Imagine retiring after more than 15 years as a police officer and SWAT team member following a life-altering incident. Then, imagine pursuing music in Nashville—not only as a personal healing outlet but also as a way to connect listeners with stories of faith, resilience, and life in law enforcement. That is the incredible journey behind the blossoming music career of country artist Michael Lisenby. It is an honor to share my interview with him for the readers of Social Lifestyle Magazine.
Lisenby’s journey from retired police officer to independent country music artist is both inspiring and deeply personal. As he described in his own words:
“Long story, and unplanned journey for sure. I had a few key critical incidents, such as an officer-involved shooting that I was involved in. It really affected me in a lot of ways and ultimately changed my trajectory, quasi-forcing a pivot to where I ended up getting out of law enforcement after 15.5 years. Once it was looking like I was going to be leaving, I was trying to figure out what the next move would be, since so much of my professional life and identity had been directly tied to law enforcement—it was all I had done since I was 22 years old.”
However, life and faith had other plans. He remembers:
“My wife was the first one who said out loud, ‘What if we moved to Nashville and gave music a shot?’ We had been out to Nashville once before for me to play Whiskey Jam, so we had very little experience in the ‘music scene.’ Strangely though, the idea of moving our whole life to come out here and pursue this path started to take root and made more and more sense as time passed—and in conjunction with a lot of prayer and faith that we were going where God was leading us.”
Music as a tool for healing has been central to Michael’s journey. He explains:
“It was paramount in my healing journey. Initially, I wrote songs for myself and my own expression. But it wasn’t long before I started realizing that a lot of folks resonated with the stories and songs I was writing, and it was helping them along their journey.”
One of Michael Lisenby’s notable songs is “Hammer Down,” which addresses the reality of mental health, deep emotional struggles and moments of despair. Michael reflects:
“I’ve been to so many cases over the years, I wanted to write something that might help someone who was in that dark place. I wanted to come from a different angle though, so I wrote it from the perspective of the surviving friends/family. The idea behind it was to show/explain to the person that’s in that dark place that no matter how much they convince themselves that their friends, family, or the world in general would be better off without them, they won’t. And that the pain they are feeling when the ‘hammers down’ doesn’t end—it passes to those they love.”
Michael is eager to share several meaningful projects with his fans, reflecting some of the most personal songwriting of his career. As he explains:
“I recently recorded four deeply personal acoustic projects, each built around songs I’ve held close for a long time. These pieces represent not only my journey as a songwriter but also my experiences as a police officer, son, and human being navigating both heartbreak and hope.”
The first track, “Hammer Down,” explores the struggle of someone on the verge of giving up. Michael’s goal was to give voice to that battle in a way that encourages anyone in a dark place to reach out one more time—reminding them there is always a reason to hold on.
The second, “Is It Warm in Heaven,” was inspired by a moment Michael will never forget—a conversation with a homeless man during a bitterly cold winter in Washington while on patrol. He wrote the song from the man’s perspective: exhausted, hopeless, and asking God one final question—”Is it warm in Heaven?”
The third track, “I Got a Bottle” (released on 7/18), was written in response to the tragic Lakewood shooting in Washington, when four police officers—one of whom Michael knew personally—were murdered in a coffee shop. The song serves as a tribute, built on the hope that even when loved ones are taken too soon, there will be a reunion in Heaven, where they can raise another glass together.
Finally, “Shake the Hand of a Hero” honors the wisdom and advice passed down from his father. It is a heartfelt reflection on the lessons of integrity, courage, and love—and a celebration of the everyday heroism found in living a good and meaningful life.
Do you love how music can connect people from all walks of life? Michael believes music has the power to heal. He reflects:
“I think music is such a special medium that can take people to a place emotionally and spiritually like nothing else—a way to put things that can be very painful into a setting that allows folks to walk through those struggles and face those pains in a safe and healing way.”
Through the power of a simple, comforting melody, Michael’s music proves that art can be a lifeline—and that sometimes the right song at the right time can save a life or guide someone from darkness to light.
Thank you, Michael, for this powerful interview with Social Lifestyle Magazine!
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