Refuge

In an industry where recording “artists” commonly pay top-dollar producers to create a sound for them, Matt Papa shines all the brighter as one of the rare, raw musical talents. Whether shredding on guitar, crafting a melody on piano, or pouring out his soul vocally, Matt brings something truly fresh and creative to this ever-commercializing art.  What’s more is that Matt actually has something to say.  Whether between songs in a concert or through writing his lyrics, Matt delivers a clear and persuasive message to move his listeners toward the Word and graces of God.

Recently, though, the complacency and resulting decline of the church in America has inspired a more prophetic tone to Matt’s words.  “The American Church looks more like the fast-food business than the Bride of Christ, and it’s members are just as overweight as it’s citizens.”  And it becomes apparent that Matt’s fiery zeal for God is well directed by the teaching of Jesus when one observes his off-stage affinity for helping the poor and reaching out to the hard-to-reach.

While growing up in the Bible-belt state of Georgia, Matt was deeply influenced by the church group he attended as a youth.  God had opened his eyes to the gospel of Christ by the age of 12, and, though struggling through his parents’ divorce at age 14, he picked up a guitar and began leading the worship music for his youth group.  On the heels of a college music degree in 2005, Matt released his self-titled debut album, which was quickly picked up by Maranatha!/Spin 360 and released nationally as “You Are Good” in 2006, to much critical acclaim. Now at 25, just after the release of his sophomore studio album, Matt has married Lauren Papa!  Just before Lauren left the States for a missionary term in Istanbul, Turkey, Matt proposed the wedding and had her promise to return.  The pair now call North Georgia home.

Matt will be joining us in Birmingham, September 17th-18th.