“Fire the Fuse†is one of many singles Earl will be releasing this summer before he releases his new EP in the fall. He is also gearing up for a national tour before the end of this year.
His name is Chris Mathewson but he is known by the name, “Earl.” Earl is an acronym meaning: Existence-After-Real-Love. It is also his given middle name.
Earl is self-taught in the art of writing, recording, producing, and mixing music. His unique style of music has a hip-hop feel but can fit into many genres. He is inspired by all types of music. Earl keeps all of his music clean and it contains no profanity. However, at the same time, Earl’s music is edgy enough to appeal to a wide audience. His music ranges from inspirational and motivational, to music you can dance to, as well as reflecting on life experiences and world topics. Through his music, Earl hopes to prove that the common stereotype that modern music is all negative is just that: a stereotype.
Music is what Earl believes God has called him to do and his goal is to share God’s truth and light through his music. First and foremost his goal is to reach all genres of radio stations and media, as he knows God is needed not only on Christian stations but every station and publication. Â He believes that there are some that may never step foot in a church, however if he can bring a Christ-like perspective to an audience through his God given passion of music, he can plant a seed for eternal hope. He believes that only when we experience God’s real and unconditional love for us are we able to find our purpose, our sense of existence, and our reason for being on this earth and the world needs to hear that.
He is confident that when you listen to his music you will find that it will get you to think and dance, as well as inspire and motivate you.
So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist? Â
First of all I want to say To God be all the glory for this opportunity. I was born in Camp LeJeune NC, raised in Jacksonville partly then moved to Virginia as my father is a US Marine. I tried to fit many molds in life but never was fulfilled by them, Nov 9 2014 God revealed to me my passion and purpose of music. I didn’t decide to become an artist, God alone created me with the passion and purpose to serve Him as a musician and I am so thankful for that.
How did you come up with the name Earl? What was your inspiration behind it?
Earl is actually my middle name but once God revealed my passion and purpose, it became an acronym for Existence After Real Love. God is the definition of love and once we have that salvation and relationship we can be revealed who we are and what or existence is and our purpose and call for being.
What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
I think there are many great things that come from online music, it provides a great connection of artist and listeners that wasn’t always there. I have given fans music free to help build a fanbase. I am so thankful that anyone would even take a second away from there time to listen to my music and I don’t want anyone to feel obligated to pay for anything they haven’t heard.
Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
I would say first and foremost above all, is to pray about it. There is no other that can guide you as the Lord can and we can’t move without His guidance. Secondly, remain true to yourself and never give in to what others say you have to do or be to be successful in music. I can say for myself that I will never minimize my God to maximize my success. If I glorify God first and extend His Kingdom first and God wants me to reach a level or a door to open, no one can stop Him.
Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
I haven’t performed much but I am so far from perfect and make mistakes but I feel that keeps a connection with people and a sense of being humble, it shows people that no matter what success level is reached or what name you have, I’m just a regular person to and people can connect to that.
Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
I believe God guide my music first. My subject matter is gathered by my experiences or experiences I have seen or envision being a part of. They range through all emotions. Each song is its own entity and each song writing process is different but it starts with a movement of the heart.
Do you have an official website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
EarlOfficial.com
Soundcloud / EarlOfficialMusic
iTunes
CDbaby
Amazon
@EarlArtist on Twitter and Instagram
Earl Earl on Facebook
If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
First and foremost I would give to the church. God says to be givers and He will overflow our storehouses. I have seen God be true to His word personally and that’s what I would do first. Anything left over I would give to those in need. As far as time off, I would be lost without pursuing my passion.
Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
God has blessed my wife and I tremendously in so many things and we are currently in our new location and constructing the new studio.
How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
God provides and prayer connects and when I put God first, it seems to grow. God revealed my passion purpose and call of being a representation of Him in secular music and to break down the barriers of secular and Christlike perspective music and to show God works in all peoples lives and not just pastors can get fired up about Christ and I trust that He will provide the way. It’s all about Gods timing and Gods way and He has provided a great support system around me and opened many doors to grow a fan-base. It’s not to say how great I am but how great my God is.
 If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with?
Why?
I would want to perform at the Verizon center in Washington DC because it would allow for family and friends to be in attendance and that would be special, not for them to be proud but for them to see that God uses imperfect people for His perfect plan and to show Gods greatness. There are so many artist I would love to perform with from Phil Collins to Carrie Underwood, Adele …… The list goes on.
So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
I am currently working on new singles to release and visual for the music and will provide all the information as soon as possible.
If you weren’t making music, what would Earl be doing?
If I wasn’t making music, I would simply be existing. This is my God given passion, purpose, and call, I have to do it no matter if I am getting paid to or not, I want to extend Gods kingdom and glory.
Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
I don’t remember my first album I bought but certainly grew up with Journey, Earth Wind and Fire, Timex social club, Phil Collins and without knowing it felt pulled to music and how it changed the atmosphere and surroundings.
How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
I am not the most diligent but my wife is and she helps keep me on track with scheduling and task etc. Happy wife, Happy life.
What should fans look forward to from Earl in 2016?
Honesty. By God alone revealing this all to me, I want to give a honest Christlike perspective in my music and always give God all the credit and glory.
I want to thank God first for this opportunity and thank all those who took time to give a interview and time to read this.
