| Sean Michel | |
|---|---|
Michel performing in South Carolina |
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| Background information | |
| Born | August 21, 1979 |
| Origin | New Orleans, Louisiana |
| Occupations | Musician |
Sean Michel is a musician who hails from Bryant, Arkansas. He was initially known most widely for his appearance on American Idol Season 6. However, he toured with his band for at least two years prior to his appearance on the show, and continues to gain an increasing audience worldwide. Sean makes an impression with his long hair and beard, but is memorable for his soulful vocal style.
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Sean was born August 21, 1979 in New Orleans, Louisiana. His family relocated to the Little Rock area in the early Nineties. During this time, Sean became very active in his church's youth ministry. He first began to sing in high school with his local church group, and soon formed a band with some friends from church. Though short-lived, this was Sean's first foray into professional music.
Sean attended Ouachita Baptist University from 1997 - 2002. He studied Theology and Studio Art, but was never far from the music life at the school. He played in the school's worship band and was frequently sought after for coffee house style music. It was here that Sean also began to take an active interest in missionary work, and he participated in multiple short term international mission trips. It was on one of these later trips that Sean's music career began in earnest. To raise funds for his trip to Namibia, Sean recorded a cd and made it available for sale to raise money for the trip. The cd was a significant local success. A couple of years later, when Sean was planning another such trip to the Yunnan Province of China, he made the cd available for sale again. During and after that trip, it became evident from the success of the cd and subsequent shows that Sean had the requisite talent to be a professional musician.[1]
In 2003, after returning from his stint in China, Sean recruited friend and bass player Nick Taylor to play with him. Nick was played with a local hardcore/screamo band and was well connected in those circles. So early on, Sean played frequently with bands of a much heavier style than his own. However, by 2005 the band had added drummer Joie Lyle and was touring on a consistent basis. By the end of 2006, Sean Michel had played in 40 states.
It was also in 2006 that Sean decided to try out for American Idol on a whim. Sean auditioned in Memphis, Tennessee, and over the last half of 2006 spent a lot of time in Memphis, and later in Hollywood as a part of his American Idol commitment. When Sean's audition aired in January 2007, the national profile for his band and music increased exponentially. His foot-stomping rendition of "God's Gonna Cut You Down" wowed the judges and captured the attention of the country. Dozens of national radio and print media took notice, and he became an overnight celebrity - especially in his home state of Arkansas.[2]
By this time, Sean was touring regularly with a full band. Sean's appearance on national television created a slew of opportunities for the band, but it also significantly increased expectations. The band spent the latter half of 2007 recording its debut full-length album. The album, titled "The Thrill of Hope", was delayed and didn't release until a week before Christmas 2007.[3] This likely impacted the initial sales, and the band was greatly disappointed by the poorer than expected sales of the record.
During 2008, the band gradually left Sean. This may have partly been the reason for Sean's change in style, as he turned to a more blues oriented sound. Sean toured briefly in summer of 2008, and told fans at live shows that a new record was in the works with this more oriented blues sound.
Now without a band, Sean turned to long time friend Andy Turner to help record a demo for the new songs Sean was writing. Turner's independent and DIY ethos provided a drastic departure from the more polished and pop influenced recording that Sean had become wary of. They completed the "Just Let Go Demo" in only a month and produced only a few short runs of physical copies that each sold out quickly.
During this time, Sean met a young guitar player named Alvin Rapien who attended the same church as Sean. The two began to collaborate and eventually Alvin became Sean's regular guitar player. In 2009, the two of them partnered again with Andy Turner to make a full length album. Turner moved in with Sean and recorded the album at Sean's house over a period of 7 months. During this time, Sean toured only sparsely, as he spent most of his time developing the sound he wanted. Late in 2009, Sean released "I Know I've Been Converted", a blues influenced album that contains new renditions of several old spirituals mixed in with original songs. The album never had an official release date, but physical copies became available in late 2009 and digital downloads became available in 2010.
Also during 2009, Sean toured solo through India and Nepal for over two months.[4] Sean played over 40 dates on this tour and this time period helped rejuvenate Sean's vision and passion for his music as he saw thousands of people touched by his music on the other side of the planet[5]
In 2010, Sean was invited to come to Chile to play in coordination with relief efforts after the 2010 Chile Earthquake. Sean this time brought an entire band to play several shows throughout the country.[6] During this time, bass player Seth Atchley joined Sean's band.
In 2011, Sean announced a fundraising effort for a new record.[7] Drummer Bradley Batterton also joined the group and Sean has increased his touring schedule. Sean also ran the Arkansas Stage at Cornerstone Festival for the third straight year, this time creating quite a buzz with his gospel blues, rock and soul sound.[8]
Sean Michel has developed a revolutionary persona in this new age of the music industry and stands as a symbol of independent music getting back to its roots. Despite this, Sean has publicly said that he hopes to work with a record label one day if it can get his music out to a broader audience. Sean has announced plans to continue to tour with more frequency in 2011 and beyond.