Band Vision: Matt Stevens

For those who are new to worship. vintage21.com, we’re in the midst of a massive re-structuring of the Worship Arts ministry at @V21Church. Read more about it here, here and here. Over the next few days we’ll be featuring the band leaders who are in training to lead a new band at @V21Church. Because they haven’t had a heads-up, I’ll get the ball rolling today.

First, an explanation: the band vision should encompass the feel and sound we’re going for with our individual bands, examples of bands that have a sound in their head. The leaders were asked to be specific, such as “I envision my band having the bouncy energy of Stevie Wonder on songs like “Sir Duke” and “Superstition”, but with ambient guitar sounds like many Sparklehorse songs. ” (That combination would probably sound awful, by the way). They were also asked for songs that encompass elements of the sound you envision. This is similar to listing bands, but will help narrow it down. For instance, a band leader may list Charlie Hall, but “Marvelous Light” is the specific sound in mind, moreso than other songs. All that said, here’s my vision: When I think of responding to God corporately on Sundays, it’s an abandonment of pride, a letting go of self within His body the church. Often we are too aware of what people around us might think, or fearful of standing out. My hope is to create an environment at Vintage21 Church where people are led to humble themselves and worship God. We will sing of complete dependency on and love for Jesus Christ, and do so with the abandonment that flows from changed hearts. I hope to one day see people dancing, lifting hands, clapping, smiling and reveling in the freedom Jesus Christ gives us. This is a celebration- let’s party!
Another vision is that we’ll draw different generations and cultures. This is something I’ve thought and prayed about for years, and spoken with other worship pastors about: How do we broaden the culture within church? I think there are ways to combine elements of music that appeal to many people. It’s not that answer, but it will help move towards the direction of cross-cultural worship while we’re on this journey. I envision the simplicity and energy of rock, but with the singable melodies and rootsiness of folk, and the seventh and ninths of soul.

Bands and songs in mind:
Vintage21 songs – “We’ll Praise You”, “No Eye Has Seen” (key track), “Sing Praise To God Who Reigns Above”, “Willingly”
Roman Candle “Something Left To Stay” (especially the energy and vocals), “Babies Got It In The Genes” (the feel of this song)
The Rolling Stones album: Exile on Main Street- rock with elements of the blues and soul
Wilco album Being There- rock/indie rock/folk/alt-country, specific song “Monday”

This vision plays out in combination with what I’m capable of and interested in as a leader and musician. As less of a finesse player and singer, I am drawn more to play and sing with soul and feeling. Hopefully God will develop me more as a worship leader in energy and leading the congregation to sing loud from thankful hearts.

Instruments
Drums: rock with ability to play soulfully
Bass (see above)
Keys: Rhodes. Tasteful playing with melody lines, lots of sevenths and ninths.
Electric: Must be able to play soulful, melody lines are key, also take on rhythm when I stop playing. For the indie feel and added atmosphere, needs to have a good grasp of pedals.
Backing Vocals: 1-2 females sing soulfully, with energy, loud. Hopefully instrumentalists will sing as well!
Rhythm- I’ll lead mainly playing electric, avoiding a lot of strumming but letting the bass and drums drive the rhythm.

If anyone has comments, questions, suggestions- please share!

Here’s a video of Roman Candle performing “Another Summer”. The sound quality isn’t great, but you get the idea. If you’ve never seen them live- go.