About Me
Hi, my name is Chad Matthews.
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I'm a singer from Northport, Prince Edward Island, a small town in western Prince Edward Island, Canada. I am a single dad of four teenage boys - Joel, Nick, Zack, and Dylan. I fished for many years before taking a seasonal job as greenskeeper on a golf course in beautiful Mill River. I also play Canada's legendary entertainer Stompin' Tom in a dinner theatre in Skinners Pond, where Tom spent a few years of his childhood.
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Lately I've turned to singing Gospel music, although I still love to sing Tom's songs when I get the chance. I believe the world needs the kind of calm, peaceful healing that inspirational music provides.
One of my favourite devotional tunes is The River by Brian Doerksen. Its soothing, healing melody and message seem divinely inspired. I can easily picture a music video where troubled souls come to a river to ease their pain. My music seems to connect with people. It's humbling to know that some folks play my songs over and over, that their souls are calmed by my voice and the message of light I feel compelled to share with the world.
I cannot imagine a greater gift than sharing this light with others via a beautiful music video featuring Brian Doerksen's amazing song. Contributors to this meaningful campaign will be an essential part of this incredible gift. Thank you!
What I Need
Living in a remote area has its challenges. In order to make this meaningful video, I need to bring in some folks with special skills. I have an incredible team who believe in me lined up and ready to go, with a shoot planned for over two days in July. Funding includes labour and gear as well as travel and accommodation costs overnight for crew who live two or more hours away. Our goal is $12 000 overall; apart from cast and crew, this also includes an amazing award-winning cinematographer as well as licensing fees for Brian's song.
Perks for helping me out will include
- Signed call sheets from the shoot
- A digital download card of my Gospel CD
- Signed Gospel CD
- Coffee time and signed CD
- Campfire tunes with me at your cottage or home (P.E.I.)
- Private concert with my band at your cottage or home (P.E.I.)
If we don't reach our entire goal, our team will come together to make a simpler video.
The Impact
I'm so blessed in that I have played many shows over the years that affect people's lives in positive ways. Stompin' Tom's songs are a lot of fun to share, and sometimes my shows are energized just by playing cover tunes. But it's the Gospel songs that are really touching souls and making a difference in people's lives.
How Great Thou Art and Amazing Grace are staples in my live shows these days. They are truly changing lives, as I hear almost on a daily basis. My band and I play at seniors' homes; it's incredible how touched these people are by the gift of music, and I am grateful to be the one to bring it to them. I heard recently that a troubled teen listens to my Gospel CD every day and that it calms his soul. Lonely people rely on it. I am incredibly humbled by the gift of music, a gift that started back in my childhood when I needed an escape. That escape became music.
Risks & Challenges
It seems everything is risky these days with COVID around. It brings unknowns into our lives. I believe this is the biggest risk. I was recently the main character in an NFB documentary film so I know what's involved in shooting an intense story-style music video. I'm comfortable on camera and am used to functioning with a busy crew around me. I know and trust the people I'll be working with. We'll have fun; we're like family, and I can't wait to work with those folks again. My boys will be in the video too - what a special memory we will be creating together in our own little part of the world.
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Other Ways You Can Help
If it's not possible for you to help out with a monetary donation, you can help by listening to my songs on Spotify or another online music retailer, and spreading the word about my music. If you are local, we will need snacks and meals and accommodations. Every and all contribution is welcome. Sharing this campaign on social media will also be an incredible help!
I cannot thank you enough for believing in me and for helping me get this beautiful music video and song out into the world.
God Bless -
Chad
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