A couple years ago, we got the privilege of being on a unique tour called “Traveling Troubadours”.   We got to be the guinea pigs as it was the first run of shows under this concept.  The idea is that we play shows and mix in service projects along the way.  We would play house shows, churches, bars, and a lot of other unique shows including using music to minister at homeless shelters and other outreach ministries.  The other unique thing is that it consists of 3 artists who all share the stage simultaneously, backing each other as the rotate each others’ songs.  That first Traveling Troubadours tour went great.   Since then, they have had several successful tours with many different artists. 

We are happy to say that we are now right in the middle of another tour with Traveling Troubadours, along with Lara Landon and Faith Gilmore.  Its been incredible so far.  Its forcing us all to re-imagine our songs and communicate them differently than we are accustomed to and I think the end result is great.  One thing is for sure - its unique.  You’ll never hear Sean Michel quite this way in any other setting.  So click the logo above and see if we’re coming near you - if so, come on out and hang with us. 

May 22, 2011 was a day that changed the city of Joplin, Missouri as a devastating tornado ripped through the town, killing many and leaving even more without homes or places of work.  The town has still not recovered, but as we  have partnered with our friends at Solace Church in Joplin, we have come up with a small way to help that process.  We will be playing some shows and doing some community service, all in a way to work with Solace Church of Joplin to make known the hope of the riches that are in Jesus Christ to a community that has lost so much.   We could really use your help to cover our expenses - there is a “donate” button to the right where you can contribute whatever amount you can.  Our expenses include gas, food, and work supplies for the 5 days we will be serving in Joplin.  We hate to ask anyone in Joplin to meet these needs, so please help step up on their behalf. 

Here is our schedule: 

Wednesday, February 22 - Concert at New Life Fellowship in Neosho, MO (just south of Joplin). 

Thursday, February 23 - Debris cleanup in Joplin.  The community of Duquesne has been neglected to a degree in the cleanup process, and we will be going through and picking up debris that was blown in from the other side of Joplin, and collecting it to take to the landfill.  This is the first step in reconstruction, and this part of Joplin can’t being that process until the debris is cleaned up. 

Friday, February 24 - Concert at Solace Venue in Joplin.  Solace Church runs a music venue that reaches out to the youth in the community.  We will be playing a show for that purpose in the evening. 

Saturday, February 25 - Homeless Shelter outreach.  We will be working with Josh Evans, pastor of Solace Church, to provide meals at the local homeless shelter.  The shelter is crowded because many are still without homes, and many more have come to find work with the reconstruction but have nowhere to live.  We will be sharing and serving meals to these people. 

Sunday, February 26 - Worship at Solace Church.  Sean and band will lead worship that morning at Solace Church and Jay (band manager) will be preaching.  We want to encourage the people of Solace to continue reaching out and being a light during such a dark time for their city. 

Blessings to all of you, and we appreciate your prayers and support! 

Don’t let this happen!  Click right on top of that cassette tape there (or simply go to this link), and go to our new project - which will be released on cassette tape and vinyl ONLY.  (yes, yes -each will have a download card accompanying them).  The next generation needs the experience of winding their own tape - the personal connection between music and listener.  So go check out our new recording project and pre-order yours on cassette tape.  Do it for our children.  

This pic was taken while we were testing out the sound at the old sanctuary of First Baptist Church in Rolling Fork, Mississippi.   The sanctuary is over 100 years old and the sound in there is incredible.  In addition, Rolling Fork is the hometown of Muddy Waters - the man who represents the merger of blues and rock and roll - so it has an incredible music heritage.   We plan to be back down there in two weeks to record our new album - Back to the Delta.  Click on the picture to get involved with that project.  We need your help and look forward to sharing this new music in an old way with you. 

These stats shocked me.  I have known this for a while, but seeing it lined out is just depressing.  Dustin Kensrue from Thrice tweeted a link to these stats, and obviously they’re a band who’s doing alright.  But then, they were making a name before music was primarily bought on iTunes.   I just don’t see any hope of making any money from the music we make.  And this chart is only for one person to make minimum wage- we have a whole band!  I do have a couple thoughts though.  One, its clear that its incredibly difficult to make any money simply from selling copies of recorded music, especially since so many people only download music nowadays.  If this keeps up, we will have no music.  Our culture will change and the way music is made will be different.  We are already seeing this to some degree - how many bands do you know of that have started out in the last five years or so?  I can’t think of any that are making any real impact.  There’s simply a lack of resources for bands.  Producers, rappers, and solo artists are better situated to do well, but its a whole ‘nother world than it was even 10 years ago for musicians trying to get out there.  At some point, lovers of music and fans of musicians are going to have to realize this.  They are going to have to realize that simply downloading an artist’s best few songs are not going to help keep that musician making music.  Fans and lovers of music are going to have to invest in musicians they like, if they have any concern for them continuing to develop as musicians.  Investing includes - at the least - buying merch, physical copies of albums, going to shows and bringing others to shows, and promoting those artists to their own networks of friends and family.  Investing takes time and money.  But that’s what its gonna take.  Check this chart again.  Now think of the artists who make music you like.  I hope you reconsider how you support them.