The word love is often used far too carelessly in today's society. As a result, what once was the ultimate expression of affection and concern for another is now diluted. Tyler, Texas-based pop/rock act Luminate is on a mission to change that. For Luminate, love is an action.
“Love isn’t just a word we say to be cool and trendy,” says Luminate frontman Sam Hancock. “It’s an action that demonstrates the love of Christ. After all, Jesus didn’t just talk about love, He lived it through His actions.”
As the band has toured non-stop, criss-crossing the country to play festivals, camps and churches, that message of love in action has fueled the group’s ministry, keeping its brotherhood strong. Now with the band’s self-titled Sparrow Records debut, Luminate takes on its divine assignment, offering a collection of songs that speak to the essence of love.
Drawing from a wide range of influences in British rock and modern worship music, the band’s catchy pop/rock sound pays homage to artists including U2, The Fray, Switchfoot and The Killers. But since the group, comprising Hancock (lead vocals, guitar), Cody Clark (guitar), Dustin DeLong (keyboard), Dusty Jakubik (bass) and Aaron Mathew (drums), bring so many creative ideas to the table, Luminate’s sound has a timbre all its own.
“We’ve recorded a mixture of what we grew up listening to and what we’ve discovered together as a band,” Cody shares. “Instinctively, we like writing songs that people can sing to, but more importantly, we want to write songs that are honest.”
Setting the mood, opening track “Spirit of Love” is a bold reminder that God not only made us, but understands everything we’re going through—even in life’s most challenging moments.
Continuing in that transparent vein, the band’s first single “Shine (Love is an Action)” is a memorable affirmation of why Jesus said the “greatest of these is love.”
“That song is literally just a call to really put love into action,” Sam relates. “Cody and I wrote that song with [producer] Ed Cash and hope that it will be a message all in the church will take to heart.”
Another standout track, “Miracle” is a timely, earnest cry of desperation when day-to-day conflicts and problems inevitably rear their ugly heads. “The song says ‘Find me as I am, I can barely stand,’” says Sam. “We are in community with the Savior, and that’s how we get through each trial or tribulation. When the Spirit comes and rescues us, that’s the miracle.”
Closing the album on a particularly hopeful note is “Fearlessly.” Luminate sings about how fear is a natural part of life, but how with faith, there really is freedom from fear. “It’s an affirmation that when you take in God’s truth, it will change your life,” Cody adds.
Ultimately, Luminate is a band united by its passion for music and desire to share Christ’s love with others. “Our common goal is to reach anyone and everyone with the love of Christ -- whether they’re in church or clubs,” says Sam. “We want to get the point across that everyone who’s a follower of Christ should be active pursuing his/her faith and God-given life calling. Any day we can do that well, we feel like we’re accomplishing what we set out to do.”
For more information on Luminate, check out www.myspace.com/luminate.
