Louder Than The Music

Bethel Music's singer/songwriter William Matthews will release his debut full-length album 'Hope's Anthem' on 26th July 2011. William recently featured as a lead vocalist on Bethel Live's acclaimed recording 'Be Lifted High', and in the past has provided backing vocals for Brian and Jenn Johnson, Kim Walker, Chris Quilala, Jake Hamilton, Jeremy Riddle, Suzy Wills Yaraei, Matt Gilman, and many others.

The album draws from Matthews' musical background, and is a joyful expression of worship that blends R&B, soul, pop and even a little country, all written by Matthews and the Bethel Music team. "William's music is refreshing and joyful. It is filled with grace, wonderfully revealing the pleasure of the Lord," says Bill Johnson, Senior Leader of Bethel Church and renowned author.

Born and raised in the heart of Detroit, Matthews' mother directed the church choir and he was constantly surrounded by soul singers and talented vocalists. When he was twelve, his parents accepted a ministry opportunity and moved to Raleigh to pastor a church. During those years, he started writing songs and, in 2007, he moved to be a part of the International House of Prayer in Kansas City, MO, leading worship alongside Justin Rizzo, Misty Edwards, Cory Asbury, Julie Meyer, Matt Gilman, and others. During this time, he was part of worship teams leading for The Call and wrote several songs on various albums and compilations for Forerunner Music, a division of the International House of Prayer, before meeting Brian and Jenn Johnson and joining the leadership team at Bethel Church in Redding, California, where he currently resides.

'Hope's Anthem' Track Listing:
1. I'm Free
2. I Just Want You More
3. We Believe
4. This One Thing
5. So Good To Me
6. My Great Reward
7. Hope's Anthem
8. The Lord Is My Shepherd
9. Deep Cries Out
10. Bridge Over Troubled Waters