WASHINGTON, November, 7, 2011 —It’s odd to think about, but singer/songwriters, while existing very much in a pop/rock context, have become genre unto themselves. Within a certain frame of reference, when someone is labeled a singer/songwriter the listener knows that specific things are to be expected. Mat Kearney’s show at the 9:30 Club did not veer from this course.
The show itself was sold out, which is another thing to be expected of headlining singer/songwriter acts. Although being a Christian Contemporary Music act, Kearney had something working in his favor in drawing people to his show. Christian music acts tend to be able to draw very well and a talented artist with that support can become quite huge without a lot of traditional mainstream attention.
Mat Kearney has made know the fact he’s Christian, and while it seems to be a very strong aspect of his life, it doesn’t seem to define his music. This is pretty important for artists, especially ones who clearly have their faith out in the open.
Being identified as a musician of faith has a tendency to divide people. There are too many people who will make a judgment based solely on their position on faith before even hearing the artist. Most musicians of faith tend not to be over the top with faith or religion within the context of their songs and tend to push their beliefs only in the abstract. Mat Kearney fits squarely into this camp.
Whatever faith based elements find their way into Kearney’s songs are broad and subtle. They come out in the positive vibe which permeates in every song. Even when a song has a chance to broach somewhat melancholy territory, Kearney’s delivery or just the up tempo of the songs keeps them from ever being seen as a downer.
This is a generally odd aspect because he is a singer/songwriter, and while they tend not to have a monopoly on songs getting the listener down or sad, they definitely have made an art out of it. Kearney doesn’t seem to subscribe to this theory and instead focuses what positives can come out of regular themes like heart break and loneliness.
For an audience who is looking for a positive message, a solid influence, or just trying to relax and enjoy an evening, Mat Kearney is able to deliver.
Kearney brings enough to the table to keep anyone in the crowd interested during the whole set. There are enough clever flourishes in his set to keep him treading too far down the path of the traditional singer/songwriter.
He opened up the set with his current hit “Hey Mama” off his new album Young Lovers. The song itself is an excellent example of him stretching his legs as a songwriter and shows him extending his influences into vaguely hip-hop territory. “Count on Me” hit this exact same note and both songs are definite stand outs.
There’s nothing incredibly unique about Kearney’s approach, but he varies enough of his song structures to make the set a unique listening experience. He’s a diverse and talented songwriter, so the set never gets old even if the influences are easily identifiable throughout. It’s clear he’s not necessarily trying to break new ground, but making sure his songs and set are solid enough to evoke a reaction with his audience.
Ultimately the goal of the singer/songwriter is to project the emotions in his songs on to the audience and Mat Kearney does this throughout the set. Kearney imbues the crowd with an earnest energy, showing he’s a fine example of his faith while still putting on an engaging show.
Stephen Bradley is an avid music listener. Read more of his work in Riffs at the Washington Times Communities.
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