The tin man of Oz was convinced he was without a heart and set out in search of the wizard to find a heart of his own. In a land far from Oz there is another tinman in search of a heart, but this time it is a quest for the very heart of God.
Tinman Jones is a Christian band who is reaching out to youth in today's culture war. It is their desire for all to find God's heart. Tinman Jones considers their work evangelistic but also one of encouragement to the believers.
The Music
The music of Tinman Jones features a style fusing modern rock with a mixture of passionate vocals and rap. The music is energetic and edgy for those who like to rock while staying competitive with today's finest alternative-pop genre. Their songs aren't written in a dark obscure way but rather designed to shine the light of Jesus Christ into the darkest soul.
Already a rock radio favorite with their independent release "Gravity Youth," Tinman Jones is poised to make a big impression on the masses with their first nationally-released CD entitled POETIC. The new CD is produced by Alan Shacklock of Abbey Road Studios fame in Britain whose resume' includes working with Meatloaf, Dennis DeYoung (Styx) and Newsboys, just to name a few. Tinman Jones felt the union stretched them creatively.
The band wrote all the lyrics and music for POETIC, and Keith says the title cut ruminates the frustration of songwriting. "When you begin to try to describe God and all that He is," says Keith, "you find out quickly how inadequate mere words can be. We try to be poets interpreting the things of God, but really we can't do it. He is beyond words."
Another standout is "Sunshine," marrying a driving beat and flawless vocals with the simple assertion that a relationship with God sheds light on any life. "Say Goodbye" pulsates with heavy guitar riffs, encouraging listeners to get through the spiritually dry times in their lives. POETIC also includes tunes that have already gained attention at radio, including the top ten hit "I Will," as well as "Superhero."
The Show
Having toured together for over seven years now, performing over 450 shows across much of the US, Tinman Jones has steadily developed one of the most elaborate stage shows in the Christian rock industry. A Tinman Jones performance is more accurately described as a participation sport than a concert. Emphasis is placed on visual sensibilities with special effects, choreography, and a whirlwind of crowd involvement. The show is backed up by the bands own professional lighting system and sound production pushing 12,000 watts of power.
"This generation is driven by the latest in technology," says Bryan Alexis, the lead singer for the group and one of the most distinctive voices on rock radio. "They've got Game Boys, XBoxes, you name it, and they are still bored. We get their attention with our antics on-stage, but we want them to understand exactly where we're coming from. We want them to understand that relationship with God is essential and it's for real."
All of this adds up to one incredible time of fun and memorable experiences, but the most important thing that Tinman Jones brings with them is a desire to relate to Youth in an interactive way, believing that encouraging and "pumping up" the young believer is critical to survival as a Christian youth. Time is taken after every performance "hang out" with the youth and be available for prayer and encouragement.
Tinman Jones has performing experience in almost every type of event including tours, concerts, youth rallies, lock-ins, fifth quarters, disciple nows, conventions, youth revivals, festivals, fund raisers, college assemblies, as well as coffee houses and teen clubs. They have toured with Skillet, Tait, ZoeGirl, Tree63, Pillar, Nate Sallie, Verbs and others and have shared the stage with a multiple of other bands.
Radio
The first two singles from POETIC, "Sunshine" and "Say Goodbye", landed in the top twenty on the national rock charts (R&R and Christianbeats) and "Say Goodbye" also became the bands first top twenty CHR radio success. "Party" is the current radio release (as of April 2004) is poised for even greater heights.
From thier independent release GRAVITY YOUTH the band had one top twenty, "Axis", and "I Will" became the song that put the band on the national landscape, reaching #6 and staying in the top ten for 8 weeks.
The first single released nationally, "Super Hero", produced by Reid "Elemental" Waltz and Jef "el jefe'" Curtiss (AA, Jennifer Knapp) landed on eighty-five radio stations nation wide. The song hit number one on Jamsline and Power FM 89.7, Dallas, and in the top ten on Christian Pirate Radio. It also landed in the top forty on Effect Radio.
The Mission
With a natioanal platform through Cross Driven Records Tinman Jones is more focused than ever to get their message out. There are youth ministries across the nation doing battle on the "front lines" of their communities. We feel that we are the equivalent of air support flying in to reinforce the work that the local ministry is engaged in. Students often receive Christ either for the first time or re-deditcate themselves to a relationship with Christ. Those that are already believers are inspired to do more for God. That is what Tinman Jones considers their purpose.
Tinman Jones is also partnered with World Vision. The band is a firm believer in Matthew 25:40 and the promotion of child sponsorship. World Vision is one of the best ways to help the least of these.
A brief profile of Tinman Jones finds two with youth pastor experience, and one who has worked with a college ministry. Bryan Alexis is front and center with commanding lead vocals. Nick Starnes brings an edgy guitar flavor while Keith Alexis spins the low foundation on bass. A beat feast of rhythm is offered by the drummings of Kevin Sparkman and Don Guthrie contributes the rap vocals, percussion, and cheerleading.
