Rachel Guyer
Dr. Pool
CLAR 110-02
September 13th, 2015
The authenticity of For King and Country
A small Nashville-based band of two brothers made their debut in 2012 by releasing the
album Crave. The two brothers, Luke and John, originally from Australia associate with the
genre of Christian pop and alternative rock and call themselves For King and Country. Critics
might argue that there are many “Christian” bands that send out a negative message about faith.
But For King and Country have been proven as being an authentic band through their actions,
message and service.
Authentic is often described as genuine, real, and not copied, which Joel and Luke have
been practicing from a young age since they have been introduced to music when they moved to
Nashville. What also makes them authentic is the amount of charity work they have done and
also the message that each of their songs send out which will be described later. A brief example
of authenticity can be found in the way they describe the philosophy by which the whole band
tries to live. “The power of music can impact our mood, emotions, our day. But when you merge
the strength of music with the heart, hope and passion of the Gospel… it has the ultimate power
not only to change someone’s day, but to impact them for eternity. This is why we write music
and sing songs – we hope that people will be moved, encouraged and stirred to live a life for
someone greater than themselves.” For King and Country proves authenticity again by the way
they share their personal life to their fans, from where the inspiration of their songs come and the
unique sound that the two brothers create by singing together” (Cummings).
Many artists try to keep their personal life and their fame separate because in many cases,
they are not the same and one life, or both live, appear more glamorous than reality. Alessandro
Portelli points this out in his writing, “The Coal Miner’s Daughter,” about the life of Loretta
Lynn and how Lynn’s life of fame and Lynn’s personal life are completely different and one of
her lives for the most part, is made up by the way she presents herself and what she allows the
public to see. He states concerning many famous people who compare to Loretta Lynn that
“Their success story enhances difference and change, but they always strive to prove continuity
and identity insisting that success has not changed them; they build an elaborate public image,
but must persuade their fans that it also coincides with their private selves (527).” For Joel and
Luke, this separate life is far from true because they merge the two lives so fans can keep in
touch on the day to day routine of the two brothers. This communication helps the brothers
