Matt Redman
We Shall Not Be Shaken, Matt Redman’s newest album, was released right in the nick of time - during a tumultuous, difficult economic recession.
The album’s mantra focuses on the omniscient and comforting truth of God’s unshakeable character despite shifting and unsteady circumstances.
Every song was a collaborative effort with guest writers including Chris Tomlin, Matt Mayer, Jonas Myrin and wife Beth Redman.
After getting up close and personal with Matt Redman, it's clear to see he truly has a heart for worship.
Congratulations on the release of another album, We Shall Not Be Shaken. Is the message behind this album what it appears to be?
Yes, that’s exactly it. It seems like everything in our world right now is so fragile and is constantly shifting and changing. Take the economy for example. You see headlines all over the news about how unstable things are. I want to inject some hope and truth in people’s lives and let them know that our God is secure, unshakeable, and steadfast.
They lyrics themselves come from Psalm 62: My soul finds rest in God alone. He is my fortress; I will never be shaken.
God is a firm, solid foundation in our lives, and he is faithful to the end.
How long have you been playing music and how did you know you wanted to play music?
I’ve been playing the guitar for about 20 years now. I started learning the guitar so I could play worship songs. Then I soon realised I could play in a church setting. I also discovered that through worship music, I could really help people voice their lives (ie their praise, prayer, adoration, requests and intercessions) to God. I just became fascinated by this and realised it was an amazing thing to be able to help people talk to God.
I became interested in song writing too and noticed I could write really well. But it wasn’t about this. It was more about how I could help people respond to God and voice that in an honouring and meaningful way.
I always had a passion for worship music and leading people in worship, but I never realised I could do this full time. In England there were not a lot of churches who would employ people to lead worship music; however, my church soon put me on staff. It was amazing. It was an incredible opportunity to grow in my relationship with God, grow as a song writer, and grow in my music as a whole, and I’ve never looked back. I love how when I wake up in the morning I have a strong reassurance and sense of purpose about what I’m called to do.
How and when did you become a Christian?
I became a Christian at 10 years old in a Luis Palau rally in London. I have always grown up in church so I had a good concept of who God was. However, soon after hearing his gospel presentation, I thought to myself “yes, this is exactly what I wanted my life to be about.
