Matthew West receives both top honors at the ASCAP Christian Music Awards

Like last year, Matthew West was named Songwriter of the Year at the ASCAP Christian Music Awards – but unlike 2021, he was able to make it a double play and also win Song of the Year for his composition ‘My Jesus. ”

It’s the fifth time West has won Songwriter of the Year. “My Jesus,” recorded by Anne Wilson, was one of five numbers that West appeared on ASCAP’s list of the 50 most played songs of the year, along with “Look What You’ve Done,” “Scars in Heaven,” “Tired.” Traveler” and “What if”.

West has also won three Songwriter Artist of the Year awards in the past. (That award was not presented this year.) But his achievements this year reflect his work for other recording artists.

West explained in an acceptance speech on video: “I had my first experiences as a songwriter before I got a record deal and people told me that once I became a record artist I would have to give that up — that I couldn’t be an everyday writer and.” Artist. And that just didn’t suit me. I guess throughout my career I’ve kind of liked it when people told me I couldn’t do something.

“So all these years later,” West continued, “I’m just so thankful for writing and recording songs that I’m passionate about, but then also just as passionate about working with and being a part of some of my favorite artists, as you share your story with the world. So this award means so much to me and represents these two different creative opportunities that I have as an artist and as a writer.”

The two-time winner reflected on the circumstances in which his predominant songs came about. “I feel so blessed, especially after a rough few years…Some of the songs that received awards this year were written in turbulent times. Some of them were written on Zoom, like the song “Weary Traveler” which was written on a Zoom call. it’s pretty crazy. It just proves to me that God really can work anything for good.”

West’s award year isn’t over yet – he has seven nominations for the upcoming Dove Awards.

The Publisher of the Year award was even less surprising, if that’s possible, as Capitol CMG Publishing won the award for the 20th consecutive year.

As in previous years, the ASCAP Christian Music Awards will be celebrated virtually, with speeches, song performances, interviews and other video content shared on ASCAP’s Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube channels.

Among the original videos being shared is an exclusive performance of “My Jesus” as a duet by West and hit artist Wilson.

For the full list of ASCAP’s 50 Most Played Songs of the Year in this Genre, click here.