With the release of his Gotee debut Seamless, Anderson showcases songs of praise-tinged songwriting doused with an inventive direction, bringing a sort of unity to the “singer/songwriter” and “worship leader” labels. “When I was sixteen, I started going to Christian concerts with my youth group and that’s where the spirit of God first touched me with where my heart would be heading,” Anderson says, specifically referencing a show when Steven Curtis Chapman performed the poignant “Remember Your Chains. “All of a sudden I had a real burden for the church and I felt the need to lead people into the presence of the Lord, regardless of the denomination.”
During his teenage years, Anderson began to observe a division among many of the people with in Church and among the Christian community as a whole. The results of such observations instilled a strong cry of unity within his heart. While studying Vocal Performance at Capitol University Jeff began to attend the Vineyard Christian Fellowship in Columbus, Ohio. “Going to the Vineyard got me plugged into all sort of circles and I soon found myself leading worship at a service called ‘Joshua House’ for young adults in the Vineyard movement,” he explains. “I saw a lot of fruit come out of that, starting with the breaking down of any stereotypes between believers of different backgrounds and moving into just a huge freedom to worship the Lord. Soon I wrote my own music, played the songs at church, saw them latch on pretty well and decided to make a record.”
That original recording experience translated into a seven-song EP that Anderson showcased throughout the music industry in hopes of securing a record deal. Though he had no trouble relating to a congregation at an individual parish, he found it awkward at first to connect with an industry crowd. “I really felt called to music ministry and had already been following that in church, but somehow I just couldn’t relate that from the stage when I got in front of big label execs,” he admits. “It was so strange to experience that and it shook me up a bit wondering if this was really the path I was supposed to follow. It wasn’t until I finally laid my songs and my guitar front of the Lord and completely surrendered to Him that things started to happen.”
From that very moment the doors swung wide open confirming to Anderson this was indeed to be his life’s direction. Long-time friend and Gotee label-mate John Reuben not only assisted Anderson in crafting fresh material, but began hounding label head Toby McKeehan to give the songs some time. “We had been great friends for a long time that would always swap music, but there came a point where John really invested in what I was trying to do,” Anderson explains. “He literally started calling Toby every single day and once he was on board, word started spreading and the whole label got excited.”
After signing with Gotee Records, plans were soon made to release an EP and to get Anderson out on the road but, after hearing the compelling compositions being brought to the table, the EP concept soon grew into a full-length release. “I kind of went from being considered this developing experiment that they were going to test the waters with to someone on their roster they really wanted to push.”
Much of the excitement from the label stems from the cut “Open My Eyes”, sure to stand out as one of this generation’s anthems. The track blends yearning vocals with progressive pop, rock and a roundhouse rhythm section akin to the creative likes of Coldplay or Keane. Such a passionate, rock flavoring peppers the remainder of the record, which features nine other vertically focused cuts produced by John Reuben, engineered by C.R. Pendleton (John Reuben, Spoken) and mixed by Shane Wilson (Michael W. Smith, Delirious).
“The music doesn’t so much have the standard worship sound, but more what you’d hear on general market radio,” Anderson observes. “That being said, it’s still a series of prayers from the heart and I feel like that breeds an opportunity to reach across to a wider audience.” Such a desire builds off from that original teenage ambition of breaking down walls and bridging together the body, which he’s able to do with the universal messages of adoration on songs like “All I Need,” and “As I Am.” “I Will Follow” adapts an appeal of unabashed surrender, “All We Have Is Now” calls for living an abundance filled existence even amidst one’s trials, while “So Alive” bursts with a motif of thanksgiving.
“The one thing I can really say about this album is that there’s a lot of diversity in topics and dynamics,” he enthuses. “I always view people’s emotions as a roller coaster, so there are a lot of ups and downs with the music that bring you to all different spiritual places.” A case in point comes in the mellow beginnings of “Your Love Never Fails Me,” which swells into a climatic, European pop influenced eruption. There’s also the melodic introspection of “I Don’t Belong Here,” which was actually crafted in heavenly hopefulness after Anderson’s wife experienced a miscarriage. Equally urgent is the vibrant assault of “Paralyzed,” which speaks of coming before the Lord with reverence and awe.
“There is a lot of integrity going into this project and I feel like it’s turned out really solid in a way that can relate to a wide spectrum of people. After all, that was the original stirring in my heart, and after having stuck with it so long, I trust the Lord will use it in whatever way He sees fit.”
just wanted to stop thru and see how everyone is doing! ...there's a lot of you!? I didnt really realize that we have this many friends now, haha, but thats a good thing right? :) So if you aint busy or anything, come check out our page, we have a few new songs up.. plus we have our own video blogs that we've been posting! Some of which are pretty darn hilarious! haha. I hope to hear from ya soon!!!
the time has come, please help me get the word out
Tickets are on sale now for Matt Munhall Trio and Friends JULY 18th @ newly restored Lincoln Theatre in Columbus, Ohio. When
you come to the Lincoln Theatre, you’ll see Munhall at a Steinway grand
leading his trio, and an accomplished ensemble of musicians, including
a string quartet and horn section. They will be performing the entirety
of Three as well as selections from his two previous releases.
wanted to let you know about two great shows coming up with me and my trio. the first is this friday (5/1) at dicks den located at 2417 north high street. we will be playing 10-2. great band plus cheap drinks, defiantly a do not miss. the second is saturday may 16th at skullys. we will be splitting the night with the floorwalkers and jared mahone. both of these bands are amazing so put it on your calender now. hope to see you out friday and on the 16th.
Hey friend... we could use your help! We are in a huge Battle of the Bands that offers the winner a spot to play SummerFest in Milwaukee, Wisconsin!! This would be absolutely huge for us, so if you can help in any way we would love you for it! It literally takes under 1 minute a day...
Just head to www.briggsbattleofthebands.com Search for us in the voting box on their page... and vote 20 TIMES EVERY DAY (if you have 2 email addresses to use)!! Be sure to keep us updated on how much you've been voting!
Rock on, Hope you had a great Easter!! Tony, and the rest of NEC
*As of today our fans have pushed us into 13th!!! We just need to get into the Top 10 by the end of April, you can do it!
just wanted to let you know the matt munhall trio is at the thirsty ear 9-1 thursday april 16th. 5$ at the door. tell your friends and come on out. also, if you haven't checked out my new video you can see it here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEHEs1p2eu4 hope to see you out.
hey whats goin on? sorry if its been a while since any of us has left you a comment. We have a lot of friends on here and we're not one of those bands who just try to add friends all day... no, we actually TRY and communicate with all of you lovely people :) So anyways, how have you been?
hey just wanted to let you know that i will be playing at dick den this friday feb. 6th with my trio (matt paetsch and jack knuetilla) 10-2. it should be a great show and it will be our last in town for a while so come on out and bring a friend.
Don't forget----- ***THIS SATURDAY*** @ 8pm @ Skullys (1151 N. High St. Columbus OH 43201) COME SEE US, THE BRIGHT LIFE, AMAIA, CITY LIGHTS & THIS IS MY SUITCASE!
IT IS ONLY $5 TO GET IN AND IS AN ALL AGES SHOW! SEE YOU THERE!
hey! i dont think we ever really met or anything but i have missed seeing you at engage truth and hearing about your life. i hope things have been going awesome :]
just wanted to let you know i have two shows coming up with my trio. the first is this friday (11/14) at the thirsty ear with miss molly. we are on first at 9:30 untill around 11:00 so get there early. if you cant make that we will be at dicks den on friday, nov. 21st 10-2. hope to see you out.
Online Now!
![Violetta [Working on the Album!!!]](http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/132/s_eca029415cee428fa247592d079b3e72.jpg)
