His name is Chris Mathewson but he is known by the name, “Earl.” Earl is an acronym meaning: Existence-After-Real-Love. It is also his given middle name.
Earl is self-taught in the art of writing, recording, producing, and mixing music. His unique style of music has a hip-hop feel but can fit into many genres. He is inspired by all types of music. Earl keeps all of his music clean and it contains no profanity. However, at the same time, Earl’s music is edgy enough to appeal to a wide audience. His music ranges from inspirational and motivational, to music you can dance to, as well as reflecting on life experiences and world topics. Through his music, Earl hopes to prove that the common stereotype that modern music is all negative is just that: a stereotype.
Music is what Earl believes God has called him to do and his goal is to share God’s truth and light through his music. First and foremost his goal is to reach all genres of radio stations and media, as he knows God is needed not only on Christian stations but every station and publication. He believes that there are some that may never step foot in a church, however if he can bring a Christ-like perspective to an audience through his God given passion of music, he can plant a seed for eternal hope. He believes that only when we experience God’s real and unconditional love for us are we able to find our purpose, our sense of existence, and our reason for being on this earth and the world needs to hear that.
He is confident that when you listen to his music you will find that it will get you to think and dance, as well as inspire and motivate you.
Q: How do you shut things out?
Ans: When God gives me the material and song, it is very exciting and you just can’t wait for the whole coming together process to happen. Seeing it go from a blank canvas to a record with a story and purpose is beautiful.
Q: How easily do songs tend to come to you?
Ans : I start with Prayer and I think it’s important to understand that when the time is right, it is right and even though we get distracted, if we are truly connected to the record then you will fall right back into that place and time when you work on it. That’s what I want all of my songs to do is put people in a place and time to where they can really remember who they were with, where they were, how they felt, or how it impacted them upon first hearing it.
Q: What’s your motto or the advice you live by?
Ans: ” I will never minimize my God to maximize my success ”
Q: For our readers who have never heard your music, explain your sound in 5 words?
Ans: This tough because I want to be sure I am humble here haha, but I will try : God driven, hybrid, honest, grounded, unique
Q: You write all of your own music; where do you draw inspiration from when you write songs and what’s your favorite part about the proccess?
ANS: Once again I know that it is all God given and the only way I do this is by Gods hands alone. Subject matter comes from my experiences and absorbing my surrounding in a sense. I really enjoy the entire process.
Q:Who are your inspirations?
Ans: God alone. My passion purpose and call is to represent Christ in the secular world of music and knowing it isn’t about me but reaching people for Him, that’s all the inspiration needed.
Q: If you could perform with anyone, in the future, who would it have to be?
Ans: There are so many I would pick from Carrie Underwood, Adele, Bruno Mars, Journey. but I would probably say Phil Collins. I have always loved his music and his sound.
Q:Do you have any events coming up or recording going on right now?
Ans: I have been blessed with a new recording studio and will be releasing new singles very shortly.
Q:Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to sing as a career or just advice about careers in general?
Ans : I would recommend praying about everything first. I am no different than anyone else but if I was to give advice from anything I’ve learned along the way, stay true to yourself and the dream and reason for pursuing that dream. Many people will tell you that you have to conform to what people want in order to be heard or liked but God makes us all unique and if your staying true to His word that’s all that matters. If God wants you somewhere, there is no one that can stop it.
Q: If you had a soundtrack to your life what song/songs would have to be on it?
Ans : Good Good Father, Lion and the lamb, Nothing is impossible, Don’t stop believing, In the air tonight, Smile, Restless, Release the hold, Crushed Diamonds, the list goes on.
