Newcomers, “The Cho*Simbas,” are looking to make a mark in the industry with their first 4-song self-titled EP. Produced and mixed by Lewis Lux, the EP is available at www.cho-simbas.com.
The Cho*Simbas are a 4-piece rock band who have been together less than a year. However, in that short amount of time, The Cho*Simbas have made a noise in the Christian music scene. With infectious melodies and a fresh new musical sound, the band could soon be a major player in Christian music.
The Cho*Simbas played their first show in March 2003. However, the band had their beginnings months earlier in November of 2002. Rhythm Guitarist and Lead Singer, Ross Forlines, lead guitarist, Aaron Potsick and drummer Keith Knight began to jam in a local church. “I don’t think any of us planned on starting a band,” states Keith, “We just wanted a chance to play together and we’ve been blessed to make something bigger happen.” Lead guitarist Aaron Potsick mentions, “We just played songs we knew off the radio. Then one day we decided to try some original songs…we just clicked.” The band later added their forth member and found him in bassist Aaron Stanley. Finally, the band was complete. “We were happy to add Stanley,” adds Keith “he really brings a lot of experience and his personality was a great fit for the band.”
"I think I wrote a lot of mediocre songs when we began…” says lead singer and guitarist, Ross Forlines, "the melodies were there, but it was missing depth. We didn’t want to sound like other Christian rock bands; we wanted to keep the edge to the music…how often do you hear a band with ‘poppy’ melodies and crunchy guitars. We worked really hard to refine our sound and it has improved our song writing as a whole.”
Lewis Lux, who produced the EP, made sure The Cho*Simbas recreated that sound on their album. “He did a great job of allowing the music to keep its drive,” mentions Aaron S. “We knew the melodies and harmonies would be the key, but Lewis made sure the music wasn’t cheapened... the last thing we wanted to do was make it to slick.”
The Cho*Simbas accomplished that goal with their self-titled EP. Holiday Records, upon hearing the EP, immediately picked up the band. The bar will be set high for these up-and-comers. “It’s exciting to get a call from a radio DJ saying they are flooded with e-mails and requests... it let’s you see how God is working,” states Ross.
This leads to The Cho*Simbas main passion - ministry. “We are here by the grace of God,” mentions Ross “…we want to share our ministry with others... we want to play great music for God, not for ourselves. Our shows are dedicated to having fun and giving kids a positive outlet…but we also take our position seriously…we have a chance to reach a lot of people.”
