a worship musician, as well as professionally?
[Michael] Understanding music theory, ear
[WM] Be it as a musician, session player, or [Michael] If the church uses a young volunteer
engineer, what do you do to stay on top of new band, set them up to win. Help them with their
and emerging trends in music? gear. Build relationship and mentor them. If
training and reading have helped a lot. If you
they need lessons, help them find a teacher or
understand the mechanics, you can almost [Michael] I’m always listening to new stuff on do it yourself. If they can’t afford one, consider
do anything. It makes writing and arranging so Spotify and reading and researching new gear. sponsoring them or bringing in someone for
much easier.
group lessons once a week at church. Culture
[WM] Noting how much we both love Mateus is key. More is caught than taught. Be available,
[WM] You’ve done a ton of studio work for Asato’s playing, what are your suggestions on love on them, and do little things to encourage
Integrity and Maranatha. How did you break how to take the inspiration of your influences their walk with the Lord. Take ‘em out for
into doing that and what are some of the and make them your own? coffee & food! I started a musician’s gathering
specific things you did that made you a ‘go to’
session player for them?
a few years back at church. I think it made a
[Michael] I’m following a number of amazing difference. Most of those guys are in important
players like Mateus on YouTube & Instagram. positions now at Lakewood.
[Michael] As a studio musician, I try to be I have a guitar and amp next to my couch and as creative as possible. I like to free flow in learn new stuff all the time. Sometimes you [WM] Thanks so much for taking the time
the studio. I’m never at a loss for ideas. The can force it into something you are currently Michael! Is there anything else you’d like to
downside is I don’t remember exactly what doing. It may not fit exactly but after a while you add?
I play, so we record everything, and then find make it your own and add it to your arsenal of the best parts. Secondly, I try to have the right licks. I like to take the time with any new lick [Michael] At the end of the day, it’s always an
instrument that’s in tune, and be able to dial up to deconstruct it and I find that super inspiring. honor to serve our Lord’s church. It’s our family.
a great tone quickly that speaks in the track.
Big or small, we’re all playing for an audience of
I try to stay current with what is happening [WM] What practical suggestions do you have One. Stay thirsty my friends and keep learning!
in mainstream music. It’s essential to be for leaders and teams for raising up the next culturally relevant. generation of worship musicians? Doug Doppler
Doug is the Editorial Director for Worship Musician
and Gear Tech + Recording magazines.
WorshipMusician.com
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