The Merciful Guns

DISCLAIMER:
We have decided to expand the search for both a rhythm and lead guitarist. Please read this ad thoroughly and respond ONLY if you feel you have the TALENT, COMMITMENT, and CONVICTIONS that we seek. You are encouraged to read further and see if that is the case…
We do not mean to be insinuating, irritating, or insulting. Because of the variety of ads on Craigslist, the variety of people who respond, the highly specific thing we are looking for, and several poor experiences on C-List in the past, we present to you the rather refined following ad:
WHAT WE ARE:
A dynamic, unique Nashville-based Christian band that plays driving, inventive, melodic rock (think Muse, U2, Anberlin, etc…). Wait, that’s every rock band in Nashville, right? NOPE! Lyrically, there is a dramatic difference here. An edge. Something no one out there is really doing. An approach and direction that sets this band apart from the rest while retaining commercial feasibility. Sound intriguing?
WHO WE ARE:
An experienced charismatic singer/frontman (performance-wise think Ed Kowalczyk from Live, Bono, Freddie Mercury, Chris Martin) and is a prolific lyricist and melodic writer. A rock-solid, cutting-edge bass player and drummer, who form a dynamic rhythm section. We also have a temporary guitarist who is a founding member of the band and will continue to fill in until the official lead and rhythm guitarists are found, while also making ongoing writer/producer contributions. Collectivelly, each member has played 2,000+ shows in the last 10 years with various other projects.
WHAT WE OFFER:
- A completed 6-song EP recorded, mixed, and mastered by well-respected names in the business, ready for promotion and already garnering excellent feedback
- Consultation from a member of one of the top Christian bands on the market as well as previous industry executives who both have strong connections with labels and individuals in the business, allowing us the ability to extensively showcase when the time comes
-MySpace site and album artwork currently being designed by the group that did the same for Anberlin, Copeland, Family Force Five, etc…
-A full practice space complete with full drum kit, bass/amps and guitar/amps, full PA, stage, and ability to record rehearsal sessions. You can walk in with no gear, practice, leave, or bring your own rig. Very easy
- A highly developed vision/mission that pulls together the band name, purpose, music, and story to create almost a movement rather than a group of musicians simply “playing” together. A place for true community, friendship, and spiritual iron sharpening iron
- An immediate plan of attack for writing new material, playing shows, recording, touring, and showcasing (not necessarily in that order)
- A democratic environment where every member has an equal say in band matters from the frivolous to the fiscal
- A vehicle by which we can serve our Lord and Saviour, edify the Body of believers, fulfill the Great Commission, and be full-time musicians ultimately playing for an audience of One
WHAT WE BELIEVE
We believe that being a Christian in a band is a very serious charge. We have a platform that we’ve been given where we can do one of two things. We can entertain and operate as Christians in name only OR we can make it our mission to, through our music, lyrics, speech, and actions, provoke the lost into Godly jealousy or those in the Body to sell out more completely to Jesus. We know that the “rock & roll” image is a “part of the game” and what not, but ultimately, we are called to be different in word and deed- to be in the world but not of the world, and that is what we will ever-strive to do…no compromise! Spiritual maturity is key here.
WHAT WE SEEK (WARNING! Here’s where it gets a little sketchy):
Rhythm Guitar/Lead Guitar
We need both. We need a true MODERN lead player. Please, no Shredders, no Blues, no Metal, no Country, no Classic Rock, no Funk, no R&B and the like. We need driving modern rock. We also need a very strong rhythm player who can be the melodic foundation. If you have amazing tone, a tasteful playing style, own a tele, begin to gag when a Joe Satriani song is being played from even up to one hundred miles away, can name at least two Kings of Leon songs, would guess Yngwie Malmsteen to be a Scandanavian politician or a possible blood disorder, then you may in fact be the right person for us! This is a guitar-driven band and the sound hinges upon the right fit and style. We really want someone on lead who can be tasteful, smart, and play simply- NO OVERPLAYING. Just because we might be able to close our eyes and imagine Steve Vai in the room, does not mean that that is even in the universe of what we need. Simply, melodic, tasteful. 'Nuff said.
Bottom line, we need realists. No egos, no prima donnas. We need those who understand that this is a business as much as it is a calling/ministry. If I were in a professional corporate environment I would be encouraged to wear suitable things: cufflinks maybe, nice suits, polished shoes to my job daily. A rock band in this type of vein is no different in the sense that the industry demands a certain “look”, Christian or not. Khaki cargo shorts with Teva sandals or other picnic-appropriate garb isn't exactly going to cut it while on stage playing a show (though I suppose Jack Johnson could get away with that). Black Pantera t-shirts with ripped stone-washed jeans wanting to cover Phish songs isn’t the vibe after which we’re going either. There is a certain level a professional band is on the hook for as far as controllable appearance (fashion, artwork, style etc…) is concerned. We understand this and hope that whoever reads this and responds will share that understanding. Remember, we didn’t create the standards, the industry did.
IN CLOSING...
But seriously, with all of the tongue-in-cheek material stuff aside, the MAIN THING we are seeking is that the members of this endeavor all have the passion to glorify Christ Jesus, to edify, enrich, and spur the church on to good works. This passion is rooted in a fruitful relationship with Christ and a commitment to the calling He’s placed on your life. While we would ask that those who respond be professional, serious, look the part, be in our same age demographic of 21-31 (male or female does not matter), we would most importantly ask that you be grounded in your faith. We are not looking for hired guns (though down the road we may be) or those who enjoy coat-tailing. We are seeking people with whom we can be friends and really have a unified camaraderie. Community is so critical. A lot to digest here, but as mentioned, it is more than a job, it is in adventure (to quote the Army slogan). We look forward to the response. We simply wanted to be very specific in what we’re looking for and when it comes down to it down-to-earth Christians who excel at their instrument and simply “get it” are all we’re looking for. Pardon the harshness; Craiglsist requires us to be painfully specific to find the right folks. For music samples, more information, or to meet/audition, please e-mail or call: 615-307-0007. Godspeed.