Matthew Hartley walked through fire and came out with something special.
The Charleston rocker dropped a faith anthem born from his darkest days.
And this Christian rock star’s new song is making waves in an industry that usually runs from real faith.
Rising from the ashes: Matthew Hartley unveils “Heaven’s Calling”
Christian rock musician Matthew Hartley just released his latest single “Heaven’s Calling,” and it’s not your typical cookie-cutter worship track.
The Charleston-based artist premiered a gut-punch of a music video on YouTube Sunday that’s already grabbing attention far beyond typical Christian music circles.
Most “faith-based” music these days sounds like it was written by committee in some Nashville boardroom. Not this one.
Hartley wrote “Heaven’s Calling” while picking up the pieces after a brutal divorce. No sugar-coating. No pretending everything was fine.
During those crushing moments when he could barely function, the chorus just poured out: “When your heart is bawling, you know that Heaven’s calling… out your name.”
Talk about real. No wonder it’s connecting.
What makes the track hit so hard is how it marries Hartley’s old-school rock influences – we’re talking Poison, Bon Jovi, Whitesnake, and Van Halen – with authentic faith that doesn’t feel watered down or sanitized.
Big-time producer takes a chance on Hartley’s vision
Music biz insiders did a double-take when they heard legendary producer David Kershenbaum was working with Hartley.
This is the same producer behind Tracy Chapman and Duran Duran hits – not exactly known for Christian rock projects.
But something about Hartley’s raw approach clicked. Together they’ve made a rock track that doesn’t compromise on either musical punch or spiritual weight.
The music video pulls no punches either. Instead of the glossy, perfect-looking production most Christian artists opt for, Hartley’s team incorporated actual Hurricane Helene disaster footage from last year.
The video cuts between storm devastation and rescue workers with scenes of Hartley performing at Charleston landmarks – St. Michael’s Church, Cannon Park, the City Market – drawing a powerful line between personal storms and literal ones.
“Love is powerful; the best of people through devastation is remarkable,” Hartley said, explaining his vision. “And for those, Heaven’s calling too.”
Divine timing: How everything fell into place
The craziest part? The whole project came together in just 30 days flat.
From storyboards to film permits to full production – the team somehow pulled off what normally takes months, if not longer.
“It was ordained how it all came together,” Hartley said. “To do this is such a blessing. It’s a process of creation, and you have to be flexible and fluid and enjoy the ride. It’s not about the money or the outcome — it’s about the journey.”
The track serves as the first release from an upcoming EP that’ll launch through Hartley’s own indie label, Imagine Peak Studios.
But Hartley isn’t just focused on his own career path. The label is part of a bigger vision to mentor other independent musicians struggling to get honest work out there.
His advice cuts through the normal music industry nonsense: “Do not let your circumstances dictate your journey. Age or time is irrelevant, and if you have a passion for something just do it. Praise God. Love your family and neighbors. And, live your life.”
That mindset makes sense for a guy who’s been writing songs since he was just 8 years old.
Hartley’s journey shows what happens when someone stops hiding behind religious platitudes and brings their whole messy, beautiful story to the table.
The result is music that might actually help people walking through their own valleys rather than just making them feel guilty for struggling.
“Heaven’s Calling” is streaming everywhere now, and it’s worth checking out even if you normally scroll past anything labeled “Christian music.”
In an era where most music scratches the surface of human experience, Hartley’s diving into the deep end – and it sounds like exactly what we need right now.
