For King & Country is a Christian pop duo that has taken the music industry by storm with their inspiring songs and uplifting messages. Comprised of Australian brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone, the band has won numerous awards for their music, including Grammy and Dove awards. Despite their success, there is still some confusion over whether For King & Country is a Christian band or not.
The confusion arises from the fact that For King & Country’s music is not explicitly Christian, but rather focuses on themes of hope, love, and redemption that are common in Christian music. Additionally, the band has collaborated with secular artists such as Dolly Parton and Andy Grammer, which has led some to question their Christian credentials. However, Joel and Luke Smallbone have been vocal about their faith and their desire to use their music to spread a positive message.
Key Takeaways
- For King & Country is a Christian pop duo comprised of Australian brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone.
- The band’s music focuses on themes of hope, love, and redemption that are common in Christian music.
- Despite collaborating with secular artists, the Smallbone brothers have been vocal about their faith and their desire to use their music to spread a positive message.
Origins and Background
For King & Country is a Christian pop duo consisting of Australian-born brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone. The duo was raised in a musical family and grew up in Sydney, Australia, where they were exposed to a variety of musical genres.
Australian Roots
Joel and Luke Smallbone were born in Sydney, Australia, to a family of musicians. Their father was a concert promoter and their mother was a concert pianist. They grew up listening to a diverse range of music, from classical to contemporary, and were heavily influenced by their parents’ love of music.
Musical Influences
As teenagers, Joel and Luke Smallbone moved with their family to Nashville, Tennessee, where they began pursuing a career in music. They were inspired by the music of Australian Christian singer Rebecca St. James, and began performing as her opening act. They also drew inspiration from a variety of other artists, including U2, Coldplay, and The Beatles.
Overall, the Australian roots and musical influences of For King & Country have played a significant role in shaping their sound and style. Their unique blend of pop, rock, and electronic music, combined with their Christian faith, has helped them to gain a large following among both Christian and secular audiences.
Musical Style and Genres
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For King and Country is a Christian band that has gained much popularity in recent years. The band’s music is a unique blend of different genres, including Christian pop, alternative rock, and soft rock. The band’s sound is characterized by its catchy melodies, uplifting lyrics, and powerful vocals.
Christian Pop Influence
For King and Country’s music is heavily influenced by contemporary Christian music. The band’s lyrics are filled with messages of faith, love, and hope, and they often draw inspiration from biblical stories and teachings. The band’s music is a reflection of their strong Christian faith, and they use their music as a platform to spread the message of God’s love to their fans.
Diverse Sounds and Inspirations
Despite their Christian pop influence, For King and Country’s sound is incredibly diverse. The band draws inspiration from a wide range of musical styles and genres, including pop, alternative rock, and soft rock. This diversity is evident in the band’s music, which features a variety of different sounds and instruments.
For King and Country’s music is also heavily influenced by their personal experiences and struggles. The band’s lyrics often explore themes of love, loss, and redemption, and they draw inspiration from their own lives and the lives of those around them.
Overall, For King and Country is a unique Christian band that has carved out its own niche in the music industry. The band’s music is characterized by its catchy melodies, uplifting lyrics, and powerful vocals, and it is a reflection of their strong Christian faith and personal experiences.
Rise to Fame
Early Career
For King and Country is a Christian pop duo comprised of Australian brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone. The duo started their music career in 2007 under the name “Joel & Luke”. They released their debut album “Joel & Luke” in 2008. The album was produced by their older brother, Ben Smallbone. However, the album did not receive much attention.
Breakthrough Singles
In 2011, the duo changed their name to “For King & Country” and released their debut EP “Crave”. The EP included the hit single “Busted Heart (Hold On to Me)” which peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Hot Christian Songs chart. The song was a commercial success and received positive reviews from critics. In 2012, the duo released their debut studio album “Crave” which debuted at number 4 on the Billboard Christian Albums chart.
The album included the hit single “The Proof of Your Love” which peaked at number 8 on the Billboard Hot Christian Songs chart. The song was a commercial success and received positive reviews from critics. The music video for the song has over 29 million views on YouTube as of December 2023.
For King and Country’s success continued with their second studio album “Run Wild. Live Free. Love Strong.” which debuted at number 13 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album included the hit singles “Fix My Eyes” and “Shoulders”. The duo won two Grammy Awards for their song “Messengers” featuring Lecrae in 2015.
Overall, For King and Country’s rise to fame can be attributed to their catchy pop sound, positive message, and strong faith. Their music has resonated with audiences around the world and has earned them a dedicated fanbase.
Critical Acclaim and Awards
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For King and Country has been recognized for their musical talent and contribution to the Christian music scene. Their music has earned them numerous awards and nominations, including Grammy and Dove Awards.
Grammy Recognition
The duo has won two Grammy Awards for their music. In 2020, they won the award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song for their hit song “God Only Knows” featuring Dolly Parton. They also won the award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album for their album “Burn The Ships”. The recognition from the Grammy Awards has helped to solidify their position as a top Christian music group.
Dove Awards and Other Honors
For King and Country has also won numerous Dove Awards, including New Artist of the Year in 2013 and Song of the Year in 2015. Their music has been recognized for its positive message and uplifting lyrics. They have also been nominated for other honors, such as the Billboard Music Awards and the American Music Awards.
Their album “Run Wild. Live Free. Love Strong.” was named Best Contemporary Christian Music Album at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards. The album features hit songs such as “Fix My Eyes” and “Shoulders”. The album’s success helped to establish For King and Country as one of the top Christian music groups in the world.
Overall, For King and Country’s music has been well-received by fans and critics alike. Their positive message and uplifting lyrics have earned them critical acclaim and numerous awards. Their music continues to inspire and uplift people around the world.
Discography and Major Hits
Studio Albums
For King & Country is a Christian pop duo formed by Australian brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone. Since their debut album in 2012, the duo has released four studio albums, each with a unique sound and message.
Their debut album, “Crave,” was released in 2012 and featured the hit single “Busted Heart (Hold On to Me).” The album peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Christian Albums chart and received positive reviews from critics.
In 2014, the duo released their second album, “Run Wild. Live Free. Love Strong.” This album included the hit singles “Fix My Eyes” and “Shoulders,” which both reached the top of the Billboard Christian Songs chart.
Their third album, “Burn the Ships,” was released in 2018 and achieved gold status. The album featured four singles, including “God Only Knows,” which achieved platinum status, and “Joy” and “Burn the Ships,” which reached gold status.
Their most recent album, “A Drummer Boy Christmas,” was released in 2020, and features classic Christmas songs as well as original tracks.
Chart-Topping Singles
For King & Country has had several chart-topping singles throughout their career. “Fix My Eyes” and “Shoulders” both reached the top of the Billboard Christian Songs chart, while “Priceless” and “Joy” both reached No. 2 on the same chart.
Their single “God Only Knows” was a crossover hit, reaching No. 2 on the Adult Contemporary chart and No. 11 on the Hot Christian Songs chart. The song achieved platinum status and won a Grammy award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song.
Overall, For King & Country has been successful in the Christian music industry, with their unique sound and positive message resonating with audiences around the world.
Collaborations and Partnerships
Notable Collaborations
For King and Country is known for collaborating with artists from different genres to produce unique and inspiring music. One of their most notable collaborations is with the legendary country music singer Dolly Parton. Together, they released the hit song “God Only Knows,” which won the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song in 2020. The song combines the signature sounds of both artists, with Dolly Parton’s country twang and For King and Country’s pop beats, resulting in a soulful and uplifting track.
Another notable collaboration is with the renowned producer Timbaland. For King and Country worked with Timbaland to produce a remix of their hit song “Joy,” which features the pop band Echosmith. The remix adds a new dimension to the song, with a catchy beat and energetic vocals that make it perfect for dancing and singing along.
Side Projects
Apart from their collaborations, For King and Country also has side projects that allow them to explore different genres and experiment with their music. One of these projects is the duo’s work with the Australian pop band, Hillsong Young & Free. Together, they released the song “This Is Living,” which features a mix of pop and electronic beats that create a lively and upbeat tune.
In addition, For King and Country has also worked on a side project called “The Priceless Movement,” which aims to raise awareness about human trafficking. The movement includes a series of short films, a documentary, and a music video for the song “Priceless,” which was written specifically for the cause. The song’s lyrics are powerful and emotional, with a message that encourages listeners to take action and make a difference in the world.
Overall, For King and Country’s collaborations and side projects demonstrate their versatility and creativity as artists. They continue to push boundaries and inspire their fans with meaningful and impactful music.
Touring and Live Performances
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For King and Country is known for their high-energy live performances that combine music, storytelling, and visual elements. The band has headlined several tours, including The Proof of Your Love Tour and the Winter Jam Tour Spectacular. During their headlining tours, the band showcases their latest music and engages with their fans through interactive performances.
Headlining Tours
The Proof of Your Love Tour was a successful headlining tour that took place in 2013 and 2014. The tour featured the band’s hit songs, including “The Proof of Your Love,” “Busted Heart (Hold On To Me),” and “Middle of Your Heart.” The tour also showcased the band’s unique style of music, which blends pop, rock, and electronic elements with inspiring lyrics.
In 2019, the band embarked on their Burn the Ships World Tour, which included over 60 shows across North America, Europe, and Australia. The tour featured songs from their latest album, Burn the Ships, which explores themes of hope, redemption, and overcoming struggles.
Festival Appearances
For King and Country has also performed at several music festivals, including the Winter Jam Tour Spectacular and the Creation Festival. The Winter Jam Tour Spectacular is an annual Christian music tour that features a lineup of top Christian artists. For King and Country has been a regular performer on the tour, which attracts thousands of fans each year.
The band has also performed at the Creation Festival, which is one of the largest Christian music festivals in the world. The festival features a lineup of top Christian artists, as well as speakers and other activities. For King and Country has been a popular performer at the festival, drawing large crowds with their energetic performances.
Overall, For King and Country is a dynamic live band that has a reputation for delivering high-energy performances. Whether headlining their own tours or performing at festivals, the band always delivers an engaging and inspiring show that leaves their fans feeling uplifted and inspired.
Influence and Impact
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For King and Country has made an undeniable impact on the Christian music scene since their formation. The duo’s music has inspired and encouraged listeners worldwide. Their message of hope and courage has resonated with fans and has helped them overcome difficult situations.
Message of Hope and Courage
For King and Country’s music is known for its uplifting and positive message. Their songs are filled with themes of love, hope, and courage, which have become a hallmark of their music. The duo’s music has become a source of inspiration for many, providing listeners with the strength to overcome adversity.
For King and Country’s song “God Only Knows” is a perfect example of their message of hope. The song encourages listeners to find hope in difficult situations, reminding them that they are not alone. The song has become a hit with fans and has helped many overcome their struggles.
Cultural and Social Influence
For King and Country’s influence extends beyond the Christian music scene. The duo’s music has had a significant impact on popular culture, with their songs being featured in movies and television shows. Their music has also helped bridge the gap between Christian and secular music, bringing people together through their message of unity.
For King and Country’s music has also had a social impact. Their song “Priceless” has become an anthem for the fight against human trafficking. The duo has partnered with organizations to raise awareness and funds to combat this issue.
In conclusion, For King and Country’s music has had a significant influence and impact on the Christian music scene and beyond. Their message of hope and courage has inspired and encouraged listeners worldwide, while their cultural and social influence has helped bridge the gap between different communities.
Personal Lives and Philanthropy
Family and Relationships
King and Country is comprised of two brothers, Joel and Luke Smallbone. The Smallbone brothers grew up in a family that was heavily involved in music and ministry. Their father was a music promoter in Australia, and their mother worked in a church. Joel and Luke have both been married for several years and have children. They have been open about the challenges they have faced in their personal lives, including Luke’s battle with ulcerative colitis and Joel’s struggles with anxiety.
Charitable Work
King and Country is also known for their charitable work. In 2016, they founded the organization Priceless, which aims to raise awareness about human trafficking and provide support to victims. They also created a film of the same name and released a corresponding album. The organization has partnered with various charities and non-profits to combat human trafficking, including the A21 Campaign and the Tim Tebow Foundation.
In addition to their work with Priceless, King and Country have also supported other causes. They have performed at benefit concerts for organizations such as the Salvation Army and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. They have also been involved with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, granting wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses.
Overall, King and Country’s personal lives and philanthropic efforts reflect their commitment to their faith and their desire to make a positive impact in the world.
Fan Base and Community Engagement
For King and Country has a dedicated fan base that is actively engaged with the band’s music and mission. The band has over 1.2 million followers on Instagram alone, where they frequently post updates about their music, tours, and personal lives. This social media platform serves as a primary means of communication between the band and their fans.
Social Media Interaction
For King and Country’s social media presence extends beyond Instagram. The band maintains active accounts on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok. They use these platforms to share behind-the-scenes footage, music videos, and live performances. The band also frequently interacts with fans through social media, responding to comments and direct messages.
For King and Country’s social media presence has been recognized by the K-Love Fan Awards, where they have won multiple awards, including Group/Duo of the Year and Artist of the Year. This recognition is a testament to the band’s engagement with their fans and the positive impact they have on their community.
Fan Events and Meetups
For King and Country also engages with fans through in-person events and meetups. The band has hosted album release parties, fan meet and greets, and Q&A sessions. These events allow fans to connect with the band on a personal level and create a sense of community among fans.
For King and Country has also been involved in various charitable and positive initiatives, such as their partnership with the Positive and Today organizations. These partnerships demonstrate the band’s commitment to using their platform to make a positive impact on the world.
Overall, For King and Country’s fan base and community engagement are a testament to the band’s dedication to their music and mission. Their active social media presence and in-person events create a sense of community among fans and demonstrate the band’s commitment to making a positive impact on the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the members of the Christian duo For King & Country?
For King & Country is a Christian music duo composed of Australian-American brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone. The duo formed in 2011 and has since released several albums and won numerous awards for their music.
What genre of music do For King & Country primarily perform?
For King & Country primarily performs contemporary Christian music, with influences from pop, rock, and alternative genres. Their music often features uplifting and inspirational lyrics that reflect their Christian faith.
What is the religious denomination of the band For King & Country?
For King & Country is a Christian band that identifies as non-denominational. Their music is inspired by their Christian faith and often features themes of hope, redemption, and love.
Where is the band For King & Country originally from?
For King & Country was formed in Nashville, Tennessee, but the band members are originally from Sydney, Australia. The Smallbone brothers grew up in a musical family and began performing together at a young age.
Have For King & Country expressed support for LGBTQ issues?
For King & Country has not expressed support for LGBTQ issues. The band has been vocal about their Christian faith and their belief in traditional Christian values.
What has been a recent controversy involving For King & Country?
In 2021, For King & Country faced criticism for their collaboration with Christian author and speaker Ann Voskamp, who has been accused of promoting harmful and oppressive views towards women and the LGBTQ+ community. The band issued a statement in response, stating that they do not support any form of discrimination or oppression and that they are committed to promoting love and unity through their music.
