Old Bear Records singer-songwriter Gabrielle Lovelace steps into new territory with the release of “Screen Door,” her first-ever cover and a spirited reimagining of the beloved Rich Mullins classic.
Available now on all major streaming platforms, Lovelace’s version transforms the song from its original a cappella setting into a bluesy, full-band performance filled with rhythmic energy, playful textures and her rich, resonant alto. Produced by Lovelace alongside Brothers McClurg’s Anthony and Chris Hoisington, the recording preserves the wit and spiritual message that have made “Screen Door” a lasting favorite while giving it a distinctly personal feel.
Originally released by Mullins in 1987 on his Pictures in the Sky album, “Screen Door” uses humor and an unforgettable central metaphor to explore the relationship between faith and action. Lovelace was drawn to that message from an early age, having first discovered the song through her mother’s favorite playlist.
“The core of the message is just as relevant as when it was written,” Lovelace explains, connecting the song to James 2:26 and its teaching that faith must be reflected through action.
For an artist primarily known for writing and releasing original material, choosing “Screen Door” as her first cover was a deliberate decision. Lovelace says the song has remained meaningful to her for decades, making the recording an opportunity not only to revisit a formative musical memory but also to contribute to Mullins’ enduring legacy.
The recording itself became a family affair. Lovelace, the producers and musicians gathered around a microphone to create the communal feel of the track through stomps and claps, while her mother joined the recording session and her father contributed Wurlitzer. The result captures the sense of spontaneity and joy that surrounded the recording process.
“I felt like a kid on a playground because we were having a blast,” Lovelace shares, describing the experience as a full-circle moment that allowed her to record a song that had been part of her life for years.
The release follows a growing run of genre-spanning music from Lovelace, whose recent catalog includes “No Pay” and “You Can’t Put God in a Box,” as well as “Bob Dylan Rhythm,” “It’s Gonna Be Yesterday,” “Somewhere Between” and “Let the Christmas Music Play.” Her work draws from folk, blues, gospel, indie and singer-songwriter traditions while placing a strong emphasis on storytelling and lyrical depth.
With her music shaped by her background in English and creative writing, Lovelace approaches songwriting as both a musical and literary exercise. Her songs frequently explore faith, identity, growing up and life’s more complicated questions, combining thoughtful writing with an adventurous sonic palette.
“Screen Door” adds another dimension to that artistic journey. Rather than simply recreating Mullins’ original, Lovelace brings her own voice, family history and musical instincts to a song that helped shape her relationship with music in the first place.
For Lovelace, the release is ultimately about more than recording a beloved song. It is a celebration of where her musical journey began, while helping introduce a timeless message to another generation.