The word "incandescent" means "emitting light as a result of being heated," or simply, "passionate or brilliant." 

With both of those definitions, it's no wonder Spokane-based pop/rock band has chosen the moniker. The quintet got its start leading worship in the church, absorbing the energy of Spirit-filled praise, and now they're emitting light wherever it can be seen as they branch out musically, lyrically and missionally. 

The Incandescent's brilliant passion for sharing the Lord with their audiences has propelled them to share the stage with many well-known bands, to win contests and to create their most exciting work to date, the Undiscovered EP (buy on iTunes). 

Members Andrew McArdle, Shane Collins, Ryan Armstrong and Collin Johnson shared about the album, their heart for their sizable target demographic, and their origin story.

You're from Spokane, Washington. What's the Christian music scene there like? What's gigging like for you guys--mostly faith-based venues, or a pretty good mix?

Andrew: Yes, we are from Spokane and love it! The Christian music scene is honestly pretty small here. There are a handful of bands and artists, but overall it's pretty tiny. Gigging for us is predominantly faith based venues and events. We do get the occasional opportunity to play in the general market, which we love, but we're primarily at Christian festivals, churches, camps, et cetera.

You started six years ago as a worship band, but obviously you branched out beyond just worship music. Talk about your origins and that progression.

Ryan: We all have extensive backgrounds in worship music. Most of us got involved with it early on in our careers. Our heart has always been to reach people through music, which started with writing worship tunes. We kind of took a natural progression into a different style of writing as we sought to meet people exactly where they are.
 
You describe yourselves as an internationally touring band. Talk about some of your big trips as a band.

Andrew: Canada, haha! Our big international trips have been into Canada with some great artists and festivals!

Shane: We love Canada! Every time we're there they're so cool and it is beautiful up there! 

You won Inland Northwest's Got Talent 2013. Tell us about that contest, and that whole process. What did it mean to you guys to win? Obviously you were up against a lot of different kinds of acts.

Collin: It was a big deal in terms of winning the contest and getting to share the stage with artists way beyond us in experience, talent and career point! We rose to the occasion and played our hearts out on our home turf and began strong friendships and networking to continue getting more festival exposure to perform and grow our fanbase. 
 
What have been the highlights of your time together as a band so far?

Shane: Getting to grow with my brothers, both as musicians and as guys. We've had the chance to play some really big shows and that's been amazing, but getting to meet so many awesome people and sharing our music with them has been a real honor!

Collin: Some of my highlights with the band has been the process of recording our latest EP, Undiscovered. We had so much fun writing parts and recording with guitars too valuable to travel with. Being on the road is always adventure packed with too many hilarious stories to keep track of and heart-touching stories of lives forever changed by our music.

You've shared the stage with a number of high-profile Christian artists. What bands do you look up to, both musically and how they've managed their careers?

Ryan: Yeah, the past year or so has been surreal. One of the bands that sticks out to us is Switchfoot. They have been such a huge influence in our writing and in how we approach our live show for years. And the way they are doing things independently is very inspiring. Another artist we respect is Kutless. We really dig what they are all about and how they are reaching people through their non-profit organization! We could really go on and on with artists like Crowder, Ryan Stevenson, MercyMe, et cetera. 
 
You recently released the Undiscovered EP with a variety of styles, ranging from Jack White to Matchbox 20. What were you trying to say, both thematically and musically, with this project?

Collin: The theme in a timeline sense takes the listener on a journey--hitting the open road with a message and conviction to make a difference in the world. It comes with the realization that issues will always arise and mistakes will be made, but it's a daily choice to get back on your feet and tread through the minefield of doubt, discouragement and disappointments.

Andrew: Totally. Lyrically we wanted to take people on a journey from the beginning of the project to the end. There's a loose storyline between the songs following a headstrong young "Rambler" setting out into the world. He finds out it's not all what he thought it was, and eventually makes his way back "Home."

Who is your target audience? What's your calling as best you can tell? What do you dream about as a band? 

Andrew: Our target audience is people! Millennials, baby boomers, saved and unsaved! That is a HUGE demographic, but it's honestly true! We've seen this new music connect on the heart level with people of all ages and backgrounds. I believe our calling is to reach as many people as possible for The Lord. We get to use music as the vehicle to do that in a relational way. We dream about doing ministry through music full-time! We all want to travel the globe playing these and future songs and share the hope that we have in Christ in an authentic way!
 
What's next for you all, and how can people be praying for you?

Andrew: We are currently putting the final touches on a live record we recorded earlier this year. We also have a handful of events to travel to before the year wraps up. Then after the holidays we're headed into the studio to produce our first full-length album!

Shane: One way we could really use prayer is for new transportation. This past summer our van died and we haven't had the means to replace it. Another way to be praying would just to be for wisdom going to this new season. 

Anything else you'd like to add?

Andrew: We are pumped to be making Jesus-centered music, and are very thankful to the NRT team for an opportunity to reach further than we could on our own!