Matt Commerce
- Los Angeles, CA
- Singing Guitarist
- 141 Verified Bookings
Thomas L. said “We had Matt solo for a rehearsal dinner, him and his trio for a welcome party, and him as a dj at a pool party. Him and his team killed it at every event…”
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The Doorkeeper - Gospel music, hymns and choruses on solo acoustic guitar. Audience/congregation singing is eagerly encouraged - it's not a concert!
I've been singing in church since I was 7 years old - that's over 35 years now!
I sing and play acoustic guitar - the material includes Gospel songs, hymns from many eras of church-music history and Scripture passages set to simple, accessible guitar accompaniment - no "rock" music, special effects or drums.
I have excellent pastoral and personal references, many years of experience in leading group singing and a strong desire to encourage my brothers and sisters to sing the great truths of the Bible together!
Be the first to review The Doorkeeper - Gospel Music
Price Range: Love Offerings Only - Give As You Feel Led!
Gig Length: 30 - 120 minutes
Appearance - I dress casually, and can appear in khaki pants and a polo shirt or a suit and tie - I leave those preferences up to the event host, be it a church or other Christian organization.
Equipment - I can provide my own simple sound system which is usually more than adequate for groups up to 50 people or more depending on the size and structure of the space provided. I am more than happy to use the event host's provided sound equipment; I can connect my guitar in such a way that the sound is consistent no matter what size system I am connected to.
PLEASE NOTE: I am also willing and able to sing and play with no electronic sound system at all - 25 years of singing in front of groups large and small have given me a good, strong set of lungs!
CONTENT: I perform Gospel songs and hymns from many periods of Christian music history. I do not use backing tracks, electric guitars, rock music or secular songs at all. I am happy to sing strictly hymns or a mix of hymns and familiar choruses. I do include modern songs (written in the 20th century), but they are always chosen on the basis of their Biblical, God-honoring, Christ-centered content and not for the sake of popularity or in an effort to be "relevant".
PLEASE NOTE: I am a person gifted in evangelism and teaching, and I do share aspects of my testimony during events - you may arrange to have me share during the music time, or as a standalone message before or after a music event.
I sang in public for the first time when I was 7 years old, at church. I began by singing in our church's weekly services, then joining the choir. I sang "special music" as part of duos and trios in my family's home church for many years.
After 25 years as a performing singer/guitarist/composer, I've put down roots in Gospel music - singing "Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs" and encouraging my brothers and sisters to sing with joy and enthusiasm - we have a wonderful song to sing; the Good News of Jesus Christ!
My goal is to travel wherever the Lord allows, encouraging congregations, home groups, families and community-ministry organizations to sing the great truths of the Scriptures - the "old time religion", the "old, old story of Jesus and His love".
I play solo, with only an acoustic guitar - the sound equipment is just for volume purposes. I don't use soundtracks, drums, electric guitars or rock music. While I appreciate many contemporary songs offered in a rock or pop style, I feel that the simple, straightforward accompaniment of the guitar combined with clearly-Biblical lyrics is my most effective way to reach and encourage people from every age group and church background.
It's my joy to sing to the God of our salvation - won't you make a joyful noise with me?
All I require is room to sit or stand with my guitar - I can provide a sound system, use yours or sing without one at the event host's discretion.
I use a 60-watt SoundTech PA system with two portable speakers - this system is small and basic but it is suitable for groups of 50 or more people - the sound system is only used to make the natural sound of the voice and guitar more easily heard, not to overwhelm with volume.
EVENT HOST/SOUND TECH INFO:
Guitar: Alvarez AG610 (L.R. Baggs Anthem pickup system)
DI: L.R. Baggs Para Acoustic DI
Outboard Units: Reverb/Delay (for tone/EQ enhancement - optional)
Microphone(s):
AKG D890 or Sennheiser e835 dynamic vocal microphone (when I provide sound gear)
Sennheiser e835, Shure SM-58 or similar dynamic vocal microphone (when host provides)
Additional Microphone: Shure SM-57 for instrument miking (optional)
House lighting - flourescent or incandescent room lighting is acceptable. "Stage" lighting should be limited to fixed-position colored lights and/or a fixed-position spot or highlight lamp. No motion-activated, automated or special-effect lighting, please. Darkened house lighting or theatrical lighting scenes are to be avoided whenever possible.
I grew up listening to the Statler Brothers and other Gospel quartet singing as well as the folk music that my parents enjoyed. I have always loved the great hymns of the Christian faith - "Great Is Thy Faithfulness", "The Solid Rock", "All Hail The Pow'r Of Jesus' Name" and more.
I include newer Gospel songs in my list, such as "The Power Of The Cross" (S. Townend and K. and K, Getty, "All I Have Is Christ" (J. Kauflin) and other Christ-exalting songs.
I never forget to include some of the enthusiastic choruses from years past, such as "I'm So Happy And Here's The Reason Why" and other Sunday-School favorites.
Thomas L. said “We had Matt solo for a rehearsal dinner, him and his trio for a welcome party, and him as a dj at a pool party. Him and his team killed it at every event…”
Michael T. said “Besides being a fantastic singer and musician, Austin related well to the audience and captivated all. We went into this event hoping our guests would…”
Michael A. said “DA played some MPB and Bossa Nova favorites for our wedding cocktail hour and ceremony. He was very accommodating on a timing change, and was super punctual…”
Alixandra B. said “We loved having Bob Peace perform for our Oneder The Sea party! The music level was perfect for our afternoon party in a residential neighborhood. My…”