Conversations with Christian Michaels

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christian Michaels.

Hi Christian, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I’ve been playing music all my life, ever since I was a kid, I played in the orchestra in high school, a variety of rock and pop bands during the ’90s, and even DJ’d for a while. But I got started on this track about 2002 with hard rock act Sizter Machyne. We performed over 250 shows in our first year, and spent a lot of time opening for national touring acts, getting our chops together, and getting a feel for the live entertainment side of things.

In 2019, we had a big year for the band. We performed with Yngwie Malmsteen, Buckcherry, Bulletboys, Tantric, and Saliva, and even shared the stage with Michael Angelo Batio! However, by 2021, we had ended up parting ways due to personal and ethical differences.

This year, I’ve gone a different direction with Christian Michaels & Bootleg Revival. I’m getting back to my blues/country roots and putting a little rock and roll flavor on it. Since the launch of this project, I’ve been able to meet some very interesting people and play some different places including venues on and off Broadway in Nashville. We just picked up a couple of dates on the Ryan Daniel Got Your Six tour, along with Justin Biltonen and Chet Roberts from 3 Doors Down and we’re very excited about that!

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I used to hear anything worth having isn’t easy, and music is no exception. Some of the biggest challenges can be relationships.

I thank God for my awesome wife who supported me every step of the way and continues to be my secret weapon. She’s a fantastic performer in her own right, and she is indispensable in helping me book shows and organize the logistics involved.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Christian Michaels & Bootleg Revival is a country-fried rock band for sure. We perform about anywhere that will let us in for people who want to hear good music and have a great time.

We spend a lot of time focusing on our show as well as our music so it’s a complete experience for fans. I like to play multiple instruments and do different things on stage, and the Bootleg Revival guys are fantastic and supporting that. We’re known for bringing a certain degree of rock and roll antics to a country/blues show. Will not have anyone falling asleep (laughs)!

One thing that I like to think sets us apart is that we engage with the folks who come out to the shows. A lot of people put on a mask when they get on stage and that’s important to bring that level of energy to the performance. I tend to believe I put on my mask when I come off stage. That’s equally important for me to deal with people in day-to-day life.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
Our Instagram and Facebook pages are a great way to reach us. I handle those myself so I see everyone’s messages and posts.

Blackhawk Entertainment handles our bookings. Melissa Rhodes is the contact at 317-529-3595. We do have an album coming out in the spring of 2024 entitled Freedom Under Fire. We will be pre-releasing a single during the first quarter of next year.

Just keep on coming out and seeing us and telling your friends. Grassroots word of mouth has always worked well for me and just seems very real.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christianmichaelsmusic
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christianmichaels2020