Former American Idol Top 10 finalist Michael Sarver is stepping into one of the most personal chapters of his career with Layer Two, arriving September 25. Following the release of Layer One, the seven-song EP completes an autobiographical journey through abandonment, shame, healing, and restoration. Sarver discusses how God transformed his years in the Texas oil fields, the music industry, and worship ministry-and why sharing his deepest wounds has given him a renewed sense of purpose.
Q: Michael, for those who may know you primarily from American Idol, who is Michael Sarver today-as an artist, worship leader, husband, father, and man of faith?
I am a more aware individual today-a person surer of who I am in the Lord and what God's purpose for me is. After many years away from the industry, God has not only strengthened my family, but He has also healed and restored what the enemy stole. Now, I believe I walk with more confidence in the mission of sharing the Gospel and with the tools God gave me to complete it.
Q: Your journey has taken you from the Texas oil fields to national television, country music, and now Christian music and worship ministry. How has God used each season to shape the artist you have become?
God has definitely used every season for His good. Even when I wasn't living at my best, He was still using those circumstances to teach me. From hard physical work in the oil fields to the mental and emotional work of the music business and the honor of pastoring a worship team, it all prepared me for such a time as this. I can now approach music ministry with a true heart, the right reasons, and the work ethic to plow forward even when it is challenging. I am more equipped now than ever.
Q: Layer One and Layer Two form a single autobiographical arc. Why did you divide your story into two EPs, and what does Layer Two reveal that listeners may not have heard on the first project?
I decided to break the Layers album into two seven-song EPs to allow listeners time to digest the message of half the songs first instead of all 14 tracks at once. There are some real and deep songs on these EPs. Layer One has encouraging, bright songs as well as a couple of more serious tunes that I love. However, I feel that the main difference with Layer Two is the even greater depth of some of the lyrics. Layer Two has several very vulnerable songs that I believe will speak to some real challenges we face. It also has the title track, "Layers," which is the song that started all of this.
Q: "Layers" confronts your father's abandonment as well as the guilt and shame connected with your own choices. How difficult was it to make those private wounds public, and what healing took place while you were writing the song?
Powerful question. It was emotional, for sure. Putting these very personal stories and feelings out there can be tough and risky, but incredibly rewarding as well. It is risky because it opens you up to judgment and opinions, but it is worth it if someone else finds healing through it.
In writing these personal truths, I discovered how God was using the songs to show me areas in my life where I needed healing. It really launched me into a more intimate and stronger relationship with Jesus. As I wrote it all down, I saw just how incredibly good and faithful God has been in my life. It definitely lit a new and fresh fire in me.
Q: Songs such as "Water," "I Still See God," and "Praise You With My Life" explore baptism, perseverance, and surrender. Which song on Layer Two most accurately reflects where you are spiritually today, and why?
The song that most accurately describes where I currently am in my life spiritually is "Brand New." I wrote about truly letting go of the past and being made new in the Lord. It hasn't been an easy journey because God forgives, but we as humans are incapable of forgetting. Couple that with the devil constantly trying to remind us of every pain and failure, and it can be a real battle. But if we can truly let go and let God, He can and WILL restore us and make us "Brand New!"
Q: Away from the stage, what is bringing you the greatest joy personally right now-and after completing these two deeply personal EPs, where do you hope God and your music will take you next?
I am truly enjoying this new season with my family. My wife, Tiffany, and I are closer than ever. My son, Grayson, is 19, and my daughter, Makenna, is 21 and married. I have gained a son-in-law, and we are all able to make music together. My son plays drums on the album and in concert, and my daughter sings background vocals on everything as well.
As for what's next, my hope is that this album will succeed at a level that makes way for many more releases. If we can build a strong foundation, it will allow us to minister on the road for a long time to come while living purpose-driven lives.
For further information, michaelsarvermusic.com or turningpointpr.com. Follow Sarver on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
