Music
Press
Test this out! Manifestly, this is an up-to-the-minute, young singer-songwriter who takes no prisoners. An emotive, direct but mellow voice, it radiates attitude, a zeal well suited to his assorted self-penned ditties. Self-produced; to me, it is all -new repertoire paraded on this debut CD and it is awash with up-to-the-minute, gentle contemp-sounds and soul-seaching thought. Musically, Matt is forceful as he inter-weaves his communication on sophisticated light backdrops. At first impression, this seems a routine mix of spiritual topics but it works admirably. Matt is surely a name to watch! Born in 1982, Exeter, England-based worship leader, Matt is a guitarist, classically-trained pianist and songwriter. Bursting with capability, this album is an assorted and inventive repertoire merging scripturally-rich line with arresting melody. - New Christian Music
The Church has never had such an abundance of worship leaders writing new songs, and this debut album from Matt Giles demonstrates just how richly blessed the Christian music scene has become.
There’s nothing groundbreaking in these songs – they’re predictable and safe in their lyrical and musical arrangements – but that’s fine; great worship songs don’t necessarily need to be clever to lead people into God’s presence.
The style of the songs reminded me of the American gospel singer Keith Green, and Giles’ voice has some uncanny similarities, especially in the tender and intimate setting of the stripped down acoustic tracks.
The ‘up’ tracks unfortunately don’t really have the polished and textured production they need – ultimately they just feel unfinished.
Thankfully, the confidence and intimacy of the acoustic songs carry this album along, and provide some of the strongest and lasting moments.
High: A great voice and some wonderful tender moments.
Low: Some tracks just didn’t feel complete.
- Christianity Magazine
Discography
2002 EP "I've Found" (Honeycomb Records)
2007 LP "Undone" (Risen Records)
Oct 2007 track "Most Beautiful" released through NCM for worldwide airplay.
Apr 2008 track "Jesus Lord of All" released through NCM for worldwide airplay.
Jan 2009 single "The Grace of My God" (Honeycomb Records).
Released through Tunecore for digital distribution and through NCM for worldwide airplay. The lyrics are inspired by the Puritan prayer "Privileges" from "The Valley of Vision", with verse melody based on a Brahms intermezzo.
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Bio
An Exeter based worship leader, Matt, a guitarist and a classically trained pianist, has been writing songs for several years now, recording an EP in 2002 to raise funds for his year 'in industry' in France and producing his debut album "Undone" in 2007 with westcountry record label Risen Records. His recent songwriting reflects his journey with God thus far and his passion for scripturally inspired musical worship.
Matt was born in Oxford in 1981 and spent most of his life in Newbury, Berkshire. Showing early promise of musical ability he learnt piano to a very high standard under the tutorage of Audrey Harrington-Hawes, and then taught himself guitar.
He read French & German at the University of Exeter, during which time he often led worship for the CU. Following his graduation Matt volunteered, and was accepted, on the Frontiers Impact programme, helping to develop the musical worship life at Frontiers Exeter church under the watchful eyes of Andy and Jane Arscott. He isnow director of music/worship at the church.
Matt was married to Anna in August 2006. They currently work in the Exeter area. Matt started work in May 2008 for Changing Tunes, a Christian charity using music in the rehabilitation of young offenders, prisoners and ex-prisoners.
Matt has appeared at many UK festivals including Nth Fest in Yeovil, Passion Event in Stoke-on-Trent, Creation Fest in Woolacombe, Cheltenham Bible Festival, Spring Harvest Skyline in Minehead, Wellspring Bible Festival in Wadebridge. He supported Dr Tony Campolo on 2 dates with Youth For Christ in May 2008.
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