Interview: Grace Worship
Illinois-based Grace Worship have just released their EP 'Christ Be All'. Louder Than The Music spoke to Grace Worship's Kevin King all about their music, and what inspires them to create it.
For all who don't know much about Grace Worship, please introduce yourself to our readers.
Grace worship is a family of worshipers serving to unite the church to treasure Jesus through theologically-rich and creatively-beautiful art. We are made up of those who serve on the Worship Ministry at Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria, IL.
What can you tell us about your debut EP release?
This release really came from a desire to create content that would help bring the generations of the church together. We desire to be rooted in our faith’s history (holding dear and giving value to what has ministered to saints through centuries), while also reaching into modern influences and gleaning from the many great artists of today.
Which is your favourite track off the EP?
This is a hard one. The song that has struck my heart deepest has been “Christ Be All.” It has been a joyful and a difficult prayer for me to regularly pray. Just as it is a daily decision to take up our cross for the Lord, so it is a moment by moment decision to pray “May Christ be all and I be nothing.” The prayer is both freeing to my soul and threatening to my flesh.
In your opinion how has the music Industry changed over the years?
I’ll be honest and say it’s changed very much for the better (obviously, just my opinion). I feel that the rising generation of Christians have a sensitive distaste for commercialism (social media has probably heightened us to things only skin deep), and people are looking for content that has depth and longevity. This is why it is a wonderful opportunity for us to create and write in this type of environment.
Does it get harder writing fresh new songs for the church?
All the time. The temptation is to just write to get it out there, but you must ask, “Why does the church need to pray and sing this?” Truly, writing is for the glory of God and the good of His Beloved. It is a daunting and honorable task.
If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?
Hmmm… Me personally? If I could work with any songwriter, I’d say it would have to be a mashup of the creativity from King’s Kaleidoscope, the musicianship of The Brilliance, the lyrics from the Getty’s, and the relatability and quirkiness of Ben Rector.
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?
I am a classically trained vocalist and musician, so I definitely value and look for wonderful art. I also love the music that artists are producing today. We live in an age of such rapid creativity. I’d say some of my influences range from Chopin to Hillsong, from Isaac Watts to Austin Stone Worship, and from Charles Spurgeon to Jon Bellion. I just love to drink in the work of other artists and praise God for the gift of beauty.
How would you define success in your career?
I truly have a heart to resource and equip the Church (big C) to treasure Jesus. To write songs and be a help to other worship leaders is truly an honor. Success in my career would be knowing that I helped as many people, as is pleasing to the Lord and healthy for my heart, to love and know Jesus more.
What is your favourite album of all time?
Though it saddens me to know the Gungor has walked away from the faith in many ways, their album “Ghosts Upon the Earth” is one of my all-time favorite albums. Its musicianship and storytelling are a marvel.
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your phone. What track is it?
Oh no! Don’t make me choose. Then, I’ll eventually hate that song! Haha! If I had to choose, I’d say that, for some reason, I’ve never gotten sick of “On Fire” by Switchfoot.
What does the next year hold for Grace Worship?
We are already writing new songs and will continue to do so. We look forward to what the Lord allows us to do in the future!
