Rocking Romans

Hi there, we're Salt. We're not a group of individuals who believe they're something you put in food. We're seven people who play in the same band, and that band is called (as we've already pointed out) Salt. Our names are, in inverse alphabetical order: Manuel (drums), Louise Anne (vox), Karl (bass), Jude (guitar), ...Joe (keys and vox), Janice (vox) and Dave (guitar). We like a lot of different kinds of music, but together we play something which sounds like 'rock'. And, since God's love for us has made such an impact on our lives, our songs are mostly about trying to share that with other people. We started playing together in 2003 as part of a youth group called Youth Fellowship. Then, in 2005, someone asked us if we'd like to go to Germany to play during a youth festival, and we said yes. We ended up playing in front of a lot of people (around 2000 of them), some of whom liked our new songs so much they wanted to buy a CD. Which we didn't have. When we came back to Malta (which is where we're based) we set about writing and rehearsing more songs, 10 of which became our first album called "hello Truth", which we launched with a gig in December 2006. This gig was a real blast because a lot of our friends (we're not sure if we've got fans yet) turned up. So then we had a CD. We spent the following year promoting the CD with a lot of gigs around Malta, and we ended the year by winning a Bay Music Award as Best Newcomers, which was a nice treat to end the year with. In 2008 we recorded another two songs called "Jars of Clay" and "Walk", we went to Australia for World Youth Day, had some more gigs and finished the year with another BMA, this time for Best Band. Hurrah! This year (2009) we plan to record more songs which will hopefully become Album Number 2, so please check in on us again till we've got something ready, OK?

GrapeVine is your one-stop connection to Catholic music. Music is regarded as the highest art form by the Church; discover its power for encouragement and evangelization. Here you can read reviews of CDs recorded by Catholic artists displaying a variety of styles. ...

MyCatholicVoice is a place to easily connect with people in your parish, youth group, ministry, or special interest groups. Find information, share media, stay in touch.

MyCatholicVoice is a place to easily connect with people in your parish, youth group, ministry, or special interest groups. Find information, share media, stay in touch.

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MyCatholicVoice is a place to easily connect with people in your parish, youth group, ministry, or special interest groups. Find information, share media, stay in touch.

Singer/Songwriter/Worship Leader Matt Maher has signed with Provident Label Group’s Essential Records, and has announced the release of his 12-track debut album, Empty & Beautiful, which will hit stores April 8, 2008. On Empty & Beautiful, Maher breaks open the two simple words in the title, through songs that are both... corporate and reflective; driving and soft; each one telling the story from a different perspective. Empty & Beautiful was co-produced by Matt Maher and Jeff Thomas, except for, “As It Is In Heaven,” which was produced by Ed Cash (Chris Tomlin, Bebo Norman, Bethany Dillon). Maher describes the heart behind his Essential Records debut, “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.” Empty & Beautiful, co-written entirely by Maher, comprises the following 12 tracks (track sequence subject to change): “Your Grace Is Enough,” “Look Like A Fool,” “As It Is In Heaven (co-written with Ed Cash),” “I Rejoice,” “Great Things,” “Leave A Light On,” “Empty & Beautiful,” “For Your Glory,” “Shine Like the Sun,” “Unwavering,” “Lay It Down (co-written with Brenton Brown)” and “Maranatha.” About Matt Maher: Beyond serving with organizations like WorshipTogether.com, SpiritandSong.com, Passion, Youth Specialties, and Adore Ministries, Matt Maher is also a contributing artist for Life Teen, a high school youth movement that helped lead him to Jesus; his songs are being sung by the Church around the world. A number of Matt Maher-written songs have been recorded by other artists, including: “Your Grace is Enough,” Maher’s first radio single and a song for the church that was originally recorded by Maher’s good friend, Chris Tomlin; “Unwavering,” a reflection on the Beatitudes (recorded prior by Bethany Dillon); “For Your Glory,” a new testament response to the book of Ecclesiastes (recorded by Phillips, Craig and Dean). With an incredible love for Christ, and a heart to reach people with the Gospel, Maher seeks to meet people where they are, not where he wishes they would be. Often referring to himself as a “musical missionary,” Maher, who also serves as part of the worship team at his home church in Mesa, Arizona, St. Timothy Catholic Community, shares, “It’s so important to stay in community when you want to write for the Church. That is where your songs come from; from your relationship with Christ, with your immediate family, and the family of believers.” Born and raised in Newfoundland, Canada, Maher grew up in a strong culture comprised of two elements: music and tradition. Maher continues, “Music is part of the fabric of the culture there, similar to places like Louisiana or the Appalachian mountains; and over the years, not just Celtic music, but music of every kind. I grew up listening to American Top 40 with Casey Kasem every Saturday, rain or shine. My dad would cook while listening to Willie Nelson or Frank Sinatra. My cousins, who lived next door, listened to everything from Broadway to British Rock, like the Beatles and The Who.” Early in his life, Maher’s parents realized his talent for music and started him in piano lessons. He quickly absorbed as many musical styles as possible, playing in concert and jazz ensembles, singing in choir, and even playing in a high school garage rock band. During his college years, Matt received a scholarship from the Jazz Department at Arizona State University, where he studied Jazz Piano.

Arguably the best known Catholic artist performing today, Matt Maher's gifts for moving music are quite apparent in his CD Empty & Beautiful. His powerful lyrics are backed up by his equally strong vocals and ability to write music that evokes an emotional response. ...

The soloist winner of Rocking Romans' first online Catholic Music contest, MILO delivers lyrics of great depth with a unique, driving sound that reflects his great love for the our Lord and His Church. ...

NCSC - National Catholic Student Coalition