Sean Michel

Sean Michel

Michel performing in South Carolina
Background information
Born (1979-08-21) August 21, 1979
Origin New Orleans, Louisiana
Occupation(s) Musician

Sean Michel is a musician 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.

Early life and career

Michel was born August 21, 1979 in New Orleans, Louisiana. His family relocated to the Little Rock area in the early Nineties.

Beginning of Music Career

In 2003, after returning from his stint in China, Michel recruited friend and bass player Nick Taylor to play with him. By 2005 the band had added drummer Joie Lyle and was touring on a consistent basis.

In 2006, Michel decided to try out for American Idol on a whim. He 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 his audition aired in January 2007, the national profile for his band and music increased. His rendition "God's Gonna Cut You Down" impressed the judges and his media exposure increased.[1]

By this time, Michel was touring regularly with a full band, which spent the latter half of 2007 recording its debut full-length album. The album, titled "The Thrill of Hope", was released in December 2007.[2]

Current Music Career

Now without a band, Michel turned to long-time friend Andy Turner to help record a demo for the new songs Michel was writing. Turner's independent and DIY ethos provided a drastic departure from the more polished and pop influenced recording that Michel had become wary of. They completed the "Just Let Go Demo" and produced only a few short runs of physical copies.

During this time, Michel met guitarist Alvin Rapien who attended the same church as Michel. The two began to collaborate and eventually Alvin became Michel's regular guitar player. Late in 2009, Michel released "I Know I've Been Converted", a blue-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, Michel toured solo through India and Nepal for over two months.[3][4]

In 2010, Michel was invited to come to Chile to play in coordination with relief efforts after the 2010 Chile earthquake. Michel this time brought an entire band to play several shows throughout the country.[5] During this time, bass player Seth Atchley joined the band.

In 2011, SeMichelan announced a fundraising effort for a new record.[6] Drummer Bradley Batterton also joined the group. Michel also ran the Arkansas Stage at Cornerstone Festival for the third straight year.[7]

Citations

  1. ↑ http://www.relevantmagazine.com/culture/music/149-features/3499-interview-sean-michel
  2. ↑ Hight, Jewly. Spotlight. Christian Single. May 2006.
  3. ↑ http://www.go2southasia.org/2010/05/sean-michel-goes-on-tour-in-south-asia-to-share-the-gospel-through-music/
  4. ↑ http://www.hindu.com/mp/2009/08/12/stories/2009081250150500.htm
  5. ↑ http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?id=33536
  6. ↑ http://www.indiegogo.com/Back-to-the-Delta
  7. ↑ http://www.one21music.com/2011/06/sean-michel-rocks-cornerstone-2011/

References

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