With “How Your Live” connecting at country radio, the ladies of Point of Grace are making a big splash in a new market. Denise, Shelley and Leigh discuss their recent Dove win, the group’s experience at the ACMs and more… CMP: What was your reaction to your recent Dove win? Does it feel odd to be nominated and win in the country category? Denise Jones: We were soooo excited. Winning a Dove Award is always an honor. And, let’s face it, it has been a few years since we’ve been up for a Dove Award. So when we found out we were nominated in five categories, that was HUGE for us. As far as winning the country category, I don’t think it was weird at all. Country radio seems to be embracing this particular song, and we’ve had quite a bit of success with it. Cindy Morgan wrote a wonderful song about life. I think that country music is full of “life songs.” I’m excited about it reaching a new market of people who may not be aware of the Christian music that is in the marketplace.
CMP: How have you been received in the country market? Denise: So far, so good. Many of them are aware of who we are already. So that has been helpful. Just as the Christian market has embraced songs from Martina McBride and Carrie Underwood, I think that the country market is accepting our music. So much of country music through the years has been rooted in faith, so I think that this could be a very natural fit for us.
CMP: What types of country media have you been involved with? Denise: We have been a part of the ACMs and CRS [Country Radio Seminar]. Meeting many of the country radio promotions teams has been a blessing. GAC has been playing our video on their show. We will be taking part in Fan Fair coming up in June.
CMP: What was your experience like at the ACMs?Denise: It was a lot of fun. In many ways it’s similar to GMA Week. We spent a lot of time going around and meeting radio personalities. We also met several artists like Phil Stacey, Little Big Town, Rascal Flatts, James Otto and Kellie Pickler. They were all very nice. All of the country radio people were really kind and accepting of who we are. It is funny to hear people call us a “new” group. That was a little hard to get used to, but that’s OK. Some of them have no idea we’ve sung together for 15 years until they sit down to talk to us. We will see what happens next.
Shelley Breen: The ACMs were awesome! We did tons of radio interviews back to back and saw lots of stars! That’s always fun. Oh, and have you explored the restaurant scene in Vegas lately? AWESOME food to choose from! You know we’re all about that!
Leigh Capillino: We expected nothing like we encountered—southern hospitality at it’s finest. We have so many friends that are country artists and to see them as well was such a fun reunion. Each artist sincerely supports the other. I LOVE THAT! [We experienced] an outpouring of kindness [and] enthusiasm toward us and a sincere desire for our “success.” We saw so many country stars; I was so star struck. I wanted my picture with all of them but was too scared to ask. We did get our pictures with some...check out our website (
pointofgrace.net) to see.
CMP: What are the differences you are noticing between the Christian and country markets? Shelley: Honestly, there’s not a lot of difference at all. Their CRS (Country Radio Seminar) is exactly like our GMA, in fact. We have also found that there are many Christians who work in the country market who had actually already heard of us and some that were familiar with our music. Their charts are about the same, and breaking a new artist works about the same way, too—at least, so far!
CMP: Why do you think “How You Live” has resonated so well with audiences? Shelley: I think “How You Live” is really a timeless message just reminding us to savor the moments that God gives us with the people that mean the most to you—our family and friends—because yesterday’s gone; we’re not promised tomorrow; and today should be treated like the gift that it is. I think that is a message that everyone can relate to.
CMP: Are you planning to release any other singles to country radio?Shelley: Yes. We are back in the studio in a couple of weeks to cut some songs for the expanded edition of “How You Live” which will come out in September. I believe most of the songs we are cutting would work in either format, honestly.
Leigh: Due to the interest of Warner Nashville (the Country division of Warner Bros.) and the popularity of "How You Live," we are going to follow what seems to be the musical/sound and direction of POG. We are extremely excited and feel like this is a shot in the arm for us.
CMP: You recently made your debut appearance at the Grand Ole Opry. What was that like?
Leigh: POG would have never believed 17 years later we would be performing at the Grand Ole Opry singing around the famous WSM microphone an acappella song entitled “Before the Throne,” plus two other songs with the Grand Ole Opry band. Life doesn't get any sweeter.
CMP: Do you see yourselves continuing to pursue opportunities in the country market and expanding your reach there? Leigh: Any opportunity to expand one’s musical “reach” is a privilege. POG is extremely blown away that our song “How You Live” is getting some country radio attention. [We’re] unable to predict if it will have a long or short season, [but] we are thrilled at the opportunity. If the “door” continues to stay open, we are indeed “open” to the idea. You never know what life brings, but with a grateful attitude one can continue to dream and hope.
CMP: Tell us about your brand-new radio singles. Leigh: We are always searching for great songs, but when the demand for an expanded edition came into play, we began looking in all the corners, and with the help of Word and our very own Shelley Breen we have found three fantastic songs—songs that truly represent “real life” and follow the heart of POG. We seem to connect with writer Cindy Morgan. Wait until you hear these songs. Daddies get ready... You will need some tissue. Cindy is so in line with who we are and where we are in our season of life; she is right there with us. I think this is a sweet “marriage,” and I can’t wait for you all to hear the “ceremony.” Cindy has done it again! Thanks, girl!
Let me say, too, that POG is benefiting from the flexibility of radio right now. The lines of Christian radio, country radio, even pop radio are beginning to cross. A great song is a great song. It doesn’t matter if a steel guitar is played or a string quartet. This is the best time to be a part of the music industry. Music is so unlimited. My iPod represents all kinds of music, and I think this is the wave of the future. POG will never compromise who we stand for and why, but what we will do is go to all the world if the “world” invites us to come. Why not?
CMP: Anything else you’d like to tell readers about?Leigh: POG has been so blessed over 17 years, and wisdom will keep us in check as to the choices we are to make for the future. God has been so good to us. We are still pinching ourselves 17 years later!
For more information, visit pointofgrace.net.