“Life, in general, is noise,” says Geoff Hunker, lead singer and founder of Satellites & Sirens. “And we busy ourselves so much that a lot of times we miss out on hearing what God’s direction is.”

The band--which recently received a GMA Dove Award nomination for best rock album for their debut album, Satellites & Sirens--consists of Hunker, Jonathan Dimmel, David Troyer and Dave Willey. They are a band both defined by and concerned with what it means to make music in a world filled with the deafening voices of the information age. Their sound is a modern take on the popular synth-pop of the ‘80s, blending synthesizers with rock guitars on top of interesting grooves.

The meaning behind the band’s name is symbolic of their ministry. Satellites are heavenly bodies that circle the world, observing and advising it, and sirens are emanators of loud warnings and calls to action. Satellites & Sirens’ goal is to hear God’s message and loudly proclaim it to today’s generation.

I had the chance to speak in person with the band in Atlanta before the Dove Awards about GMA Dove Award nominated rock song “Anchor” and here is what they shared with me about the song.  (You can watch the video interview here.)

Tell us about the background message behind the song "Anchor."

The song “Anchor” is about hope. The Bible tells us that hope is like an anchor for our souls. It doesn’t matter what situations or problems we are facing, we have a God who is bigger than any of those things. The song connects to the Bible passage about being out in the water and needing to fix our eyes on Jesus--because without Him, we’ll only sink and not swim. I co-wrote the song with our producers Jason Ingram and Rusty Varenkamp.

Do you have a life verse or any Bible verses you used in writing the song?

This song is based on Matthew 14:29-31: So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

...and Psalm 71:1-3: In You, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame. Rescue me and deliver me in Your righteousness; turn Your ear to me and save me. Be my Rock of refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me, for You are my Rock and my Fortress.

What do you consider to be the takeaway message for listeners?

As a band we’ve been through a lot over the past two years. We’ve been on the road pretty much non-stop. We’ve realized over this time period that the only thing that can get us through tough times is to focus on God. That’s what keeps us moving and keeps us going. There are a lot of unknowns for us right now. We know that God has a plan for us as a band and we’ll just continue to seek Him. The message of the song “Anchor” really connects to each of us individually as we seek God’s will. Christ is our anchor. The other message we’ve taken away from this song is how people who have come beside us have been our personal anchors. When someone’s hurting, being Christ for each other is our calling as Christians.

What’s your market and focus for your next album?

Our market is teenagers and college-age students. We have a very energetic stage show where I’ll throw my guitar across the stage. Jonathan does a handstand on the keyboards. Musically we try to perform outside of the norm in Christian music. Our next album is just about finished. We’re staying with our main musical style and we’ve gotten even heavier and more electronic with several of the songs. We also incorporate a lot of video game type sounds in our songs. Our first single is called “Ready To Save,” which will release soon.

Here are the lyrics:

You said, "Open your eyes." and,
I said I don't like surprises.
You said, "Surprise, you're up to your knees in the water and don't have a life vest."
I know, I know, I know, but don't worry,
'Cause I've got it figured out.

You said, "Jump in the boat, man."
I said no; you reach your hand.
You said, "The storms that will come will be more than enough and alone you cannot win.
You know, you know, without hope,
You'll only sink not swim."

And the current is stronger now, than I remember.
And I'm crying out for You to help.
And You save me.

When I feel like I am drifting away,
Sinking down, the sails aren't shipping today,
I'm about to lose my way,
You anchor, anchor me down.
Looking out, the skies are turning to gray,
All around the tide is pulling away,
Just about to lose my way,
You anchor, anchor me down.

You said, "Whatever happens,
Don't get caught in the rapids.
Hold on." I'm over the edge and I'm reaching for help 'cause I'm paddling the deep end.
I know, I know, I know what you said:
That I'm in over my head.

You said I'm not alone here.
I said throw me a rope and,
I've had more than enough of the rain and the cold and I wanna give up and,
I know, I know, I know without hope,
I'll only sink not swim.

And the current is stronger now, than I remember.
And I'm crying out for You to help.
And You save me.

When I feel like I am drifting away,
Sinking down, the sails aren't shipping today,
I'm about to lose my way,
You anchor, anchor me down.
Looking out, the skies are turning to gray,
All around the tide is pulling away,
Just about to lose my way,
You anchor, anchor me down.

And the current is stronger now, than I remember.
And I'm crying out for You to help.
And You save me.

When I feel like I am drifting away,
Sinking down, the sails aren't shipping today,
I'm about to lose my way,
You anchor, anchor me down.
Looking out, the skies are turning to gray,
All around the tide is pulling away,
Just about to lose my way,
You anchor, anchor me down.

Here’s Matthew Henry’s commentary on Psalm 71:1-3: “David prays that he might never be made ashamed of dependence upon God. With this petition every true believer may come boldly to the throne of grace. The gracious care of Divine providence in our birth and infancy, should engage us to early piety. He that was our Help from our birth, ought to be our Hope from our youth. Let none expect ease or comfort from the world. Those who love the Lord, often are hated and persecuted; men wondered at for their principles and conduct; but the Lord has been their strong refuge. The faithful servants of God may be assured that he will not cast them off in old age, nor forsake them when their strength fails.”

The lyrics in the chorus, “I'm about to lose my way, You anchor, anchor me down,” have been resonating with me as I realize that Jesus commands us to trust God completely no matter my circumstances or personal distractions or concerns. The end of the song includes some great challenges to step out, even when you want to give up, or can’t see where you’re going. I love the lyrics “And the current is stronger now, than I remember. And I'm crying out for You to help. And You save me.”

We can’t know everything and we are not in control, but trusting God gives us assurance that we don’t have to be afraid. God will be there to pick us up when we fall. The challenge for me when I listen to this song is pick an area of my life that I’ve been trying to control and instead cry out to Jesus for help and put all of my hope and trust in God. What are you waiting for? Step out. Jesus will anchor you down. Amen.