When Christian Artist Matthew West found out NSAI, Nashville Songwriters Association International, chose him as the Songwriter-Artist of the year, he was in disbelief. Being honored with the likes of Taylor Swift and Luke Bryan, as well as being the first predominantly Christian artist to win the award in 20 years, is something he considers to be a ‘mountaintop moment’ on his journey. Part of that journey includes an incredible partnership this holiday season with Candace Cameron Bure, Bill Abbott, and the Great American Family network. His new song, Come Home for Christmas, will be the theme song for eight weeks during the Great American Christmas movie season.
“I am so excited to partner with the Great American Family network this holiday season,” West remarks. “I love Christmas music so much, and each year I find myself sitting at the piano penning a new Christmas tune inspired by my love of this most wonderful time of the year. ‘Come Home for Christmas’ is not just a song; it’s an invitation for every heart to return to the wonder, the peace, the love, and the hope that this holiday season offers to every heart. I hope when people tune in to watch their favorite holiday films on the network, this song will serve as a musical reminder of what Christmas is all about.”
West is looking forward to another momentous achievement heading into the new year; his first-ever double album, My Story Your Glory, is set for release in February. The First Album, My Story, tells the stories of peoples’ lives and his own story. The Second Album, Your Glory, is a ‘worshipful response to God as a work in the stories of our lives.’ He tells us that the project is about making the most of our lives and remembering who and what we are here for.
Not only has West proven himself as an accomplished Christian artist and songwriter, but he’s also recently released his sixth book, The God Who Stays. He says his mom was the one who ‘spoke (his book writing) into existence’ and felt that one day his writing would transcend past songs into penning books. Matthew’s most recent publication is labeled his most personal book to date and was inspired not only by the words of his hit song of the same title but also by the dramatic events of 2020.
Storytelling is at the heart of his journey, so it only seems natural that a podcast involving interviewing guests sharing their stories would be part of it. With over 100 episodes of The Matthew West Podcast in his catalog thus far, he excels in bringing the listener into the moment of the stories he and his guests share weekly. Hosting his podcast has challenged, encouraged, and inspired West. He’s quoted as saying, ‘It’s just another way I hope my platform can be used to let people know their story matters.” You can find new episodes weekly under the ‘That Sounds Fun’ network.
It’s clear that West is passionate about helping others; this is evident in the non-profit popwe, he and his father, pastor Joe West, founded. popwe is a ministry helping others to ‘craft, share and live a more meaningful life.’ West describes it as ‘helping people after the song or the concert is over.’ Each week, he writes a devotional that the ministry sends out. The organization also includes a nationwide prayer network which provides a safe place for its members to share their stories. Go to popwe.org for more information.
West will kick off the month of December (and wrap up a monumental year in his career) with a concert event in Franklin, Tennessee, with the same name as his newest Christmas tune, Come Home for Christmas. A handful of Come Home for Christmas shows continues in the Midwest until the middle of the month. For more information on how to see Matthew live and to buy tickets, visit matthewwest.com/tour.
Lightning Round Questions with Matthew West
Favorite Song: Humble and Kind
Favorite Drink: Espresso
Favorite restaurant in Nashville: Ladybird Taco
Favorite Nashville place to hang out: The trails at Percy Warner Park
Ideal weekend off: Family, pool, steak on the grill, catch a live show downtown, take a nap!
Anything you’d love to add for our readers?
’I’m so grateful for this season of my life and career. I’ve worked hard for a long time and overcome many obstacles. To still be passionate about writing, singing, and storytelling after all of this is a blessing. In many ways, I feel like I’m just getting started.’