Notable artist/drummer/songwriter, Michael Feighan, will release his first solo project, Someone Prayed, on October 15, 2021. Feighan’s high-profile career began when he joined the Christian metal band Whitecross, and he was ranked in the top 10 drummers in Christian music. Feighan became an on-demand drummer that led to other opportunities outside of Whitecross. This included being signed to Star Song Music (1991-1993), R.E.X Music (1994-1995), Madison Line Records (2013), playing with Curious Fools on the Gotee label in 1997, performing with Oz Fox of Stryper and pop artist B.J. Thomas.
Besides delivering great vocals and music, Feighan assembled an incredible team for Someone Prayed. Matt Bissonette (Elton John, Ringo Starr) joined as producer, while his brother, Gregg Bissonette (Ringo Starr), added his drumming expertise for the EP and five-time Grammy Award-winning engineer, Chris Lord-Alge (Bruce Springsteen, Tina Turner, Tim McGraw) brings his talent to the mix. The first single, “I Still Believe,” is a patriotic song that honors our military and salutes our nation. The four song EP also includes the title track and two additional songs that were written for his wife and daughter. In this TCB Exclusive, Feighan shares how personal struggles inspired the title track and how creating this solo project stood out from his previous projects.
Congratulations on the upcoming release of Someone Prayed! Can you share the meaning behind the EP title?
The meaning behind the EP is that everyone has a ‘someone’ prayed story. Whether it’s family, friends, or people you don’t even know that are praying for you, or maybe you’re the person that’s standing in the gap for someone in need. When my wife and I adopted our daughter from Russia, we went through a very trying time and we knew that people were praying for us, and possibly there were people that we will never know personally praying for us also. Later, my wife and I got through a very challenging trial with a physical sickness, and we seemed to be living out the words to this song. Praise God, my wife got her healing miracle, and praise God for the people who stood in the gap for us when we couldn’t stand. Now, we are standing in the gap for family and friends, and even people we may never meet or know on a personal level, in order for them to receive their miracle.
For you, what is the unifying theme that ties these four tracks together? Did this evolve as you created, or was it part of the original vision?
I would say the unifying theme that ties these four tracks together is that we need Jesus in all aspects of our lives, during the good and bad times. Without Jesus, life is meaningless. This project both evolved and was part of an original vision. I knew there were things I had to put down lyrically that had been in my heart for so long, but with the evolving division in our country, a good friend convinced me to write a patriotic song to encourage the American people. I’m so happy I did it, although at the time it seemed like a tall order. With the help of producer and amazing songwriter Matt Bissonette, we came up with a beautiful tribute to the men and women of our country. They sacrificed for our freedoms and for what this country was built on, which is God.
You’ve pre-released “I Still Believe” ahead of the EP release. Have there been any listener reactions that have stood out to you?
The reaction to my pre-release of ‘I Still Believe’ has been just wonderful! It’s quite emotional when you get responses from veterans, moms and dads whose son or daughter is serving our country in the military, and how they say that this song really touched them and gave them hope. That’s the best response when it comes from someone who served our country, and that I was able to bless them a little for the huge sacrifice they gave to me and so many others.
Take us back to filming the official video for “I Still Believe.” How did that day most surprise you, perhaps even exceeding your expectations?
The filming of my video for ‘I Still Believe’ was a long process. We kept looking for images that would encourage people and remind them that this country is not lost, and that there is still hope when we stand together with faith in God. I think one of the most exciting parts of the video was when my wife’s uncle, who served in the military and was in Vietnam, agreed to be in the video. He is the gentleman holding the flag and saluting. It really came out so good, and it looked like I had hired an actor, [laughs]!
How will you define success for this collection compared to previous projects?
This is my first solo project, so this is much different than my previous projects which were with bands. Obviously, as a solo artist, I want to be successful and be able to keep making and creating music and art. If this project does not lead people to Jesus, where they will find hope, healing, deliverance and salvation, then there is no success.
How is creating a solo collection different from your prior collaborative / band projects? Do you find the solo work has an added layer of personal connection for you?
For this solo project of mine, ‘Someone Prayed,’ I really wasn’t sure what to do and just jumped in with both feet. God surrounded me with amazing people—musicians and songwriters—that helped me put what was in my heart into the songs and lyrics. I am amazed when I realize that I have a solo project that came out better than I could’ve ever imagined, and it’s only because of God in His mercy and grace. This solo project is definitely more personal than any project I have been involved with and much more satisfying for sure.
What are you most expectant for in the remainder of 2021?
I would say the main thing that I am most expectant for in the remainder of 2021 is to work diligently to get this music and messages out to the masses. It’s a challenging time with all that’s going on in the world, especially for musicians. However, with God all things are possible. 1 John 4:4 “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”
