Following the departure announcement Chuck Peters with SG SHOWPREP caught up with Matthew for a short interview.

Chuck Peters (CP): How long have you been with the Perrys?
Matthew Holt (MH): September 9th would have been 4 years.

CP: What would you say has been the best part of those years?
MH: Everything! I got to live my dream,.. and I got to enjoy it with the greatest group in the world. To say that I will miss them would be an understatement. Tracy, Libbi, Joseph, Jared, Nick, and Troy(since December) have been my 2nd family.. and always will be as far as I'm concerned. My relationship with each one of them goes way deeper than just Gospel music. I am very excited about being able to spend more time with Lindsey and Fletcher,.. it's bittersweet, though. I have to leave my second family in order to do that. I love them very much. I will never be able to repay Tracy and Libbi for the opportunity they gave me.

CP: Will your new position keep you active,.. at all.. in Southern Gospel music?
MH: I hope so. I will find a way to stay active. Actually, the Renaissance program at Bethel College has a Southern Gospel Quartet that they showcase a lot. I will have the privilege of working with them. I'm hoping to use the gifts that God has blessed me with to instruct and encourage young students looking to use their talents for Him. It's going to take some time to adjust. I hope that I will grow musically and spiritually at Bethel College.

CP: Will you continue to write with Joseph Habedank?
MH: Absolutely! We have had several extensive talks about the future of our writing and the future of our publishing company,.. HabeHolt Music. We feel the Lord has had His hand on our endeavors from day one. It's an honor to be able to write Christian music,.. and an even bigger honor to do so with my best friend. We're going to meet at least once a month to write and discuss what little business there is to handle.

CP: Ever see yourself in a full time SG group again,.. or any fulltime touring ministry?
MH: Whatever God has in store for me is up to Him. I certainly hope so, though. I look at anything I do as a ministry,.. I'm hoping that the Love of God will be displayed through my teaching. I would love to play full time southern gospel music again,.. one day.. after the kids are grown!

CP: Matthew.. What do you say to your fans?
MH: Thank you.. thank you,.. thank you! Words cannot express how much I appreciate the love and support I've found from Southern Gospel fans. Although I was only with the Perrys four years,.. the fans made me feel as If I'd been there forever. I will never forget your faces, smiles and words of encouragement. I will miss you all!