for KING & COUNTRY debuts new album at Liberty University Convocation

On Friday morning at Liberty University’s Convocation, four-time Grammy Award-winning Christian music duo for KING & COUNTRY led the student body in an acoustic-style concert at the Vines Center, debuting songs from their new album, “What Are We Waiting For.”

“Before you guys go on Spring Break, we thought it’d be awesome to have one of the great Christian groups that’s out there in the world today come and bless us here at Liberty University,” Campus Pastor Jonathan Falwell said before welcoming the Australian brothers to the stage.

After singing many of their well-known classics such as “Fix My Eyes,” “It’s Not Over Yet”, “joy,” and “Priceless,” the duo also previewed multiple tracks off their new album.

“Today is the release of our fourth studio record, and we couldn’t think of a better place to be than right here with you,” vocalist Joel Smallbone said.

He talked about the horror of human trafficking, which “Priceless” is about.

“There’s another pandemic that is sweeping across the globe and it is the tragedy and reality of human trafficking,” he said. “It works on this idea that a woman’s love or a woman’s body can be bought. And I just want to charge us as men, myself and these fellas included, simply, let’s stand up and let’s stand out. Let’s show the world that chivalry is alive and well and treat these ladies like they deserve to be treated — with respect and honor.”

He described how well Jesus modeled respect for women, specifically his mother.

“I say this to say that girls, if you’ve felt invisible, if you have felt pushed down, if you have felt objectified, know that the Creator of the universe, He sees you and He knows you and He loves you. And if I could speak on behalf of us fellas here this morning, I know that we would all say this: you are beautifully, perfectly imperfectly priceless.”

Later in the show, Luke Smallbone touched on the struggles the world has been battling throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I think it’s fair to say it’s been a little bumpy,” he said.

He went on to share his personal struggle with having throat surgery, an operation that had the potential to greatly affect his future in the music industry.

“It was something that I was warned about a little while ago, and it got to the point where there was some damage,” he said.

After the operation, he was instructed to remain silent for five days, a time when he said he chose to trust in the Lord’s plan for his life instead of giving in to the fear that he would be unable to chase his passion.

“I got to the point where I said, ‘God, if you want my voice, You can have it.’”

Whether the last couple years have been years of emptiness or years of fulfilment, he encouraged listeners to rest in Jesus.

“The truth is this: in those moments of emptiness, we have to turn somewhere. And I would say this to you: Have great wisdom on where you turn.”

With cellphone flashlights illuminating the Vines Center, the duo sang “Shoulders” and “God Only Knows” in a unifying time of reflection for the ongoing tragedy in Ukraine.

After exiting the platform, chants from the crowd for a final song brought the band back to the stage for their rendition of the Christmas song, “Drummer Boy.”

Following the show, both brothers greeted students in line to purchase the new album.