More
News...
Updated January 22, 2010
Haitian Earthquake Relief Concert
We have all been moved by the images and stories coming from the earthquake-ravaged city of Port-au-Prince in Haiti. Please join me on Friday, January 29th 7:30PM at The Mark Empowerment Temple in Portsmouth, Virginia for a benefit concert to support Operation Blessing International and The C.O.G.I.C. Charities in their relief efforts in Haiti. This free benefit, sponsored by Pastor Michael D. Green and The Mark Empowerment Center will also feature Hope Askew, Alex Holt & Free Worship, Naomi “Kim” Thomas, Titus Jackson and many more. Let’s join together and help our brother and sisters in Haiti.
Updated September 2, 2009
Michael M. Smith Ministries Expansion
God has started opening the kind of doors I really didn’t expect. In August, I was invited to Eutawville, SC to preach a 3-night revival. I’ve been invited to Vance, SC this month to preach a 2-night revival and I’ve also been invited to preach in October for a convocation in McClellanville, SC. What makes these engagements especially significant to me is the fact that these are all cities where my mother, the late Apostle Helen Smith preached and evangelized. It is humbling to me that God would open these kinds of doors for me to share not only in the word through music but also through the preached word.
Check my ministry calendar for dates, times and locations.
Updated September 2, 2009
Music Ministry News
Great things are happening with the music ministry:
• Recently, a friend called informing me that “We’ve Come This Far By Faith” was playing on the Clear Channel Radio Station in Chicago.
• A few Sundays ago I was invited to sing in Blackstone, VA where I met a new group of friends and supporters. While in Blackstone, I had the chance to sing with Gospel Dream winner – Melinda Watts who is a powerful, amazing singer. She invited me to her hometown, Bridgeton, NJ to sing at her CD Release Benefit Concert the following Friday. So I went to Bridgeton, where I had the chance to meet and fellowship with other powerful singers including Michelle Bonilla and DeWayne Woods. God blessed us tremendously in Bridgeton and I now have a new group of friends and supporters.
• We are currently in negotiations with a booking and management agency in NYC that is very interested in pushing and manage my music career.
Updated August 11, 2009
Journey Completed for "Joe"
Many of you have been following my blog and reading the intriguing, powerful story of my journey with a homeless man that I called “Joe.” I am so grateful to the many of you who shared your comments and encouragement as I sought to aid Joe in his journey from homelessness and to document the process along the way. Joe completed his journey and entered into eternal rest. His memorial service was held at Gethsemane Community Fellowship in Norfolk, VA on Monday, August 17, 2009 at 11:00 AM.
Go to my blog to see photos of Joe during our time together. I have re-posted Joe’s story in its entirety. I have also posted the eulogy that I gave at Joe's memorial service.
My prayer is that Joe’s story will inspire you to go into your neighborhoods and find one homeless person and help them make that LONG WALK from the streets. Most of them could never do it alone. They will need the help of someone like you.
Updated August 11, 2009
Michael Opens Up in Radio Interviews
Recently, I had an interview with TonyT and the panel at Real Talk Radio wherein I had the opportunity to tell the story behind my music ministry and to explain how Worship Of A Redeemed Man came to be. Tony has posted the interview here so that you could hear the story.
Also, Mike Rimmer at Cross Rhythms Radio in the UK recently interviewed me. This interview provided an opportunity for me to share my personal testimony of deliverance and redemption. Mike has posted the interview here so that you can listen.
Updated July 14, 2009
Capital Campaign for New Project
We are very excited about the new project, Bigger Than I Imagined. As we work toward completion we see very clearly how this project will be a powerful tool for worship. The power and presence of God that we felt during the live session was clearly captured on the recording. I can’t wait to finish it so that it can get into the hands of worshippers around the globe.
Here is where I need your help. My team and I sat down and counted up the cost to get to the finish line and we are just steps away from breaking the tape and declaring the victory. We calculated that we only need about ten thousand dollars to get us to a completed work and have a vision for raising those funds. Now, a few years ago I would have shuttered at that kind of figure – but I’ve learned that I serve a God that is bigger than I imagined and greater than my mind can see. So we have laid this need before the Lord.
I am asking that you pray with my team and me because we want to make sure that we are hearing the Lord clearly and moving as He directs. We believe that the campaign we are about to launch will be a blessing to many and will give many people an opportunity to help us accomplish our financial goal. We are expecting the Lord to move and supply what we need. We are expecting the Lord to bless us as we are blessing others – as only He can do. We know that the cattle on a thousand hills belong to our God. This is easy for Him.
Can I count on you to pray and believe with us?
Updated March 4, 2009
The LISTENING ROOM Is Open
It would have been great to have had the opportunity to see my favorite albums developed; to hear those songs in their raw form and listen as the fixes and touches were done that made them such incredible Gospel classics. Very few artists allow anyone into their workshop until the product is completely finished. But I am giving that opportunity to you!
We have opened The Michael M. Smith Listening Room just for you. This gives you an opportunity to hear the songs from my upcoming project, Bigger Than I Imagined as they take form. The online folders gives you access to the songs in their various phases, from the raw, unedited live footage, to where we currently are in the background vocal overdub stage, all the way to the final mixed version of the songs. You will also be able to comment on each song in the folders and read the comments of other listeners as well as my comments. I think you will enjoy hearing the evolution.
To take advantage of the great opportunity, all you have to do is email me at music@michaelmsmith.com and let me know that you would like to have access to the listening room. Subsequently, you will receive an email from Box.net stating, "Michael M. Smith's Music Screening Room has invited you to share files in the "Listening Room" folder. Click the link below to access files shared with you, or upload your own (it's Free!):" It will require you to register your email address and create your own password for your access to the room.
Don’t delay! Join my other friends, fans and supporters who are already hearing the music in the Listening Room. Get in on the conversation. I can’t wait to hear your comments and get your advice. Together we can do something very special.
For those of you who are interested in the production backdoor pass, we are working on a few more details before I share that information with you. We are, however, creating footage and compiling information for you as we move along. I look forward to welcoming you into my world of music creation.
Updated March 4, 2009
A Journey With A Homeless Guy Named Joe
For the past few months I have had the opportunity to work with a homeless gentleman and assist him in his transition. His story is fascinating. Equally fascinating is the incredible challenges we are facing with the social services department. I am still working with him to get him all of the assistance that he needs. I’ve been documenting his story in my blog. This ongoing series is titled, “It’s A Long Walk From The Street – A journey with a guy named ‘Joe.’” I invite you to check out this powerful, heart-warming story.
If you have any experience with human or social services, or any advice you can share on how I can help my friend, I welcome your responses. Together, we can make a difference in this man’s life. Perhaps my experience will inspire you to take on someone in your community and walk him or her from the street… to residence and safety.
Every Christian should at least be a good Samaritan.
Updated January 27, 2009
Get Ready For BIGGER THAN I IMAGINED
On April 25, 2008 I recorded my second live project at Gethsemane Community Fellowship Baptist Church. My team and I spent several months considering our options for completing this work. We have now charted our course and are hard at work on completing the project. If the response of those who attended the concert as well as those who have previewed the recording is any indicator, this promises to be a powerful CD that will take you right to the Throne of God. The title track, “Bigger Than I Imagined” is a worshipper’s delight. It was inspired during my 2007 European tour. It’s the kind of song that reminds us of the awesomeness, power and wonder of our Great God. The project will include several other original songs as well as new arrangements of some popular and legendary songs. This project truly spans the gap between “Contemporary Christian Music” and “Soul Gospel” and creates a united worship experience that every worshipper can enjoy.
As we work on completing this project, I want to offer you what some would consider a-once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Knowing that what I have been able to accomplish in the music industry is because of wonderful supporters like you, I would like to invite you into the process of making this new project. We are working on a listening room just for you so that you can monitor our progress. I want you to be able to watch the project takes shape as we do the studio work that goes into making a record sound like the hits you hear on the radio. I want you to be able to give me direct feedback on what you are hearing and help me make critical decisions on the project. This way, the finished product will be something that you and I created together. To take advantage of this opportunity, simply send me an email at music@michaelmsmith.com and let me know that you are interested.
For my friends that are interested in music production, I would like to share my experience with you. We are creating a documentary and tutorial that will allow you to see the intricate details of my recording and mixing process. This will be video and audio information recorded as we are working in the studio. It will be the kind of thing that musicians and producers love to get into. It will also be great for songwriters that want to understand the entire process. If you would like to be a part of this information-sharing network, simply send me an email at production@michaelmsmith.com and let me know that you want to join in and I will give you further details.
So as you can see, I want to share this journey with you. Whether you are a friend, fan, supporter or if you are a fellow musician, singer, producer or songwriter, I want you to walk this journey with me. Let’s do something great for God together!
Updated May 20, 2008
New Partnership with MasterSound Studios
Having experienced first-hand the task of recording a music project, it became my desire to work with other artists and help them make their dreams a reality. Now I have a way to make that happen.
Recently I have entered a partnership with expert engineer and producer Robert Ulsh and MasterSound Studios as a staff engineer. Rob Ulsh and MasterSound is one of the most respected sources for industry-quality recording, mixing and mastering. Rob has worked with some of the most popular artists and producers in the music industry – including Norah Jones, Missy Elliott, Justin Timberlake, Timberland and Pharell.
Joining forces with MasterSound Studios allows me to offer top-notch music production at a state-of-the-art digital recording facility at a very modest price. Hayah Sounds Productions can offer full service music production for studio or live recordings; from demos to record-label releases.
For more information, contact me at music@michaelmsmith.com or call 757.965.7255
Updated July 25, 2008
Updates!!
Here are a few developments in my music ministry:
• Check out the new radio edit of the hit song, “I’m Saved.” Since the song has been such a tremendous hit in the Hampton Roads area, I’ve created a 3.5-minute version of the song – which is the radio and media standard – that we will be pushing nationwide. The song has been picked up by ClearChannel’s online radio venture, “NEW!” Now, here is where you come in: the more you play the song from ClearChannel’s online site, the more attention it gets. With enough attention, it could be sent to ClearChannel radio stations across the country – which is HUGE!! So, take 3.5 minutes and worship with me for the next few days.
• Take a praise break! Stop by my YouTube channel to view video footage from some of my concerts. My channel address is www.YouTube.com/HayahSounds. You can even get a sneak peak of footage from my latest live recording.
• We are in the post-production phase of my new project. As with most live recordings, there is lots of overdubs and clean-up work to be done. But we are so very excited about what was captured the night of the recording. I know it’s going to be a blessing to a lot of people. We are aiming for an early 2009 release of the project.
• I invite you to join me in my faith walk. My recent blog entries reveal a great deal about my journey. I’d love you to read it and share your thought with me.
Updated May 20, 2008
April 25th Live Recording - A Huge Success!
Fans and supporters from all across Hampton Roads gathered at Gethsemane Community Fellowship Baptist Church and worshipped together as I held my second live recording. It was a fantastic night of worship and music as we experienced the presence of the Lord. I was so delighted to see the building packed with so many of you, my friends. Represented in the midst was the Virginia Gospel Announcers Guild as well as several artists from the Hampton Roads area. My church family - Gethsemane - showed tremendous love as they not only helped fill the building but also made themselves available to help in any way possible.
This recording was made possible by great fans, supporters and sponsors. Among them was my corporate sponsor - Rev. Jerome Barber and the Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Temple of Hampton, VA.
The concert featured Kasey Square (co-producer), BJ Brown, AJ Knight, Wellington Britt, Rob White, Chris House, Neketa Knight, Bethany Pierce, Jene Bennett, Felicia Ford and Ashleigh Bynum
Updated January 17, 2008
Safe Return From European Tour
The music of Worship Of A Redeemed Man is now in Europe! From Gothic Cathedral to Jazz Club, the sound of worship was heard throughout Italy and Switzerland. We had an amazing trip throughout the Italian peninsula. Joined by Bethany Pierce, Felicia Ford, Neketa Knight, Jene Bennett and Wellington Britt, I was blessed to visit tropical island cities and cities atop snow-capped mountains. I can speak for all that traveled with me and say that our lives are forever changed as a result of this tour.
The 11-concert trip was very successful. We all learned a bit of Italian and found methods of effectively communicating the message of Gods love to our audience. The music was well received and we sold every CD that we took with us by the sixth concert. Fortunately, MySpace, iTunes, CDBaby and other websites made it possible to continue music sales even when the CDs were no longer available.
In an effort to let you experience this trip with us, I journaled our experiences daily. I welcome you to visit my blog at www.michaelmsmith.blogspot.com or on my MySpace page. You can also see the 400 or so photos from our tour at www.myspace.com/michaelmsmith.
Thank you very much for your prayers and encouragement during our tour. Thank you for the European travel tips that many of you sent to me. Your advice and suggestions were a true blessing.
Updated December 11, 2007
“We’ve Come This Far By Faith” Video Catches Fire
Since loading a video clip of our performance of “We’ve Come This Far By Faith” on YouTube.com and MySpace.com, the video has had more than 1,000 plays. Seven video clips were loaded onto the popular websites in October. In two months, I’ve had more than 2,400 plays. People are clearly taking advantage of the opportunity to have a praise break in the middle of their hectic day or to seize a song of encouragement at a moment of need.
CD Baby reports indicate that “We’ve Come This Far By Faith” is also the front-runner for digital downloads. Currently, Worship Of A Redeemed Man is selling faster in digital format than in CD format.
The growing popularity of digital sales makes is much simpler for independent artists to get our music to the masses. Websites like ITunes, Buy.com, Tradebit, and Payplay make it easy for consumers to find and purchase music from artist that have not been awarded conventional distribution deals with major record labels or distributors. This digital age phenomenon is creating much distress in the music industry for the major record labels. These times are being considered “the age of the independent artist” because the balance of power is shifting. Independent artists are able to post music and videos on the internet without restrictions of limitations by record labels. This allows artists to create their own “buzz” and make people aware of the music and ministry they have to share.
Having a video on the Web that consumers can not only see but can also display on their own websites allows fans to help promote artists of their choice. Clearly, I have some fans that have posted my videos on their websites. THANK YOU!! Because of you, people are being ministered to through my music ministry… people that I may not have been able to touch otherwise. Together, we are spreading the good news of Jesus Christ.
Updated November 27, 2007
Michael M. Smith European Tour
As the Christmas holiday approaches, I am preparing for my very first trip outside of the United States. Five members of my group and I will be traveling to Europe for a 10-City European tour. We will be traveling to Italy, Sicily and Switzerland. This intimate, acoustic tour will feature my background vocalists, including my drummer who is also an amazing singer, with me singing and playing piano. We will be flying out on December 15th and returning on December 31st.
Earl Bynum International Booking handled this wonderful tour. Minister Earl Bynum has been very instrumental in my ministry over the past three years. Before recording Worship Of A Redeemed Man, Minister Bynum sat at lunch with me and poured information into me that really helped guide me as a recording artist. Since then, he has provided me with many opportunities for exposure and growth. I am very grateful for the friendship and camaraderie we share.
Please pray for us as we travel. It will be difficult being away from our families over the holidays. But we get to share the Christmas message with people of another culture. We will be singing my arrangement of some popular Christmas carols as well as music from Worship Of A Redeemed Man. I look forward to lifting up Jesus and sharing His love with another culture.
If you have any travel experience in Europe, particularly Italy, that you’d like to share, please drop me a line. You can reach me via email at HayahSounds@cox.net. I would love any advice that you have to share.
Updated September 13, 2007
Hayah Sounds Productions
Worship Of A Redeemed Man was Michael M. Smith’s first true production effort. Since the release of his solo project, Michael has been working with other local artists and sharing his production and songwriting expertise. He is in the final stages of production for a new artist and songwriter, Irreka.
“I love Irreka’s writing. She’s very passionate in her lyrics,” Michael stated about this new artist. “She has the kind of voice that gets right through to your heart.”
When asked when he will release another project of his own, Michael answered, “Give me about another year and a half. I’m learning a lot about production and songwriting right now and all of this is going to really help me when I release my next project. Besides, my last project has a whole lot of life left in it. It’s still being added to new radio stations and gaining new audiences.”
Michael Makes an “Ebony Impact” at ODU
Ebony Impact Gospel Choir at Old Dominion University (ODU) has recently named Michael M. Smith as their new choir director. Ebony Impact (EI) has a wonderful musical history, having been taught by some of the greatest choir directors in the Hampton Roads, Virginia area. Michael conducted his first rehearsal with the choir on Tuesday evening. The room was charged with excitement as the more than 100 voices of EI began to sing. The choir includes a variety of ODU students of various ethnicities, from freshmen to graduate students. Look out for great news of this wonderful choir.
Updated May 11, 2007
Let me update you on a few things that have been happening:
• We are increasing our retail presence through additional record stores in South Carolina. CD Baby is yet processing internet sales from across the country. We are experiencing great success from digital downloads with Itunes, Napster and others moving this music around the globe. We’ve had great success with iTunes Europe, iTunes New Zealand and iTunes Canada. “We’ve Come This Far by Faith” continues to lead the pack for digital purchases.
• I have had great success with the MySpace page. With over 3600 hits, several people are hearing and learning about my music through this great medium.
• Music from Worship Of A Redeemed Man has been added to the playlist of several radio stations lately. Included are WCLK (Atlanta, GA), WTBC (Berrien Springs, MI) and KBCU (North Newton, KS).
• I’ve been invited back to the Afr’Am Festival in Norfolk, Virginia this year. We will be ministering on the Main Stage at Towne Point Park on Sunday, May 27th at 1:40 PM. We have also been invited back to the Issachar Leadership Conference at Mount Lebanon MBC located at 884 Bells Mill Road in Chesapeake, VA. We will be ministering on Tuesday, June 26th at 7:00 PM.
• My wife and I have recently become a part of the Gethsemane Community Fellowship Baptist Church family in Norfolk, VA. Since then, I have been given the opportunity to serve as Minister of Worship and Arts. It is an amazing, growing church with wonderful people and I am honored to serve here. Transitioning into this role has required a lot of time and attention over the past few months. Since the first time I heard him I’ve been a fan of Rev. Dr. Kirk T. Houston, Sr. Now, I get to serve in ministry with him.
Updated January 17, 2007
Hayah Sounds Produces Another Hit!
On the heels of the debut of Worship Of A Redeemed Man, Hayah Sounds has recently completed production for its second artist, Neechee Tucker. The production of this two-track demo recording has been met with great applause. The demo features music written by Michael M. Smith and co-written by Neechee.
“He’s There,” the first single from the demo, is being aired on WGPL (1350 AM) and WKUS (105.3 FM) in Norfolk, Virginia. Neechee’s music can also be heard on her MySpace website at www.MySpace.com/liftinghimup.
“This is highly unusual,” stated Michael, owner of Hayah Sounds. “It’s usually very difficult to get anything on radio. But we thought this demo was special. It’s great to have it confirmed by others in the industry.”
Michael is in talks with other clients to do more music production. For information about Hayah Sounds, call 757 965-7255.
Updated November 30, 2006
Sweet Home South Carolina
Michael will be headed to South Carolina next week for two engagements. Pastor Kenneth Doe and the Saint Joseph Baptist Church family welcomed Michael to Beaufort for a concert in April. Friday evening, December 8, Michael will be returning to Saint Joseph’s Bethesda Temple on Saint Helena’s Island in Beaufort. Saturday evening, December 9, Michael will be in concert at Canty Memorial Church of God in Christ in Sumter.
This will be Michael’s first trip to South Carolina with his full band. “You can expect some nice surprises in the songs,” Michael says about traveling with his band. “Having these awesome musicians and singers on stage with me makes it just an awesome praise & worship session. With the way the spirit of the Lord is showing up in the rehearsals, I know that the concerts are going to be anointed.”
Spreading the Christmas Spirit
It is widely accepted that the Christmas season is a time for giving and sharing. Michael will be sharing the gift of music and ministry during the Christmas season with two special engagements.
Wednesday, December 13 at 7:00 PM, Michael will be sharing the gift of music and ministry at the Union Mission on Brooke Avenue in Norfolk, VA. Michael has a history with the Union Mission that includes him serving as a chaplain for the Atlanta Union Mission in Georgia.
Saturday, December 23 at 7:00 PM, Michael will be sharing the gift of music and ministry for an event called “Celebrating Families at Christmas” being held at Gethsemane Baptist Church in Newport News, Virginia.
Michael M. Smith Nominated Male Artist Of The Year Updated July 20, 2006
The Virginia Gospel Announcers Guild has received nominations for the First Annual Virginia Gospel Awards Ceremony. Michael received a nomination for Male Artist of the Year. This award ceremony, being held September 16, 2006 at 7:00 PM is affiliated with the Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA).
Write Your Own Music Review Updated July 11, 2006
Hayah Sounds has received many great stories about Worship Of A Redeemed Man. We are extending the opportunity for you to share your story with the world. Please take a few moments and write a review of Michael’s project on the CD Baby webpage. Share with the world your opinion of this project and how it has affected your life. Simply click this link to go to the review page and write your story. This is a great way for Michael to hear feedback from his fans and supporters and for you to help advertise this project.
Michael Receives Praise and Worship Album
of the Year updated
April 3, 2006
On Saturday, April 1, 2006, Michael received the IGMA Praise
and Worship Album of the Year Award for Worship Of A Redeemed
Man. Selected from a pool of four candidates, Michael's project
received the highest number of votes. In his acceptance speech,
Michael reminded everyone of the fundamental purpose of his music. "This
is what we do - we worship," he stated.
Later in the program,
he offered stirring renditions of "I'm Saved" and "Fight
For Me."
Michael expressed his gratitude for his strong
and loyal fan base. "I know that I wouldn't have this award
- nor the nomination for that matter - without a strong, loyal,
awesome group of fans and supporters. They went to the website
and they voted. It is humbling to have your ministry so well
received. I am so blessed to have so many radio stations playing
my songs. The Lord has clearly smiled on me and I am very grateful
to Him for what He is doing."
