Alabaster Grace Opens Up About Their Journey, New Single & Music That Draws Us Closer to God

Husband and wife duo, Alabaster Grace has recently their new single, "Heal Our Land." The song was penned by Joanie Perry, Alabaster Grace's primary songwriter, and produced by multiple Dove Award-winning producer Chris Bevins (producer and keyboards for Selah, Salvador, Jaci Velasquez, Christine D'Clario).

The studio version of the song features some of Nashville's finest musicians, including drummer Dan Needham (Amy Grant, Jeremy Camp, Michael McDonald, Sting), guitarist Mike Payne (Casting Crowns, Francesca Battistelli, Mandisa, Lauren Daigle, Natalie Grant), and bassist Jacob Lowery (Gaither Vocal Band, Seth & Nirva).

The powerful production elevates the impassioned lyrics, and the song is resonating with radio stations around the country. 

Q: Thanks for doing this interview with us. Brad, you were a highly decorated former NASA rocket scientist, tell us more about your background and how you became involved in music.

A:  I was blessed to have a number of interesting assignments with NASA. I served initially as an instructor for astronaut and flight controller Space Shuttle training. I also worked on the design and development of the International Space Station and served as the technical lead for reviewing proposals for robotic planetary and astrophysics missions.

I grew up playing acoustic and electric guitar and later studied classical guitar. I wanted to glorify the Lord, and when He brought Joanie into my life, we were both amazed to see how our musical skills fit together. We hope and pray that the Scripture-based songs we present will encourage the listeners to deepen their relationship with the Lord.

Q: Joanie, what's your story?

A:  Music has always been a part of my life. I remember using the top pole of a swing set as a little girl using it as a microphone and singing to all the animals. Fast forward a number of years to when I became a believer. The Lord would give me songs in my quiet time, and I treasured them in my heart and shared them with only a few friends.

When I met Brad, I felt led to share "Adonai" and that was the launching of our music ministry. We haven't looked back! God is faithful in giving us songs to share with others.

Q: Why do you call yourselves Alabaster Grace?

A:  Alabaster represents our best for God. It refers to the woman who poured the precious ointment from her alabaster jar on Jesus' feet and wiped it with her tears (Luke 7:36-50). She gave her best for God and worshipped at His feet. Grace is his priceless gift that none of us deserve. Alabaster represents our best for God, and Grace represents his priceless gift of salvation to us that none of us deserve.

Q: How would you describe your style of music?

A:  Our style of music is praise and worship with a contemplative feel. All the songs are scripture-based and are generally birthed during a time of prayer and meditation.

Working together, we create a wide and diverse style of music ranging from tender acoustic to contemporary Christian, with a number of unique styles in between. Our music is focused on scripture and drawing everyone closer to the heart of God and is designed to bring hope and healing.

Some of Joanie's musical influencers are Twila Paris, Kari Jobe, and Paul Wilbur, and Brad's are Phil Keaggy, Carlos Santana, and Eric Clapton.

Q: Tell us the story behind your new single "Heal Our Land?"

A: "Heal Our Land" is based on the scripture of 2 Chronicles 7:14. This song is our prayer to God asking Him to forgive our sins as we repent and turn back to Him. The words of Hosea the prophet are ringing in our ears, just as in the time of Israel's departure from God, "Come, let us return to the Lord; for He has torn, but He will heal us; He has stricken, but He will bind us up." (Hosea 6:1, NKJV). If repentance is shown, then restoration will be given. It's time for our country to return to God so He can Heal Our Land!

"The song is a prayer for our country to return to God and biblical principles," explains Brad. "You can look almost anywhere today, compare it to a few years ago and see how things are moving further away from God. We believe that it's a very appropriate prayer for our country at this time.

Q: Is there an album or are more songs you are working on for the near future?

A:  We have worked with Chris Bevins over the past couple of years, and we are planning to record additional singles with him this summer, and possibly compile them into an EP project for release later this year.

Q: How do you wish to impact your listeners and their faith with your music?

A:  All the songs are "straight from heaven" and centered around Scripture. We do not take credit for them; we are just working to be good stewards in sharing what God gives us. Our songs are praise and worship songs to God that encourage listeners to deepen their relationship with Him. They are intended to bring hope and encouragement to listeners

Our ministry tagline is: drawing everyone closer to the heart of God through song and worship. Our definition of success is how well we meet that metric.

"The majority of all these songs come to me during my quiet time in His presence, just feeling His love, mercy, and grace," Joanie continues. "My heart's desire, and I know it's Brad's, too, is that when people hear the music, they can experience the same kind of feelings that I get when I'm with the Lord. We all need to know how much He loves us, and by sharing this music, it's my prayer that it would overflow into what people are hearing."

"And we want to be obedient servants," adds Brad. "It's not about us. It's about drawing others closer to the heart of God through song and worship and offering everyone hope and encouragement. With our song lyrics being Scripture-based, we pray that people will search out and read their Bible after hearing the music. We just want to be good and faithful servants with the talents and the gifts God has given us."

Q: How can our readers get to know more about you and your music?

A:  We look to connect with people through our website, alabastergraceministries.org.  You can also find us on YouTube - Alabaster Grace and Facebook - @alabastergraceministries. We are also on all the digital streaming platforms. Our email address is [email protected] for individuals who would like to connect with us directly.   

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