Statement of Purpose: "We're out here doing this because of who
Jesus is and what he's done for us. If we can help people eat,
stay clothed and arm and find some hope amidst the tragedies life
can bring, that's so much bigger than a band. The greatest hope
we can have not only for Scarecrow & Tinmen but for those whose
lives we touch, is that we will all be able to hear the words,
'Well done, my good and faithful servant." - Chris Padgett
Scarecrow and Tinmen are a conteporary Christian music group
known for their unique "technofolk" sound and their wild and crazy,
yet worshipful concert shows. Their name "really does mean something,"
says Chris Padgett, lead vocalist. It comes from the beloved classic,
Wizard of Oz. He believes we identify most closely with the Scarecrow
and Tinmen because they needed a brain and a heart, and "As Christians,"
Chris says, "God gives us a new mind and a new heart."
The Group started in 1994 with Chris Padgett as lead vocalist.
Shortly after, Brad DeRosia (electric guitar and programing) joined.
They released three independent albums, New Heart and Mind, Technofolk
Road, and New Heart and Mind 2, before they were picked up by
a national recording company in 2003. During that year, Scarecrow
and Tinman released No Place Like Home through Organic Recording
company. Since then, two more albums have been released, Superhero
and Best of Scarecrow and Tinmen.
The band is very passionate about the release of their lastest
album, Superhero. They encourage us all to be "superheros" and
"come to the aid of those in distress." Chris Padgett, explains,
"Despite our sins and weaknesses and failures, God uses us to
reach a world in need, to be love to the unloved, to be encouragement
to those who are discouraged; to really involve ourselves with
humanity." Adds partner Bradley DeRosia (guitarist/programmer),
"Even though we are fallen and we stumble, we can be all things
through Christ, to a lost and dying world."
Songs on their "Best of" release:
1. Bionic Son
2. Big Mouth
3. Scarecrow & Tinmen
4. You are my Son
5. God is Good
6. Come and See
7. Wandering Lamb
8. Superhero
9. Dreamy Light
10. Gospel Love
11. What U Got
12. Overcome
13. This Much
Scarecrow and Tinmen are known for their kinetic live shows.
"It's pretty interactive and hyperactive," Chris says with a smile.
"The goal for our shows is to touch every sense humanly possible."
They do contests, such as who can chug a soda the fastest, best
burp, dancing, and even who can sing the best version of "Sweet
Home Alabama." They try to be as silly and crazy as possible in
an effort to draw people in and make them feel comfortable.
Although they like to have a good time, the group is very ministry
oriented and has a deep desire to make an impact in the lives
of youth today. "The second half of the show," Chris continues,
"is very introspective and ministry oriented. The point is to
win kids over; whatever we can do to make an impact, so that they're
more receptive to what we have to say. When they listen to our
music later, we want them to remember the concert and how God
spoke into their lives. I think we're a good advertisement for
the fact that if God uses us he can use anybody."
In an effort to try to recruit a new generation of "superheros,"
the group is launching an organization that will encourage youth
to help those in needs and think of others above themselves. They
are asking that when people come to their shows, they bring staple
items, such as blankets, canned goods, clothing, etc. that can
then be given to local charitable groups.
Besides being the lead songwriter and voacalist of the band,
Chris Padgett is also a public speaker and author.
