Louder Than The Music

US band MIKESCHAIR released their new album 'All or Nothing' recently. LTTM spoke with lead singer Mike Grayson to find out a little more about this creative band, and to get his thoughts on worship music.

For those who haven't heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got involved in making music?

I grew up in Orlando, FL where I started in music singing in a boys choir where whoever could sing the highest was the coolest, haha. I got my first guitar in 5th grade and that changed everything. I immediately started writing worship songs for my youth group and have never stopped. I led worship at my church all the way through high school and then left Orlando to go to Belmont University in Nashville, TN. Within the first two weeks of my freshman year, MIKESCHAIR started and we have been going ever since!

Tell us a little bit about your new album 'All Or Nothing' and what the inspiration behind it was?

'All or Nothing' was the first song I wrote for this new album. The past two records I wrote and wrote and then after the fact realized there was a theme. This is the first album where I wrote with a theme in mind from the beginning. We feel called to be a part of a generation that is willing to stand up and say, "I know what I believe and why I believe it and I'm ALL in!" This album goes through the ups and downs of what it means to be a believer but ends with the final statement, "I surrender ALL."

Some of the songs on the album, like 'People Like Me', are clearly deeply personal songs. Is it hard writing about personal experiences and sharing them with people?

It is, but at the same time, it isn't. The reason I write songs is to connect with the Lord and connect with people. I think the best way to connect with both is by being honest and open. I kind of like letting people know that I'm not perfect and my story isn't perfect because I think that brings that much more glory to the Lord. I hope I can continue to be honest and vulnerable through my songs.

Which is your favorite track on the album and why?

Favorite track would have to be 'People Like Me' because of how personal the song is. This song is about my family's struggle with addiction and how we found healing. Having Matthew West on this song with me makes it that much more special.

What's your songwriting process?

My process looks different every time. Sometimes it starts with a lyric idea, sometimes a melody. I keep a running list on my phone of ideas and melodies that I refer back to.

If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?

I have always been a huge fan of Martin Smith from Delirious and have always wanted to write with him. His songs have helped shape the songwriter I am today.