Sean Michel is a musician who hails from Bryant, Arkansas. He was initially known most widely for his appearance on American Idol Season 6. However, he toured with his band for at least two years prior to his appearance on the show, and continues to gain an increasing audience worldwide. Sean makes an impression with his long hair and beard, but is memorable for his soulful vocal style.

 

Now without a band, Sean turned to long time friend Andy Turner to help record a demo for the new songs Sean was writing. Turner's independent and DIY ethos provided a drastic departure from the more polished and pop influenced recording that Sean had become wary of. They completed the "Just Let Go Demo" in only a month and produced only a few short runs of physical copies that each sold out quickly.

During this time, Sean met a young guitar player named Alvin Rapien who attended the same church as Sean. The two began to collaborate and eventually Alvin became Sean's regular guitar player. In 2009, the two of them partnered again with Andy Turner to make a full length album. Turner moved in with Sean and recorded the album at Sean's house over a period of 7 months. During this time, Sean toured only sparsely, as he spent most of his time developing the sound he wanted. Late in 2009, Sean released "I Know I've Been Converted", a blues influenced album that contains new renditions of several old spirituals mixed in with original songs. The album never had an official release date, but physical copies became available in late 2009 and digital downloads became available in 2010.

Also during 2009, Sean toured solo through India and Nepal for over two months.^[4] Sean played over 40 dates on this tour and this time period helped rejuvenate Sean's vision and passion for his music as he saw thousands of people touched by his music on the other side of the planet^[5]

In 2010, Sean was invited to come to Chile to play in coordination with relief efforts after the 2010 Chile Earthquake. Sean this time brought an entire band to play several shows throughout the country.^[6] During this time, bass player Seth Atchley joined Sean's band.

In 2011, Sean announced a fundraising effort for a new record.^[7] Drummer Bradley Batterton also joined the group and Sean has increased his touring schedule. Sean also ran the Arkansas Stage at Cornerstone Festival for the third straight year, this time creating quite a buzz with his gospel blues, rock and soul sound.^[8]

Sean Michel has developed a revolutionary persona in this new age of the music industry and stands as a symbol of independent music getting back to its roots. Despite this, Sean has publicly said that he hopes to work with a record label one day if it can get his music out to a broader audience. Sean has announced plans to continue to tour with more frequency in 2011 and beyond.