Worship Musician February 2018 | Page 48

WORSHIP GUITAR TALK [ WITH MICHAEL HODGE, GUITARIST AT LAKEWOOD CHURCH | Doug Doppler ] [Doug Doppler for WM] wonderful record. Killer anointed Michael, in addition to serving songs of course, and such a at Lakewood, you’ve had a truly special atmosphere that night! prolific career. Tell us about some They offered me a position on of your experiences and what staff. It was a big move to leave you learned. Nashville. I felt deep down I should do it and I’m forever [Michael Hodge] I’ve been grateful to Israel. Pastor Joel and super fortunate to have so Victoria Osteen are so genuine many great experiences, doing and down to earth in person. I’ve what I love with musicians more been honored to have a part in talented than myself. To start supporting their ministry. with touring, it’s true adventure almost surreal, especially after [WM] Israel’s material is pretty the first few shows. As a young serious business. What are some player it’s a great entry-level job. of the specific things you did you You can end up though giving do when you were young that many of your best years to build prepared you to play with the and support an artist’s career. likes of Israel and Chaka Khan? You’re not the artist and it’s It’s a good always for a season that comes [Michael] and goes. It’s super fun and you comparison actually. Both artists do learn a lot. You may be the are musical icons in their genres. artist’s best friend on the road, Living in Los Angeles, we were but it can change after the tour. super into R&B. It’s all about feel, They are often in another mode and musicality. At the time, I was at home. Be there for them in a fusion band with guys who anyway when they do call. I have already toured with her. Playing a saying, “blessed are the flexible with guys like that prepared me for they shall not be broken”. The for the level expected. So being cheese as they say is constantly a huge fan of Chaka’s music, I moving. You have to be smart, had to still make sure I knew the motivated, unbreakable, and always listening Meyer for about five years. She is one of the parts. When I showed up at the audition I was to God’s leading. I do like seeing believers on most wonderful anointed and hardest working pretty prepared. I was fortunate to already have mainstream tours. It’s really hard at times to people I’ve ever known. Let me finish by saying, a great vibe with her band. That was huge. We stay on track, but what a great opportunity to my whole career has been one of opportunities connected right away, and she was amazing make a difference in your fellow musician’s lives. that came through my relationships at church. and inspiring to work with. as a guitar player, and producer. I would say my [WM] How long have you been on staff at With Israel, I first met him doing a live worship most transforming experiences personally have Lakewood, and how did you get started there? album for Integrity Music. To prepare for those I’ve also had a ton of great times in the studio you might have to stay up all night going ultimately been playing and leading worship. When the presence of God shows up, nothing [Michael] I was working on a number of over the charts and making notes. In those tops it. When I focus on the words sung and see Integrity Music records with Israel Houghton. situations I think of a song I know that is similar people really engaged, it brings me to tears. I’ve We hit it off and he reached out to do a live and write that title next to the title on the chart. also got fond memories of traveling with Joyce album at Lakewood Church in 2005. It was a I also write down the pedals or patches for 48 February 2018 WorshipMusician.com