Stats
Biography
Having played baseball through his teens, West was hoping to earn a baseball scholarship to college, however was later awarded a four-year music scholarship from Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois. Whilst still studying at university, West independently released the albums “September Sun” in 1997, and “Every Step of the Way” in 1998. After attending GMA Music in the Rockies, the singer-songwriter was offered a songwriting deal a mere five weeks after graduating.
West became to be a sought-after songwriter and penned songs for well-known musicians including Billy Ray Cyrus and Rachael Lampa. After suffering a hand injury that threatened his musical career, West made a full recovery and signed with Universal South Records in 2002. The singer went on to release his major-label debut “Happy” in 2003 produced by Kenny Greenberg and Jason Houser. The album, aided by the singles “More”, “The End” and “You Know Where to Find Me”, earned West five Dove award nominations.
The singer-songwriter’s subsequent album “History”, once again had Kenny Greenberg and Jason Houser at the production reigns, and was released in June 2005. After the rerelease of his independent LP “Sellout” in 2006, West issued the album “Something to Say” in January 2008, peaking at No. 8 on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart. Led by the singles “You Are Everything” and “Something to Say”, the album was supported by a 26-city tour entitled “Boomin’ Beyond Measure”. Ahead of his fourth major-label album “Story of Your Life” West released the single “My Own Little World”. The 2010 album was a response to a collection of stories his fans sent to him, and was followed-up by the album “Into the Light” in 2012.
Live reviews
In the beginning Matthew West began as an independent musician in the late 1990's, he released three albums before signing with Universal South Records. He originally released his first debut album 'Happy' in 2003, which won a Dove Award. His first radio single 'More' stayed at No. 1 on the Christian AC charts. He is an American Contemporary Christian musician as well as an actor, he's known mainly for his singles 'More', 'You Are Everything' and 'The Motions'. His lyrics do preach a lot about God, which is what his music is all about but the lyrics are lovely and have a feel good vibe when you listen to them. He has a lovely voice and although this type of music isn't on the scale of pop or R&B music, he has still managed to become quite well known in the music industry. From seeing him talk and interact with the crowd when on a stage you can see he's a lovely and talented man, he works hard to get his message across which really is what music is all about. I don't plan on seeing him live in the future, his music isn't really for me but I have a lot of appreciation for what he does and he has a moving voice..
I didn’t get to the concert because of the weather and I live about two hours north of Hershey. But I will say that I had met Matthew West when he came to our church, Christ Weslyan Church in Milton Pennsylvania. I did meet him there and thanked him for writing songs such as “The Broken Girl", “Mended” and so many more that finally spoke to the subject of abuse and the hope those songs gave me and still do. In truth I love all of MATTHEW’s music. It gives me hope and makes me realize I’m not the only one who’s broken in some way and that indeed God uses broken things.
I am still healing from years and years of every kind of abuse that began when I was about 1 1/2 years old and even included satanic ritual abuse. None of it was my choosing of course but I still thought I had gone too far for God to love me. Matthew’s music continues to reach me like no other Music. At this point God has put amazing people in my life to help me heal. I am working on my testimony to give hope and healing to other survivors just as MATTHEW and his music have given me. Thank you
Christian music still has huge appeal in the United States and one of the most recognisable names of this genre is Matthew West. He has been working the circuit for over fifteen years and although his shows were relatively intimate in the beginning, following the success of his 2012 album 'Into The Light' and the record breaking single 'Hello, My Name Is' he has been elevated to larger stages as his name becomes far more well known.
The man himself still has a mannerism that keeps the operation personable, there is no bravado or stage gimmicks and instead there is just fantastically sincere pop/rock. The stage operation is also kept minimal, with only a handful of musicians performing with West. Matthew conducts the whole show with his own guitar proudly in hand and still finds time to warmly interact with the devoted audience. He speaks passionately about Christianity and the reason why he became a musician. He finishes susceptibly with 'Hello, My Name Is' which receives huge cheers from the adoring crowds.
I was so happy to attend the concert in Woodbridge, Virginia on Thursday December 19, 2019. Being in the venue to watch such a great artist was an honor. Six years ago, was the first of several opportunities I’ve had to be the featured speaker at my father’s annual memorial service. He was a pastor and a church that he helped to establish holds this service every year. My theme for the first year focused on Jesus saying, “Do you love me Simon Peter, then feed my sheep.” I took from that statement that Jesus repeated, the idea that we need to help our fellow man. I wanted to find a song that would fit this theme. I googled my theme of “Do Something” and I found Matthew West’s brilliant song of compassion and empathy. I have been a BIG fan ever since!! If there is ever a meet and greet, I would love the opportunity to speak with him directly about my experience and my love of his music, I would truly be honored to speak with him and shake his hand!
Brenda Robinson
410.262.8839
Matthew West is relatively well known in the states, particularly amongst fans of his genre. Christian music remains popular in the USA and, accordingly, West has built a legion of fans and supporters. His music leans towards a pop or rock sound, with ballads such as ‘The Motions’ and ‘When I Say I Do’ making up the majority of his set list. I’m a sucker for a power ballad, or any type of soulful love song really, and West had perfected the romantic power ballad. His songs are romantic and beautiful, albeit more than not a little sad. ‘More’ was a particular highlight of his set and seemed a crowd favourite. West depends on his voice, honest as it is, and his charm to delight his audience. There are no gimmicks with a Matthew West show, no flashy lights or backing dancers. He sings in order to move people and to bring a message across. You do not have to be a Christian by any means to appreciate West’s music and the lyrics beneath the melodies.
Matthew West was incredible! As was Matt Maher _ he even came out and sang with other groups! Tenth Avenue was awesome! And got everyone on their feet and dancing and singing to the music. We went to the concert to see Michael w Smith; and we were disappointed that after spending a lot of money on seats, all we could see was the back of the drummer. We were close enough to touch them; but because of configuration of stage, and the way the seats were set up,we could only see back of band. As most of the people who were there,and probably also spent money on the good seats. The arena was only 1/2 full,and most of the people were sitting in front and had to turn around to see back of their heads. I hope it is switched for next show, or I would recommend buying the cheap seats!
This was not the first time we saw Matthew West in concert. He is an amazing performer. I love when he preaches. It’s like he is talking right to you. My husband and I first saw him at fish fest 2 years ago. While he was preaching in between the artists getting ready, my husband experienced the Holy Spirit for the first time in his 52 years. We have been deeply following Jesus from that day on.we are constantly looking for more. We met Joe West, Matthews father at the Roadshow. Even though he was introduced at Fishfest 2 years ago, where we are now in our hearts with our Lord, his hug was a hug from Jesus. Thank you Matthew and Joe West.
I saw Matthew West, Sat, 9.4.21 in Salisbury, MD.He had preshow with ans&ques, with VIP tics, he also sang parts of songs, awesomeness...His show was so great, he did all this songs, prayed throughout the concert. He was all over that stage, he blessed me so much for the first time seeing him, my favorites song The God That Stays was a major production.....I highly recommend seeing his shows, live.....
Amazing concert! I was in tears three times. The Holy Spirit was moving in the Elliot Hall of Music. Such a great experience! I wish it happened every week! Matthew shared about his story a little and the gifts he has and how he desires to go All In and invite others into that honestly. It is not a fluff story.
My daughter & I always have a GREAT time seeing Matthew West!! This was our 24th time seeing him in concert!! He's such a man of God & is incredibly funny & sincere at the same time!!! It was an incredible concert with Sarah Reeves-Hawk Nelson-Colton Dixon & Matthew!! We can't wait for #25 in Owensboro,KY!!!