For nearly two years, a group of Filipino workers in Dubai kept a secret from almost everyone but their families. On their days off, after long shifts and through sleepless nights, they slipped into a recording studio to build something they weren’t sure anyone would ever hear. That secret is now public: FAITHDRIVEN, the debut album of alternative rock band GRACELACE, released on June 20, 2026.
The band’s story began in November 2024, when guitarist Fritz connected with drummer Leslie and bassist Wind to bring songs Fritz had written years earlier to life through recording and arrangement. What followed was a search for the right members — a journey the band describes as one “filled with passion, challenges, and constant evolution.”
Before they settled on the name GRACELACE, the group cycled through countless name ideas and lineup changes. Life in Dubai meant juggling demanding schedules, work, and family responsibilities, and some members had to step away to prioritize their personal lives. But the vision never faded. Everything finally fell into place when vocalist Mark came on board, along with Alex. With the lineup complete, the band officially became GRACELACE — and, as they put it, “the real journey began.”
A labor of sacrifice
Recording the full album became an act of dedication and sacrifice. “For two years secretly recording our song that only our family knows what we are doing,” the band shared. They spent their days off inside the studio, pouring their energy, emotions, and experiences into every track. The result, they said, is an album that represents “persistence, brotherhood, and the relentless drive to turn passion into reality.”
The road was far from smooth. There were several moments during the making of FAITHDRIVEN when the band nearly gave up. One of the hardest came when Leslie lost his job twice during production and considered leaving the band, struggling with finances and unable to send support to his family in the Philippines. Wind eventually chose to return home to the Philippines for good, in the middle of the album, to be with his family. At the same time, Mark was balancing fatherhood with an eight-month-old child, recording late into the night after day jobs — a strain that, the band admitted, caused tension between him and his wife. “Which we understood,” they said, “since family is always be the first priority.”
What carried them through, the band said, was faith. “What pulled us through was our faith, our belief in the message of the songs and the full album, and the support we gave one another as a band,” GRACELACE shared. “We reminded ourselves why we started this journey in the first place — to tell the world that they are not alone. In the end, those difficult seasons became the foundation of FAITHDRIVEN, proving that even in our lowest moments, faith can keep us moving forward.”
Funding a dream, expecting no return
GRACELACE funded the entire album themselves — fully aware they likely wouldn’t earn back what they spent. “We know that we will not earn back what we spent, but we want every one to hear the song especially the OFWs,” the band explained, noting that every track, along with one music video, tells the story of an overseas Filipino worker.
Self-funding gave them complete creative freedom and underscored their commitment to the music’s message. But it came at a cost. The biggest challenge, they said, was balancing personal responsibilities with the demands of recording — long studio hours that were not cheap. “There were moments when continuing seemed difficult because of the expenses and responsibilities,” the band said, “but those struggles only strengthened our bond.” Those challenges, they added, became part of the story behind FAITHDRIVEN, making the album even more meaningful.
‘Move and Let Go’
Every track on the album is rooted in inspiration, but one song stands apart. “Move and Let Go” — the only track with an animated music video — became the heart of the project. “This is the reason why we continue to finish the album,” the band said, “cause we want everyone to hear it.” The video, too, follows the story of an OFW.
The song is about learning to surrender what cannot be controlled through difficult seasons of life — letting go of fear, pain, and uncertainty, and keeping faith even when the path ahead is unclear. “The message of the song reflects to all of us, to our struggles that we need to move and let the things that we can’t hold and control, letting go to the past rejections and struggles,” GRACELACE shared. The track, they said, holds a special place in their hearts and captures the album’s overall message: faith, perseverance, and hope through every challenge.
An unforgettable night
The album launch on June 20 was, in the band’s words, “an unforgettable night for all of us.” Seeing their families, friends, and fellow musicians turn out in support made the sacrifices worth it. After two years of working in silence while battling personal struggles, financial strain, and packed schedules, finally sharing the songs live was deeply emotional.
“More than just a launch, it felt like a celebration of everyone who became part of this journey,” the band said. Their supporters, they added, reminded them that FAITHDRIVEN is not only the band’s story, but also the story of the people who stood by them from the beginning — and of everyone carrying struggles they need to “move and let go.”
A message for fellow OFWs
Above all, GRACELACE hopes the album reminds Filipino listeners, especially fellow OFWs, that they are not alone. “Being far from home comes with sacrifices, loneliness, and challenges,” the band said, “but we want these songs to encourage them to keep going and hold on to their faith.”
As OFWs themselves, the members understand the weight of being away from family while working to provide for them. Through FAITHDRIVEN, they want listeners to find comfort, hope, and strength in knowing their struggles are shared. “We hope FAITHDRIVEN inspires people to keep believing, keep moving forward, and trust that even the hardest seasons can lead to something meaningful,” the band said. “And let us all learn to move and let go.”
FAITHDRIVEN is available now. GRACELACE can be reached at gracelaceband@gmail.com.
