Why did you decide to follow up a straight-up rock debut like Lamps with a stripped-down, acoustic EP like Mending the Meaning?
Luke Caldwell: We knew we wanted to do this EP as Lamps was being finished. When you are recording an album, there are songs that make sense collectively and others that don’t. In this case, I really liked a few songs that just didn’t make sense on Lamps. Stylistically I wanted to simplify.
Is this Esterlyn’s attempt at an all-original worship CD?
Caldwell: I wouldn’t say that specifically. I just write what is inside of my heart, but the more I write music, the more I find fulfillment in leading people into God’s presence through a song.
What inspired these songs?
Caldwell: Being raised in the church, you hear the same songs a lot. When writing I really have tried to keep it simple while exploring a new way to say “I love you” or “Lord help me.” The key is to seek to be genuine and honest in finding who I am and who God is and how we connect.
I read that you guys have been meeting with fans at coffee shops before shows to study Proverbs. How do you balance that with fans that just want a closer look at their favorite band?
Caldwell: I really don’t think people are coming to the study to hang out with us as much as they honestly are pumped to get into God’s Word. We have already seen the Lord work through this night after night and it has been amazing to see the unity it has brought even within our own band. I am sure this has been a bigger blessing to us than our fans.
You and your wife just had your first child, Elias Luke Caldwell. How has that changed things for you?
Caldwell: It is still a little surreal. It truly has been a joy although I am sad they are not with us [on the road] right now. We are in the process of praying that God will provide the money for us to buy a motor home so they can be with me on the road. I really desire to be a godly husband and father.
Why have you remained indie?
Caldwell: Choosing to be independent gives us a lot more freedom to do whatever we want when it comes to the recording process and marketing the band. We really want creativity in how we connect with our fans. Right now we are doing a campaign where we are giving away our albums for free. We couldn’t do that on a major label.
What main idea are you trying to communicate through the music?
Caldwell: We are simple guys who love Jesus and want to make a difference with our lives. Whether it is through our music or through our actions, we desire to be genuine and transparent. God is looking throughout the whole earth to show himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are loyal to him.
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