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michael priebe
Interview by George Martinez (George's bio)

I heard a song not long ago called "What Would I Be, Without You?" written by Mark Hutchinson of Mesa, Arizona. His song was the first thing that came to mind when I heard Michael Priebe's new song titled "Where Would I Be." They seem to go hand in hand as we consider the path life could take us if we didn't have Christ. But Michael is an example of "where"a life of Christ can take us, and "what" a life of Christ can bring. I met Michael earlier this year and had the opportunity to interview him just a few days ago.

George: Michael, will you tell me the full name of your band and what you are currently doing?

Michael: We always go by my name, Michael Priebe. I'm a solo artist and I end up using different musicians for various venues. I had a set band about four years ago named Common Creed. They were great people and we had a lot of fun. It can just be difficult at times to keep commitment, vision, and personalities cohesive through time when you're dealing with a band. So, now, I have a pool of incredible musicians that I pull from for various gigs. It seems to work out pretty well.

Right now I'm releasing my title cut from my last album, "Where Would I Be," for some national Christian radio play. We'll see what God has in store with this venture. My wife and I have just recently moved to Ventura, California to be closer to my producer, Jimmy Mac, to start working on another album. I continue to lead worship at a few different churches in Southern California and I'm doing concerts and appearances as much as possible.

George: How did you get your start in Christian music? What caused you to pursue this ministry?

Michael: I really started pursuing that in 1995 when I met my good friend and producer, Jimmy Mac. I was looking for a place to record a demo so I could have something concrete to "shop" if I could. Someone referred me to Jimmy's studio to record my project. I met Jimmy and we talked for a long time about my vision and passion for music. Our friendship and our visions grew and we recorded my first album with my band, "Common Creed, When He Calls," in 1996.

God caused me to pursue this ministry. Let me explain. There has been this passion in my heart for many years now to sing for God and to be used by him in the fullest. About three years ago I had a serious heart to heart with Him. I prayed a simple prayer that went something like this: "God, I don't know what your plans are for me but I want you to know that I want to go wherever you want me to go. Close doors and open others. Use me. Send Me." Just a couple of months after that prayer I was called to the Philippines for a month to sing and minister. Just weeks after that I was laid off of my physical therapy job. He closed some serious doors and pushed me in the direction He wanted me to go. It was pretty evident to me what He wanted.

George: Have you been able to draw from your personal experiences to write songs for the Lord? What is a good example?

Michael: Yep, I sure have. I met a boy about five years ago named Scotty. Scotty has cerebral palsy and is wheelchair bound. He's a sharp kid and a joy to be around. I was his physical therapist for about a year and a half so we grew very close. I'm not one to have a lot of dreams, or even remember them, for that matter. But I had about three or four dreams on separate occasions about my little buddy, Scotty. He was running through this field of gold with an incredible smile on his face with his arms and legs doing exactly what he told them to do. It was a beautiful picture that I hold close to my heart. It was a picture of what is to come. When we see our Savior face to face and our bodies are made new, on that day "When Scotty Runs."

George: You have had two previous CDs, "Common Creed, When He Calls" and "Send Me". Can you tell me about your most recent CD projects?

Michael: My latest album is considered my debut album. It's entitled "Where Would I Be." It is currently distributed in Christian stores nationwide. We've received tons of great feedback from this album. Hopefully you'll be hearing "Where Would I Be" on a radio station in your area. It includes "No Giants", "Wings of a King", "Let Go", "Follow You", "When Scotty Runs," and many others.

I'm currently working on a Christmas album due out this December. I've teamed up with one of Southern California's fastest growing worship leaders, writer, and pianist, Jeffery David, to put this album together. I'm really looking forward to it.

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For concert info you can visit Michael's web site: www.michaelpriebe.com or visit your favorite Christian bookstore for his CD"Where Would I Be."

About George Martinez: George Martinez is the founder of Christian Songwriters Resource.com and Publisher of Songwriting, the Journal. Phone 480-964-0710. Online Visit: http://christiansongwritersresource.com