Named by HM Magazine as, "Best Independent Band for 2001," Cool Hand Luke signed an exclusive recording contract with Floodgate Records on June 15, 2002. "We are very excited about working with Floodgate Records to further God‚s kingdom and spread the good news that Jesus is alive," said Mark Nicks of the Tennessee-based band.

Tim Taber, President of Floodgate Records, is very selective in choosing artists for his label that was launched two years ago. "There's a ton of factors I consider when signing a band. Cool Hand Luke has some of the most interesting and creative music I've heard, but of top of that they constantly tour and they have a ministry that reaches beyond the Christian market. We're excited to be able to serve a band that has so much going for them."

Cool Hand Luke is Mark Nicks on vocals and drums, Jason Hammil on guitar and Brandon Morgan on bass. With a non-traditional line-up and a passionate sound, the band has a unique means of approaching music. Their music is often described as emo, and it ranges from loud and abrasive to soft and beautiful. The complexity of Cool Hand Luke‚s sound shows the maturity that the band has undergone. They tackle odd meters, tricky time changes, and textured dynamic changes and then combine lyrics of hope and inspiration that parallel the ever-evolving structure of the songs.

Over the last four years, Cool Hand Luke has made a name for themselves by their intense passion for music, for people, and for Jesus Christ. "As much as we love music, there would be no point in us playing if it was not for the faith behind our music. Jesus gives us something to sing about." Says vocalist and drummer Mark Nicks.

Cool Hand Luke is currently on tour with Noise Ratchet. They will be playing dates all over the U.S. including Cornerstone Musical Festival, Purple Door Festival, and Furnace Fest. Following their summer dates, the band plans to spend some time to write new material and record the album. Once that is done, they will be back on the road, playing shows all across the U.S.

Floodgate Records is a Tustin, California based record label established in 2000. Floodgate artists include East West (Dove Award winner for Best Hard Rock Album), Rita Springer and Denison Marrs. Distribution provided by Word Entertainment and WEA.

For more information, please contact Tim Taber at Floodgate Records, 714.573.0264, tim@floodgaterecords.com. (www.floodgaterecords.com, www.coolhandluke.net)