We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Matthew Murias. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Matthew below.
Hi Matthew, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
My purpose is and my calling is to make bold music that leads people to Christ. I felt this calling beginning when I was around 15 years old. I always knew I might make a career out of music but the specific calling to this style of music that I currently write and play with my band (Tierra Vacía), really started when I was very impacted and inspired by a pastor named Robin Bullock.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a Christian musician (drummer, guitarist, songwriter) but I wasn’t overly inspired by typical Christian music. I grew up on worship music and CCM but it never moved me. Instead, I became more and more drawn to rock and symphonic metal. While I definitely consider myself of rocker, my personal tastes and vibe is not what you would think for a guy who writes metal music. I’m actually quite a contrast from the stereotypical “metal head”. I generally wear cowboy boots (which I discovered after moving to Nashville five years ago) but I also love a great pair of designer boots too!
I searched for bands who played the music that I love, but whose lyrics also gave a message of hope and truth but I came up empty-handed. And that’s when my calling was born. I would write the music I wished I could find on Spotify. So I began to write the music I wanted to listen to, and gathered a few amazing musicians who were also my friends and we formed the band Tierra Vacía. The other band members – Andrew, Amber and Braxten are awesome musicians and we have fun playing our music together. I’m thrilled that they share in my vision of being a light in a genre that can be dark.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I am just at the exciting beginning of my journey. But I’ll share what has served me so far to help me begin to launch my musical journey.
First and most importantly, humility is one of the most important qualities as I try to pursue a career in music. I am humbled daily by the people who have spoken into my life, taught me music, worked with me to produce Tierra Vacía’s first album (Rumble) and who generally have supported me with their encouragement. Without humility, I don’t think I will get anywhere in the music industry.
Second, my parents gave me the freedom and the support to blaze my own trail. Their original thoughts and ideas for me were very different than my own. But God led them to give me the flexibility and the creative space to follow my own path.
Finally, I have been impacted by incredible music teachers who did so much more in my life than just teach me music. They taught me not to give up and they taught me to pursue my calling, even if it was different than what everyone expected.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I am looking for folks who can help get my band’s music on a stage in the Nashville area or anywhere! Tierra Vacía is a young band but we have a pretty epic live show prepared that’s ready to go! Our goal for 2024 is to put that live show on stage. Being an Independent artist is challenging as we are funding everything on our own. My parents have been my financial support in getting my first album produced and I will be forever grateful to them for that. But it’s time to get out of the studio and onto the stage! So, we are looking for opportunities at churches, conferences, music venues, etc. who would love to inspire a crowd through our very exciting and theatrical live show. If you want to help us book some shows, I would love to hear from you. Church leaders, youth/college group leaders, booking agents, music venue bookers, etc…email me at info@tierravacia.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tierravacia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tierravaciaofficial
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tierravacia/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@TierraVaciaOfficial?si=sRx0vIAvLLv738gJ
- Other: https://vibe.to/tierravacia https://tierravacia.bandcamp.com
Image Credits
Katie Thomas Aaron David Thomas Elliot Lopes Jeff Brown Graphics (album cover art)
