First Impressions: Cool Hand Luke
by Andy Argyrakis | posted 5/01/2003
 1 of 2
In the experimental spirit of bands such as Pink Floyd, Radiohead, or Sigur Ros, this Tennessee-based indie rock trio is spreading ethereal songs of worship to Christian audiences
through the early 2003 release of their label debut, Wake Up, O Sleeper. Comprised of singing drummer Mark Nicks, bassist Brandon Morgan, and guitarist Jason Hammil, Cool Hand Luke doesn't get aroused by the fame, flash, and cash that can come from being in a band. They'd rather stay in the shadows and put Christ in the spotlight. Here's a closer look at the group's unconventional attitude and their artistic evolution from pop punkers to scream rockers to progressive performers.
Left to right: Jason Hammil (guitar), Brandon Morgan (bass), Mark Nicks (vocals, drums)
So, how did you guys put the group together?
Mark: We met almost five years ago. Brandon and Jason lived in Murfreesboro, I lived in Nashville, but we all went to school at Middle Tennessee State University. We met through a mutual friend. The first thing the others asked was if I knew how to play drums, which I did. They were looking for a pop/punk band, and I wanted to be in a hardcore band, but we just kept talking and praying together. No one ever said, "I think we should be a band." It just sort of happened. We started out as a pop/punk band then moved on to hardcore and eventually into what we are now.
Would if be safe to call that indie rock? How would you describe it?
Mark: We don't know. Soft rock maybe? I guess progressive rock in a way.
How did the style transfer come about?
Brandon: I don't think it's anything that we really set out to directly do. If you listen to our previous recordings, there are distinct differences in each one. I think we're just maturing and growing up, and this record reflects our current tastes.
How did you guys catch the attention of Floodgate Records?
Mark: It was seriously just the hand of God on us. I'm probably not supposed to say this, but I think anybody would be stupid to sign us, because we don't really write three-and-a-half-minute pop songs suitable for radio play. We tend to favor really long songs, and we don't do anything conventionally. I sing while I play drums, so we don't rock out and jump around and work the crowd, so to speak.
Nor do you look at the crowd.
Brandon: (laughing) We pretty much don't do anything right.
Jason: Actually, we don't face backward anymore.
Why not?
Jason: Mostly for sound purposes. We weren't hearing each other very well. It's not like we started putting our feet on the monitors and going crazy just because we did turn around. We don't make eye contact with the crowd because we're not performers and we're scared to death.
How did facing backward start anyway?
Brandon: The reason I remember is when we practiced, we stood in a triangle facing each other because that's how we were comfortable. We just wanted it to be like practice since we don't jump around anyway.
Jason: Our goal isn't to entertain people but to lead people in worship. Our thinking is that if the audience is worshiping and we're worshiping, it doesn't matter which way we're facing. Ideally the focus is going to be God and not us. We try not to make ourselves the focus. It's easier for us to focus if we're concentrating on what we're doing.
What do you hope people will take from Wake Up, O Sleeper?
Brandon: When we wrote it we wanted to do a record that was really worshipful with simple lyrics that weren't just subjective but ones people could really sing along to yet have meaning. We put a lot of prayer into the record and prayed God would make it worshipful for believers and that those who aren't Christians could be touched anyway.
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