Some would call him the Banjo Paterson of our time; others just simply call him "Gracey". He is just as comfortable singing on stage to countless thousands of people at massive rallies in the United States as he is playing in some of Australia’s forgotten country towns. His ease at sharing the Good News of Jesus to the everyday Australian has endeared him to many. Steve Grace joins us on in|view.
i|v // You have travelled through much of the Australian Outback singing and preaching the Good News about Jesus Christ. What would be your most amazing experience?
Steve // There are a million amazing experiences. None more important than the next. I just love every opportunity to share my music and faith with people. I love to pray with people in need and encourage others to seek God’s best for their lives. Music is such a great way to connect and captivate people’s hearts. I did a concert to four young people in the old picture theatre in Nowra, NSW back in 1979. The promoter had failed to advertise the event but four local teenagers turned up. We put on the Sunseekers, a surf movie, then played some songs and preached the Gospel. All four teenagers gave their lives to Jesus that day. That was a pretty cool concert. Plus it taught me that numbers are not what it is all about. Just people. People matter most.
i|v // How did you get started in music?
Steve // Well, in 1973, an Irish school teacher, Gordon Mullen offered to teach me and five friends guitar on Tuesday afternoons. I learned eight chords. We lived in a small town in Victoria called Kangaroo Ground. I got kicked out of music theory in High School. I was not a great student. But then I started to write songs and ask some big questions about life. That was the beginning of my music.
i|v // You write songs that really connect with people. What are some key elements that you consider that go into making a good song?
Steve // Honest and transparent songs that connect with the human soul. Songs that are born in pain and sorrow, songs that are written for hope and life. But always real. Always open and real.
i|v // Your latest album contains many famous and classic hymns. What led you to record a “Heritage” hymns album?
Steve // My heritage is in the jungle highlands of Papua New Guinea. My parents were missionaries with Wycliffe Bible Translators. As a child I remember singing these classic hymns every Sunday morning at the meeting house. The only church in the community. Amazing songs of deep theology and truth. I love these old songs.
i|v // How do you relax?
Steve // I love surfing and the ocean. I love motorcycles, either enduro riding through unpredictable mountain trails or riding a Harley out on the highway to nowhere. Otherwise I just like driving somewhere. The Bible is cool to read.
i|v // Your son, Jordan Grace, is already considered a gifted songwriter in his own right. Do you think any of your talent has rubbed off on him?
Steve // Yep. (jordanmichaelgrace.com). He is writing great songs and doing well with his music. Playing in a band plus doing solo stuff. I like his style and his heart. Cool kid. Must have a cool Dad.
i|v // What piece of advice would you give to younger artists based on what you have learnt through your ministry life?
Steve // Winston Churchill once said: “ Great success is moving from failure to failure with unhindered enthusiasm”. Just get out there and sing to people and forget about the music industry and the manipulative political record companies. They are all selfish and greedy people. Just do your music and serve where you can. Let God be your audience. Let people be your passion. Let poverty be your cause.
i|v // What would be your favourite song from amongst those you have written?
Steve // "Song for Kerrie".
i|v // What is your latest ministry project?
Steve // Mobile Music and Media schools for developing nations. Three-day intensive programs that culminate with a community celebration. Songwriting, recording, digital photography and video, traditional art and dance all encapsulated in a Bible based program that elevates the visions and dreams of young people living in poverty. We are doing these programs in Papua New Guinea and we need help to expand the potential of the vision.