FM Williams Band

The last but not least of the opening acts for the Rock with a Purpose event was the FM Williams Band. I’m not sure what they put in the water down their in Virginia but they certainly have some good bands down there. I wished I lived closer so I could see these guys more often. They are changing up their sound to more rock sound and will be entering the studio shortly to put out their sophomore release. To check out more on the FM Williams band hit up their facebook page. - Christian Concert Photos

The final act of Rise Up 2011 was the FM Williams Band. Since its Little League World series time I’d like to make a little comparison. One thing I always felt about indie artists is that they are kind of like these kids playing in the Little League World Series. They go out there on the field and give it their all. There is no money involved, they do it for the love of the game. When I see these indie bands you can really tell they are out their giving it their all for the love of God and are trying to bring his glory to whom ever can hear it. Matt, the lead singer from FM Williams Band is the epitome of artists doing it for the love of Jesus. When a singer gets so emotional just singing a song it really shows how he’s singing for something bigger than himself. Thanks to Matt for bringing together this great event and sharing the stage with these great performers. To find out more about the FM Williams Band check out their facebook page: FM Williams . Here is our coverage of FM Williams Band performance at Rise Up 2011 at Locust Shade Park Amphitheater, Triangle VA . - Written by Joseph Zimmerman, Christian Concert Photographs

Hosted by Damon “ZFlow” Fair and Mark Collins, the third 4th Friday’s Praise Festival of the season was simply amazing! What better way to start the Memorial Day weekend than praising God with some of the most phenomenal and diverse talent this area has to offer? Mount Sinai Tabernacle Church, where Pastor Rob Jones brings the Bread of Life, served as Headquarters for this awesome showcase of talent.



Praise & Worship by famed Christian Rockers, The FM Williams Band (www.FMWilliams.com), got us started and these men of God truly know how to usher in the Spirit of the Lord! A blend of classic and modern rock infused with pure, heart-felt worship, FM Williams Band treated us to “Spirit of Truth,” and the title track “Crowded Room” from their 2010 CD that reminds us that, at our lowest point, God is right there to meet us because He loves us and will never forsake us.

- Gilliam VOCALS, Inc.

QUANTICO, Va. - Matt Williams is juggling his love of God, family, the Marine Corps, and music.

The 42-year old Marine Captain recently signed with Oklahoma City-based Tate Music Group and released an album on Oct. 5 called “Crowded Room.”

“It’s a small challenge to juggle the two careers,” he admitted, “but before I was signed I was a Marine, so being a Marine does come first from an occupation perspective. Time management is my number one challenge.”

The Chillicothe, OH native enlisted in the Marine Corps in September of 1990 and currently serves as a Marine Corps Liaison Officer at the Navy Ordnance Safety Security Activity in Indian Head, Md. His parent command, Marine Corps Systems Command, is located at Quantico Marine Corps base.

“I often come home from the office and within minutes I’m following up with future bookings, contacting potential venues, drafting upcoming event schedules, planning practices with my supporting band and so on,” he said. “Plus, I have to rehearse the music myself and go over all the rough spots from previous concert events, and of course, I’m still writing new songs, all the while making sure that my wife and daughters get all the time they need and deserve. In addition to this, I’m a volunteer worship leaders and youth group music instructor at our church.”

Williams and his wife, Jo, were married in 1995 while he was stationed in Yuma, AZ. They have two daughters, Shelby and Morgan, and live in Fredericksburg.

Williams said he began his musical career by “banging on my grandma’s piano around the age of five. I was always able to play what I heard by ear.”

When he was 13, Williams’ mom bought him a small keyboard and he began teaching himself how to play.

“When I was 15, a good friend from our church gave me an old up-right piano,” he continued. “It was out of tune, several keys didn’t work, but I remember practicing on that thing every day.”

As a high school senior, Williams played the piano for his school’s chorus team and the bass guitar for a couple of different contemporary Christian music bands. Around this same time, Williams borrowed a six-string guitar from a friend and began teaching himself how to play it. Today, Williams plays six different instruments.

“I’m not sure what drew me to music,” he said. “It just makes sense to me. It may sound odd to some, but it has never been about being on stage and performing. Instead, it’s how God’s blessed me to communicate and share His love with others. Some teach, others preach. He gave me music.”

Williams said his favorite music to play is the music he’s been inspired to write.

“Some songs are heartfelt convictions and others are songs of pure adoration,” he said. “In fact, some listeners will notice that several lyrics are taken right from the Psalms. I try to avoid cute and trite lyrics that are meaningless.”

Currently, Williams only books events on the weekends throughout the National Capital Area.

“It’s less of a strain on my Marine Corps responsibilities,” he explained. “Eventually, I plan on playing beyond the National Capital area, In fact, I’m currently planning a small weekend tour to my hometown in the spring.”

To learn more about Williams, visit his web site at fmwilliams.com. His new CD is available on such sites at iTunes, Amazon, Zune, Napster and eMusic. - INSIDENOVA.COM