2008 Woodie Awards
Doctor Rocker: Faculty talent grabs students' attention
Shaun Mitchell
Issue date: 12/8/05 Section: News
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He is emerging from the Administration Building as a musical force to be reckoned with.
Dr. Michels has been an assistant professor of political science in the Department of Government and Politics for three years now.
He may stay busy with political science, but music has been a part of him since before his college days.
"I've been in and out of bands since high school. I haven't done anything that I would call serious in over 10 years," said Michels.
His band consists of Michels, along with his collaborative partner, Christopher Mir, Hang On St. Christopher is named after a song by Tom Waits.
They just finished their album on Nov. 27 and recently received interest from an independent record company.
"I've listened to Dr. Michel's music and it is really good. Sometimes I listen to it while I work," said Shannon Hines, senior, Port Jefferson, N.Y.
"Chris and I are both big fans of his. And since St. Christopher is the patron saint of travel, it seemed to fit our vision of how music should be an adventure," said Michels.
As far as classifying their music, Michels described it as a mix of all types of music, including pop, rock, folk, and country but mainly Indie or Alternative roots.
According to Michels, young children seem to enjoy their music, which he thinks is always good.
Recently Dr. Michels started a website to showcase his music. The website boasts 13 songs as well as a link to his collaborative partner, Christopher Mir's website.
"I was introduced to Chris [Mir] by Brian Stiltner, who teaches Religious Studies here at SHU, this past July. He's a professional artist and does all of our artwork," said Michels.
"We had so much in common musically. The decision to begin playing together, was obvious. We've been writing and recording since."
Dr. Michels has found a perfect compliment for himself in Mir.
Dr. Michels admits he may not be able to sing a note to save his life, but he writes the music. He has Mir sing instead because Mir cannot write music.
Musically, Michels focused on the bass and the guitar, while Mir performed vocals and percussion.