surrenderedsoul + Musician in Bloomington, IL

SEEKING

ABOUT

I'm interested in forming a talented and quality musical and ministry ensemble, with input from all involved, including the writing and arranging, from all musical genres influences.

The band name as of now is called "Surrendered Soul," but can be changed, and open to suggestions.

My musical influences are all over the place! And this is why, though not required, it would also be ideal if other members were the same, or in this direction, in being very diverse musically. This doesn't mean, though, in writing and meshing together our influences and ideas that the band could not take shape in any certain identity of sound. For this seems to be the way things go. And more than this, preferred in the sense of building a following. For most people tend to enjoy only certain sounds. And in creating albums it can make more sense to keep it all within a certain musical way, theme, and identity.

I came from a jazz background, both with piano (keys) and trumpet, and have also written and arranged for orchestras. In my very early childhood, though, I remember first hearing all the pop rock songs on the radio, like Styx, Journey, Kansas, Queen, Boston, Foreigner, etc. So, I was influenced by all of this, also along with all of the folk rock and funk of the 70's and early 80's as well.

In the middle 80's and onward I learned of Christian music writers as well, as I was already myself -- thinking before this time that I was the only one who wrote songs about my faith! So, of course realizing there were others I was drawn to their music as well. And since my music tastes are so diverse, I was interested also in most genre of music who wrote about their faith in God, from harder core rock, with also alternative and classic rock, to urban and rhythm stuff of all kinds, to also acoustic, folk., and Celtic.

And over the years my writing has changed in that my (musical) mind has added so many new ideas to it from all the new sounds over the years I have listened to! For I am always interested in something new.

In Jazz, I love the piano playing of Chick Corea. And in rock I was influenced early on by Elton John's piano playing. So, my playing sort of sounds like a combination of both of them!

And in songwriting I was also influenced early on by the writing of the early Bee Gees, although I didn't listen to this earlier music until after it came out. The bands Kansas and Yes were huge musical influences.

And then later with Christian music Phil Keaggy was a musical influence (spiritually as well), and then also Steven Curtis Chapman.

More recently the bands Switchfoot and Starfield are influences,as well as Mute Math, a band called The Send (Joseph Kisselburgh), Falling Up, and the Celtic band Iona. These are just a few influential Christian bands, artistic in nature, which have influenced me musically.

Also the writing, especially lyrics, of Brooke Fraser, also with Hillsong United. And I have always loved the writing of the Hillsong people! And also the Passion worship people, Matt Redman especially, has been a huge influence on me!

I could list so many more, but you get the idea.

So "Surrendered Soul" would be more or less an Alternative Rock Praise ministry band, or this feel, although I am open to different sounds, and even lyrically a different place. For my songs aren't necessarily this style. For they have the influence of all the artists I mentioned earlier, going back to my childhood! And I also like to think I write my own style as well of course.

The reason the focus would be on Praise is simply because this is the most important thing which music can do! However, I am open to this band to go other directions lyrically as well as musically different then these alternative praise bands I just mentioned that were an influence and love so much. I especially lobe the guitar sounds in them, how they are produced, so rich and thick. And would love this in the band. However, other areas could be different.

I am a huge synth person, so could do much more with this, such as with Mute Math, and this sound. Or simply with a lot more synth pads and expressions. I love the idea of dynamics, such as mixing in and out with the different instruments. So, sometimes could be filled with much, and other times take back everything but one simple acoustic instrument.

Vocally, I love harmony! And he same with the dynamics and fx. Sometimes can do much harmony, and other times can go straight without any. This always creates dynamics, such as it does with volume, making the louder parts seem louder when you can get down softer in areas. (This is one reason I'm a huge fan of classical music! And this has been a huge influence as well!) So, when there is much harmony, it always sounds so much richer when it's not constant.

Lastly, I have a great friend from the Philippines who is a great vocalist (female),that most likely will be coming to the USA to visit me sometime in the future. If it works out, she can be the lead vocalist for this group, unless there is another God leads to pair with her in this way, or sing some lead as well. I may also sing some songs. But I will mainly be BGV and instruments. She also plays guitar and keys as well as me.

I hope you pray and consider this opportunity, if the Lord leads you.

Screen name:

surrenderedsoul

Member since:

Jul 05 2009

Active over 1 month ago

Level of commitment:

Committed

Years playing music:

35

Gigs played:

Over 100

Influences

See above description! Also... contact me directly about more.. we can talk. :-)

EQUIPMENT

Right now most of my equipment is older... a Korg X-3 Music Workstation I bought in the 90's! I've worked with it so much over the years though. And I hook it up with my computer with other sounds and software.

I have lots of fx units, rack mount things, delay units and such.

And acoustic guitar of little consequence (not a well known name, or expensive) but with a nice enough sound, and with a plug in.

A couple of mics, stands, and lots of other misc.