of working out harmonies and helping vocalist learn their harmonies . I still do session recording from time to time , mostly based on my history working in Nashville . The nice thing is that we have developed a great group of studio singers , ( including the members of my own family :) who are very capable of making it shine !
[ WM ] Do you have a home music room or studio ? If so , tell us about it ?
[ Michael ] Yes I do . I have a very simple setup . I use a Macbook Pro with Logic and a Solid State Logic SSL2 + audio interface . It makes things very simple . During the pandemic , my family and I ended up doing a lot of recording for the services in our home . It was a real bonus that my wife and children can sing and hold harmonies ! Ever since then , it has become an easy go to when we need to do recording with multiple people . We set up a Logic session , and everyone can add their parts to it and send it back . It has truly simplified the process .
[ WM ] In-ears ? What brand / model ?
[ Michael ] I can feel the groans already as I answer this question ! I am the least picky person when it comes to in-ears . I think that because I cut my teeth on floor wedges that may or may not have worked , I learned to internalize what I was monitoring so that I could stay consistent . Having said that , I just got a new pair of 64 Audio with some really great custom wood grain sides that look amazing !
[ WM ] Do you offer vocal training / coaching ? If so , please tell us about it and how can our readers get in touch with you ?
[ Michael ] Because of my other responsibilities , my time has been limited , but I have partnered with a vocal app called Vocal Booth which is very effective at helping vocalists to advance their understanding of their instrument .
[ WM ] Words of encouragement or advice for worship vocals / BGV folks ?
[ Michael ] The best advice I can give is to keep your heart humble before the Lord . If there is anything that will challenge those who want to lead others in worship , it ’ s the thought that we are the ones who are responsible for producing God ’ s presence . Jesus is the one they came for , and at the end of the day , He is the only one they need . We get to steward this precious place of worship and show people what it looks like . I have always lived by a simple principle … Be what you want to see . If I am connecting to the heart of God , they will want to as well . I recently heard one of my favorite worship leaders of all time , Martin Smith say that a soft heart is something God can use .
[ WM ] Can you list two or three worship albums that inspire your own worship singing ?
[ Michael ] I love intimate worship , so right now , Bethel Music ’ s Moments : Wait ( Live ) has been my favorite . I love what we ’ ve been doing at Lakewood as well and I feel really strong about our upcoming release Oh How Worthy ! The writing is very strong and the addition of several people , including Tauren Wells and Alexander Pappas has really brought us to a new level . I also have a love for more youthful worship , probably because of my kids , but Elevation Rhythm , This Is The Gospel is on heavy rotation at my house .
[ WM ] Do you have a favorite vocal mic to sing through ?
[ Michael ] I love the way my voice sounds on a Neumann U87 . It is warm but doesn ’ t knock out the high end . For most singers , being able to feel the airy , open-ended high-end makes it feel like you can really produce a sound that feels natural .
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