Interview: Michael Sarver
Michael Sarver, the tenth place finalist on the eighth season of American Idol, talks to Louder Than The Music about the release of his highly anticipated Christian music debut EP, 'Layer One', out now.
Tell us a bit about yourself and how you first got involved in making music?
My first introduction to music was in church as a child. The church I grew up in had live instruments and a choir, so I was exposed to music early and often. It wasn't long before my mom began to notice there was something different and special about my voice. By the time I was 14 I had started to write my own songs and that soon developed into recording and producing.
Many people will remember you first coming to their attention during American Idol - when you look back on that experience now, what was the single biggest thing you learnt through appearing on the show?
The single biggest thing I learned from my time on American Idol was how to work at a high level in the music industry. The pace on the show was fast and non-stop, so we had to either step up or step out. I stepped up and I really believe that prepared me for what it takes to stay in this business.
Tell us about your new EP 'Layer One' and what the inspiration behind it was?
Layer One is the first of two EPs coming out this year. The name was inspired by "Layers," a song I wrote nearly three years ago. After some hard times I became so aware of the fact that in every layer of my life, good or bad, I could look back and see God's hand at work. These EPs are full of songs from my journey like "Limitless," depicting how God's love has been boundless in my life, and "Storms Don't Bother Me," a reminder that all is well as long as He is on the water with us. The Layers theme is also a reflection of all the different musical influences in my life through the years, from pop to Gospel.
Which is your favorite track on the EP and why?
My favorite track on Layer One is "Fire" because it's a small nod to the sound of my childhood, which was greatly influenced by Gospel music. It was so fun to jump out of the box with this one and have a little old-school fun.
What message would you like people to take from your music?
I want people to hear my music and come away more assured than ever that Jesus is the real deal - and that no matter what they have faced or done, God is never finished with them. I want others to be reminded of the wonderful promises of God that assure us of His grace, faithfulness and love.
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?
As you will be able to tell from this project, it's hard to pin me down to one style but I'd call it pop/soul/rock/Gospel and much more. It's just a little piece of everything.
If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?
That one is easy. My dream is to write with Steven Curtis Chapman. He was the main reason - besides the call of God on my life - that I picked up a pen to write my first song at age 14 and have since written over 3,800 of them. Steven is simply one of best at what he does, and it would be a true honor to collaborate with him.
How would you define success in your career as an artist?
Success would be the message of Jesus Christ through my songs changing people's lives for the better, and for me to be able to write and record music that carries that purpose for a very long time.
What is your favorite album of all time?
Speechless by Steven Curtis Chapman
What does the next year hold for you?
The next year holds a lot of time on the road bringing this new project to the people live and in person, as well as even more new music. It never stops!
