Red Light Challenge

Red Light Challenge is a high-energy, harmony-filled dance-rock band made up of core members Sean and Kyle Luster. Sean in blue and Kyle in red, the two curly-haired brothers were born and raised in Hawaii but have been based in Boise, Idaho since 2015. With influences including Charlie Puth, DNCE, Andy Grammer, and Coldplay, Red Light Challenge’s songs are driven by catchy melodies, personal lyrics, and music that has the power to make people dance. The band has performed over 500 action-packed concerts for events (NFL Thursday Night Football), music festivals (Treefort Music Fest, Boise Music Festival), and music venues (Ford Idaho Center, House of Blues Anaheim) around the U.S. After a chance encounter, Red Light Challenge worked with Producer Warren Huart (Produce Like A Pro, Aerosmith, The Fray) on their debut EP back in 2015, which inspired them to become producers as well. They won Big Machine Label Group’s Next2Rock Battle of the Bands 2018 competition in Idaho and have also been featured in Boise Weekly’s Best of Boise poll. Their song “Running Wild” was selected at the Blackbird Songwriting Competition and their music videos for “Why Won’t You” and “Out Tonight” have been featured in multiple independent film festivals, including the Colossal Cinematic Showcase in Boise. Sean and Kyle are DIY artists in all aspects of Red Light Challenge. They grew up in a music-loving household and learned to write, record, produce, and mix their original songs by listening to their favorite songs and trying to learn from the artists they love. The brothers also carry out all of the tasks of a modern-day music manager, handling booking all of their own shows, running all social media pages, and constantly coming up with new content ideas to share with their followers. They’ve both written and produced each of their full-length, story-driven music videos, and they also write songs for TV and Film licensing. Besides their hectic touring schedule and songwriting sessions with musicians around the world, the brothers are known for giving back to the community with their music. They have partnered with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America (with their music video for “Why Won’t You”), the National MS Society, Ronald McDonald House Charities, the National Kidney Foundation, and many more, helping raise hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations through various events. The brothers have also created their own public school children’s program called “Red Light Challenge, Green Light Go”. History

Although Sean and Kyle are sometimes mistaken for twins, they are actually five years apart. They shared a love of music at an early age and their age gap has never prevented them from being close as brothers. They have distinct memories of going to school and harmonizing with songs by The Beatles on the radio, and that love of music developed into wanting to perform and write original music of their own. Neither of their parents plays instruments, but music was always playing in their house. Their mom and dad always encouraged them to follow their passion for music. After playing guitar in a high school band, Sean asked his 11-year old brother (still in elementary school) if he would be interested in learning how to play drums. The next day, Kyle sat down in their living room and started trying to mimic the drumming of the songs playing on the radio. The boys started practicing in their sauna of a garage (it gets hot in Hawaii) for the next few years, learning how to play multiple instruments so they could perform as a duo. They began booking shows at local music venues and events, and even had the opportunity to perform at multiple Six Flags Amusement Parks and shopping malls around the U.S. In November of 2014, Red Light Challenge made history by being the first band from Hawaii to earn a Los Angeles Music Award, presented at The Avalon Hollywood, where they were presented with the ‘Hot Adult Contemporary Artist of the Year’ award for their DIY recordings and touring. While in Los Angeles, the band had the opportunity to meet Producer/Engineer Warren Huart (Produce Like A Pro, Aerosmith, The Fray), who produced the band’s debut EP, “Lookout Mountain” in 2015. Both brothers graduated as Valedictorians from their high school on Oahu. When Kyle graduated, they moved to the mainland so Kyle could pursue an undergraduate business degree and so Sean could work toward his MBA from Boise State University. Being on the mainland has allowed them to perform constantly and tour around the country. Since moving to Boise, Red Light Challenge has released multiple music videos and has established a social media presence on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube with their fun-loving vibe. They have also written and recorded songs for Film and TV placements from their home studio. Although 2020 was a big shock that completely changed everyone’s plans, the band was able to stay active with songwriting, collaborating with other musicians around the world, and signing multiple songs with music libraries from home. Red Light Challenge is a strong proponent for striving to keep a positive attitude even through adversity, and they hope to continue to inspire others with their positive message. Giving Back

Not long after they started playing music, Sean and Kyle knew that they wanted to be able to give back to communities with their music. They decided to create their own community involvement program called “Red Light Challenge, Green Light Go,” a fun and inspirational school program (for assemblies and classrooms) that consists of music, student interaction, and a positive message that empowers students to achieve their goals. The program is an interactive performance that highlights themes such as teamwork, respect, and determination. The band has organized multiple events that have taken place at schools, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and more. In 2020, Red Light Challenge worked with Boise’s Valiant Productions to produce virtual concerts to raise donations for both the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Idaho and the National MS Society during the quarantine. The band has performed for Walk MS and Bike MS every year since 2017, and has performed for numerous other charitable organizations. In 2019, the band teamed up with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America with their music video release for “Why Won’t You”. They donated multiple one-year memberships to a local chapter based on YouTube and Facebook views for the video. They also put on a Christmas concert for the Club after the release of their music video for “Keep You Warm”. In 2017, Red Light Challenge organized a Tribute Concert for late singer Chris Cornell. This free show was entirely donation-based and all funds earned from the event (over $1,000) were split between the Idaho Su***de Prevention Hotline and the Boise All-Ages Movement Project. In 2015, the band also partnered with the National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii, co-writing the song for the foundation’s documentary, organizing an elementary school assembly, and volunteering for a music learning program at the “Keiki Kidney Camp” for children suffering from kidney disease. The brothers have also participated in many other community and charity events from the start. They have volunteered for many organizations including the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Idaho, the Special Olympics, and the Leo Club, and have even donated proceeds to public school arts programs.

“Sean and Kyle of Red Light Challenge entertained the students at Manana with their rockin’ songs and inspiring message. It was great to see the students inspired and the band giving back to their community. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the performance.” – Alika Ahu, Vice Principal at Manana Elementary (HI)