A balancing act. Kutless deftly intersperses intense rock numbers with earnest ballads. “We know how to ride the fine line between providing good rock & roll cuts along with softer songs that play well on radio,” Sumrall explains. “I believe that combination has helped us to grow quickly.”

A road-warrior mentality. Playing more than 600 shows over the course of four years, Kutless has developed a strong following across the country. “We’ve also been privileged to play large events like Billy Graham Evangelistic Crusades, Luis Palau Festivals, Harvest Crusades with Greg Laurie and major Christian music festivals,” Sumrall says.

A proclivity for well-penned lyrics. Sumrall is among the genre’s most sincere and pensive scribes, tackling subjects such as brokenness, suicide and self-mutilation. Producer Aaron Sprinkle (Jeremy Camp, Hawk Nelson) also serves as a song co-writer, providing even more depth. “We consider Aaron our sixth band member in a way,” says Sumrall. “He was a big part of the writing process, and his experience was helpful when sculpting the songs.”

A strong billing. Previous tours with seasoned groups such as Audio Adrenaline and MercyMe have given Kutless tremendous exposure. More recently, the band headlined packed-out nationwide shows with Stellar Kart, Falling Up and Disciple. “We’ve been fortunate to have all these amazing and talented guys touring with us,” Sumrall says. “It’s worked out nicely for a well-rounded rock & roll show.”

A churched-youth demographic. “One of the great things about touring in the Christian circuit is that youth leaders really get behind what we do,” Sumrall shares. “Think about it: If young people have their ride and tickets set up, all they have to do is show up with a few bucks; and they can go have a fun, safe time. You don’t see that happening in the mainstream market.”

A lasting portfolio. In an industry replete with derivative selections, bands won't build a lasting fan base with less-than-exceptional music. According to touring mate Kevin Young of Disciple, that’s not an issue with Kutless. “These guys are solid musicians with really good songs, and kids at the shows sing every lyric,” Young says. Chuck Finney, program director at 94.9 KLTY-FM in Dallas, Texas – the station which boasts the largest Christian radio listenership in the country – says the band’s music is a comparable alternative to what listeners hear on general market radio. “Kutless has a sound that’s edgy but melodic, and that resonates with a lot of listeners,” he says.