We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Christian Michaels. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Christian below.

Christian, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Christian Michaels & Bootleg Revival began in the fall of 2023. We have made more progress since that time than I ever did in my 20+ years in the hard rock genre!

When my last project, Sizter Machyne, came to an end I was left at a fork in the road… I could either continue doing what I had been doing for two decades, or I could get in touch with my roots and see if I had anything to offer. At that time, I was introduced to Ryan Daniel. He offered me an opening spot for a couple of dates on his “Y’all Ain’t Ready for This” tour in 2023! Thus began the journey anew. This was huge for me, and I’ll never forget it.

During those shows I met Chet Roberts. Though he may be best known as the guitarist for 3 Doors Down, he is in fact an amazing producer working with Ryan Daniel, Hannan, and many other artists from both the Nashville area and abroad. I consider both of these guys good friends. Chet approached me about producing the debut upcoming EP, “Bourbon & Lies”. It was a no brainer for me… We went to work.

In February of this year, we began recording the 6 tracks which will be on the release. Though the order of single releases has yet to be determined, fan favorite “Your Leavin” is sure to be one of the first! Recording was awesome! We got some really great stuff. I am proud to say that each song has its own feel and personality. From the hard hitting “High Speed Heart Attack” to the duet “Lost Without You” featuring Melissa Rhodes, this EP takes the listener on a musical journey into the rock/country crossover genre that doesn’t leave them feeling like they’ve already heard it before.

Also, we are once again joining Ryan Daniel on tour! We will be performing on several dates during the 2024 ‘Backroads & Bonfires’ tour. This remains a fantastic opportunity for CMBR and we are ever grateful. See you on the road!

Christian, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I began playing music at 8 years old on the violin, though I didn’t take it very seriously. It wasn’t until I was on bass in the school orchestra that things started to develop. Once I realized that the classical, stand-up bass knowledge would be useful on the electric bass… I was hooked!

Born in Montgomery, AL and having most of my family in north Florida, Kentucky, and throughout Appalachia, I had grown up around all sorts of music from bluegrass to blues, rock & roll, and heavy metal! As a teen, I naturally gravitated to whatever the family didn’t so… hard rock it was. For quite a while!

After two decades in countless bands achieving various levels of accomplishment, I found myself at a crossroads. I was no longer fulfilled just being a spectacle. I needed to say something. I needed to reach people… REAL people. Once the opportunity presented itself to get in touch with my roots and reinvent myself as an artist, I decided it was time. Thus Christian Michaels and Bootleg Revival was born. Welcome to Bootleg Country!

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Sure. I have always loved performing. Some might say it’s an illness (laughs). Having said that, now I have a family who depend on me in many ways, not least of all financially. My goal is to be able to financially provide for my family through my art. That’s really it. Fame and fortune are nice to be sure, but the end goal is to just be able to experience this epic journey with the people who are most important to me.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Ah, there are a few. It’s always great seeing folks come to the live show. They could spend their time and money anywhere. It’s a special thing when they choose to do it with you. Also, I think the online stuff gets glossed over a lot in the industry. I’m certainly not great at social media, but I believe its an important way to connect with fans from all over. We try to present something meaningful there. Time is a limited resource for the fans as well as the artist. We should endeavor to value each other in that regard. Finally, that moment when either a fan is singing your lyrics back to you, or when you are approached about how meaningful your song is to someone else… That’s just surreal man!

Contact Info:

• Website: christianmichaelsmusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christianmichaelsmusic?igsh=bWVsejlnMWh5ZDg0
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christianmichaels2020?mibextid=ZbWKwL
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChristianMichaels-wb9xx?si=w7MkmvAHUme-Pklu

Image Credits
Veros Photography