Sparrow Records and Universal South will release the debut project from singer/songwriter Matthew West entitled Happy on December 26th. Already an established and award wining songwriter, Matthew West wins audiences of all ages with his contagious stage presence, rich, gutsy vocals and undeniably relevant songs.

Produced by Kenny Greenberg and Jason Hauser, Happy features a blend of guitar-based modern pop and rock sounds.  Devoted to reaching listeners with a positive and real message about life, love and faith, the collection of songs that make Happy radiate that passion.

"I'm so excited to have Matthew West as our first artist in the Contemporary Christian format,”said Tony Brown, Senior Partner, Universal South.  "Matthew is a world class singer/songwriter and both Universal South and EMI/CMG are both lucky to have him in our families.”

The debut of Happy also marks the first album to be released under the new partnership between Universal South and Sparrow Records. The new Universal South, founded by former MCA Records Nashville President Tony Brown and former Arista Nashville head Tim DuBois, will now market and distribute appropriate product to the Christian music marketplace through Sparrow Records (EMI CMG). Universal South is a joint venture with New York-based Universal Records.

"Breaking new artists is something that Sparrow and Chordant do better than anyone in the Christian music business," stated Van Fletcher, Universal South General Manager. "We are very exited to be working with them on our upcoming Matthew West release and our future releases."

"Matthew is a gifted communicator, songwriter and storyteller who has a unique ability to touch individual hearts with his music even when he is playing before a large crowd," shared Leigh Ann Hardie, Sparrow Records VP of Artist Development and Marketing.  "It is an honor and privilege to adopt Matthew West into the Sparrow family.  His music has a broad appeal and is sure to inspire listeners both inside and outside of the church."

Fans will have their first opportunity to hear new material from Happy on the Festival Con Dios Tour, which began in Burlington, NJ on September 12th. Matthew West is being featured on this tour that has caught the eye of major media outlets such as Newsweek, USA Today, CNN, Billboard, Entertainment Weekly and the Late Show with David Letterman.

Matthew West has already built a significant fan base through national tours performing in churches, colleges, and coffee houses all over the US. He was a ballot finalist for the Emerging Artist in the 2001 NACA (National Association of Campus Activities) Campus Entertainment Awards & was also nominated for the NACA Coffee House/Club Entertainer of the Year. In addition to his extensive touring, West is also an established songwriter who has written for such artists as Jump5, Rachel Lampa, Sarah Groves and Salvador.

For more information on Matthew West, please visit his website at www.matthewwest.com.