Worship leader Matt Maher signs with Essential Records

CATHOLIC musician and worship leader Matt Maher has been signed to Essential Records. His record label debut 'Empty & Beautiful' was co-produced by Matt Maher, Jeff Thompson and Ed Cash and will be released in the US in April 2008. Said Maher, "In life, we end up having to empty ourselves to achieve that which is beautiful. If you don't, you never really get made beautiful. It's a weird dichotomy, especially in the world we live in because there's so much focus on beauty. The whole idea of having to empty one's self to achieve beauty is completely counter cultural, but that's what happens-marriage, service of the poor, sharing the beauty of the gospel. That's what Christ calls us to do, and I hope these songs will help inspire people to follow Jesus in that way."

A number of Maher's songs have been recorded by other artists including the first radio single "Your Grace Is Enough" (originally cut by Maher's good friend, Chris Tomlin), "Unwavering", a reflection on the Beatitudes (recorded prior by Bethany Dillon); and "For Your Glory", a New Testament response to the book of Ecclesiastes (recorded by Phillips, Craig & Dean).