Album Notes

Michael Popenhagen is the director of worship and arts at Resurrection Life Church of Richland, Michigan. Mike is a forerunner of young worship leaders who has worked with various Christian artists, including Paul Baloche, Eli, Jason Upton, Curt Coffield, and Michael Gungor. His style is comparable to that of Lincoln Brewster, Chris Tomlin, and David Crowder, just a few contemporary worship leaders.

Michael has always had a passion for music. At the age of seven, his mother bought him an Elvis Presley record that he just couldn't play enough. He determined at this young age that he wanted to be a musician and singer like Elvis. In 3rd grade, Michael began attending church. Soon after, he attended a local Christian crusade and gave his heart to the Lord.

During his formative years, Michael was greatly influenced not only by Elvis, but also by music from the 50's and 60's- namely The Beatles, Roy Orbison and Del Shannon. The highlight of his teen years was becoming friends with and playing on stage with Del Shannon in front of 1000's of people. This appearance led to numerous opportunities for Mike to perform. As his notoriety and success grew, he began to focus on pursuing a career in country music. Like many aspiring country musicians, Mike and his band spent the next 2 years playing at festivals, in clubs, and some bars. After an unusually hard night of this lifestyle, Mike reached a low point and realized that this was no way to live. In his anguish, he cried out, "God, I'm sorry. Change me and my life."

That life changing moment began a journey that eventually led Mike to become the worship leader at Resurrection Life Church of Richland. Throughout his 7 year tenure, he's developed a top rate, music program with some of the best musicians in the industry. Michael launched his first CD project, Heart Wide Open in 2002 which was widely received and quickly followed with a live recording project titled, Inspired.

Michael is a seasoned songwriter/musician whose love for God is apparent in the songs he writes and the way he worships. Michael says, "In worship music, people are changed, are touched by God, and are healed and I love being a part of that. I don't want to go and just entertain people, but I really want them to experience God."

Michael has a music style that's all his own. His stlye has been compared to Dave Matthews or John Cougar. His use of the Hammond, acoustic and electric guitars gives his music an organic, earthly feel but with an element of pop as well.

Michael states, "I am amazed at the journey God has brought me on. I love this journey and I can't wait for the next 10 years of my life."