Band Vision: Mike Simons

I have been blessed by this opportunity. My aim is to lead a band that will engage the Vintage21 body and position them to respond to the greatness of Jesus.
My vision involves the celebration of God’s glory and works.  I love songs that speak clearly of Christ’s actions. I love lyrics that inspirationally remind believers of the strength that the gospel message contains; the beauty and perfection of the salvation plan. Church bands are uninteresting, sincere worship is rare and priceless.

Obviously the band will take its own shape, once we all start playing together, but here is the idea I am going for (stylistically).
I want big, victorious, anthem choruses that the church can sing together. (Many times, when appropriate, I want the band to drop out and have the church responding as one voice)
I see there being a lot of “space” in the songs. (Music will be “part-driven”…not just a lot of chords)
I want the keys to be a key element. (pun intended) Good mixture of many textures.  (rhodes, synth, organ, piano, wurlitzer)
I want to aim for a blend of the following:
Keane, Coldplay, The Daylights, Phantom Planet, Death Cab, Feist, The National, The Album Leaf, Jump Little Children and Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem.

I want to try a blend of writing original material, old hymns, new hymns and a few modern songs.
Here are a few examples of songs I love.  (observe lyrics and melody, not necessarily styles)

In Christ Alone
Here is Love
Before the Throne of God Above
How Great Thou Art
The Highest and Greatest
Resurrection Hymn
Oh To See the Dawn
When the Tears Fall
Majesty

Here are some things I don’t want to sound like:
The Blues, Folk Music, Acoustic-Driven stuff.
I don’t usually gravitate towards the styles of David Crowder, Robbie Seay, Charlie Hall, etc.