Driven by a passion to share a dynamic message and fueled by an energetic, pop/rock sound, what began nearly ten years ago as a high school worship team has now regenerated into the fresh, eclectic sound of Warr Acres.Warr Acres, as evidenced by its lyrics and music, is inspired by the life and ministry of Victory Church and leadership of Pastor Mark Crow, reflecting a mission to inspire believers worldwide to reach a city, change a nation, and touch the world.
Warr Acres is also a new beginning. Previously VMusic, the name under which six full length albums of original worship music—including 2 in Spanish—were released, this group continues to push the envelope with its pop-infused melodies and mission-driven messages. Most successful collaborations start with a story, and Warr Acres is no exception; the band finds its roots in the life-changing story of Mark Crow’s wife, Jennifer, being healed of depression and multiple physical ailments, precipitating her songwriting and the formation of the worship ministry VMusic. One of the most popular Christian music groups on an independent label, VMusic penned six #1 hits on Indie Christian radio from 2008 through 2010, was featured twice on Worship Leader Magazine’s Song Discovery CD, and was nominated for the Dove Awards in 2011 and the Premios Arpain 2010.
With the new name came new relationships: Warr Acres was privileged to sign a record deal in 2011 with Dream Records, an imprint of Universal Music Group.
Chris Crow (keys and vocals) and Jaron Nix (guitars and vocals), co-producers of Warr Acres’ first album, have been making music together since they were in middle school. Joined by Matt Payne on bass and vocals two years later, the three musicians/songwriters have grown together as friends and artists. Add to the group the mix of natural beauty, consummate vocals and worshipful songwriting of former Warner Brothers recording artist Kristy Starling, prolific singer/songwriter Lael Louthan, and the soulful, commanding Aubree Huffman and you have a uniqueness that reflects their unconventional name: Warr Acres, which is the Oklahoma City community in which Pastor Mark Crow pioneered Victory Church in 1994 where this team leads worship each week.
Each of these individuals brings their own style in music and songwriting, accounting for the diversity of sound that is Warr Acres. Much of the pop-infused vibe that is heard in the group’s catalog is due to a younger Crow, Joseph, whose production and programming are a signature part of Warr Acres’ sound. The music reaches its final stage of realization with a team of dedicated, talented musicians who play and craft these songs weekly at each of Victory Church’s many worship experiences.