Band Vision: Jarred Mercer

Jarred, this is what happens when you don’t send a picture, and I have to dig through old Vintage21 photos to find one. Looking good, buddy!

I desire first and foremost to have a band that is committed to glorifying God in community with the church and longs to be a vessel through which God brings others to do the same- beginning with living in the Spirit before the Lord and extending to music and corporate worship. The most important part of our music and songs we play or write will be to have serious theological depth in the lyrics that draw people into God’s presence in Spirit and truth. I desire to have music that is very dynamic with lots of emotion (though not being emotionalism), with the main emphasis on the lyrics of the songs. It is important for our worship to be deeply Trinitarian (before and unto the Father, through the Son, by the Spirit) and gospel-centered, pointing to Christ (the Truth) as is the Holy Spirit’s purpose and work.

Sound
A modern-folk sound, but not necessarily acoustically driven. In the past at Vintage21 I have lead with a more acoustically driven sound, and I desire to keep the “folky” nature of the music, but not be dependent on an acoustic guitar shaping that sound. I would like to form a band that can bring out that musical nature collectively, with a more diverse instrumentation. I always play with a lot of builds and dynamics, and certainly this will be central to our sound. I also desire to produce a style that is conducive for age integration. I want a 70 year-old to feel comfortable worshiping with us, as well as the 15 or 20 year-old. This may sometimes affect the sound, but I believe can be done in a way that does not hinder it.

Some examples would be
Without Gravity “Beautiful Son”
Obviously lots and lots of hymns, and songs that I currently play such as “I Boast No More”, “Thy Mercy, My God”, etc.
Iron and Wine with Calexico “he lays in the reigns” (see video below)

Band members: (a definite plus if the musicians can also sing)
Electric: possibly most important member for the band; possible to have two. Needs to have effects pedals and be able to use them tastefully. Would be outstanding if can play slide. Creative and eclectic. Doesn’t overplay.
Drums: next in importance. Needs to be great with dynamics and builds. Able to play some offbeat stuff. Creative player, not having to play similar things on every song.
Bass: solid player being able to not just hold the rhythm together with the bass line but also able to add some color in different parts of songs.
Keys: good melodies, not overplaying, able to experiment and work well with different options (i.e. not just straight piano). Simple.
Cello: Definitely desire to have a regular cello player as a member of the band.
Backing vocals: one female (with other band members singing as well). Tasteful harmonies, confident, comfortable, willing to take direction. A more modern voice is a plus as it will match mine well.