The first thing you notice about Shaun Groves will probably be his hair. It's not that it's particularly wild or strange, but it's the kind of hair that makes you think, "This guy is different — maybe a painter, maybe a musician…but definitely not a furniture salesman." Fortunately, Groves is an artist, and his debut project for Rocketown Records Invitation to Eavesdrop, promises to be one of the most unique albums released in the history of the label. With Grammy and Dove Award winning producer Monroe Jones (Chris Rice, Ginny Owens, Third Day, Mark Schultz) at the controls, Groves has created an astounding pop/rock album celebrating the joy and wonder of his daily walk with Christ.
Growing up in Tyler, Texas, Groves is a songwriter at heart but has the swagger and look of a rock star (a first for Rocketown!). Whether behind the keys of a piano softly singing a ballad rich with meaning and melody or front and center with guitar in hand leading his band through a revival of everything we love about rock & roll, Groves simply wants to tell you his story.
After accepting Christ in sixth grade, Groves developed a passion for excellence in every aspect of his life. He dedicated himself to practice his music with a newfound intensity, which resulted in his catapult from last chair to first chair in the school band within months. Groves' drive and determination would eventually lead him to attend and graduate from Baylor University with a bachelor's degree in music composition on a full-ride private music scholarship.
The enthusiasm that drove Groves to excel at music was also evident in his overwhelming eagerness to share his new relationship with Christ. That eagerness was exhibited through his work at the Methodist Children's Home while in college and his current volunteer youth work at his home congregation of First Baptist Church in Franklin, Tennessee.
Groves' music and ministry are tightly entwined in his life. In fact, his straightforward and inspiring lyrics have proved to be useful even to his church pastor, who has often used Groves' songs in tandem with his sermons. Many of the songs on the album were written specifically for this purpose, drawing listeners to Christ's message of hope and redemption and challenging them to action.
Soon after college graduation Groves moved to Nashville, married his college sweetheart and landed a job with a music publisher in one month's time. His job with the publishing company eventually led to a development deal with the publisher and a record deal with Rocketown Records in 2000.
Musically, Invitation to Eavesdrop is as diverse as Groves' talent and live performances, balancing tender ballads with driving rock anthems. Simply put Invitation to Eavesdrop is a glimpse into the life and heart of an important new artist, one we're sure to be eavesdropping on for a long time.
