the song. During a live recording it’s a concert
and you have concentrate to be at the top of
your game. We would sometimes do two live
records at once. That could be 30 songs. It’s
a smart budget move. The recording truck,
sound & lights are already there. It’s a lot more
work for the musicians, but challenging and
fun too!
[WM] In addition to doing demo work for the
likes of Boss and Fishman, you’re also a gear
enthusiast. What pieces of gear do you love the
most and why?
[Michael] For most of us, the gear we love
the most is the gear we haven’t got! (laughing)
When I’m not at Lakewood, I’m at the studio
writing with an artist, cutting guitars, or
programming film type stuff. I’m always chasing
sounds I hear in my head. In the studio there
are tools I’ll usually grab first: a McPherson for
an acoustic part, and a Strat or Gretsch for
electric. Vintage gear has a certain mojo. I like
the Tube-Tech CL-1B Compressor or Distressor
on Vocals & Bass. For Amps, an AC 30 and a
Fender Deluxe. I use SE ribbons and Shure 57’s
through an ISA-215 and an old DBX 162. Pro
Tools, Cubase, Logic & Ableton are all amazing.
For go to Plug-ins: UAD, Waves, and Beatskillz,
for Virtual Synths: Output, Spectrasonics,
Albion One for Strings, & Serum with Cthulhu
for EDM. I love the UA Apollo & Antelope HD32.
difference is size. The touring and fly boards are patches to download from Boss Central. The
as compact as possible with the best stuff I can new Boss GT 1000 just revealed at NAMM will
squeeze on there. be a game changer. I confess we are spoiled
that the Lakewood boards and amps are
[WM] I loved the demo you did for the Boss
already set up and ready to go.
ME-80. What advice do you have for players
who are trying to choose between using a [WM] At the 6:30 mark in the Fishman
multi-effects unit vs. individual stomp boxes? Tripleplay video you hear a number of synth
sounds that are great for church. Given the
I’m always trying out new pedals and searching
impact EDM has had on modern Praise and
places like Sweetwater for the latest gear.
Worship, are you surprised more players aren’t
taking advantage of this technology?
[WM] You mentioned that you have separate
pedal boards for your studio, Lakewood, and
touring. What are the differences between
these boards, and what advice do you have for
players in terms of pedal boards in general?
[Michael] Lakewood provides pedal boards
for Joel and I. There’s such a big pedal board
culture, most guys like to bring their own. The
touring boards need less pedals since it’s a
short set with tons of stems. My studio board
is larger and always in transition. I’m using a
Boss ES-8 switcher. I’ve also got a fly board
for live or recording in Nashville. The biggest
[Michael] A lot of it depends on what you
already own, budget and transportation hassle.
Carrying a guitar, amp and pedal board can be
a pain. I can relate to that since my last church
met in a school auditorium and we set up and [Michael] Well, a lot of guys are still just
tore down every week. The Boss ME-80 is a learning about Tripleplay. If you are at a small
great option for that. It’s reasonably priced, and church you could have great results as a
can sound amazing if you take some time to second guitar player with Tripleplay instead of a
tweak it. It can also go direct. There are great keyboard player. It tracks fantastic and comes
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