Joey Witham The Great Homesickness In an industry where singer/songwriters are a dime a dozen, it is refreshing to see a new talent emerge with the drive and passion to back up their music. With smooth vocals and the sound of a veteran musician, Dallas native, Joey Witham’s debut release is sure to stand out in a crowd.

Witham’s interesting blend of rock/pop/worship caught the ear Matthew Rogers, owner of South Pawl Records. Who in turn, almost immediately offered Joey a record contract and distribution deal. “When I first heard Joey’s music I immediately felt a connection. After talking with him, I knew that he was an artist that I would be proud to work with.”

Growing up in a difficult family situation, Joey learned to lean on his faith to get him through the trying times. With his mom as his spiritual leader, Joey became a Christian when he was 6. Even at such a young, tender age Joey knew that God had a plan for him and created him for a specific purpose. At the age of 15 Joey picked up his first guitar and began writing the words that had been swirling around in his head. His first song was called God Only Knows and as Joey explained “God Only Knows was about a time in my life where I was struggling with direction – where do I set sail? I was going through different trials both big and small. It was a great time in my life where I drew really close to Jesus and knew He would guide me through all of life’s storms.”

When Joey was 22 years old he went on a mission trip to Mexico. It was in Mexico that he started leading worship. After that life-changing trip he realized God had called him into ministry and from that moment on God began opening doors for Joey that were both new and exciting.

For the past 10 years Joey has been leading worship and bringing people into the presence of God through music. He has served as the music pastor at several churches in Houston, and currently is on staff at Second Baptist Church in Houston. However, it wasn’t just in the church where people were drawn to Joey. He was also the lead singer of a pop/rock group in Texas. After touring and releasing 2 records with the band, he decided to focus his time and energy on a solo career.

Eventually Joey teamed up with producer Casey DiIorio (David Garza, Bowling For Soup) at the Valve Studios in Dallas, Texas. Joey explained his time in the studio, “Most musicians are just thankful that they made it out of the recording studio alive, time in the studio can go so many different ways. You never know when something might go wrong with equipment or a song. Let’s just say my Vox AC 30 has caused some headaches in some sessions. It’s been great working with Casey, he has a great studio to work in and he’s a gifted songwriter. That makes the process a lot less stressful and more of a creative process.

“The title of the album, and The Great Homesickness, refers to the longing that Christians have in their hearts – the tug in our hearts that lets us know there is something beyond the grave, and one day we will see our Maker in Heaven. Joey’s passion and drive is to share the love of Christ with the world, “I do what I do to see heart’s changed for the glory of God. So many are lost and have no idea that there is a home for them in eternity – I want people to know and long for that. We are His beloved.”

Each song on the album is distinctive and unique in and of itself. From the opening hooks of “Call Out” to the hearts cry of “Spirit Bound”, Joey’s music explodes with pop/rock melodies and soaring guitars mixed in with a heart for worship.