MATT HARRIS could be described as the guitarist's guitarist. He has more than 18 years' experience under his belt, and has played under his own steam in Australia and overseas. But here at home, Matt Harris is a passionate, worship leader whose heart's cry is to see others drawn into the presence of God.

Matt grew up in Western Australia and played with local bands there before setting his sights on the UK. He joined a local band and recorded three albums with them and also toured Spain.

Upon returning to Australia in 2003, Matt decided to make Adelaide and Paradise Community Church his home and quickly found a niche in the Paradise band as a guitarist, singer and songwriter. He's played on each Paradise album since then: Adore, Set Me Free, Over and Over, Only By Grace and, most recently, the bands self-titled album Paradise.

Matt also toured with the Paradise Band to Singapore and Malaysia in 2005 and continues to play with Youth Alive, sharing the stage with bands like Switchfoot, Delirious, Pillar and Stellar Kart.

While Matt has extensive experience in bands, he is also an accomplished solo performer. His latest album, "Cold December", was performed at Silos 2008 - SA's biggest concert for Australian up and coming artists.

He's also added a couple of strings to his bow by writing songs for the Paradise album - songs that express the deep cry of the heart.

"I try to write worship songs that give people a voice", says Matt, "or a way of showing their love for God."

"As a songwriter and worship leader, I want to see others have a new experience of God - to create an environment where people are able to forget the current struggles they have and have a moment with alone with Him. I want them to feel that they can worship God no matter what they are going through; so they can feel free."