Matthew West
Matthew West | |
---|---|
Universal South, Sparrow, Provident Label Group | |
Website | matthewwest |
Matthew Joseph West[1] (born April 25, 1977) is an American contemporary Christian musician and singer-songwriter. He has released five studio albums and is known for his songs "More", "You Are Everything", and "The Motions". He was nominated for five Dove Awards in 2005, two of which were for his major-label debut album, Happy. West won the 2013 American Music Award for Best Contemporary Inspirational Artist.[2]
Starting as an
In addition to his main solo career, West has worked as a songwriter for many Christian musicians and groups, such as Point of Grace, Mandisa, Natalie Grant, and Casting Crowns, as well as mainstream country acts Rascal Flatts, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Vince Gill. In 2013, his second single, "Hello, My Name Is", from the album Into the Light, was released and reached No. 1 for a career-best 17 consecutive weeks on the Billboard Christian Songs chart.[3][4]
Early life
Matthew West was born on April 25, 1977, in
Musical career
West wrote most of his first songs in the sanctuary of his father's church while he was at home during college breaks.
Just before West graduated from Millikin University in 1999, someone from the college recommended that he attend the GMA Music in the Rockies event for aspiring musicians. Although West was not interested at first, he attended after learning that other people signed him up and paid his entrance fee.[7] He met a representative from Word Publishing at the event who took interest in him and kept in contact until he graduated. West landed in the finals of a songwriting competition and was offered a songwriting deal in July 1999, five weeks after graduating.[7][8] After penning songs for well-known musicians like Billy Ray Cyrus and Rachael Lampa, he began touring the United States as an independent artist in 2000 and 2001.[7][8]
"I'm not going to candy-coat it and say, 'Life is hard but God is good.' No, I was at the depths and my weakest moment."
Matthew West in an interview with Christianity Today about his arm injury.[7]
On July 26, 2002,
Happy (2003–2004)
After signing with
In early 2005, he was on the WinterJam 2005 tour, hosted by NewSong, with tobyMac, Building 429, Tait, and Rachael Lampa.[21]
History and vocal problems (2005–2007)
With Kenny Greenberg and Jason Houser once again as producers,
His independent album Sellout was re-released in 2006 on Universal South Records.[30]
West said that he began to experience "some vocal fatigue" in April 2007. He said, "I had lost some of my vocal range, staying on higher notes and lower notes. I even began having a hard time speaking."[31] At a vocal check-up in response to the issue, West's doctors at the Nashville Vanderbilt Voice Center discovered "hemorrhaging caused by some polyps".[31] He was told by his doctors that vocal surgery was the only option, since a few weeks had passed.[31] The surgery took place on May 17, 2007, a process that he said was "career threatening."[32] Afterward, he was prescribed a two-month period of silence for vocal rest.[31]
A video documentary titled Nothing to Say, directed and produced by Benjamin Eisner, was released in early 2008, highlighting Matthew West's time of silence and vocal recovery in 2007.[33] In February 2008, the documentary was available exclusively in Family Christian Stores as a CD/DVD combo pack with West's album Something to Say.[33]
Something to Say (2008–2010)
His next single "
Matthew West's album
Matthew West guested on tobyMac's 26-city "Boomin' Beyond Measure" tour along with Jeremy Camp.[42] The tour ran from February 6 through March 21, 2008.[43]
He was featured on the
In 2009 he had a song on an album by country artist Jo Dee Messina, with another under consideration by American Idol finalist Danny Gokey. In December 2009, "The Motions" was Grammy-nominated for Best Gospel Song, West's first Grammy nomination.[47]
Recent years (2010–present)
"My Own Little World", the first single from Matthew West's new album, was released on August 23, 2010. The album, The Story of Your Life, was released October 5, 2010. According to West it is a response to thousands of life stories his fans shared with him. "The first day, I got 1,000 stories. All of a sudden, I was like, 'Holy cow, something special is about to take place.' I rented a cabin in Tennessee, about 25 minutes from my house, that felt like it was out in the middle of nowhere. And I spent two months in that cabin reading 10,000 stories," the singer/songwriter reported in an interview with CBN.com.[48]
West also starred in The Heart of Christmas.
Into the Light was released in September 2012.
In February 2020, West released Brand New on his own imprint, Story House Music, under a new deal with Sony's Provident Music Group.[citation needed] A deluxe edition followed in April 2021.[citation needed]
On February 17, 2023, West released a 22-song album titled My Story Your Glory.
Other songwriting
In addition to his solo career, Matthew West has also written songs for other Christian bands and musicians, including
Acting
West also pursues acting, with occasional appearances in Christian television shows, starting in 2009.[citation needed] In 2011, he made his film debut in Gary Wheeler's Christian film The Heart of Christmas co-starring Candace Cameron Bure. At the end of 2011 it reached a rating of 7.1 on IMDb[57] after a direct-to-TV release.[57]
Personal life
Matthew West currently lives in Nashville with his wife Emily.[15][58] They were married on May 10, 2003, after proposing to her in September 2002.[8] They have two daughters.[59] The Wests have two dogs named Nick and Rocky.[25]
Awards
American Music Awards
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
2022 | Matthew West | Favorite Inspirational Artist | Pending |
GMA Dove Awards
Year | Award | Result |
---|---|---|
2005 | New Artist of the Year[61] | Nominated |
Song of the Year ("More")[62] | Nominated | |
Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year ("More")[62] | Nominated | |
Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year (Happy)[62] | Nominated | |
Recorded Music Packaging of the Year (Happy)[62] | Won | |
2006 | Song of the Year ("Only Grace")[63] | Nominated |
2011 | Short Form Music Video of the Year ("My Own Little World")[64] | Nominated |
2012 | Special Event Album of the Year (Music Inspired by The Story) (with various artists) | Won |
2013 | Song of the Year ("Forgiveness")[65] | Nominated |
2016 | Songwriter of the Year[66] | Nominated |
2018 | Songwriter of the Year | Won |
Song of the Year ("Broken Things") | Nominated | |
Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year (All In) | Nominated | |
2020 | Song of the Year ("The God Who Stays") | Nominated |
Songwriter of the Year (Artist) | Nominated |
Discography
Albums | |
---|---|
Year | Title |
2003 | Happy |
2005 | History |
2008 | Something to Say |
2010 | The Story of Your Life |
2011 | The Heart of Christmas |
2012 | Into the Light |
2015 | Live Forever |
2017 | All In[67] |
2020 | Brand New |
2021 | We Need Christmas |
2023 | My Story Your Glory |
References
- ^ "Hide Lyrics | Joy Williams". MTV.com. Retrieved July 5, 2008.
- ^ "Complete Winners' List and Highlights of the 2013 American Music Awards - ABC News". Abcnews.go.com. November 24, 2013. Retrieved December 2, 2013.
- ^ "Matthew West - Chart history". Billboard. Retrieved December 2, 2013.
- ^ "17 Weeks at No. 1 for "HELLO MY NAME IS" – A NEW RECORD!". Matthew West. Archived from the original on November 10, 2013. Retrieved December 2, 2013.
- ^ "Matthew West Discography". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved June 27, 2008.
- ^ "Matthew West Gives Critics and Fans Something to Say". BREATHEcast.com. January 25, 2008. Retrieved July 1, 2008.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "Staying in the Game". Christian Music Today. March 15, 2004. Retrieved June 30, 2008.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Matthew West History. Cut By Cut (PDF)" (PDF). EMI CMG.com. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 18, 2006. Retrieved June 30, 2008.
- ^ "Matthew West, "Sellout" Review". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved June 30, 2008.
- ^ "Matthew West – Biography, Interviews and Music Interviews". 1cubed.com. Retrieved July 7, 2008.
- ^ DiBiase, John (December 26, 2003). "Matthew West, "Happy" Review". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved June 27, 2008.
- ^ "Happy – Matthew West". Christian Music Today. Retrieved July 11, 2008.
- ^ a b "Matthew West Makes 'History' June 21, 2005". Top40-Charts.com. June 15, 2005. Retrieved July 11, 2008.
- ^ "History in the Making". Christian Music Today. July 18, 2005. Retrieved July 1, 2008.
- ^ a b "Matthew West". Christian Music Today. Archived from the original on June 11, 2008. Retrieved July 4, 2008.
- ^ "Matthew West biography". Your Music Zone. Archived from the original on May 31, 2006. Retrieved June 27, 2008.
- ^ a b "Matthew West Tops '04 Reader Poll, Joins Winter Jam '05". Top40-Charts.com. January 6, 2005. Retrieved July 9, 2008.
- ^ "Happy days are here again! Matthew West in concert". Top40-Charts.com. September 28, 2004. Retrieved July 14, 2008.
- About.com. February 10, 2005. Retrieved June 27, 2008.
- ^ "Matthew West History" (PDF). EMI CMG.com. 2005. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 16, 2006. Retrieved July 14, 2008.
- ^ "Many Anticipate on Matthew West's 2nd Album". BREATHEcast.com. February 17, 2005. Retrieved July 4, 2008.
- ^ "Bright Future For Matthew West's History, In Stores 6/21". Top40-Charts.com. June 16, 2005. Retrieved July 11, 2008.
- ^ "Matthew West – History". Billboard.com. Retrieved July 4, 2008.[dead link]
- ^ Cindy Lee (June 24, 2005). "Matthew West's History: "An Album To Remember"". BREATHEcast.com. Retrieved July 4, 2008.
- ^ a b "Matthew West". CAAtouring.com. Retrieved July 2, 2008.
- ^ "Matthew West Headlines History 101". BREATHEcast.com. September 16, 2005. Retrieved July 2, 2008.
- ^ Connie Lee (October 10, 2005). "BarlowGirl Update". BREATHEcast.com. Retrieved July 4, 2008.
- ^ Breimeier, Russ. "Matthew West – History". Christian Music Today. Retrieved June 30, 2008.
- ^ "Matthew West – Biography". Christian Music Planet. Retrieved June 30, 2008.
- ^ "Matthew West – Sellout". Billboard.com. Retrieved July 7, 2008.[dead link]
- ^ a b c d e Andree Farias (February 25, 2008). "A Moment of Silence". Christian Music Today. Retrieved June 27, 2008.
- Tangle.com. Retrieved May 8, 2009.
- ^ a b "Matthew West Has Nothing To Say in New Documentary". Christian Music Planet. February 2008. Retrieved June 28, 2008.
- ^ a b Kevin Donovan (December 19, 2007). "Matthew West Has 'Something to Say'". The Christian Post. Retrieved July 10, 2008.
- ^ Gregorius, Jessica (January 11, 2008). "Matthew West, "Something To Say" Review". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved June 27, 2008.
- ^ "Artist Chart History – Matthew West". Billboard.com. Retrieved July 11, 2008.
- Allmusic. Retrieved July 2, 2008.
- ^ Deborah Evans Price. "Something to Say". Billboard.com. Archived from the original on April 30, 2008. Retrieved July 11, 2008.
- ^ "Interview with Matthew West". BREATHEcast.com. May 15, 2008. Retrieved July 9, 2008.
- ^ "Matthew West's You Are Everything Hits Number One". Christian Music Planet. March 2008. Retrieved June 28, 2008.
- ^ "Matthew West To Appear on Fox And Friends Sunday, June 22". Jesus Freak Hideout. June 21, 2008. Retrieved July 10, 2008.
- ^ "Matthew West Finds True Voice on SOMETHING TO SAY". Top40-Charts.com. January 9, 2008. Retrieved July 2, 2008.
- About.com. January 7, 2008. Archived from the originalon April 27, 2008. Retrieved July 2, 2008.
- ^ a b "Matthew West To Be Featured on Billy Graham Television Special". ChristianMusicPlanet.com. March 2008. Retrieved June 29, 2008.
- ^ "Melinda Watts Crowned Gospel Dream 2008 Winner" (Press release). Christian Newswire. June 30, 2008. Retrieved July 2, 2008.
- ^ "Christian AC National Airplay". R&R. April 17, 2009. Archived from the original on April 26, 2009. Retrieved April 17, 2009.
- ^ "Grammy-Nominated Matthew West Plays Following Wave Game" (Press release). OurSports Central. December 4, 2009. Retrieved December 8, 2009.
- ^ Matthew West on The Story of Your Life: An in-depth interview.", CBN.com.
- ^ Original Christmas Film THE HEART OF CHRISTMAS debuts on GMC TV, ChristianCinema.com
- ^ Leggett, Steve. "Into the Light> Overview". AllMusic. Retrieved October 18, 2014.
- ^ Matthew WestEvenementenTijdlijnInfo. "Matthew West - Evenementen". Facebook. Retrieved December 2, 2013.
- ^ "iTunes - Music - Live Forever (Deluxe Edition) by Matthew West". Itunes.apple.com. April 28, 2015. Retrieved April 25, 2015.
- Allmusic. Retrieved July 2, 2008.
- ^ "Matthew West Emerges From Season of Silence With Something To Say". BREATHEcast.com. January 11, 2008. Retrieved July 2, 2008.
- ^ "Matthew West aboard The Polar Express?". Top40-Charts.com. November 20, 2004. Retrieved July 7, 2008.
- ^ "Matthew West's You Are Everything Hits Number One". CCMmagazine.com. Retrieved July 5, 2008.[permanent dead link]
- ^ a b Wheeler, Gary; Neilson, Jeanne; Shone, Christopher; Shone, Nicholas (December 4, 2011), The Heart of Christmas, retrieved December 20, 2016
- ^ "Something to Say: Nashville singer/songwriter Matthew West keeps best songs for own album". crossrhythms.co.uk. January 11, 2008. Retrieved June 30, 2008.
- ^ "It's A Baby Girl For Matthew West!". Top40-Charts.com. February 4, 2006. Retrieved July 4, 2008.
- ^ Grein, Paul (October 13, 2022). "2022 American Music Awards Nominations: Full List – Billboard". Billboard. Retrieved October 13, 2022.
- ^ "Matthew West prepares History for June 21 release". cmcentral.com. June 15, 2005. Retrieved July 14, 2008.
- ^ a b c d "GMA Releases 36th Dove Award Nominees List". christianpost.com. February 9, 2005. Retrieved March 11, 2019.
- ^ "37th Annual GMA Awards Nominations & Winners". About.com. February 9, 2011. Archived from the original on July 7, 2011. Retrieved April 10, 2011.
- gmc; Evans Price, Deborah (April 21, 2011)
- ^ Evans-Price, Deborah. "Matt Redman, TobyMac & Jason Crabb Win Big at Dove Awards". Billboard magazine. Retrieved March 11, 2019.
- ^ "News: Lauren Daigle Leads With Three Wins at 47th Annual GMA Dove Awards". Gospel Music.org. October 13, 2016. Retrieved March 11, 2019.
- ^ "All in by Matthew West on Apple Music". iTunes Store (US). Retrieved September 22, 2017.
External links