Shawn McDonald entered the music scene in 2004 with Simply Nothing. The singer/songwriter has since released two additional recordings Risen (2006) and Roots (2008). His fourth release from Sparrow Records, marked by its honesty and vulnerability, and titled Closer releases Aprill 2011.

McDonald wrote most of these 13 songs while Ôǣgoing through itÔÇØ - a painful few years that brought about the kind of brokenness that brings one Closer to God. It's a recurrent theme on the new album, one McDonald wrote mostly while in the midst of his struggles. McDonald hopes the songs - and his own mistakes and heartaches - can help others who are hurting, by pointing them to the One who heals.

ÔǣI don't ever wish anybody to go through what I've been through,ÔÇØ he says. ÔǣBut regardless of my pain, on days when I would be like 'where are you, God?', I would remember that He is faithful. Even in my brokenness, there was always a deeper feeling of hope. God was showing me immense mercy, even as he was rocking my faith to the core. It was like he allowed things to crumble just so he could rebuild it all. God has redeemed me, and He is healing my heart. So I hope this record can be a redemption story for people, that God can use it to speak and bring hope. Because that's what He's done for me.ÔÇØ