Not with Churchill.
"We aren't very cool," laughed the band's singer and guitarist, Tim Bruns. "Actually, our goal is to not be hip at all. The last thing we want to do is get caught up in any kind of trend. We want to make music you can still listen to 20 years from now."
Despite Bruns' modesty, it's tempting to argue for Churchill's hip appeal.
With its unique hybrid of folk, rock and pop, the band is part of a Denver, Colo., music scene that's becoming increasingly cool and relevant to the national stage.
As proteges of fellow Mile High City act The Fray, Churchill consistently sells out shows in its hometown, and its song "Change," was recently named a "Single of the Week" on iTunes. And like another fellow Denver act, The Lumineers, Churchill blends contemporary pop appeal into songs crafted by folk and old-timey instrumentation. And, like its Denver band peers, Churchill is reaping some radio play with the style.
"We just played in Tennessee, and someone came up to us and said they had just heard 'Change' on the radio," Bruns said. "It's weird, but also awesome, that our music is being played in all these different cities."
That happens when your sound has been favorably compared to the current folk rock king, Mumford & Sons.
"We don't think of ourselves as really similar, but we're certainly not offended if someone else does," Bruns laughed. "I saw Mumford & Sons last summer, and it was an incredible show. I left just ready to take on the world. That's what we want to do: leave people pumped up and hopeful."
Bolstered by the male/female vocal interplay of Bruns and Bethany Kelly, Churchill is actually more reminiscent of a classic rock band formed decades ago.
"We are big Fleetwood Mac fans," Bruns said. "They are probably our biggest influence. 'Rumours' is our all-time favorite record."
In fact, Churchill, which plays The Jewish Mother in Norfolk this Friday, often manages to bring down the house with its mandolin-fueled version of Fleetwood Mac's hit "Go Your Own Way."
Churchill's reputation for high-energy, charismatic performances has been a work in progress. When the quintet first emerged on the Denver scene in 2009, it wasn't as comfortable onstage, and it showed.
One negative review in particular compelled the band to step up its game.
"It wasn't very flattering," Bruns said of the critique. "Since then, we've put in a lot of work on our live shows."
From Michael Morter's show-stopping instrumental dexterity on the mandolin, to band-led crowd singalongs, Churchill aims for an interactive performance.
"Personally, I don't have a lot of fun at a show if I feel like I'm watching a presentation," Bruns said. "I want to feel like I'm a part of it."
Churchill is putting the finishing touches on its first full-length major label album, slated for release in late spring. If the band has its way, the record will find its audience, but it would be just fine if it doesn't become a monster hit.
"We want to keep growing as a band, and that takes time," Bruns said. "I think if you're willing to be patient, it's usually better than trying to blow up right away."
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