Backers give Fenland sing-songwriter a kickstart for new music project

Online supporters have helped kickstart a music project for a local singer/songwriter and worship leader.

Matt McChlery, a Deacon with Kings Church in Wisbech, launched a Kickstarter appeal to help fund a five track EP of new religious songs he has written.

The aim was to raise at least £4,400 to guarantee the project's success and the target has now been beaten thanks to backers who have contributed a total of £4,479.

Matt, who lives with Verity and their two children in the town, has thanked all those who have supported him and said: "Wow! Thanks to all the backers who have got behind me and my music and have pushed this campaign over the target amount.

"You guys are simply amazing."

Adding: "There are still a few days left of the campaign, so here is a stretch target that we could achieve: If we raise an additional £400 before the expiration of the campaign, I will record a proper music video. I will also allow my Kickstarter backers to help me choose which song we make the video for."

Matt who last year released a Christmas song 'Have You Heard?’ which was recorded remotely during the height of last year's lockdown . It followed on from four singles released through Homegrown Worship in 2019.

This follows on from the four singles Matt, who lives with his wife Verity and their two children in Wisbech, released through Homegrown Worship in 2019.

Born in Zimbabwe Matt has played at religious festivals across the UK and has seen his songs sung in churches around the world as well as played on radio stations in a number of countries.

Matt said the five tracks chosen will help contribute to the sung worship vocabulary of the church and added they are able to be sung by congregations and cover a variety of themese including baptism, resurrection and the power of the Holy Spirit.

They will be accompanied by chord charts and sheet music so the they can be sung in churches.

Another part of the project will be the release of physical CDs and many of these will go to the backers, while the songs will be released as singles on digital platforms before the whole project is released as an EP.

Matt added: "I love singing my worship to Jesus, and I trust you do too. We are going through a very difficult season at the moment where we are unable to sing together within a church setting, so hopefully this EP will give you some great songs of worship to sing to help get you through this difficult time. I

"It will also help those worshipping at home online through church live streams and eventually, when we are once again allowed to raise our voices in song together in one place - we will have some excellent songs to add to the corporate worship of our churches."

To find out more visit: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mattmcchlery/help-me-record-a-new-ep-of-worship-songs