Best known for his worship song “Your Grace is Enough” which was first recorded by fellow artist Chris Tomlin, singer/songwriter Matt Maher's latest song, "Lord I Need You," off the upcoming album All The People Said Amen
(April 23, 2013), is about our desperate need for God, even in our
self-sufficient society.
"When the church gets together every week and we
sing songs, even the new songs that we write and sing come from the
legacy of these old songs," Matt explains. "'Lord I Need You,' is
inspired by the hymn, 'Lord Every Hour I Need Thee.' There is a type of
love that you never mature out of, and that is 'need' love. You have to admit that
you need God, and that is kind of uncomfortable for us. But I have found
so much reassurance, and so much hope, knowing that I need Him. And
every hour that I need Him, He is able to meet my needs. He will never
leave me, or forsake me. And I think that is something worth saying 'Amen'
to.'"
This record follows Matt's album The Love In Between- a record that 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
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 anniversary 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."