Matt Maher

Best known for his worship song “Your Grace is Enough” which was first recorded by fellow artist Chris Tomlin, singer/songwriter Matt Maher's new album The Love In Between (September 2011) focuses on real life experiences from real people.

"I wanted to write songs for a world that I feel like has hit rock bottom," explained Matt on the Scott and Kelli show about the song "Turn Around." "When you talk about faith in context of a single mother trying to make ends meet, raising a child, starting a new job, being overworked and underpaid...it makes it real." The album The Love In Between also emphasizes the freedom from trying to please the world in "Every Little Prison (Deliver Me)."

Born and raised in Newfoundland, Canada, Matt eventually moved to the United States where his musical career flourished. From a young age, his musical aptitude was apparent, and with his parents’ encouragement, Matt grew up taking piano lessons and playing in a number of concert and jazz ensembles. Later, Matt received a scholarship from the jazz department at Arizona State University, where he eventually studied jazz piano and earned his degree. To pay for college, Matt played piano in a nearby hotel.

Influenced by modern worship songwriters including Delirious, Paul Baloche and the diverse artists involved with the Passion movement, Matt eventually started writing his own songs about God and his devout faith. After signing a publishing deal in 2005, his songs were eventually recorded by several popular Christian artists including Phillips, Craig and Dean, and the aforementioned Chris Tomlin. In 2007, Matt signed his first record deal and released two albums in two years, culminating with the "New Hallelujah Tour" spearheaded by Michael W. Smith.

Then in 2008 when Pope Benedict XVI visited the United States, Matt was asked to lead worship for a crowd of thousands at the Rally for Youth and Seminarians in Yonkers, New York. The event also featured Kelly Clarkson, TobyMac and Third Day and Matt was able to play "Empty and Beautiful" during an interview with Fox News after the event.

Matt's release of Alive Again in 2009 blended a mix of deep, thoughtful, worship music including "Christ Is Risen," with a dash of light-heartedness in "Hold Us Together." He followed up the album with MercyMe (among others) on the Rock and Worship Roadshow Tour, and most recently played a free concert in New York City to commemorate the tenth aniversary of 9/11.

"You were reminded of the fleeting aspects of this life," Matt reflected with Scott and Kelli as they broadcasted in New York City during the anniversary of the tragic event. "No matter how difficult the circumstances may get in our life, we need to be reminded that God is victorious. Love wins."

So much can change...but the one thing that's permanent is that death does not have the last say.