Grace Thompson
For King & Country, stylised as for KING & COUNTRY (2007–2021) and FOR KING + COUNTRY (2022–present), is a Christian pop duo composed of Australian brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone. The duo's music is heavily influenced by their faith, with their songs delivering messages that glorify God. They have performed at events such as the National Catholic Youth Conference and have been described as worship artists. However, some listeners characterise them as a rock band, noting that their music is not overtly preachy. For King & Country's music has been well-received, with sold-out concerts and multiple Grammy awards.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Genre | Christian pop, rock |
| Band members | Joel Smallbone, Luke Smallbone |
| Albums | Crave, Run Wild. Live Free. Love Strong., Burn the Ships, Unsung Hero (The Inspired By Soundtrack) |
| Awards | Grammy award, RIAA Platinum-selling act |
| Band name origin | English soldiers' battle cry |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- For King & Country is a Christian pop duo
- The band is made up of Australian brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone
- The band's name is inspired by a British battle cry
- They have released several albums, including Crave and Run Wild. Live Free. Love Strong
- The duo are also actors and have appeared in films such as Like A Country Song and Priceless
For King & Country is a Christian pop duo
For King & Country, stylised as for KING & COUNTRY (2007–2021) and FOR KING + COUNTRY (2022–present), is a Christian pop duo composed of Australian brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone. The brothers were born in Australia and emigrated to the United States as children, settling in Nashville. They released a six-song EP titled 'A Tale of Two Towns' under the name Joel & Luke in 2008. Three of those songs ("Missing", "Sane", and "Love's to Blame") appeared on Crave with slightly different melodies and lyrics. In 2009, they signed with Warner Music Group and changed their name to For King & Country, inspired by a British battle cry. Their debut album, 'Crave', was released in 2012, followed by 'Run Wild. Live Free. Love Strong.' in 2014, which won a Grammy award.
The duo's music often contains Christian messages and themes. For example, their song "Busted Heart (Hold On to Me)" was described as "a universal cry of humanity for something greater than ourselves". They have also performed at Christian events such as the National Catholic Youth Conference and have been described as "one of the most popular Christian and inspirational bands around".
In addition to their musical careers, the brothers have also worked on several films. In 2014, Joel starred in the movie 'Like A Country Song', and in 2016, he starred in 'Priceless', a drama about human trafficking. Luke and their brother Ben produced 'Priceless', and Ben also directed the film. Some of the music for the film was written by For King & Country. In 2022, the brothers announced that they had made a movie with Ben called 'Unsung Hero', about their mother.
For King & Country has achieved significant success and recognition in the music industry. Their 2018 album 'Burn the Ships' achieved gold status and featured three singles that reached platinum or gold status. They have also had multiple number-one radio singles and have headlined sold-out arena shows in major US cities. The duo has collaborated with artists such as Dolly Parton, NEEDTOBREATHE, and Timbaland, and their live shows have been hailed as must-see events, wowing sold-out crowds worldwide.
Catholics Confronting Abuse: A Call for Action and Reflection
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The band is made up of Australian brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone
The band For King & Country, also known for their popular initials FKC, is comprised of Australian brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone. They are a Christian pop duo, and their music is often infused with messages of faith and hope. The brothers were born and raised in a Catholic family in Sydney, Australia, and their religious upbringing has greatly influenced their music and their lives.
Joel Smallbone, the older of the two, was born on June 5, 1984. He is a singer, songwriter, and producer and is often considered the driving force behind the band. Luke, born on October 22, 1986, is also a talented singer and songwriter and plays a key role in the band's creative process. The brothers have two older sisters, who are also involved in the entertainment industry, and their parents are influential figures in their lives and career.
The Smallbone family has a strong Christian faith, and this is reflected in the brothers' music. Their songs often explore themes of hope, love, and redemption, offering a positive and uplifting message to their listeners. While their music is rooted in their faith, the brothers have also spoken about their respect for other religions and beliefs, and their desire to connect with people from all walks of life through their music.
Growing up in a religious family, the brothers attended a Catholic school and were involved in their church community from a young age. They began exploring their musical talents in their teenage years, and their faith has always been a central part of their songwriting and performance. The brothers have spoken about how their faith has given them a sense of purpose and direction, both in their personal lives and in their musical career.
The band For King & Country has achieved significant success in the Christian music industry, with multiple awards and chart-topping songs. Their music has also crossed over into the mainstream, attracting a diverse audience with their uplifting and inspiring messages. While their Catholic upbringing has influenced their music and their lives, the brothers also respect and value people from all backgrounds and beliefs, using their platform to promote unity and understanding.
Gay Catholics: What's the Deal?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The band's name is inspired by a British battle cry
The band For King & Country, comprised of Australian-American brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone, takes its name from a centuries-old British military cry. The cry, "For King and Country," has a rich history and has been used as a rallying call for soldiers to fight with honour, loyalty, and bravery. It is a phrase that embodies a sense of patriotism, calling on individuals to put their nation first and to be willing to make sacrifices for the greater good. While the phrase has evolved over time, its core sentiment remains: a dedication to serving one's country and a willingness to fight for its values and freedom.
The origins of the phrase can be traced back to the Middle Ages in Britain, where it was commonly used by soldiers fighting for the monarchy and the nation. "For King and Country" embodied the idea of fighting for something greater than oneself, a concept that is at the heart of the band's music and message. By adopting this name, the band For King & Country pays homage to this historical cry, drawing on its powerful message of dedication, courage, and unity. Their music often explores themes of hope, faith, and standing up for what you believe in, aligning with the values inherent in the battle cry "For King and Country."
The battle cry "For King and Country" has been a source of inspiration and motivation for British soldiers throughout history, encouraging them to display courage and loyalty in the face of adversity. It serves as a reminder of the honour and duty associated with serving one's nation. Beyond its military context, the phrase has also come to represent a sense of civic duty and pride in one's country, encouraging individuals to contribute to their communities and stand up for their values. The band For King & Country draws on this rich history to inspire their own artistic message, encouraging fans to embrace courage, faith, and a sense of purpose in their lives.
While the band For King & Country is not explicitly Catholic or affiliated with any particular religion, the brothers' Christian faith influences their music and how they interpret the battle cry. In an interview, they shared that their faith is "the most important thing in their lives," and it shapes how they view the world and their role as artists. They see their music as a platform to share messages of hope, love, and faith, much like how the battle cry "For King and Country" inspired soldiers to fight for honour and virtue. Their interpretation of the cry is through a lens of faith and a desire to bring light and positivity to their audience.
The band's name, inspired by this historic cry, serves as a constant reminder of the values the band holds dear: courage in the face of adversity, standing up for what you believe in, and the importance of faith and community. For King & Country uses their platform to encourage and inspire their fans, much like how the battle cry once roused soldiers to action and reminded them of their duty and honour. Their music and message resonate with people from all walks of life, offering a sense of hope, strength, and unity, reflecting the powerful and enduring nature of the phrase "For King and Country." Through their art, For King & Country continue a legacy of courage and purpose.
So, while For King & Country may not be specifically Catholic, their name and artistic vision are influenced by a historic British battle cry, infused with their own faith and modern interpretation. The cry "For King and Country" continues to resonate, reminding us of the power of patriotism, courage, and honour, and inspiring a new generation to stand up for their beliefs and make a positive impact in their own unique ways.
Fasting Exemptions for Senior Catholics: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
They have released several albums, including Crave and Run Wild. Live Free. Love Strong
For King & Country, a popular Christian band, is made up of brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone, who live out a Catholic life through their music. They have released several albums, including Crave and Run Wild. Live Free. Love Strong.
Crave, by For King & Country, is available on CD and includes the following tracks: Light It Up, The Proof of Your Love, Missing, Busted Heart (Hold On To Me), People Change, Middle of Your Heart, Love's to Blame, Fine Fine Life, Sane, Pushing On a Pull Door, and Crave.
Run Wild. Live Free. Love Strong. received positive reviews from critics, who praised the album's songwriting, instrumentation, and electronic elements. The album was also recognised for its encouraging message and unique blend of sounds and genres. The album received a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album. An anniversary deluxe edition was released in 2015, featuring new versions of "It's Not Over Yet" and "O God Forgive".
Purgatory: Catholics' Path to Salvation and Redemption
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The duo are also actors and have appeared in films such as Like A Country Song and Priceless
For King & Country, stylised as for KING & COUNTRY, is a Christian pop duo composed of Australian-American brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone. The Nashville-based duo has ventured into acting and filmmaking in addition to their successful music career.
The brothers have appeared in several films, including the 2014 film 'Like A Country Song', in which Joel Smallbone starred alongside Billy Ray Cyrus and Jennifer Taylor. The film marked the acting debut of Joel Smallbone, who played the lead role.
In 2016, Joel Smallbone took on another leading role in the drama film 'Priceless', which he also co-produced with his brother Luke. The film addresses the issue of human trafficking and features music written by For King & Country. The film was released in theatres in October 2016.
The duo's acting and filmmaking endeavours extend beyond these two films. Joel Smallbone appeared in a non-singing role as King Xerxes in the 2013 film 'The Book of Esther' from Pure Flix Entertainment. Additionally, in 2022, the brothers announced via social media that they had worked on a movie with their brother Ben, titled 'Unsung Hero', which tells the story of their mother.
For King & Country's musical talent is also showcased in their films. In addition to writing music for 'Priceless', the duo also contributed to the soundtrack of their film 'Unsung Hero', which brought their family's story to the big screen.
The duo's success in the entertainment industry, both musically and theatrically, has solidified their status as versatile and talented artists.
Catholics: Serving Communities, Meeting Social Needs
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, For King and Country is a Christian pop duo composed of Australian brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone.
Their music style is described as rock, pop, and Christian rock/praise music. Their songs always deliver a message while giving glory to God.
For King and Country have had several popular songs, including "God Only Knows", "Joy", and "Burn the Ships". They have also released a cover of Taylor Swift's "Out of the Woods".
Yes, For King and Country have performed live in various countries, including the USA, Australia, Germany, the Netherlands, and New Zealand. Their live performances are known for taking their instruments into the crowd and performing from within the audience.
![A Question of Faith [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81M0I2oEwwS._AC_UY218_.jpg)
