Think about retiring after greater than 15 years as a police officer and SWAT group member following a life-altering incident. Then, think about pursuing music in Nashville—not solely as a private therapeutic outlet but additionally as a approach to join listeners with tales of religion, resilience, and life in regulation enforcement. That’s the unimaginable journey behind the blossoming music profession of nation artist Michael Lisenby. It’s an honor to share my interview with him for the readers of Social Life-style Journal.
Lisenby’s journey from retired police officer to impartial nation music artist is each inspiring and deeply private. As he described in his personal phrases:
“Lengthy story, and unplanned journey for certain. I had a number of key essential incidents, reminiscent of an officer-involved taking pictures that I used to be concerned in. It actually affected me in a number of methods and finally modified my trajectory, quasi-forcing a pivot to the place I ended up getting out of regulation enforcement after 15.5 years. As soon as it was wanting like I used to be going to be leaving, I used to be making an attempt to determine what the following transfer could be, since a lot of my skilled life and id had been immediately tied to regulation enforcement—it was all I had carried out since I used to be 22 years previous.”
Nevertheless, life and religion had different plans. He remembers:
“My spouse was the primary one who stated out loud, ‘What if we moved to Nashville and gave music a shot?’ We had been out to Nashville as soon as earlier than for me to play Whiskey Jam, so we had little or no expertise within the ‘music scene.’ Unusually although, the thought of transferring our complete life to come back out right here and pursue this path began to take root and made increasingly more sense as time handed—and together with a number of prayer and religion that we had been going the place God was main us.”
Music as a software for therapeutic has been central to Michael’s journey. He explains:
“It was paramount in my therapeutic journey. Initially, I wrote songs for myself and my very own expression. However it wasn’t lengthy earlier than I began realizing that a number of of us resonated with the tales and songs I used to be writing, and it was serving to them alongside their journey.”
One among Michael Lisenby’s notable songs is “Hammer Down,” which addresses the truth of psychological well being, deep emotional struggles and moments of despair. Michael displays:
“I’ve been to so many circumstances over time, I wished to jot down one thing which may assist somebody who was in that darkish place. I wished to come back from a distinct angle although, so I wrote it from the attitude of the surviving buddies/household. The thought behind it was to indicate/clarify to the person who’s in that darkish place that regardless of how a lot they persuade themselves that their buddies, household, or the world generally could be higher off with out them, they received’t. And that the ache they’re feeling when the ‘hammers down’ doesn’t finish—it passes to these they love.”
Michael is raring to share a number of significant tasks together with his followers, reflecting among the most private songwriting of his profession. As he explains:
“I just lately recorded 4 deeply private acoustic tasks, every constructed round songs I’ve held shut for a very long time. These items signify not solely my journey as a songwriter but additionally my experiences as a police officer, son, and human being navigating each heartbreak and hope.”
The primary observe, “Hammer Down,” explores the battle of somebody on the verge of giving up. Michael’s purpose was to present voice to that battle in a approach that encourages anybody in a darkish place to succeed in out another time—reminding them there’s all the time a cause to carry on.
The second, “Is It Heat in Heaven,” was impressed by a second Michael will always remember—a dialog with a homeless man throughout a bitterly chilly winter in Washington whereas on patrol. He wrote the tune from the person’s perspective: exhausted, hopeless, and asking God one closing query—”Is it heat in Heaven?”
The third observe, “I Acquired a Bottle” (launched on 7/18), was written in response to the tragic Lakewood taking pictures in Washington, when 4 cops—one in every of whom Michael knew personally—had been murdered in a espresso store. The tune serves as a tribute, constructed on the hope that even when family members are taken too quickly, there will likely be a reunion in Heaven, the place they’ll elevate one other glass collectively.
Lastly, “Shake the Hand of a Hero” honors the knowledge and recommendation handed down from his father. It’s a heartfelt reflection on the teachings of integrity, braveness, and love—and a celebration of the on a regular basis heroism present in residing and significant life.
Do you’re keen on how music can join individuals from all walks of life? Michael believes music has the facility to heal. He displays:
“I believe music is such a particular medium that may take individuals to a spot emotionally and spiritually like nothing else—a approach to put issues that may be very painful right into a setting that enables of us to stroll by means of these struggles and face these pains in a protected and therapeutic approach.”
Via the facility of a easy, comforting melody, Michael’s music proves that artwork could be a lifeline—and that generally the fitting tune on the proper time can save a life or information somebody from darkness to mild.
Thanks, Michael, for this highly effective interview with Social Life-style Journal!
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Michael Lisenby Spotify Profile
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