Chart-topping Christian rock radio vocalist Matt Sassano is proudly partnering with nonprofit organization TheHopeLine to launch the “My Dear God Letters” initiative.

The initiative aligns with the message of his In Defiance EP, which was released in August via Rockfest Records. Sassano’s music is a call to action to the listener to stand in defiance to whatever makes them feel alone, depressed or powerless. The initiative is putting words into action and providing a safe environment with professional support from TheHopeLine to share stories and seek support from a welcoming community.

The landing page also gives his fans an opportunity to learn more about his backstory, which is riddled with mental health struggles, abuse, and disabilities. Together, Sassano hopes to get honest with his fanbase and come together stronger than ever before.

About the initiative:

“We are hoping for a variety of submissions from people who just are tired of  ‘faking it’ and want a place to be real with how they feel and what they are dealing with. I sincerely believe the first step to mental health healing is being transparent about the ugly things nobody wants to confront. My Dear God letter gives you that chance.” – Matt Sassano

About TheHopeLine:

“As a person who has suffered mental health issues in the past, I resonate with TheHopeLine’s mission. I was once a kid locked away in a psych ward with not many people who even cared to visit me. It was dark. But later I saw things turn around and I was a mental health aide in a psych facility. I’m living proof that you CAN turn things around with both prayer, support and help. I believe what TheHopeLine does and am passionate about helping people find the same healing I did.” – Matt Sassano

Though Matt Sassano launched his solo career in 2016, his roots in rock music run deep with his bands Transparent and Transparent Soul. His six years with these rock ensembles prepared him for sharing his debut solo LP Transcend in 2019, driven by energetic synths and raw storytelling. His passion for Christianity, songwriting and music creation have helped him navigate life with Cerebral Palsy and the rare learning disability Dyscalculia. Not only has he connected with fellow underdogs everywhere through his craft, but Matt’s work was also featured on the 2012 NASCAR The Game: Inside Line. As Matt ventures into a new chapter of his musical career with the awe-inspiring and riff-laden In Defiance, it’s clear his heavy rock journey is far from over.

Chart-topping Christian rock radio vocalist Matt Sassano is back with his electrifying new EP In Defiance via Rockfest Records. Featuring deeply honest, urgent singles “Not My Name” and “Dear God,” Sassano combines his powerhouse vocals, heavy rock melodies and EDM undertones with his faith and unique life story to deliver a love letter to misfits everywhere across five tracks.

Sassano holds nothing back as he tackles topics including life with a disability, addiction, mental health, and struggles with loved ones with the hope of resonating with fellow rock fans who seek strength and solace in his lyrics.

“My EP ‘In Defiance’ is a heavy-hitting and hopefully thought-provoking body of work. I hope that the vulnerability in the lyrics will help the underdog feel less alone in their struggle. I hope this music is a reminder to stand in defiance to whatever brings the listener down, tells them they are not enough or powerless. It was an honor working with Josiah Prince on this project and we poured a lot of heart and passion into each track..” – Matt Sassano

Though Matt Sassano launched his solo career in 2016, his roots in rock music run deep with his bands Transparent and Transparent Soul. His six years with these rock ensembles prepared him for sharing his debut solo LP Transcend in 2019, driven by energetic synths and raw storytelling. His passion for Christianity, songwriting and music creation have helped him navigate life with Cerebral Palsy and the rare learning disability Dyscalculia. Not only has he connected with fellow underdogs everywhere through his craft, but Matt’s work was also featured on the 2012 NASCAR The Game: Inside Line. As Matt ventures into a new chapter of his musical career with the awe-inspiring and riff-laden In Defiance, it’s clear his heavy rock journey is far from over.

Matt Sassano has landed in the top 10 on CMW’s Christian Rock chart for the first time with “Not My Name,” which was produced by Josiah Prince of Disciple. The song is also clocking in at #30 on the CHR chart.

The breakout success is significant for Matt, an independent solo artist who has spent the past 6 months on this first major touring circuit with Seventh Day Slumber. Beyond the prominence of such a high charting position, Matt is more moved by the impact the song has made in terms of lives impacted and changed.

“One of the things that I’ve always loved about music is its ability to make people feel understood and connected,” he shares earnestly. “It’s a personal song to me as someone who grew up with two disabilities: cerebral palsy and dyscalculia. For a long time, I was faced with so many labels, and I really sought to feel understood. I think this song is not only an amazing anthem that pumps you up, but it’s also a chance to reach into a community that is often overlooked: people with disabilities, people who feel like the black sheep, anyone who doesn’t feel comfortable in their own skin. This song is meant to say no matter what people label you, no matter what people say about you, there’s a God that loves you. Underneath all the labels is a person with potential.”

The song, which was recorded with Josiah Prince in Nashville and mixed by Kellen McGregor (Memphis May Fire), has also been resonating with fans on the road. Matt shares, “As I’ve been out on the road with Seventh Day Slumber, I’ve had so many people approach me and say man, what you said up there really impacted me. I’m so glad that you guys are really resonating with the song!”

Matt is currently on the road with Seventh Day Slumber on The Recovery Tour, with dates listed at https://seventhdayslumber.com/#tour. You can watch the official lyric video for “Not My Name” above, and find it on major streaming platforms at https://bit.ly/MattSassanoNotMyName. Learn more about Matt Sassano by following him on Facebook and Instagram.