Let Nord hand you the keys to modern worship

Let Nord hand you the keys to modern worship

We tracked down Matt Cossey, principal at Nexus ICA and musical director for renowned US artist Gloria Gaynor, to find out why those distinctive red keyboards have become such a staple in modern worship. They’re made by Nord – and Matt will demonstrate how your church can get the best from them on the Headline Audio/Nord stand at CRE 25

Matt, thanks for joining us! Tell us a little about your journey as a musician

Well, it’s been a wonderful journey of discovery – and continues to be. I’ve always loved how deeply music can connect and move us, and of course, believe it was God’s idea! So, when I learn more about music, I’m just discovering more about how its amazing author. This has been a big motivation in my musical journey, to recognise that music comes from God, and has the ability to point back to him. Whilst I’ve had some cool opportunities, I work hard to keep ‘trained and skilled in music for the Lord’ as my primary goal.

Nord keyboards are often seen as the ‘go-to’ in worship settings. Why do you think they’ve earned such a loyal following?

I get asked this a lot! For a more robust answer you could check out an article I wrote for Headline Audio, but briefly I think it largely connects to the desire in the church for excellence. Whilst I firmly believe worship is first and foremost something we offer from our hearts, churches more and more want to invest in quality equipment that will facilitate a great natural sound as well as a spiritual one. Nord keyboards have become almost synonymous with the current sound and standard in church worship production.

In a worship setting, what role does the keyboard play in creating the right atmosphere?

It is primarily the heart and inner posture of the musicians and leaders that set the right atmosphere, but instruments can back this up! In a worship setting the keyboard provides a solid bed to the sound. It holds down harmony, and with pads it is also great at ambient sounds that create a worshipful atmosphere. The ‘prayer pad’ may have become a bit of a cliché, but there’s something to be said for the way this constant warm sound helps focus our minds and hearts on Jesus.

From your experience, what sets Nord apart when it comes to sound and feel for worship musicians?

I personally love the sound because the instruments all have character. They are not too perfect but capture a ‘vibe’. Nords also excel in areas a church player is likely to require; great and diverse piano sounds and Eps, an amazing organ emulation, lush pads and powerful effects.

You’ve spoken before about ‘flow’ in worship. How does the Nord help you stay responsive and creative in the moment?

I’m always trying to respond to what is going on around me. What are the leaders saying? What are the musicians around me playing? I always want my sound to back this up, so I tweak and change my programs on the fly. Nords make this easy because pretty much everything you need is right in front of you. The many knobs and dials can be daunting, but for me they represent freedom and expression! Many other keyboards are menu based with touch screens – meaning that changing settings in a live environment is not quick or easy. I love how accessible and tactile Nords are. This really helps me flow creatively in a musical worship settin

Some churches are cautious about investing in premium instruments. What would you say to a worship leader considering a Nord?

Of course, I’m a huge fan of Nord but wouldn’t lie and say they are for everyone. There are definitely some contexts where they are probably unnecessarily complicated for the demographic who will be playing them. However, I’d definitely highlight the fact that Nords ‘age well’! A lot of people aren’t aware that Nord release all their new piano samples as free downloads, so if you buy now you can still update to the latest sounds when they are released.

How do you go about choosing or shaping your sounds for different worship styles or environments?

I have a number of programs saved ready for different contexts – mellow/intimate patches through to bright, energetic ones. It’s really easy to move between these patches without losing any flow (i.e. the sound doesn’t cut out when you change patch). I don’t necessarily try to imitate the sounds from the original but always want to serve the song and facilitate people in worship.

Do you have any favourite patches or sound setups that you find yourself going back to again and again?

Yes! I LOVE the Felt Upright for quieter, more intimate times – it’s lush and so beautiful to play. I also really love the Studio Grand 2. This is quite an old sample now but I love the dynamic range and the fact that it’s quite mellow in the low dynamics but brightens up and cuts through when you dig in. I also have my go-to Worship Palette. This program is set up to have all the most common things I want to access in a worship setting. In fact, if you head to Headline Audio you can download it for free (NS2,3&4) and watch a tutorial where I give some tips on how to get the best out of it.

Beyond the gear itself, how can worship keyboardists continue to grow – both musically and spiritually – in their role?

For me, being really comfortable behind my instrument facilitates so much. Being musically and technically confident frees up so much headspace to be listening and engaging with what’s going on around you. I’d always encourage people to keep investing in their craft; keep practicing and having lessons, work on your musical ear and the ability to play from chord charts, and make sure you prep well before serving. Then you can bring your whole self rather than just playing a part. This takes time and you might not be there yet (that’s fine!) but keep growing and stewarding your gifts so you can always offer God your best.

For someone visiting CRE and trying a Nord for the first time – what should they look for, and what makes this the right environment to explore it?

Exhibitions can be overwhelming, but they are also a rare opportunity to take dedicated time out to consider things that often get talked about in passing. My advice would be to head over to Headline Audio/Nord stand, take your time, ask lots of questions and spend time enjoying the instruments. If it is your first time trying a Nord it’s probably best not to try and figure it out by yourself, so make the most of the opportunity to speak with experts who really know the instruments. I’m around all day on Thursday (16 Oct) and will try and answer any questions visitors may have.

• Headline Audio/Nord are on stand U11 at CRE 25. They are the exclusive representatives of Nord in the UK and Ireland, offering a free five-year warranty, expert advice and support through their UK-based service centre

CRE 2025

Book your ticket to CRE 25!
To book a stand at CRE 25, contact:
James Batterbee
T: 0161 240 4500
E: james@creonline.co.uk