Matt Papa released his debut album You Are Good in 2006 and just released his latest album Look & Live on September 17th. He and his wife, Lauren, currently live in Raleigh, NC with their three daughters. Matt is currently serving as Artist in Residence at The Summit Church. 

We'd like to thank Matt for taking the time to speak with BreatheCast.

BreatheCast: How does it feel to finally be releasing your new album Look & Live (Sept. 17)?

MP: "It always feels like a delivery to me. Typically there are 9 months of labor, and then, it's here....a little reflection of yourself....imperfections and all.  But it is good and I thank God for the grace to do it, and pray it truly helps people."

BreatheCast: How would you describe your sound for people that haven't heard of you guys and what artists have influenced your sound?

MP: "Queen meets Muse meets the Killers meets Keith Green. I call our sound preach rock."

BreatheCast: What is one song or aspect of the new album that might surprise fans of your previous records?

MP: "There is less "mission" oriented stuff on this record, as this record is more Godward."

BreatheCast: Tell us the story behind your song, "All For Your Glory"?

MP: "All For Your Glory" was very much inspired by a book I read called, The End For Which God Created The World by Jonathan Edwards. It was a life changing read. In the book, Edwards makes the case that God did not create the world because He was lonely or because there was any sort of lack in God, but rather He created all things like a songwriter writes a song. The songwriter doesn't NEED the song but he does "need" to communicate something. God, prior to the creation, was so full of joy, life and energy that he overflowed, nigh, exploded with all that is. And when I say "all that is," that's exactly what I mean. God knows all and created all knowing all. The script is written and everything will unfold exactly as He planned it. The good, the bad, the ugly....it's all His design. Pain, suffering, the fall of man, these all prove to highlight attributes of God which, as Edwards puts it, "would have never had any exercise" unless God created the world. As Hellen Keller put it, "bravery and patience could not exist if there were only good in the world."

BreatheCast: If you could collaborate with one Secular Artist and one Christian Artist, who would you choose?

MP: "Secular - Bono, Christian - Bono"

BreatheCast: Do you have a favorite scripture as a band or a truth that you use a lot? If not, what are some personal favorite verses of yours?

MP: "I love Psalm 27, Psalm 131, John 1:29, and 2 Corinthians 3:18"

BreatheCast: If you could each play professionally for any sports team for one day, who would you guys pick?

MP: "Da Bulls!"

BreatheCast: What are your touring plans for this Fall 2013?

MP: "This fall we are touring for my new album, the Look & Live Tour 2013. We're also doing a lot of album release events and they are going great."