Michael Christopher

Almost ten years as the guitar player, and everything else the band needed.

Artist
Michael Christopher

Years
2012 to February 2022

My role
Lead guitarist and co-writer

Show systems
Built and ran the playback, lighting, and in-ear monitor systems

The engagement

I played lead guitar in Michael Christopher's band from 2012 until February 2022. Over those years the job grew well past guitar. I co-wrote songs, recorded with the band, and built and ran the systems that held the live show together.

Songwriting and recording

Co-wrote songs with Michael, including "Mix It Up," "Carnival Ride," "Hot Damn," and "Buckle Up" from his 2017 album Michael Christopher, plus "My Kinda Summer," "Keep It Country," and "Where the Sun Meets the Sea." A few of these had other co-writers too.
Recorded with the band, tracked new recordings, and built multitrack demos for the band's mixer.
Prepped tracks and session files for album and EP projects.

Touring and live shows

Played lead guitar and sang harmonies at fairs, festivals, casinos, halls, and arenas, including the Ohio State Fair and Bristol Republic in Columbus.

Show systems

Built the show tracks and playback in Ableton Live.
Programmed lighting cues and show automation, synced with the audio, video, and control systems.
Ran the in-ear monitor and split system.

Training the next crew

Starting in 2017, I ran a production internship for the band. The interns reported to me and worked live events on playback, lighting, audio support, and multi-camera capture. Over time my role grew from guitar player into the band's go-to for technical and production work.