Two brothers from Sydney are capturing the attention of audiences around the world as they desire to share the gospel through songs.
Since releasing their debut album, “Crave,” Joel and Luke Smallbone — better known as the contemporary Christian duo for KING & COUNTRY — have been given many unique opportunities and platforms to share the message behind their music.
Their original song “The Proof of Your Love” was named Christian music’s song of the year by Amazon.com. In addition, iTunes referred to “Crave” as the breakthrough album of 2012 in their genre. The duo has received tremendous exposure while having their songs featured on various television shows, along with appearing on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” With a surge in popularity, their music was placed in the top 25 on Billboard’s Christian albums chart for more than 60 weeks.
The songs on their debut album were specifically designed to strengthen a believer’s daily walk with the Lord while opening doors to engage in conversations with nonbelievers.
“We really wanted the heartbeat of the album to be songs about life,” Joel Smallbone said. “What the record is really saying is that you can find God in any and every situation. Find God in your relationships. Find God in your work. Find Him today.”
“We included songs about relationships, a friend who was struggling with depression and songs about God being the center of our lives. All the songs are based on our desire to connect people to God and have them turn to Him in any situation.”
Despite the accolades and achievements, the duo remains focused on keeping the spotlight shining on Christ.
Recently the brothers were traveling on a missions trip to El Salvador with Compassion International, a child-sponsorship organization dedicated to meeting the physical and spiritual needs of children living in poverty around the world. During the trip, they suddenly became inundated with text messages and emails congratulating them for garnering seven Dove Award nominations. Among the categories they have been nominated include Song of the Year, New Artist of the Year and Contemporary Christian Performance of the Year. The 44th annual Gospel Music Association Dove Awards will be held at Allen Arena on the campus of Lipscomb University in Nashville on Oct. 15.
Instead of reflecting on the prestigious honors, for KING & COUNTRY focused on ways they could bring relief to those in need.
“I looked out the window and was reminded of the extreme poverty that these people are living in each day,” Joel Smallbone said. “It really put the accolades and awards in their rightful place. No matter what, we will continue supporting the other artists and keep doing what Christ has called us to do — sharing messages about the hope and salvation only found through a relationship with Him.”
Through the years, they have sought advice and guidance from their older sister, Grammy and Dove Award-winning recording artist Rebecca St. James. While spending many years performing concerts around the world, St. James also uses her platform to share messages of inspiration and teams with a variety of ministries.
By taking an active role and encouraging students to take a bold stand for Christ in their schools, for KING & COUNTRY partnered with See You at the Pole and helped to promote the 2013 prayer gathering around school flagpoles Sept. 25.
The heart and vision behind their music is highlighted on a live CD/DVD project, “Hope is What We Crave.” The brothers maintain a busy schedule — touring, performing concerts, writing and recording songs, in addition to acting roles. Joel Smallbone played King Xerxes in “The Book of Esther” and is also featured in the movie “Like a Country Song” with Billy Ray Cyrus.
During concerts, the duo takes time to share the stories behind the songs and they emphasize the importance of having relationships that honor Christ. In fall 2013, they will join the Newsboys on the Restart tour. In spring 2014, they will tour alongside Casting Crowns.
“One of the major things that we talk about is relationships,” Joel Smallbone said. “We have a campaign that we started to remind young girls never to settle for second best and not to let any man disrespect them. So often it seems like society suggests for women to talk, dress, act, think or feel like they’re cheap, like they are worth nothing more than a penny. But we believe in a God who says they’re priceless.
“We’ve made necklaces in the shape of a coin with the word ‘priceless’ engraved on it, as a reminder of a woman’s worth. We’ve also made bracelets that have ‘respect and honor’ written on them. We’ve made them available at every performance that we can.”
“We’ve seen thousands of guys and girls rally behind this cause. Young girls saying, ‘I know that I have worth and value as a daughter of the King.’ Young men are saying, ‘I’ll step up and be a leader. Chivalry is not dead. I will treat these ladies with respect and honor.’”
Through their music and message, for KING & COUNTRY desires that their concerts will provide more than just entertainment. They hope to provide students and young adults a life-changing encounter with God.
“We find deep satisfaction in being able to go beyond the airwaves and engage people in messages of hope and the truth of the gospel,” Joel Smallbone said. “It’s been encouraging to be able to present the music to people live, but it’s also been equally inspiring to see people respond to these messages that we share.”
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