Cool Hand Luke

Cool Hand Luke plays rock and roll the likes of which you have never heard before. Easily sidestepping exact musical labels, they combine driving, head nodding rock music with beautiful melodies, pleasing the ears of both indie snob elitist and the average music-loving layman. They have made a name for themselves with their intense, not to mention tight, live show, which has been known to consistently win over new crowds night after night.

The band started in the summer of 1998 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, when former guitar player, Jason Hammil and Mark Nicks decided to start a Christian punk band. The lineup was completed when a mutual friend introduced them to Brandon Morgan, and their sound evolved and matured into one that today is uniquely theirs. The band put out two independently released records, “So Far…” and “I Fought Against Myself”, and embarked on 8 tours, earning them the title of “Best Independent Band” from HM Magazine’s Readers Poll.

They signed with Floodgate Records (distributed via Word/ Warner Bros.) in 2002. Cool Hand Luke’s first effort with Floodgate Records is entitled “Wake Up O Sleeper”, recorded with producer Steve Hindalong (City on a Hill). This record represents a new and more focused direction of the band, where instead of merely capturing their live sound they sought to first create an amazing, good sounding record. This record also finds them adding various studio textures, such as piano and strings, to their already diverse sonic landscape.

Lyrically the band has chosen to wear their faith on their sleeves, citing numerous scripture references throughout the album. “I believe the Word of God is living, and if the Word of God is in our songs then our songs would be living too,” says Mark.

The future looks bright for Cool Hand Luke as they continue to grow and mature. With new guitarist, Chris Susi, the immediate future sees them touring and continuing to bring their music to their quickly growing fanbase.