Exclusive Shawn Groves Interview

September 2005

word-on-the-web recently awarded Shaun Groves’ third album, White Flag, a four-star rating (check out the review in our “Music reviews” section). Turns out we’re not the only ones who liked White Flag – it’s currently selling like hotcakes and gaining lots of radio play around the world. Having heard the album, we wanted to talk to the man himself, which we did on 1st September, 2005. Based in the States, Shaun has some refreshing views on success and the value of record sales, and we hope you enjoy reading what he has to say.

Your latest album is called White Flag, which is a universal sign for surrender or giving up. What is the significance of this album title?

The entire CD is based on the beatitudes, which are found in Matthew chapter 5. The third beatitude – ‘Blessed are the meek’ - is surrender, submitting to God‘s control and dominance. Surrender is central to the beatitudes; surrender is central to understanding the Christian life.

I really enjoyed the album. Some of it sounded very 1960s, as if it was inspired by Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys or The Beatles. Other tracks were harder in style. Who would you say are your musical influences?

When I was 19 years old my pastor, now my father-in-law, introduced me to Elton John. I like the chord choices he makes and choices of melody. Lyrically, I like John Fogerty, Patty Griffin and Nichole Nordeman. I don’t care what era - a good lyric is a great lyric. One of the earliest lyrics I liked was Bernie Taupin’s for “The Greatest Discovery” by Elton John, about a baby being born in the family and the big brother going to see. You feel like you’re there. It made me want to write songs like that.

word-on-the-web aims to encourage young people to engage with the Bible, so it is great that this whole CD is based on the Bible – to be specific the beatitudes. What part does the Bible play in your life and ministry?

That’s like asking me how much my wife means to me. I’m 31 and I’m questioning how my belief comes from scripture and my culture. I’ve been to El Salvador and other countries and seen Christians asking different things. That’s led me to the only thing that doesn’t change, the word of God, the rudder for my life. A Christian’s life is based on what Christ says and what God says about himself in the Bible.

This is your third album, and it seems like your most successful. It has gone straight to number one in the US SoundScan Christian retail chart. Where do you go from here?

I have really struggled with that. My first record was very successful and won a number of awards, but my second record didn’t do so well. I realised then that I am still a tool for God however “successful” I am, and it made me want to come up with some measure of success not based on record sales. He would rather me be faithful than successful. If I’m a janitor or a plumber or a world-famous rock star, it doesn’t matter. I am trying to find new ways to be faithful. I’m doing more work here in the States to take care of the least, including working with Compassion International.

Are you performing anywhere in Europe or the UK in coming months? Is there a website our readers can check to find out your tour dates?

Check out the “Tour Dates” section at www.shaungroves.com

Thanks for talking to us, Shaun. Your album is highly recommended!