Singer/Songwriter, Shaun Groves, has been known to be introspective and thoughtful. Additionally, on and off stage, Groves has been recognized for his abilities to teach the Word. On his third release, White Flag (Rocketown), Groves’ musical and teaching gifts intersect as he puts to words a burning desire to explore the Beatitudes and how they have impacted spiritual changes in his personal life.

As a co-pastor, Groves has been involved with a college bible study known as ICON. The study involves almost 100 people, ranging in age from 18 to 25 years old, and it is led as a verse-by-verse study. When Groves and the group were studying through the book of Matthew they got to the point of the Beatitudes. It was then that Groves felt a “reawakening” of his faith. White Flag, a metaphor for surrender beyond just believing, is a response to this regenerated faith. The album reflects song-by-song the Beatitudes and is sequenced in order with the Scriptures.

Partially out of necessity, Groves was called upon by Rocketown to produce the album adding to his various roles. However challenging producing the album was for Groves, it provided a creative outlet like he has never experienced before. “This is the first CD I’ve made as I’ve heard it in my head. It’s more natural,” Groves said. He also openly admitted that he was “scared to be in charge,” but he leaned heavily on others, like the players, who were a tremendous help.

White Flag accurately reflects Groves’ combined roles as an entertainer, teacher, and communicator. Groves doesn’t follow the standard “Christian” definition of the industry. He made a comparison between expecting a pastor to be a corporate speaker and the expectations of a teacher/pastor to be an entertainer. For Groves, being a pastor comes first. “There is not a lot of diva stuff in my rider,” said Groves. “Teaching is a big part of who I am, not a rock star.” However, he recognizes too that there is an element of “sales opportunities” that affect his position. “Although there is no shortage of people who need to understand God’s word, there aren’t as many who need to buy CD’s,” said Groves. That is not to say that he does not believe that people are being changed by good music, and that element is important to him as well.

Sonically, White Flag follows Groves’ usual pop/rock sensibilities, with a healthy balance of storytelling ballads and out right guitar-driven rockers. These songs will play well on radio, live – full band, or live – acoustic. Listeners will definitely be hooked on the sound and from there are free to take it to other levels and discover the meanings.

Aside from the CD, Groves is working on a book about the Beatitudes. This is a message that has been impressed upon his heart to communicate in anyway he can. Already, Groves has been called upon to lead other groups besides ICON in an in-depth study of the Beatitudes, with younger students up to industry executives. White Flag is just one of the many medians he intends to use to share what he has learned.

If you’re wondering if singing, writing, and shepherding is enough, Groves is not done yet. On the side, Groves and Brian Seay (friend, brother-in-law, co-pastor, and road manager) are partnering in a booking agency. Their goal is to eventually work with independent artists in a mentoring capacity. Groves states, with the downfall of the economy, the labels can’t afford to invest as much into upcoming bands. So he and Seay wish to assist future artists in getting their music and messages on the road; not necessarily to get them signed to a label, but more so to let them know they can make an impact by their own hard work.

White Flag hits the shelves this July, and Groves is anticipating an exciting street week, where he will be playing a few key markets. As for the rest of the summer, Groves expects it to be fairly slow, with the focus on leading ICON, then in the fall he will be headlining a tour with Kendall Payne, and Jason Morant as the opening acts.

For more information on White Flag and Shaun Groves, you can check out his official home page at http://www.shaungroves.com, and while you’re there be sure to check out his award winning blog.

• What’s Wrong With This World – Matthew 5:3
• Sad Song – Matthew 5:4
• Amen & White Flag – Matthew 5:5
• Crave & Hummingbird – Matthew 5:6
• Heaven Hang On – Matthew 5:7
• Bless the Lord & Only – Matthew 5:8
• My Enemy & Peace Has Broken Out – Matthew 5:9
• Narrow – Matthew 5:10-12