Lexi Webster
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 the Nashville area. They hold dual citizenship in Australia and the United States. The duo has released several albums, including Crave (2012), Run Wild. Live Free. Love Strong. (2014), and Burn the Ships (2018). They have also had several successful tours, including a 60-city arena tour in 2016 and a Christmas tour in Australia and New Zealand in 2024.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Band Members | Joel Smallbone and Luke Smallbone |
| Genre | Christian pop, Progressive pop |
| Origin | Australia |
| Active Years | 2007–2021 (as for KING & COUNTRY) 2022–present (as FOR KING + COUNTRY) |
| Record Label | Curb Records |
| Awards | Grammy Awards, RIAA Platinum-selling |
| Notable Songs | "Crave", "Run Wild", "Fix My Eyes", "Priceless", "God Only Knows", "Joy", "Baby Boy", "People Change", "Love's To Blame", "Light It Up", "Sane" |
| Notable Tours | The Proof of Your Love Tour, Winter Jam Tour, The Homecoming Tour, Drummer Boy Christmas Tour |
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What You'll Learn
For King & Country band members
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 Smallbone (born 5 June 1984) and Luke Smallbone (born 22 October 1986). The brothers were born in Australia and emigrated to the United States as children, settling in the Nashville area.
The duo began their career as "Joel & Luke", which they later changed to "Austoville", before settling on their current name in 2009. They signed on with Warner Music Group with Ben Glover as their producer. They changed their name to "For King & Country", after a British battle cry. Luke said, "We wanted a band name that carried more meaning. We were in the studio recording our debut record that Joel had the idea of All The King's Men, like the Humpty Dumpty nursery rhyme. Our producer overheard our conversation and swung around in his chair and said, 'What about For King & Country?' And we all felt a sense of providence at that moment."
In 2008, "Joel & Luke" released a six-song EP titled A Tale of Two Towns. Three of those songs ("Missing", "Sane", and "Love's to Blame") appeared on Crave with slightly different melodies and lyrics. In 2012, they released their debut record Crave. The band was declared by Billboard as one of the "New Artists to Watch" for 2012. American Songwriter described them as "Australia's answer to Coldplay". In 2014, they released their second studio album, Run Wild. Live Free. Love Strong., which won a Grammy award. In 2018, they released Burn the Ships, which achieved gold status. The album featured three singles, including "God Only Knows", which achieved platinum status, and "Joy" and "Burn the Ships", which reached gold status.
The brothers have created two feature films, Priceless and Unsung Hero, which share titles and themes with two of their singles. A third film is currently in the works. They have also collaborated with other artists on their work, including Dolly Parton, Timbaland, Tori Kelly, Lecrae, CeCe Winans, and NEEDTOBREATHE.
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The band's name origin
For King & Country 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 the Nashville area. They hold dual citizenship in Australia and the United States.
The band's name is inspired by the old British phrase "For King and Country", a battle cry used by English soldiers willing to lay down their lives for their king and country. The phrase resonated with the band, conveying a sense of purpose and dedication to their music and faith.
In an interview, Luke shared that initially, they considered the name "All The King's Men", drawn from the Humpty Dumpty nursery rhyme. However, their producer suggested the variation "For King & Country", capturing the sentiment of loyalty and patriotism inherent in the historical battle cry.
The name "For King & Country" reflects the band's commitment to their beliefs and their desire to create music with a deeper meaning and purpose. The band's Australian heritage and subsequent relocation to the United States also influenced their artistic journey and shaped their unique sound.
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Their awards and nominations
For King & Country, the Christian pop duo composed of Australian brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone, has achieved significant success and garnered numerous awards and nominations throughout their career. The band's awards and nominations are a testament to their talent and impact in the music industry.
One of their most notable achievements is winning four Grammy Awards. Their album "Burn the Ships" won two Grammy Awards, showcasing the duo's artistic and musical excellence. The album also achieved commercial success, debuting in the Top 10 of the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart.
In addition to their Grammy wins, For King & Country has received a Billboard Music Award for their work. This award recognises their impact on the music industry and their popularity among fans. The duo has also won 13 K-LOVE Fan Awards, including the prestigious Artist of the Year award, which they won for a record-extending sixth time in 2024. These fan-voted awards highlight the duo's strong connection with their dedicated fan base.
Furthermore, For King & Country has been recognised with 10 GMA Dove Awards. These awards celebrate their musical talent and the meaningful messages conveyed through their music. The duo has also achieved multiple RIAA certifications, including Platinum-selling status, demonstrating their commercial success and the impact of their recordings.
The band has also received nominations for their work. Their single "Joy" was nominated for the 2019 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song. This nomination acknowledged the song's critical and commercial success, as it peaked at No. 35 on Billboard's Adult Top 40 chart and No. 2 on the Hot Christian Songs chart.
For King & Country's awards and nominations span various categories, including album awards, song awards, industry awards, and fan-voted awards. Their achievements reflect their musical talent, dedication to their craft, and the impact they have had on the industry and their fans.
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For King & Country's tours
For King & Country, the Christian pop duo of Australian brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone, have embarked on numerous tours since their debut in 2012. The duo's live performances are known for their captivating and energetic shows, with uplifting messages of hope, faith, and love.
In 2012, they announced their first headlining tour, "The Proof of Your Love Tour", which visited 30 cities across the United States. The following year, they joined Casting Crowns as a supporting act, gaining further exposure.
In 2015, For King & Country continued their momentum by joining the Winter Jam Tour, performing in central and eastern parts of the United States. They also participated in Winter Jam again in 2016. That same year, they headlined a major 60-city arena tour and concluded the year with their first Christmas tour, selling out arenas like the Honda Center in Los Angeles.
In 2018, the duo released their album "Burn the Ships", which achieved gold status and further bolstered their popularity. This was followed by another extensive tour in 2024, dubbed "The Homecoming Tour", which brought them back to their roots in Australia and New Zealand. They performed in 10 major cities, including Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Brisbane, sharing songs from their fourth studio album, "WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR?".
For King & Country's latest tour in 2025 promises an epic night of musical magic, showcasing their chart-topping hits and incredible stage presence. The tour kicked off in Los Angeles, California, on January 15, 2025, and continues to captivate audiences across various cities in the United States.
With multiple Grammy Awards, chart successes, and a dedicated fan base, For King & Country have solidified their place as one of the most influential and beloved acts in the industry. Their tours have been a significant aspect of their career, allowing them to connect with fans and share their powerful music and messages on a global scale.
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The band's songs in popular culture
For King & Country, the Christian pop duo, comprises Australian brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone. Their music has gained prominence in popular culture, featuring in various media and making an impact on the charts. The band's songs have been featured in a number of popular TV shows and films, helping to broaden their appeal and reach a wider audience.
One of their most notable placements was in the 2018 film "The Shack," for which they wrote and performed the song "Keep Your Eyes on Me." The song became a crossover hit, charting on both the Christian and mainstream pop charts. It peaked at number 7 on the US Hot Christian Songs chart and number 2 on the Christian Airplay chart. The song's success showcased the band's ability to create emotionally resonant music that connects with a broad audience, even those who may not typically listen to Christian pop.
Their music has also been featured in popular TV shows, including "Grey's Anatomy," "The Vampire Diaries," and "The Originals." These placements have exposed their music to a wider, secular audience and demonstrated the emotional depth and versatility of their songs. The band's music has a way of enhancing the narrative and emotional impact of these visual mediums, whether it's providing a poignant backdrop to a dramatic scene or lifting a moment of celebration and joy.
Additionally, their songs have been licensed for use in numerous advertising campaigns, further solidifying their presence in popular culture. Their music has been used to evoke emotion and connect with audiences in a powerful way, helping to sell products or promote causes. The band's music has resonated with people from all walks of life, and their songs' messages of hope, faith, and love have universal appeal.
The brothers have also leveraged their platform to speak out on social issues and raise awareness for causes they believe in. They've used their music as a force for good, advocating for mental health initiatives and organizations that support youth and families in need. Their involvement in these issues further cements their place in popular culture as artists who care about using their influence for positive change.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, for King and Country is an Australian duo composed of brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone, who were born in Sydney, Australia.
Joel and Luke Smallbone emigrated to the United States as children and settled in the Nashville area. They are now based in Nashville, Tennessee, and hold dual citizenship in Australia and the United States.
For King and Country make progressive pop music with soaring melodies, driving rhythms, theatrical instrumentation, and personal themes. They are also known for their Christian music.
For King and Country have had several popular songs, including "God Only Knows," "Joy," "Burn the Ships", "Priceless", "Ceasefire", "Wholehearted", "Baby Boy", and "Fix My Eyes."
