studio, and we did what we love to do best. We just tried to make great music and have fun doing it. It’s as simple as that.”

Daughdrill agrees. “God started to show us…that He is working in all of us. New ideas, new lyrics, new riffs just started coming out of nowhere. All of a sudden we had a couple of really cool songs, and that got us really excited about this new album. All in God's timing!”

DecembeRadio recorded their sophomore effort at Atlanta’s famed Southern Tracks studios and once again turned to producer Scotty Wilbanks. “It just goes so much deeper than just being a producer. Scotty is like a brother to us,” says Bunn. “He really is like the fifth member of the band you could say. He understands what we want to do and where we want to go musically. We grew up on a lot of the same things and listened to the same music; but at the same time, it’s nice because he’s a keyboard player and we’re a more guitar-driven band. It’s good to get that different perspective from somebody who’s not a guitar player. He brings us balance and helps us stay true to who we are.”

“While recording the new record,” says Josh Reedy, “we tried to ask ourselves a few questions: ‘Who are we and what are we trying to say?’ The song ‘Satisfy Me’ not only represents who we are musically but how we feel spiritually as a band. You can never be satisfied with who you are alone. You'll come up short every time. The relationship we have with God is the only thing that will ever satisfy us. Music will never satisfy us, nor money, fame or any of those things. Being satisfied by Christ is the reason we're here on this earth. To satisfy is exactly what He died to do. The music, lyrics and soul of this record as a whole are about not being afraid to be who you are. Be satisfied.”

As they began writing and recording their sophomore effort, the band felt a new sense of confidence in their musicianship and a feeling of creative freedom. “We started finding out that we had grown so much as writers and as a band,” says Reedy. “We were having the most fun that we’ve ever had in making this music and that’s the way it should be.”

That creative energy and sense of fun leaps from the speakers when listening to Satisfied. “Gasoline” is like a musical Molotov cocktail, filled with fiery guitar and Reedy’s blazing vocals. Bunn cites it as one of his favorite songs that the band has ever recorded. “It’s about the revival that we feel when God changes our lives and it burns like gasoline,” he says. “It’s just a rockin’ song. Sometimes I really feel the love of God and I get excited about that; that song sounds like what’s inside me.”

Daughdrill says there’s a very celebratory feel to the new record. “[There is] the peace and joy that only Christ can give and it's the reason we do what we do. A lot of these songs are about love, hope and enjoying this awesome life that God has given to us. It's a celebration!”

In addition to the unbridled rock anthems, Satisfied includes “For Your Glory,” a beautiful worship song with an instantly memorable melody. “Look for Me” is a gorgeous ballad that reminds us God is always there for us no matter what we’re going through. “Find You Waiting,” which has already become a top-charting hit at AC and CHR stations, was inspired by tragic circumstances. “A close friend of ours named Chris was battling cancer and cancer took his life,” says Miker. “His wife really relied on God and remained strong. That really touched our lives--her whole outlook and perspective.”

DecembeRadio has toured relentlessly the past two years, most recently opening for Third Day in the spring of 2008. The band has an intriguing dynamic on stage. Though they definitely have that powerful rock ‘n roll stage presence, they also have a unique ability to be accessible to the fans. There’s a bond that’s forged between the guys and the crowd that erases that unseen barrier between artist and audience.

“People connect with how real you look them in the eye whether you’re rocking out or you’re getting them to sing along with you,” says Reedy. “When they feel they are a part of the show, a part of the band or just a part of that song, that is what we strive for when we step on that stage.”

Miker says their live show had considerable impact on how they made the new record. “We learned more about our fans and what they like,” he says. “We learned a lot about what works best live, and we wanted to make sure all the songs work great live. We just wanted to make music that the fans like.”

“We want to share with the world what Christ has done for us and for them,” says Daughdrill. “I feel like God calls us all to be a light...we have a choice in how we respond to that. Hopefully we can be an encouragement to others, letting them know the satisfaction we’ve found in Christ as we rock 'n roll for Him.”

Adds Reedy: “God wants to bless us all and take us places that we never thought we’d go, and that’s exactly what He’s been doing with us. We’re just happy and blessed to be where we are. We’re enjoying the journey............


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Gaither Vocal Band - I Am A Promise 2011 Biography and history

The Gaither Vocal Band was formed in the early 1980s on the spur of the moment, backstage before a Bill Gaither Trio concert. Just four guys—Gaither and Gary McSpadden of the trio, and Steve Green and Lee Young, who were backup singers— singing quartet standards around a piano. Then, they decided to take it on stage singing, “Your First Day in Heaven.” The audience loved it.

Their debut album, the self titled The New Gaither Vocal Band, debuted in 1981.

Lee Young left the group in 1982, and Jon Mohr was hired as the new bass singer. They then recorded the album, Passin' The Faith Along. Later, tenor Steve Green left and Larnelle Harris was hired. This group cut the New Point Of View album before Mohr left.

At this point the New Gaither Vocal Band became new, but dropped the "new" part of their name. Due to baritone becoming high for Bill and lead becoming high for Gary McSpadden, Bill Gaither dropped to the lowest part (Bill stated they never called it bass at the time as it wasn't a true bass part). McSpadden was moved down to baritone and Michael English was hired as the new lead singer. Although the previous album (New Point of View) had been more contemporary than its predecessors, the album with this version of the group (One X 1) took it even further. After this album, Larnelle left and was replaced by Lemuel Miller. The group did not record an album with Lemuel before he too left. He was replaced by Imperials alumnus, Jim Murray. They cut one album (Wings) before Gary McSpadden left to devote more time to his solo career. Mark Lowry was tapped to replace him. Although Lowry admittedly didn't have the natural ear for the baritone part, or the experience, he added a great voice along with his comedy and soon made their sound more smooth. Their Gospel roots project Homecoming in 1991, caused most Southern Gospel fans to welcome the Vocal Band with open arms. Jim Murray left and was replaced by Terry Franklin. The album Southern Classics was released in 1993 with the hit I Bowed On My Knees.

Later Michael English left to focus solely on his ever growing solo career. He was replaced by Buddy Mullins, who agreed to sing with the group while concurrently remaining with his family group, Mullins & Co., which later became Sunday Drive. Despite being only a temporary fill-in, Mullins did record the album "Testify" with the group, in place of Michael English, who had initially planned to record that album with the group. Terry Franklin soon left and was replaced by yet another Imperials alumnus, Jonathan Pierce (formerly known by his first and last name Jonathan Hildreth instead of his first and middle name as he has been known since he began recording). Strengthened by the popularity of the Homecoming video series, the Vocal Band added Guy Penrod at lead, freeing Mullins to concentrate solely on his family group. After Pierce's departure, Gaither hired David Phelps at tenor. After Lowry's departure, Imperials alumnus Russ Taff sang baritone for a couple of years. When Taff returned to solo work, Marshall Hall was his replacement. Wes Hampton succeeded Phelps in 2005.

During the 1990s and into the first few years of the 21st century, the Gaither Vocal Band mastered the art of mixing classic southern gospel with country and Inspirational styles. This gave the group a broad fan base that reached beyond the typical domain of Southern Gospel.

The group has had two number one songs on the Singing News chart. "Yes, I Know" held the top position from July to October 1997, as did "I Will Go On" in November 2006. Other popular tunes by the Gaither Vocal Band include "Temporary Home," "Let Freedom Ring," "Count On Me," "The Baptism Of Jesse Taylor," and "When Jesus Says It's Enough." The group routinely performs classic Southern Gospel songs including many written by Bill and Gloria Gaither like "He Touched Me", "I Believe In A Hill Called Mount Calvary", and "Sinner Saved By Grace."

Recent times ::
In July 2008, the vocal band recorded a reunion DVD at the Gaither Studios—The Gaither Vocal Band Reunion, Volumes 1 and 2. It was released on CD format in January 2009. All of the former members were there except for Jonathan Pierce, Terry Franklin, and Lemuel Miller. The two CDs debuted in the top two positions on Billboard’s Contemporary Christian album chart, marking not only the Gaither Vocal Band's first No. 1 on the Christian album chart, but also their first No. 1 debut on that chart as well. The DVDs of the same title debuted in the No. 1 and No. 2 positions on the Music Video charts as well.

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Sainthood Reps' debut album "Monoculture" is a work influenced by early 90’s post-hardcore and contemporary post-rock as well as other artistic avenues, with much of the lyrical content derived from historical perspective gathered via films and books rather than personal experience. Recorded in their native Long Island with producer Mike Sapone (Brand New, Crime in Stereo, The Xcerts), the album achieves a balance between jagged, uneasy, sometimes harsh distortion and fuzz and a sound that feels equally ethereal, reflective and progressive. "Monoculture" is available in stores and online August 9th.


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Steven Curtis Chapman - recreation 2011 Biography and History

Steven Curtis Chapman returns with his new album re:creation. The new album features 5 new songs from Steven including the first single “Do Everything”, and all-new recordings of his 8 biggest hits. The entire album has a progressive and fresh acoustic sound, which reflects the energy and life found in the songs. The title speaks to the actual re:creation of these songs, which are re-imagined and ...re-recorded in a new musical space. More and most importantly though, the word re:creation speaks to the new life God is re-creating for Steven and his family as they walk forward in their lives.

“I wrote the song “Do Everything” really to remind myself and also to encourage others that everything matters; everything we do can be done as an act of worship,” says Steven. “I Corinthians 10 says, “Whatever you do, do it for the glory of God.” There’s this tendency it seems to think of life with this line drawn down the middle where there’s the spiritual stuff on one side and then just the stuff of life on the other. Really though, I think God wants us to remember, and I’m trying to learn, that whether it’s walking the dog, washing the dishes, taking out the trash... to the really big spiritual moments, that all of that can be done as an act of worship and everything can be done to bring glory to the God who made us for that very purpose..........


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Bethany Dillon - Beautiful The Hits Collection 2011 Biography and history

From her recording debut at age 14, Bethany Dillon was one of those rare young singer/songwriters who did not fit the status quo. Her songs possessed a lyrical depth that belied her age. Her carriage, sense of composure and way of looking at the world revealed a certain maturity, disarming for one so young.

So it almost seems a given, seven years later, that 21-year...-old Bethany Dillon—now married and living in Dallas with her husband, Shane Barnard (Shane & Shane)—would be officially grown up.

That she has something even more complete and compelling to say is a given, too. Major life moments have a way of doing that to anyone.

“The last year has been the sweetest year of my 21...” Bethany says, “There are so many layers to it, and I don’t always feel like a grown up, but it’s been a really sweet time of learning. I can see the grace of God in it. So much has come to the surface.”

Stop & Listen, Bethany’s fourth release on Sparrow Records, reveals a young woman coming to terms with God’s grace in a new season of becoming.

“This record is probably the most confessional record I’ve ever made,” Bethany says. “These songs feel a little more raw to me than usual. It’s probably just true the more life goes on, the more aware you are of your failures and struggles. And with that, in a believer’s life comes—odd as it is—a deeper joy.”

Produced by Marshall Altman (Brooke Frasier, Warren Barfield), a Los Angeles-based producer who persistently sought Bethany out after hearing her acoustic EP, Stop & Listen is a call to peace in the middle of life expectations and the day-to-day chaos that all too often takes over.

“Most of the songs are about the not-so-simple ideas of stopping, listening and waiting,” Bethany explains.

The title track—which she co-wrote with Joy Williams and Ben Glover—sets the tone. “I’m a to-do list person,” Bethany adds, “but I’m still called to know God and have an intimacy with Him, even in busy seasons. That Bible story of Mary and Martha has always bothered me. There’s Martha working so hard to get everything right and Mary sitting at Jesus feet. And Martha, in all her frustration, saying ‘Don’t you care that I’m doing all this?’ And Jesus replying, ‘You’re anxious about a lot of things, but Mary has chosen the one thing necessary...’ That’s such a hard thing for anybody to hear. That haunting call of the Lord... When I see Him face to face, I want to know Him. I’m called to know Him.”

“The Way I Come To You,” perhaps as much as any song on the CD, reflects this singer/songwriter’s spiritual journey as of late: “I love being married to Shane for lots of reasons—one being, how much I’ve learned about loving Jesus from him. He is constantly talking about the glory of God in the death and resurrection of Jesus. The more time I spend with him, the more I’m hit with the reality... the forgiveness and reconciliation found in Jesus is staggering. The freedom that we who are in Christ have is ETERNAL!”

“Get Up and Walk,” a song inspired by stories of healing throughout the New Testament, is a powerful reminder that God still restores the broken: “The promises in the Bible that grip me the most are the ones of contrast,” Bethany explains, “turning ashes into beauty, heaviness into a garment of praise, being transferred from the domain of darkness to the Kingdom of light. The words of Jesus ring true today, that he (or she) who’s forgiven much, loves much.... I’ve been forgiven of much; I was deaf, blind, and completely lost. But He broke through my deafness, and has forgiven me of much, and I can’t help but love Him much in return.”

“Reach Out,” continues the thread, inspired by an outcast woman in the Gospels (Mark 5; Luke 8). “What’s so moving about her story for me is her abandon,” Bethany says. “She had reached this point, this depth of need, that she was willing to risk her life to get healed by this man named Jesus. Her urgency is tangible on those pages—she couldn’t reveal her presence there, so she pushed her way through until she could just touch [Him],

--more--

...she took advantage of being in Jesus’ presence.” Such a story, she says, begs the question of us: are we desperate enough to have that kind of faith, to pursue Jesus at any cost?

Always one to push herself to write deeper and truer songs, Bethany says Stop & Listen is a big step forward. “I’ve always felt a sense of direction and focus in my writing, even back at age 14 and 15,” she says, “but I think even that has been honed and sharpened. The things I want to write about, the desire to tell a complete story, I think that’s really fresh.” The result on this record, she says, has been in being able to push through the anxiety that plagues the process and instead, relax and stretch.

Longtime producer and co-writer, Ed Cash collaborated with Bethany on two songs, including the first single, “Everyone To Know,” a simple, carefree song that sticks with you, long after the track is over.

I want everyone to know, everyone to know
I wanna tell the world about your love

“We wrote it in two hours... very simple, played the melody on the piano, and I was so drawn to it,” Bethany says. “It’s about how my life is so different, what I thought was freedom wasn’t... I remember chasing after things that didn’t satisfy me, and how now, being in a simple place, learning how to depend on God, I can finally see how much freedom there is. This song seemed like such a divine appointment, a reminder that the love of God in Jesus is so satisfying. Honestly, its one of the first singles I’ve felt really connected to.”

Sonically, Stop & Listen takes a decidedly different turn as well, not completely removing Bethany from the acoustic pop space she’s settled into, but giving her songs the layered, detailed attention they deserve. “Production-wise, a lot is going on,” she says. “But Marshall was really drawn toward the songs more than production, so there isn’t much in the way of huge dynamics—ear candy, strings, etc.—but rather simple, five or six instruments playing on a song. The players were so good, they spoke the same vocabulary to each other, and they really listened to the lyrics.........


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Bro. Anil Kumar has quickly become a leading voice for a new generation of ministers and worshippers alike. Born into an orthodox Brahmin family of Hindu beliefs, it was not long before the calling of Jesus lifted him to the forefront of a crusade to spread the good news. He began his career as a worshipper. He used to worship Jesus day and night fervently, singing and dancing in His presence. God exalted him highly, for His glory and now Bro. Anil is proclaiming the love of Jesus to the nations, showing his gratitude and love to Jesus.

He preaches with the anointing of Holy Spirit, and his teachings are powerful and authoritative, revealing the Kingdom’s Principles. He is a warrior of Faith, doing wonders in Jesus name, healing sick and prophesying the revelations of God.

He is proclaiming the power of God to the nations by conducting Miracle Crusades.

Millions of people attend to his crusades and many are being saved and blessed by the loving touch of Christ. And the Church is getting richly revived as the Living Jesus ordained him as His prophet. He also visited countries like United States of America, Dubai, Singapore, and Nigeria…etc.

He is blessed with the talent of singing too. His recent album ‘In Christ... Bro. Anil' has touched many lives, comforting and reviving the Church. He is much interested to serve among youth, as he encourages the youth, and brings out the talent in them.

He is an enormous blessing to many with his generosity and loving deeds.................


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Bro. Anil Kumar has quickly become a leading voice for a new generation of ministers and worshippers alike. Born into an orthodox Brahmin family of Hindu beliefs, it was not long before the calling of Jesus lifted him to the forefront of a crusade to spread the good news. He began his career as a worshipper. He used to worship Jesus day and night fervently, singing and dancing in His presence. God exalted him highly, for His glory and now Bro. Anil is proclaiming the love of Jesus to the nations, showing his gratitude and love to Jesus.

He is blessed with the talent of singing too. His recent album ‘In Christ... Bro. Anil' has touched many lives, comforting and reviving the Church. He is much interested to serve among youth, as he encourages the youth, and brings out the talent in them.

He is an enormous blessing to many with his generosity and loving deeds. He calls himself as a distribution center, and he has been proving it, by stretching his helping hand to the poor............


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Mathew Kearney born December 1, 1978 is an American musician born in Eugene, Oregon, now based in Nashville, Tennessee. Kearney has received critical acclaim and widespread recognition for his Columbia Records debut, Nothing Left to Lose. So far, he has a total of 4 top 20 hits on the Adult Top 40 Chart.

He has toured with the likes of Keane, John Mayer, Sheryl Crow, MUTEMATH, Meiko, Cary Brothers, and Train; and headlined VH1's first ever "You Oughta Know Tour" in the spring of 2007.

Kearney's songs have appeared on the television series: 30 Rock, Dirty Sexy Money, Kyle XY, The Unit, Without A Trace, Laguna Beach, The Hills, Bones, Jericho, Friday Night Lights, Wildfire, What About Brian, South Beach, 8th & Ocean, One Tree Hill, Scrubs, The Closer, NCIS, Life Unexpected, Grey's Anatomy and The Vampire Diaries. His song Runaway is featured on the Soul Surfer movie soundtrack.

His most recent album, City of Black & White, was recorded in Nashville, TN at Blackbird Studios. The album's first single was "Closer to Love", released on March 10.

In May, Kearney toured with Keane and The Helio Sequence for several weeks to promote City of Black & White. It debuted on the Billboard 200 at #13.

Mat's guitars of choice are usually the Martin D-28 or the Gibson Hummingbird. Mat began to regularly use the Martin when he toured with Keane to promote City of Black & White. Once he began his headlining tour, he continued to use it. Most concerts before that, he is seen with his Gibson. The Martin was lost in the May 2010 Tennessee floods. Much of his other equipment was lost as well.

Mat was born and raised in Eugene, Oregon with his two brothers. In high school, Mat devoted much of his time to painting, graffiti, soccer, poetry, and music, though he was not playing music at the time. His favorite artists growing up ranged from A Tribe Called Quest to Bob Dylan.

He attended California State University, Chico in Chico, California where he majored in literature and played soccer until his junior year. It was also at this time when Mat picked up a guitar for the first time. Using a roommate's guitar, he tried covering other songs. Realizing he was not too good at it, he began writing his own. Though things were going well for Kearney at school, Chico caught up to him. A school known for its partying, Mat fit right in. In an interview, Mat said, "I guess I lived it up and did what everyone said you should do in college. I discovered the depth of depravity, the bleakness of that lifestyle. It just wasn’t working. I finally started understanding there must be more to life." Mat continued, "God found me when I was at my lowest point. That was the first time in my life when I really felt like I understood who Jesus was- it was more than knowing about Him, I felt like He met me in that time and place."

Mat began focusing on music fusing his simple guitar playing with spoken word, or rap, he started to play at coffee shops and soon began to make small amounts of money. At this time, Mat had met friend and future producer, Robert Marvin. The two began to make music together, but Marvin had plans to move to Nashville, Tennessee. Marvin asked Kearney to help the move and Mat accepted the journey. Kearney says, "I helped him pack up his trailer and we put a mattress on the back of his truck. We basically drove cross-country and slept in the back. When we pulled into Nashville we slept in a school parking lot for three days until we finally rented this apartment where the roof was caving in and mice were crawling all over." Mat decided to stay in Nashville to record a few demos with Marvin and after a few months, Mat had no plans on returning..........


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