Michael Sweet Discusses New Solo Album “Ten”, Writing For Next Stryper Album, and MORE!

Building upon the success of his 2016 release One Sided War, Stryper front man Michael Sweet returns with his tenth solo studio release aptly titled, Ten. The new album was released in North America on October 11th via Rat Pak Records and will also be available in Europe via Frontiers Music SRL. Ten features an all-star guest lineup that includes appearances by JeffLoomis of Arch Enemy, Todd La Torre of Queensrÿche, Andy James, Tracii Guns of LA Guns, Rich Ward of Fozzy, Joel Hoekstra of Whitesnake,Gus G of Firewind, Howie Simon, Ethan Brosh, Marzi Montazeri, Will Hunt of Evanescence, John O’Boyle, Mike Kerr and Ian Raposa of Firstbourne and more. 

LRI recently had an opportunity to interview Michael Sweet again. Troy St Jacques spoke with Michael about his latest release of “Ten”, new Stryper music, an update on Stryper’s Oz Fox and more! Enjoy!

Legendary Rock Interviews (Troy St Jacques): Well, I want to say I am so excited to be talking to you, the great Michael Sweet of Stryper. I can’t even believe this is happening. I’m so thrilled, my friend. I want to wish you a very Merry Christmas to you and Lisa.

Michael Sweet: Likewise my friend. Merry Christmas to you and yours. How is it up there? You got probably a little more snow than we got.

LRI: Well, I think we got about six inches the other day. It’s actually just started to snow right now, again.

Michael: Yeah. We got maybe three or four inches. We’re a little less.

LRI: Well that’s not bad.  You have all your holiday Christmas tree up and everything?

Michael: Yeah. We’ve got all the decorations up for the most part. I haven’t done any shopping at all. I’ve just been writing and working on this new Stryper album every day.

LRI: That’s awesome.

Michael: I’m trying to get a lot of it out of the way so I have a good a week and a half or so before the holidays to just kind of chill and relax and enjoy the holidays.

LRI: I don’t blame you. Actually, I just read the other day that it sounds like you already have seven songs written for the new Stryper record?

Michael: Yeah.

LRI: That’s great.

Michael: Granted those songs are going to get tweaked along the way between now and then. Lyrics’ll get tweaked. Chord changes’ll get tweaked. But yeah, I’ve got seven songs arranged. It sounded really great. It’s going to be a great album, man.

LRI: That’s kickass. Is it in the direction of the last couple, like may some heavy or who would you say so far?

Michael: It is. Yeah. It’s in the direction of last heavy. I think if you merged “God Damn Evil” with “Fallen” and maybe a little throwback old school. There’s a song on this album that I wrote back in the late ’80s, early… Actually in ’89,’90. We actually tracked it for “Against the Law.”

LRI: Really?

Michael: Yeah. It never saw the light of day. There was never lyrics finished. There was never a melody. It was music. That’s going to be on this album. It’s a really cool song.

LRI: That sounds really excited because that album is very heavy in a different kind of direction than in a lot of ways as we all know, but just fantastic.

Michael: It is very much so. Very much so. I’m just getting more and more excited. I’m always one of those guys… I used to outdo the last project. Whether I accomplish that or not, I always try. We’ll see how it goes this time. I’m getting the feeling that this is going to be our best album. People can sneer or laugh at that all they want.

LRI: No. No. No.

Michael: But, hopefully we’re proving that theory with every album release.

LRI: I feel like you sure do. That’s for sure. You always seem to step it up. The quality of the sound in the guitar sound that you always strive to get, it’s just that Stryper sound, that Michael Sweet sound that you can tell right away, which I think is fantastic.

Michael: It’s definitely a signature sound. Love it or hate it. Much like the Boston sound or much like Van Halen or any other guitar sound that you recognize instantly as, oh that’s so and so. I think Stryper has that. We have our own unique guitar sound for sure.

LRI: For sure, which I love! It sounds great in the car cranked up. That’s the best way to listen to it, my humble opinion. Speaking of the last Stryper record, “God Damn Evil,” that definitely caused some controversy. Obviously the title, the song, “Take It To The Cross” a little bit. What do you think that happens for?

Michael: Well, yeah. It’s a little sad and a little frustrating that some people, not all, but some people could not get past the title. I think they had a problem being able to just say the title. Say those words. We’ve tried to educate people and show people that they’re just words.

LRI: Right.

Michael: It’s the meaning behind the words. Obviously, if you’re using that phrase, God damn as a swear in frustration or anger or to chew someone out or what have you, then that’s the wrong way to use those words, but if you use those words as a prayer, like God, will you damn the evil. I pray, Lord, that you’ve damn the evil around us. God, damn the evil. It’s a totally different meaning.

LRI: Which is exactly what the whole song says.

Michael: Exactly. nut some people couldn’t understand that or get past that. I don’t think they ever will. That’s okay! We have no regrets with that album whatsoever. We would not go back and change that. We wouldn’t add a comma. We wouldn’t change this. We wouldn’t change that. We made the album we wanted to make.

LRI: I’m glad you did. That song, when it starts off with that riff, it’s such… almost like an anthem. When I heard that the first time I’m this is my favorite song. The album I’m sure. Just the way it comes in and get scratch. It’s fantastic.

Michael: Well, you’re going to love this album then because there’s a few songs in that vein. More anthem-y kind of style. I think people are going to love it.

LRI: I’m sure. Looking forward to it for sure. This year you released your 10th solo CD appropriately entitled “Ten” which is by the way very heavy.

Michael: Yeah, it’s crazy.

LRI: Just the way I like it. Can you believe that’a ten solo records as well of course without a Stryper?

Michael: Yeah. It’s hard to believe. I’m including in that ten count, a demo that I released called “Unstryped”.

LRI: I’ve got it.

Michael: Some people don’t feel that that’s a fair inclusion, but I think it is. It is my 10th solo album. There’s also a title cut on the album called “Ten” about the Ten Commandments. I look back on the past ever since 2003 when Stryper got together and toured again for the first time since 1991. It’s just the blur. All the touring, all the music released, everything that’s been done between 2003 and now, it’s just amazing to me. Mind blowing.

I can’t believe… I can’t wait to see what the next 15 years bring. I think there’s a lot in store people, for all the fans out there, some really great stuff. I always use the term and I believe it that our best is yet to come. I don’t think we’ve made our best album. I don’t think I’ve made my best album.

LRI: Well, you’ll keep bringing it every time. I think that’s the best approach to have as an artist I would imagine. You always want to keep upping your game.

Michael: Absolutely. As long as we still love doing it, which we do and we’re still healthy, which we are, we’re out there, we’re able to still tour and “bring it” as they say, I think the best is yet to come for sure. I don’t doubt that for one second.

LRI: I don’t either, my friend! Hey, speaking of the new solo release, “Ten”…which was amazing. You have several guest musicians on there, which brings so much flavor to the tracks, doing the solos and a couple of the lead vocals …Gus G, Tracii Guns, Jeff Loomis, Mike Kerr and the list goes on. How is that working with all these incredible musicians with you? That experience must be amazing, I would imagine.

Michael: Yeah. I’m a guitar player first. People always ask me when I do things like this, why didn’t you just play all the guitars? The reason why is I really tried for the past few solo albums to make the album, well for all the solo albums, but especially the last two to really take it to a different level and make it very unique from Stryper. I figured the best way to do that was to bring in some outside guitar players because I’m the guitar player in Stryper. I’m the singer as well but I’m also the guitar player. When I play the guitar and because I have a signature sound and a signature style, it seems to take on more of that Stryper tone. I’ve tried to make it different by bringing in different guys. On this album, “Ten” I took it a step further. I brought in a different player for every song. It really did take each song to a different place. It helped to make it a very special and separated from the Stryper sound, at least in my opinion. There are still Stryper flavors to the solo album, the guitar tone and stylistically in the song writing, but I’m trying to give it its own signature. Hopefully, I was able to accomplish that with all the different guests.

LRI: Oh definitely. You definitely did. I love hearing the difference of the different quality in the sounds and the tones of the guitar solos. It is just amazing. It brings a lot.

Michael: Well, good man.

LRI: What would you say is the biggest difference recording your solo material as opposed to recording with the guys in Stryper? Is it easier? Is it more difficult? I’m curious about that.

Michael: It’s not that it’s easier or more difficult, it’s just that it’s a process. I’m a very… OCD. I talk about that OCD and ADHD. I tend to hyper focus on things, especially music. I don’t want to say that I obsess over it, but I guess to a degree I do. I want it to be perfect, everything. It’s a lot of work. It’s very tedious. It’s exhausting. After three months period of working on an album, man I’m fried, but at the same time I can sit for one day. But then after that it’s, okay, what’s next because I’m a bit of a workaholic. I love to work. I love to stay busy and active. Unfortunately that doesn’t allow for me to get much vacation time or rest. I’ve been working nonstop man! Since ’03 for the most part. It’s just been a blur.

LRI: I can imagine it must be for you. It seems almost every year or thereabouts is another solo record or another Stryper record. It just goes on and on, which is amazing for us fans, but it’s got to be a whirlwind for you with the touring in between, etc.

Michael: It is. It’s a whirlwind. It’s just constant work and that’s okay. I don’t regret that. I don’t want that necessarily to change because I like the opportunities. I like the fact that I’m busy, that I’m active, that I’m still working. Doing what I love. That day will come when I can’t do it. Then I’m going to wish that I could.

LRI: No time soon, my friend!

Michael: I hope not. I hope that’s a long way down the road, but until then I’m going to keep doing it as much as I can while I’m given the opportunities and the chances to do albums and tours and what have you. I’m going to keep taking advantage of that and walking through those open doors.

LRI: That’s awesome. Well, we love it. Hey, also I want to say congratulations. The new bass player, Perry Richardson… I have not had a chance to see you guys play live with him yet, but I will be when I to go to the Tupelo show. Formerly of Firehouse, of course, Perry joined a couple of years ago in 2017. He seems like he’s bringing quite a joy to the band. It’s very obvious in the things I read and the things I see. How has he improved the band or how is he fitting in?

Michael: Yeah. I’ll tell you what, you hit the nail on the head with the word joy. He brings joy to the band. He’s got this infectious smile glued on his face. When he enters a room, he’s got a smile on. When he leaves, he’s got a smile on. It’s infectious. Everybody smiles from Perry’s smile. It just kind of passes on to one person after the other. It’s nice to look over on stage and see him smiling. It gives us a shot in the arm like “yeaaaaaah!”. He’s a great player. He’s a solid in the pocket player. He’s a fantastic singer. I can’t wait to have him sing on the new album and play on the new album because I think it’s going to really show the world what Perry can do. I tell you what. He’s one of the best in the business. There’s no doubt!

LRI: That’s fantastic. Can’t wait just see him up on stage with you guys soon. In my little notes, I just wrote a couple of notes of course before that. I did write huge smile and huge hair (Laughs). You said the smile before I got a chance to say it!

Michael: (Laughs)..Exactly. Yeah. He’s got the big hair and his smile and the heart to go along with all of it. Yeah. It’s amazing.

LRI: That is awesome. I’ve been married nine years now. We played, of course, like so many people I’m sure tell you ‘We played “Together As One” our last dance!’. How often do you hear from fans and friends that they’ve used one of your songs in their wedding? I would imagine quite a bit.

Michael: Oh man. More often than you would expect. It’s incredible how many people have used a Stryper song for a wedding song. That’s “All Of Me,” “Together As One,” “Honestly.” Even some of the more recent modern ballads. It’s amazing. I’ve personally performed some of those songs at weddings.

LRI: Fantastic!

Michael: It’s really special. I can walk it out and I can sing that song, “Together As One” or “Honestly” to the bride and groom. It’s really special.

LRI: Oh man. I should have hit you up for that. That would’ve made more great!

Michael: Oh man. Well, you know what? If you guys renew your vows, let’s do it!

LRI: Oh man. I’m going to hold you to that that if we do that. That’s just amazing. Hey, I noticed that a couple of days ago you announced this really incredible things. You said, the yellow and black… Friday, which you announced this release of a limited edition “Soldiers Under Command” Battle Van, a collectible, for pre-order. How did that come about? That actually shocked me as being a huge fan of course since ’84. Knowing you on and off a bit. I was like, is it going to be a Christmas song or album coming out? How did the battle van collectible come about?

Michael: Well, you know what? That’s something that we announced a while ago. We did a poll to see how popular it might be. The problem with that… It came about from a company that we work with. They suggested doing something like that. We thought it was a great idea. Let’s do it! The problem is the company that’s producing those are in Japan… It’s very expensive to have each one made. It’s going to be a quality item, but it’s very expensive to have them made. That’s why the price tag is… They were on sale for $99.99. I think the regular everyday price is $129 or… I don’t know the exact number. We had some complaints from people that it’s too high. That’s too high for a toy, but I’ll tell you what, it’s a really killer quality toy in a limited edition. It’s like once they’re gone, they’re gone. It’s going to be a pretty awesome thing to have. I know that I’ve got one reserved for sure. We just thought it’d be something that’s cool because that van is talked about more than anything. People ask us all the time. “”Whatever happened in the van on Soldier Under Command? It’s iconic. It really is.

LRI: It really is that iconic cover with the van and all you guys and of course, iconic album, which was incredible. The first time I saw you guys was actually at the Channel in Boston. You probably remembered the Channel way back.

Michael: Oh, of course, man. Yeah.

LRI: I was with a couple of guys in my youth group. I was absolutely blown away. That’s when on stage for the first time I heard you guys recording the next record, which will be “To Hell With The Devil”. That was just mind blowing. It was just an amazing.

Michael: Yeah. I’ll never forget that. I believe Mass was there with this playing as well.

LRI: Yes. They were.

Michael: Is that right?

LRI: That’s right.

Michael: I remember the Channel. That was such a special time and such an electrifying time. The band, obviously what we were doing was on fire. Everything was just exploding. It was so cool, man, to see what was going on.

LRI: It was the greatest. One little thing I took away from it, which is extremely random. You reach over to Oz’s hair, which is larger than life. I don’t think I’ve ever seen. Plus you tug on it and you’re like “Yes guys, this is real!” Something like that. It was so cool. That’s funny i remembered that from forever ago. Speaking of Oz, if I can. The lifelong guitarist with Stryper was amazing in every way. What a great guy and amazing player. Could I ask how is Oz doing with his health?

Michael: You know what? He’s doing well. He’s trying some different things. He’s been on a special diet. Lost some weight. Physically feeling better. Looking better. But you know, there’s still a lot of unknowns and things that we have to get through over the next year or so. He’s got a couple of tumors. We’re not sure if he’s going to have surgery or not. He’s trying some other methods to shrink them. It’s just a day by day process. We appreciate everyone’s prayers. We’re just remaining very hopeful and faithful. We believe he’s going to be okay, man.

LRI: Amen. Definitely, we’ll keep him in prayer. He’s an incredible person. The four of you guys touched so many people. Obviously keeping him in our prayers. We love him for sure.

Michael: Absolutely, man. Thank you, buddy.

LRI: You’re very, very welcome. I have one last really question if you don’t mind. Unless you got anything else to add, I’m curious. I thought of this last night. “I wonder what Michael Sweet would be doing if perhaps he never were a musician or didn’t quite make it as a musician or something.” I wonder what you’d be doing for a living?

Michael: Oh man.

LRI: Any thoughts on that?

Michael: Well, you know what? I actually thought about going to school and becoming a doctor years ago.

LRI: Really?

Michael: Yeah. I really considered it. I love helping people. I don’t know if there’s any better way to help people then being a doctor. At the same time, it would be probably very sad and frustrating as well when you lose someone under your care.  But man, that’s the one thing I think I might be doing, if I wasn’t a musician.

LRI: That’s interesting.

Michael: I think I would have pursued that. I’m very blessed, man. I do what I love. I still love it with all my heart. It’s really a blessing. Incredible.

LRI: Well, it’s a blessing to all of us. God bless you and your family, Lisa. I’ve met you guys all of course. I love you guys so much. I’m so thankful that you took this time to talk with me, Michael. You touch so many of us.

Michael: Hey brother, we love you man. Look forward to seeing you always. It’s always a joy to see you. We’re going to see you soon. God bless you. Merry Christmas. Happy New Year.

__________________

Visit Michael Sweet On The Net:
https://www.michaelsweet.com – Official Website
http://www.stryper.com – Official Stryper Wesite
https://www.facebook.com/TheMichaelSweet – Official Facebook
https://twitter.com/michaelhsweet – Official Twitter

Pre-Order The limited edition “Soldiers Under Command” Battle Van Today! – Click Here

The track listing for Ten is:

1) Better Part of Me (featuring Jeff Loomis of Arch Enemy)
2) Lay It Down (featuring Marzi Montazeri)
3) Forget, Forgive (featuring Howie Simon)
4) Now Or Never (featuring Gus G of Firewind)
5) Ten featuring (Rich Ward of Fozzy)
6) Shine (featuring Ethan Brosh)
7) Let It Be Love
8) Never Alone (featuring Joel Hoekstra of Whitesnake)
9) When Love Is Hated (featuring Joel Hoekstra of Whitesnake)
10) Ricochet (featuring Tracii Guns of LA Guns)

Bonus Tracks:

11) With You Till The End (featuring Mike Kerr and Ian Raposa from Firstbourne)
12) Son Of Man (featuring Todd La Torre of Queensryche and Andy James)

Click Here To Order Today —> https://www.ratpakrecordsamerica.com/michaelsweet

 

Tags: full-image, Michael Sweet, Stryper, ten

Category: Interviews