Michael, tell us a little about yourself, where are you from, how did you get started in Gospel Music, and how old were you when your knew that Gospel Music was something special to you?
I was born in Fayetteville, NC. My grandfather was the pastor of our local church. My Mom was the church pianist. At our house, the record player was constantly spinning the likes of the Oak Ridge Boys, Statesmen, Blackwoods, Rambos, Imperials, Goodmans and others. When I was 12 my parents took me to see the Oak Ridge Boys at the local civic center. I knew right then and there what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. I was consumed by it. I immediately assembled a three piece band and played at our local church until I got the opportunity to play with a local part-time group called The Chordsmen in 1976.
How did you meet your wife, Tanya?
The Goodmans were needing a piano player and my buddy James Gordon Freeze had recommended me for the job. Rusty called and wanted to meet me at the National Quartet Convention in Nashville in October of 1982. I walked in and the first person I met was Tanya. I knew then and there that she needed me (okay, I'm laughing here). Long story short, I got the job with The Goodmans that night . . . Tanya and I were dating in a month or so. In January we tied the knot . . . I know . . . a short courtship. This coming January we will have been married for 25 years . . . and they said it wouldn't last.
Do you have a "style" of Gospel Music that you prefer to work with?
Not particularly. I love harmony and any style of music that's done well.
What on earth made you decide to grow that beard??????
I guess when I first grew it (1977), it was my way of taking a walk on the wild side. Many of my favorite musicians had beards at that time and I thought they were cool. It stuck.
LOL...... Seriously, I like your beard. You keep it trimmed and unlike mine, yours is all one color
Hey Deon, have you seen me lately?????? The last time I looked in the mirror I saw gray patches everywhere.
Has anyone ever tried to pressure you into getting rid of your beard?
I don't think I've really been pressured. I've shaved it a few times down through the years so I could get jobs with the Hemphills, Jimmy Swaggart and The Goodmans. When my girls were small, I shaved it a time or two but they'd always freak out. I think it's here for the duration . . . love me through it.
Can you give us a little taste of what the job of a Producer is like in putting together albums for huge groups like The Oak Ridge Boys and Gold City? What's it like in the studio with these headline groups?
Every situation is different. With the Oaks, Duane is a great song man and he finds much of their material. We all get together and listen to the "cream of the crop" before finalizing the list. As a group we usually agree on the what songs will make the project and who'll sing whatever leads. The song selection process with Gold City is somewhat similar to the Oaks but we usually have song pluggers to come in and play us tunes for several days. My job is ultimately to assemble the package, make every artist comfortable with their songs and performance, hire the right players, engineers & studios. I try to challenge the artists creatively. In my opinion, one of the most important things in the studio is the vibe . . . everyone needs to feel comfortable, upbeat and positive. I strive to make that happen on every project. Fun goes to tape (or should I say "hard-drive?").
What do you do away from the studio? What do you do to get away from the stress of working with musicians and singers in the studio?
I love being around water . . . whether fishing, swimming or boating. Tanya and I enjoy riding jet skis. We're heading to the beach shortly . . . that is the one place that I really let go of business and relax. Can't wait to smell that salt water.
While you are famous for working with big named artists, you recently have been working with a little group trying to get back in the Gospel Music scene. What has it been like working with such legends as Ed Hill and Bill Baize in producing the Prophets new CD?
It's been a blast. Johnny & Aaron Minick have done much of this one but I've been able to enjoy the process from time to time. No doubt about it, these guys are pros. It's been great to hear the war stories from these guys . . . they've done some real living. It's going to be interesting to watch The Prophets . . . they've got the goods.
What do you enjoy doing that would probably "shock" our readers? Do you whittle, do you have ant farms, do you collect ceramic animals? What do you really enjoy that would surprise our readers?
I don't know about the "shock factor" but I'm a "Space" junkie. Anything that has to do with NASA or the Space Program . . . I'm all over it. Many of my heroes were astronauts. I wish I could be on the next shuttle flight . . . maybe one day.
What advice would you give to up and coming groups who are about to record?
This is where I could write a book. You can't overestimate the importance of great songs. If you want to think long-term and make an impact, look for GREAT songs. In this business it's so easy to do the ":same 'ole same 'ole." To stand out from the rest of the pack, go the extra mile and "raise the bar" in every way. I'd encourage the use of a great vocal coach . . . it makes a huge difference. Use great engineers & musicians. The mix is really a big deal . . . take pains with it . . . it matters. When in doubt . . . strive for excellence.
Michael Sykes is one of the most sought after producers in Southern Gospel Music. He and David Ponder have a new album out called Sykes and Ponder: Who We Are, What We
website: http://www.michaelsykes.com
email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Author: SGN
| Author's Website: http://sogospelnews.com/
Written: 09/01/2007
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Category: Feature Articles
Comments: 8
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Michael
You are the best. I have recently experienced working with Michael on the Prophets new project. He is a super talented musician, who hears every little intricacy, and nuance of harmony, rhythm, and vocal intonation. He is a genius. I have been truly blessed to work with him on the new Prophets project. He is able to get the very best out of those whom he produces albums for. I know he has challenged me to do better in many ways.
Thanks Michael for being who you are. You are a great one. Keep on Keeping on.
Your Friend,
Bill Baize
If Michael Sykes name is on the project, you know it is going to be good. He really is the best!
Yeh??? Michael is alright. Nice interview.
Paul Jackson / The Prophets
http://www.pauljacksongroup.com/blog
Michael and David Ponder provided BGV's on a couple of songs on my latest CD, "Statement of Faith". Michael also had the foresight to hire Bart Clayton as an associate producer. Bart produced my CD and Dave Lehman was my chief engineer. These two guys were simply awesome. Michael, my hope is to meet you soon so I can actually meet the man behind the production. Give my project a listen at http://www.iTunes.com and let me know what you think. I am an independent artist just getting started on the "tour" scene. Any direction would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Paul Armstrong
http://www.paularmstrongministries.com
Michael produced our latest CD and every minute was a blast! He's not only a genius in music, he has also become a dear friend. Michael Sykes, the LeBeaus love you!!!! Know you are on vacation this week, hope you and Tanya are chillin'!
Michael is not only a top notch pr oducer, he is a number one Christian. I have been knowing him for about 25 years and he is one of the most real people you will ever meet. I am proud to call him my friend.
Amen...Butch!
Paul Jackson / The Prophets
http://www.pauljacksongroup.com/blog
Wow! Great interview. Well I cant say that I have ever gotten to work with THE Michael Sykes before but I sure hope to some day. Keep up the good work. 
Wendy Word 
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