Interview: project LUMO
project LUMO just released its latest single, 'Look At Me Now,' and founding guitarist/producer Saul Zonana and Josie Music Award-winning vocalist Steve Libby spoke to Louder Than The Music about their backgrounds in music, the new single, and the plans for the faith-based hard rock band's eagerly anticipated self-titled debut album.
For those who haven't heard of you before, can you tell us a bit about yourselves and how you got involved in making music?
Steve: I've always loved music and discovered, quite by accident, that I could sing. I moved to Nashville in the late 90s to pursue my career in music.
I banged around town for a while learning the craft of songwriting. I have been in many genres of music and jumped at the chance to join Saul in this faith based rock project!
Saul: I’ve been making music consistently for over 50 years. It was in me from birth.
Tell us about your new single 'Look At Me Now' and what the inspiration behind it was?
Steve: God is the inspiration for the entire album. This single is from a few perspectives and we want the listener to take it as their own and relate to what it means to them. Things can always get better and with faith, you can come back from any darkness.
Saul: The message on all of our songs on this album are faith driven. This particular one talks about coming back from a non-biblical life into the light, through faith in Christ. On the Music front, however, I wrote that riff inspired by a weird pulsing sound on one of my guitar effects units and the song just came out from there.
That track is taken from your forthcoming album, what more can you tell us about the album?
Steve: A total labor of love! Every song has a meaning meant to be discovered and absorbed by the listener. We keep the positive vibes rolling and rock it out!!
Saul: Once I was focused on producing this body of work, I went into what I think of as a spiritual trance, and the music was flowing out of me through God. This entire album, the riffs, the melodies, the sounds, the choices, and every aspect of project LUMO is fully to honor Him.
What message would you like people to take from your music?
Steve: Faith is the key. We are only so strong and need the Lord to guide us.
Saul: My hope is that people will hear this and realize that Christian music can be great compositionally, ROCK like heck, and still be worship music. The message is simply to always have the Lord in your heart and watch how life gets better..
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?
Steve: Personally I have a love for, before 2000’s country music and hard rock/ heavy metal from the 80’s. ProjectLUMO, to me, is a hard rocking catchy sing along style of fun, thoughtful tunes!
Saul: project LUMO is a continuation of what I have always done, but maybe a little heavier. Cool rIffs, hard rocking, driving in your convertible cranking up the tunes, melodic rock ‘n’ roll music with great harmonies and a message that makes this style of music, unique and super positive.
If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?
Steve: Put me in a spot and I’ll take Steve Dorff.
Growing up in the late 70’s and 80’s, almost every movie at the time had one of his songs in it. “Every which way but loose” and just about every super star there is. Whitney Houston, Willie Nelson, Christopher Cross, Dolly and the list goes on. I would love to get some pointers from that man!
Saul: I have never found a need to work with other songwriters . Working with Steve on lyrics is pure joy because again it is in the honor of faith in Christ and I love sharing that with brother Steve.
Having said all of that, I have been called to write for other artists and occasionally I have done that.
How would you define success in your career as an artist?
Steve: Sounds cliche but if just one person finds what they need from one of my songs then it’s totally worth it.
Saul: I’ve been in the music business since I’m 13 years old. I’ve never done anything else. I live in an awesome house with my beautiful wife and I’m putting my son through college. That feels successful. God is great.
What is your favorite album of all time?
Steve: No. I won’t. lol buuuuuut... If I absolutely had to choose and I don’t want to, it would be Diamond Rio IV - sorry other albums.
Saul: project LUMO debut album.
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your phone. What track is it?
Steve: Between an old memory and me. Keith Whitley.
Saul: project LUMO "Look At Me Now"
What does the next year hold for you?
Steve: Big album release and more music!!!!
Saul: Christmas EP coming out toward the end of the year. Project Lumo full length LP coming out in 2027. Singles being released along the way, music videos being released along the way, and shows being played along the way.
