Christian artist Matthew West readies for his 'Michael Bublé season'
Christian singer and songwriter Matthew West has managed to remain true to his craft, while diversifying his personal portfolio over the last few years.
In addition to writing, recording and touring in support of his own music, West hosts The Matthew West Podcast from his home studio each week, he manages artists like fellow Christian recording artist (and recent Billboard Music Award winner) Anne Wilson, he writes songs for other musicians and has another book coming out in early 2024.
But as the Christmas season approaches, West turns his focus to one of his favorite holidays, with special events and a new Christmas song called "Because of Bethlehem."
This year marks the second annual "Come Home for Christmas" event where he hosts hundreds of fans for the weekend in his hometown of Franklin, Tenn. The weekend includes concerts, a Christmas dinner, songwriter rounds, and meet-and-greet events. VIP passes for the weekend have sold out. The weekend will also feature a Christmas concert at Belmont's Fisher Center, for which tickets still remain.
"I kinda joke that this is my Michael Bublé season," West told The Tennessean. "I'll joke with the crowd that Michael Bublé couldn't be here, so I'm filling in. We're all putting suits on, we're adding a horn and a string section; it's all the feels and all the nostalgia that great Christmas music brings. It's a complete departure from the norm in our yearly touring."
On the heels of a successful weekend event last year, West said he is looking forward to hosting it again this year.
"I love that people get to experience my favorite place at Christmastime," he said. " I host the Christmas tree lighting in downtown Franklin and I always think I wish people who see me in other cities could see me here. The tree lighting has gotten bigger and bigger each year. It's like Pleasantville."
'My Story Your Glory' tour resumes in 2024
Earlier this year, West released a double album "My Story Your Glory" and has been on tour in support of it. While he is wrapping up the fall leg of the tour now to make room for a brief tour of Christmas shows, West said there will be a Spring leg of that tour.
West, who lives in Franklin with his wife and two daughters, said although he has a lot on his plate, its the songwriting that fuels his soul.
"The songwriting is what brought me to town, whether I’m writing for myself or another artist. It’s what sets everything into motion. There's no touring without the songwriting. If I could only do one thing, getting in that room in Nashville everyday and writing a song is something I’ve always had a passion for. I've learned so much rubbing shoulders with some great songwriters in Nashville."
Melonee Hurt covers music and music business at The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK — Tennessee. Reach Melonee at [email protected] or on X @HurtMelonee.
If you go:
What: Matthew West "Come Home for Christmas"
Where: The Fisher Center at Belmont University
When: Saturday, Dec. 2
Tickets: www.matthewwest.com/tour
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Christian musician Matthew West wears many hats but this Christmas season he'll wear a suit
