Sergio Michel is an American musician currently ranked #2 on ReverbNation’s Miami metal charts; who was also ranked #4 musician/band on Facebook by Top-on-Social in 2014. His album, ‘Marry Me, Cindy’ spawned a viral hit I Close My Eyes which hit over 150,000 viral plays in January 2014.
Sergio Michel is an American musician currently ranked #2 on ReverbNation’s Miami metal charts; who was also ranked #4 musician/band on Facebook by Top-on-Social in 2014. His album, ‘Marry Me, Cindy’ spawned a viral hit I Close My Eyes which hit over 150,000 viral plays in January 2014.
We have caught up with Sergio Michel for this exclusive interview:
What is your name? Sergio Michel
Where are you from? Miami, FL
How many songs /albums have you released to date? I started counting at my last album ‘Marry Me, Cindy’, because it’s a good representation of the musical direction I’m going for now. Yet, I’ve released a handful of recordings throughout the years across many genres and themes.
Can you tell us about your latest release and the background and inspirations behind it? ‘Marry Me, Cindy’ started as a joke. It was supposed to be a satirical take on some real life experiences. Instead it turned out being a serious album with good songwriting, skillful playing and good production. One song, ‘I Close My Eyes’ wound up getting over 150,000 plays, and that one was the heaviest and least commercial song on the album. Another song, ‘Bow Down’ has been verified trending twice so far.
How have you ended up in the music industry? It’s hard to say. I just always felt led to perform. The best thing I do is play guitar. I was definitely made and intended for musical expression. It all just worked out naturally.
What do you think of the music industry in 2014? It’s a bad time for artistry. I can’t say I’ve heard something recently that I thought was a game changer or original. There are a lot of good bands and songs out there, but very few that dare to be creative or different. I can say though, I am listening to a lot of newer Christian Metal due to the fact that genre seems to be growing rapidly with new and interesting musical ideas.
Who do you think are the most influential artist? This may sound strange, but as far as mainstream American artists go, I don’t really think any of the most famous performers out today are influential in a real artistic way. Sure, they can shape the way their fans dress, talk, feel about issues or even affect their behavior, but beyond that? I can’t name one commercial artist of any mainstream genre today that I can imagine myself being a kid and listening to making me want to be a musician because of them.
What’s your favorite song at the moment? Say The Word (Now) [Remix] by DC Talk. I think it’s the best song ever put out.
If you had to sell your music collection tomorrow, what album would you leave in your drawer? I’d be happy with just one song, Say The Word (Now) [Remix] by DC Talk. Can’t get tired of it at all.
How do you think you differ from other artists? I definitely feel I differ in many ways to most of the artists out there right now. First, in order for it all to make sense, I have to share my core beliefs before I can explain my artistic vision. I am a Born Again Christian and make God first. Before music or anything else in my life, I want to please God, which really influences the decisions I make for my artistic career. I do my best to pray about everything in Jesus’ name before I do anything.
My main personal goal is to use everything in my life to bring the name of Yeshua (Jesus) to the lost so they can be forgiven of sin and freed from death by Yod He Vav He (Yehova) by the power of Ha’Kadosh (Holy Spirit). It freaks people out, that a loud and totally non-religious person like me that is constantly doing things to make people laugh may be totally sold out to God, but that is my true foundation personally.
Now, building my artistic vision on that has led me to be totally honest and unafraid of what others think. I put out the type of material I like and have no regard for what’s ‘hot’ or what’s going to ‘sell’. A good example of my artistic flow is, on the same album, I’ll have a soft song with tender singing, then a hard rock song with a blazing guitar solo, followed by an all out thrash metal song, yet it all flows and fits nicely. Most people are baffled that I do not go out there trying to make ‘hits’ or to follow any trend, but do what everyone says a recording artist is not supposed to, and still get lots of plays and interest for my songs even in some circles where other artists in my genre do not.
What other hobbies or interests do you have? On my free time I like to go to the beach. Other things that interest me are social issues, politics, history and the truth.
What’s your favorite fast-food? Burgers and pizza; and when they are one and the same it is something to talk about.
What new music do you have coming out? I have some material to work with now for a new release, plus some fresh ideas that I will put down on my next release. Most likely, the lyrical content will have a lot to do with social issues.
Thank you for your time and may you carry on making dope, fresh music.
Thank you for the questions Beatsta, it was very nice to talk to you! Thank you to the readers too! I appreciate you all took the time to read this interview!
Follow Sergio Michel and watch him grow: FACEBOOK | TWITTER | REVERBNATION
