Singing About the Gospel: Mercy Well's Exclusive Interview with Hallels

Originally organized in 1998 as a duet, Mercy's Well, under the leadership of group founder, Brad Strider, soon made the natural transition to a trio. The group's first three single releases paved the way for their first Top 80 single in 2005. Throughout the past six years, the group, which is based in Greensboro, NC, has continued to produce chart topping singles and has gained national attention from fans, music critics, pastors and promoters alike. 

Mercy's Well has just released a brand new album "Today."  We are so honored to be able to catch up with them for this Hallels' exclusive interview.

Hallels:  So grateful for your time.  For some of our readers who may not be familiar with Mercy's Well, can you briefly tell us who you are?

Mercy's Well is made up of vocalists Brad Strider, Greg Gainer, Dustin Simmons, and pianist, Josh Simpson

Hallels:  Congratulations on the release of "Today," what are some of the take home messages you would like your listeners to grasp after hearing the new record?

This album is very special. The overwhelming theme of the record seems to be HOPE. Everywhere we minister, that is something people really zero in on...the HOPE we sing about.

Hallels:  One thing I notice about the album is that the songs are very diverse: you have songs that are more Southern Gospel to country to CCM.  Is this diversity deliberate?

Yes. We have always been known for our diversity of styles. This album may be the best example of that to date. There are some of the most Southern Gospel cuts we've ever done, there's a little bit of country overtones and then there is one straight-ahead CCM song. It's hard not to find something you like on this record, no matter what your stylistic preference. The churches we minister in almost require diversity. We can go in to a morning worship with multiple services and be able to be relevant to everyone.

Hallels:  On this album, you've got to work with Donna M. King (Hope's Call) again, what's it like working with her?

Donna is a slavedriver! Ha. Her pursuit of perfection is the main reason we have worked with her for nearly 10 years. Her ear and her knack for vocal arranging is unparalleled. 

Hallels:  Your current single is "I Wanna Hear the Gospel," for our readers who may not have heard it yet, can you tell us what the song's about?

"I Wanna Hear The Gospel" is an infectious, upbeat song that lays out the Gospel message about as clearly as I have ever heard a fast song do. It's a bit progressive musically, but the lyrics are amazing. It's just a great radio song!

Hallels:  You have a number of songs here that mention the "Gospel," my favorite being "Gospel of Second Chance," what does the Gospel mean to you?

The Gospel is the Good News! It's the HOPE we sing about every single week. The Gospel is not for the affluent...it's not for those who are perfect. The Gospel tells us to come just as we are. We could never be good enough on our own. God knew we needed a Savior and He knew we needed a second chance. That's the Gospel we sing about!

Hallels: If our readers would like to purchase "Today" and/or find out more about you, where can they go?

The best way to find out all about Mercy's Well is to visit our website: www.mercyswell.com. There you will find out about our ministry, our tour dates, news and ways you can order our product. We can also be reached by phone at (336) 314-6787.

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