It isn’t easy to be perfect. In fact, it’s impossible.

And the struggle to try to improve, to become closer to perfection is one that can become increasingly difficult.

People, however, shouldn’t lose hope or become discouraged in their efforts to be like Christ. That’s the message of 1 Sound of Alabama’s new single and music video, “Perfect Man.”

“Of course everyone should strive to be perfect,” said Dewayne Malone, front man and one of the lead singers in the group.

“We know that, definitely; Jesus is the only perfect man. We know that, but the song is about how hard it is to be a perfect man.”

The band, including Malone, brothers Marcus and Ray Mitchell and Robert Softley, sings “It’s hard to be a perfect man, but we’re trying to be the best that we can,” on the chorus.

And that strikes at the heart of the matter.

“Our message is that, even though it is hard, you should try everyday,” Ray said.

Each member of the group is married and has children. And in the verse Ray sings lead, he addresses the struggles of trying to become a better person in addition to being a better husband and father.

“Sometimes you put so many expectations on your spouse instead of looking at your spouse as the imperfect person that they are,” Ray said. “The expectations for your spouse are so high that you don’t realize that they are imperfect people. Everyone makes mistakes.”

Malone said his motivation comes from being the son of a pastor, where every action was scrutinized and he was put on a pedestal and held to a higher standard.

“Being a preacher’s kid, it’s already premeditated that he can’t make mistakes,” Malone said. “He’s got to live right. He’s got to be in church.

“He can’t do any wrong. But the truth is, I’m imperfect just like everyone else, and I make mistakes and have made mistakes like anyone else.”

The band isn’t trying to excuse their actions because they aren’t perfect, Malone said. They’re just trying to be better.

Marcus said the group’s goals aren’t that of a lot of music groups.

“We aren’t in it for the fame,” Marcus said. “I’m in it because I love music. We (Ray and Marcus) have been singing since we were little.”

Ray said they are a gospel group that is singing for the Lord.

“The main thing that we are all trying to do, is send a good message,” Ray said. “Also to lead by example, and let everyone know that even though you might have missed the mark you can still get up. It’s not too late to live for Christ and put Christ first.”

That sentiment was echoed by Softley.

“We’re doing this, not only to encourage people, but also to lead them to Christ,” he said.

The single from 1 Sound of Alabama will release Sunday, and Malone said the group is working toward having a complete album released in 2013.

The band will be at a release party at 3:30 p.m. Sunday at Logan’s Roadhouse in Florence. The single will be available online at Amazon, CDBaby and iTunes and at dewaynemalone.com.

It also will be available at local Christian bookstores and Pegasus Records in Florence.

Bobby Bozeman can be reached at 256-740-5722 or bobby.bozeman@TimesDaily.com.