Grammy winner Joel Smallbone of for KING + COUNTRY teams with his wife MORIAH for Songwriters Festival
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Once hailed by American Songwriter as "Australia's answer to Coldplay," the Christian alternative rock group for KING + COUNTRY, led by brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone, has won four Grammy Awards and earned eight Grammy nominations.
Joel Smallbone is among the music stars appearing at the 10th annual Maui Songwriters Festival at the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua. He will perform with his wife, artist/actress MŌRIAH as part of the "How I Wrote That Song VIP" Experience on Jan. 17.
The Smallbone brothers, who were born in Australia and grew up in Nashville, Tennessee, adopted their band name from the battle cry of English soldiers who were willing to sacrifice themselves for their king and country.
Luke Smallbone told Cross Rhythms, "It has become our mission to sacrifice ourselves for our King and our country. When you merge the strength of music with the heart, hope and passion of the Gospel, it has the ultimate power."
Their Grammy wins include Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song in 2020, a collaboration with Dolly Parton on their song "God Only Knows."
Citing U2, OneRepublic, The Beatles and the Goo Goo Dolls as influences, Joel told the Lancashire Times about the impact of hearing U2's "Where the Streets Have No Name" at the Super Bowl in 2001. "It was, as far as live performance and song, and the emotional, spiritual connection through the television screen, a very defining moment for me."
The brothers released their first EP in 2012, with Billboard magazine including them in a "New Artists to Watch" article, highlighting their "vibrant pop/rock sound that echoes a mix of influences ranging from Coldplay and Amy Grant to Aqualung."
Artist and actress MŌRIAH, shown here, will perform with husband Joel Smallbone of the Christian alternative rock group KING + COUNTRY during the 10th annual Maui Songwriters Festival. Courtesy photo
Artist and actress MŌRIAH, shown here, will perform with husband Joel Smallbone of the Christian alternative rock group KING + COUNTRY during the 10th annual Maui Songwriters Festival. Courtesy photo
With over one billion song streams, by 2024 they headlined RodeoHouston performing for an audience of 54,968, the largest in the band's history. Also in 2024, they released the feature-length concert film "King + Country: A Drummer Boy Christmas Live," a feature-length concert film, in December.
A recent Forbes review noted: "Known for their genre-defying sound and compelling live performances, for KING + COUNTRY's concerts are known for their high-energy production, featuring elaborate light shows, pyrotechnics, and stunning visuals. These elements combine to create an immersive experience that rivals some of the biggest acts in mainstream music."
Joel Smallbone's film "Unsung Hero," about his family's immigration to America, screens at the festival on Jan. 18. He co-produced and co-directed it, and starred as his father in the movie. "I'm really deeply proud because this film is not about Luke and me," Smallbone told Vision Christian Media. "This is not about for King and Country. This is about our sister, Rebecca St. James and our mum and dad and their courageous leap across continents."
He first acted alongside Billy Ray Cyrus in 2014 in the film "Like a Country Song," followed by "Priceless," about human trafficking, which he co-wrote and played the lead role, and in the 2023 film "Journey to Bethlehem" with Antonio Banderas.
Mexican-American country artist Moriah Smallbone's albums include "I Choose Jesus" and "Brave." She released the inspiring song "Parachute" from the TV Series "Unshakable Moxie" in 2024, describing it as "a love letter to those friends and family who carried me through the times where I felt like I was spiraling." She followed up in November with "Hasta Mañana," the debut song from her forthcoming 2025 album. Her acting roles include portraying King David's wife Bathsheba in "The Chosen," and she co-produced "Unsung Hero."
"Songs, Stories & Conversations" with Joel & Moriah will be presented from 6-7:30 p.m. Jan. 17 on the resort's Beach House Lawn. Tickets are $225. "Unsung Hero" will screen at 11.30 a.m. Jan. 18 for $35 for adults and $20 for children. Tickets are available at mauisongwritersfestival.com.