The title of the EP isn’t a simple, passing reference to one of God’s characteristics. Part of Ryan’s story includes a testimony of God healing him of his then-lifelong bout with epilepsy, from which he suffered up until his junior year of high school. And he hasn’t forgotten God’s kindness, which is evident in these songs, most notably in the title track: “You are the strength inside of my weakness / You are the life inside my veins / You are the Lord above every sickness / my words could not explain … my Healer, my Savior / You have overcome / my comfort, my shelter / the victory is Yours.” These lyrics may not be the most poetic, but the passion behind them almost nullifies the need to be fancy about it; Ryan’s desire is to thank the Lord for what He’s done in his life, and he does just that.
“I Give It All” is one of my favorite tracks, from a lyrical perspective. Here, Ryan expresses his desire to give everything to Jesus, but it’s interesting because he also acknowledges that he can only give his all because Jesus first gave His all: “I give it all / Lord, I give You my heart / Jesus, I give You my life / for You alone, You buried my shame and carried it out ok the cross.” “Secret Place” is great, too, with an emphasis on trusting in God’s promises: “I see a fire lighting up the sky / I see a shelter, a refuge in the light / I see a future where I don’t have to run and hide / I see a promise of what You made me like.”
Musically, Ryan’s influences are very noticeable, as the long, drawn-out tracks and big, anthemic sounds point to artists like Bethel, Hillsong, and Elevation Worship. But there are plenty of things in each song that help them stand out from the crowd a little. The synth in “I Give It All;” the quiet strings and gorgeous, airy vocals in “You’re So Good To Me;” the fact that “Healer” sounds like a glorious sunrise on a flawless morning; there’s so much to appreciate here, and more of it becomes noticeable with each listen. My first time listening through these songs was only a scratch on the surface, and repeat listens got better and better.
Matthew Ryan’s debut EP is a great start for a young worship leader full of gratitude and humility. Listeners who don’t take much pleasure in corporate worship music (like any of the above mentioned artists) may or may not find something here to enjoy. However, Healer is more than what the first meets the ear, and is certainly worthy of your attention.
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Matthew Ryan: I had been playing guitar and piano for about six months before I approached my parents and asked them if I could join the worship team. They felt I was ready, and I was heavily involved with the worship team from that point on.
Matthew: I started writing my own music this past January; however, growing up I would write little instrumental songs and themes all the time.
Matthew: Growing up I listened to a lot of Relient K and Demon Hunter, so I had this crazy concoction of punk, pop, rock, and metalcore. I absolutely love Elevation and Bethel Worship. So recently I’ve been getting a lot of inspiration from people like Elevation and Amanda Cook.
Matthew: When I was 16 years old I was fed up with taking medicine every day since I was 5. I decided to listen to a lie the devil told me that my epilepsy medication wasn’t working. So I stopped taking it, and I didn’t tell anyone for six months. At the end of the six months, I had my annual tests that I needed to do, so I got a brain scan done, and the doctor told me that my epilepsy was gone. But not only from this immediate scan, but from the scan that happened prior to that one, the same month I decided to stop taking my medication. It’s my belief that Jesus died for our sins and our sickness. And God does things for us even when we don’t deserve it. Today I am six years free from any trace of epilepsy. It’s the craziest experience I’ve ever had in my life, and this is something that no atheist nor agnostic could ever try to take away from me. Because this type of healing does not happen in the medical world. When people get healed of epilepsy, it’s through careful, monitored weening off of medicine. But God healed me immediately after I quit my medication cold turkey.
Matthew: I’ve actually been getting great opportunities to sing and share my testimony. I just finished up a short two-week California tour, and I’ll be traveling to Mexico City and other areas around it to sing in July!
Matthew: If you haven’t heard my music, I highly recommend checking out "Healer." It’s my favorite song on the EP, especially because healing is something very near and dear to me.
Matthew: I’ve already begun the writing process for my next EP or potentially an album. Since the release of the Healer EP in June, I already have three more songs.
Matthew: I love and cherish everyone that supports my music, because every single penny that I make from CD sales and traveling goes immediately into my savings account for my Bible school tuition. In August I will begin taking courses at Christ for the Nations Institute to get a worship degree. I could not be more excited! I absolutely cannot wait to be in that amazing atmosphere of worship and fellowship with other believers with the same passion. So please buy a copy of Healer - it’s only $5 - and help me continue to grow in my ministry.
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