Scarecrow and Tinmen

Founded in 1994, Scarecrow & Tinmen is front man Chris Padgett on lead vocals and keyboards, Brad DeRosia on guitar, Seth White on bass, and Jason Kopp on drums. Chris and Brad do most of the songwriting. They’ve produced two independent recordings and three nationally released CDs.

“The [band’s] name really does have depth and meaning,” says Chris. “The Wizard of Oz is such a wonderful piece of Americana; everybody’s got some kind of memory associated with it. Of course, we identify most closely with the Scarecrow and the Tin Man, who needed a brain and a heart. As Christians, God gives us a new mind and a new heart.” Known and loved for their aggressive touring schedule and concert antics, the band has built a huge fan base.

The band incorporates progressive and classic rock ideas while also skillfully blending acoustic elements and even hip-hop influences. Says Brad, “We have very different musical backgrounds. Chris generally writes on piano or acoustic guitar, where I’ve always been an in-your-face rock guy.

Given their backgrounds, it’s not surprising that Chris and Brad bring widely divergent musical tastes and styles to Scarecrow & Tinmen. “I was almost literally born with a guitar in my hand,” recalls Brad. ”My dad has been a musician all his life, playing country music professionally since he was 16. In the first picture of me as a baby, I’m holding a little cardboard cutout of a guitar!” Brad would go on to become an accomplished saxophonist, while still retaining his passion for guitar and love of all things technical.

Through his parents’ love of music, Chris would be exposed to everything from the folk sounds of early Jesus Music to alternative and hard-core punk. Although he played trumpet through high school, Chris says he always loved the piano. “I didn’t have much formal training, but I enjoyed picking out melodies and writing instrumental music. It is really only through God’s blessing that I can turn these thoughts and ideas into songs.”

Thanks to Chris's talent for booking, it wasn’t long before the band was able to go full time. In fact, adds Brad, as tough as touring gets, it’s really the heart of the ministry of Scarecrow & Tinmen. “I love hanging out with kids and getting the chance to make a difference in someone’s life.”

The band is known for their kinetic live shows. “It’s pretty interactive and hyperactive,” Chris says with a smile. “The second half of the show,” he 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.”