In the music video for Matthew Hartley’s “Heaven’s Calling,” scenes of a natural disaster flash across the screen. A raging storm. Flooded homes. A rescue helicopter. Hard times.

The music begins with fluid guitar arpeggios and smooth slide guitar punctuated by a rapid-fire drum roll. On a rooftop, Hartley sings in a gravelly voice, arms raised to the sky:

The times are calling
Heaven open up your gate
Let your mind be free to follow
…
When your heart is bawling
You know that Heaven’s calling out your name

With thunderous drums in the song’s bridge leading to a brief but passionate guitar solo, the music evokes 80s rock anthems (think Bryan Adams or Corey Hart). There’s an undeniable influence of country music, and also modern gospel like Brandon Lake’s “Hard Fought Hallelujah.” But the message of Matthew Hartley’s music is timeless: when you are ready, God is there for you.

“Heaven’s Calling” tackles Christian themes head on, in line with Hartley’s own hard-won faith. But Hartley is quick to clarify that he doesn’t want to preach. “I didn’t want to hit people over the head with it,” he says. The song is more spiritual invitation than sermon; it’s about his personal awakening to God’s love. This theme will be instantly relatable to listeners feeling a similar need to answer a higher call.

Produced by David Kershenbaum, whose credits include Tracey Chapman and Duran Duran, the song came together in a single Saturday session last January. Viewing TV news scenes of devastation from California wildfires and hurricanes in the Carolinas, Hartley felt compelled to reflect on the mistakes he has made in his own life: personal emergencies or mini-disasters which have been, he admits honestly, of his own making. It was time for a change. “I realized Heaven’s been calling me for a long time to get on the right path,” he says.

While Hartley’s previous single, “It’s Not Just Fate,” was entirely self-produced in his Charleston home studio, the new track was his first working with a full team. Producer Kershenbaum, based in Los Angeles, brought in Nashville session players. Their remote collaboration was made possible through modern tools like Audio Movers.

“There’s so many opportunities for musicians now that simply didn’t exist 20 years ago,” Kershenbaum says.

At 50, Hartley hopes to inspire others who are seeking to follow their authentic purpose in life. His background includes decades in the corporate world as a software engineer and entrepreneur. Now he has a different calling, and he wants others to know there’s still time, no matter what society might make you think. “Don’t let your age or your circumstances dictate your journey,” he says. “It’s never too late to step into what you’re meant to do.”

No matter how long and winding your journey has been, following what you’re meant to do is at the heart of “Heaven’s Calling.”

In the months ahead, Hartley and his team have more singles planned, and ultimately his first full-length album. The music will be taking a more country-rock direction, and listeners can surely expect more songs about faith, second chances, and growth.

Watch the video for “Heaven’s Calling” on YouTube now, and listen wherever you stream your music.

Follow Matthew Hartley at the links below:

“Heaven’s Calling” on Spotify
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Apple Music
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