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'''Michael Gungor''' (born September 14, 1980) also known as Vishnu Dass<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Mystical Practice of Receiving a New Name |url=https://thymindoman.com/the-mystical-practice-of-receiving-a-new-name/ |publisher=thymindoman.com |access-date=May 30, 2020|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922214916/https://www.thymindoman.com/the-mystical-practice-of-receiving-a-new-name/ |archive-date=September 22, 2020}}</ref> is an American singer-songwriter, producer, music editor, author, and podcast host. He led the ] ], which received multiple Grammy nominations.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Song Premiere: Gungor, "Wayward & Torn" |url=http://www.americansongwriter.com/2013/08/song-premiere-gungor-wayward-torn/ |date=August 26, 2013 |publisher=americansongwriter.com |access-date=September 26, 2013}}</ref> The group's music has been compared to that of ], ], and ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mansfield |first=Brian |date=August 16, 2013 |title=Song debut: Gungor's 'I Am Mountain' |publisher=Usatoday.com |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2013/08/16/gungor-i-am-mountain-song-debut/2665241/ |access-date=January 21, 2014}}</ref> Aside from his work with the band, Gungor has written and produced music for several other artists, and is a co-founder of the art collective The Liturgists. '''Michael Gungor''' (born September 14, 1980) also known as Vishnu Dass,<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Mystical Practice of Receiving a New Name |url=https://thymindoman.com/the-mystical-practice-of-receiving-a-new-name/ |publisher=thymindoman.com |access-date=May 30, 2020|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922214916/https://www.thymindoman.com/the-mystical-practice-of-receiving-a-new-name/ |archive-date=September 22, 2020}}</ref> is an American singer-songwriter, producer, music editor, author, and podcast host. He led the ] ], which received multiple Grammy nominations.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Song Premiere: Gungor, "Wayward & Torn" |url=http://www.americansongwriter.com/2013/08/song-premiere-gungor-wayward-torn/ |date=August 26, 2013 |publisher=americansongwriter.com |access-date=September 26, 2013}}</ref> The group's music has been compared to that of ], ], and ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mansfield |first=Brian |date=August 16, 2013 |title=Song debut: Gungor's 'I Am Mountain' |publisher=Usatoday.com |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2013/08/16/gungor-i-am-mountain-song-debut/2665241/ |access-date=January 21, 2014}}</ref> Aside from his work with the band, Michael Gungor has written and produced music for several other artists, and is a co-founder of the art collective The Liturgists.


==Music career== ==Music career==


===Early career=== ===Early career===
As early as 2002, Gungor began producing albums with his church, Resurrection Life Church, in Grandville, Michigan. The albums garnered the attention of Integrity music, who signed Gungor for a solo album. In 2003, he released "Bigger Than My Imagination" under Integrity Media.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.christianitytoday.com/music/reviews/2003/biggerthanmyimagination.html |title=Bigger Than My Imagination - Michael Gungor |access-date=June 5, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070615094743/http://www.christianitytoday.com/music/reviews/2003/biggerthanmyimagination.html |archive-date=June 15, 2007 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> The album included the single "Friend of God", a Dove Award-nominated song that Gungor wrote with Gospel artist ]. The album also enjoyed some radio play. As early as 2002, Gungor began producing albums with his church, Resurrection Life Church in ], near ]. The albums garnered the attention of ], who signed Gungor for a solo album. In 2003, he released "Bigger Than My Imagination" under Integrity Media.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.christianitytoday.com/music/reviews/2003/biggerthanmyimagination.html |title=Bigger Than My Imagination - Michael Gungor |access-date=June 5, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070615094743/http://www.christianitytoday.com/music/reviews/2003/biggerthanmyimagination.html |archive-date=June 15, 2007 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> The album included the single "Friend of God", a ]-nominated song which Gungor wrote with gospel artist ]. The album enjoyed some radio play.


In 2005, Gungor toured with ]'s Acquire the Fire traveling youth rally event. That same year, he and his wife Lisa released a live album titled ''Battle Cry: Worship from the Frontlines'', through Integrity Media.<ref>{{Cite web |title=iTunes Music – Battlecry: Worship From the Frontlines |url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/battle-cry-worship-from-frontlines/id361062997 |website=iTunes|date=January 2005 }}</ref> Gungor would later retire most of the songs on this album,{{citation needed|date=October 2018}} tweeting a link to his blog<ref>{{Cite web |title=Michael Gungor on Twitter |url=https://twitter.com/michaelgungor/status/11293064787 |website=twitter.com |access-date=November 9, 2014}}</ref> that can no longer be located. The blog stated that Gungor no longer preferred to associate military imagery with Christian belief.{{citation needed|date=October 2018}} In 2005, Gungor toured with ]'s Acquire the Fire traveling youth rally event. In the same year, he and his wife Lisa released a live album titled ''Battle Cry: Worship from the Frontlines'', through Integrity Media.<ref>{{Cite web |title=iTunes Music – Battlecry: Worship From the Frontlines |url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/battle-cry-worship-from-frontlines/id361062997 |website=iTunes|date=January 2005 }}</ref> Michael later retired most of the songs on this album,{{citation needed|date=October 2018}} tweeting a link to his blog<ref>{{Cite web |title=Michael Gungor on Twitter |url=https://twitter.com/michaelgungor/status/11293064787 |website=twitter.com |access-date=November 9, 2014}}</ref> which is no longer online. The blog said that he no longer preferred to associate military imagery with Christian belief.{{citation needed|date=October 2018}}


===The Michael Gungor Band=== ===The Michael Gungor Band===
In 2006, Gungor parted ways with Integrity Music, seeking more creative control over his music. He then formed the Michael Gungor Band, consisting of himself on guitar and vocals, his wife Lisa on vocals, his brother David Gungor on bass, John Arndt on piano, Josh Eatmon on drums,{{citation needed|date=October 2018}} and former Desperation Band member Michael Rossback as a guitarist and producer.<ref>{{Cite web |title=D'Addario Strings: Artist Details: Michael Rossback |url=http://www.daddario.com/DaddarioArtistDetails.Page?ActiveID=3777&ArtistId=41461&sid=920e201a-8ae2-4caa-ab9a-06099b78da36 |website=D'Adarrio |access-date=November 9, 2014}}</ref> In 2006, Michael Gungor parted ways with Integrity Music, seeking more creative control over his music. He then formed the Michael Gungor Band, consisting of himself on guitar and vocals, his wife Lisa on vocals, his brother David Gungor on bass, John Arndt on piano, Josh Eatmon on drums,{{citation needed|date=October 2018}} and former Desperation Band member Michael Rossback as a guitarist and producer.<ref>{{Cite web |title=D'Addario Strings: Artist Details: Michael Rossback |url=http://www.daddario.com/DaddarioArtistDetails.Page?ActiveID=3777&ArtistId=41461&sid=920e201a-8ae2-4caa-ab9a-06099b78da36 |website=D'Adarrio |access-date=November 9, 2014}}</ref>


Gungor rented a house down the road from his church in Grandville and turned it into a recording studio. It was there that Gungor and Rossback produced their 2007 release,{{citation needed|reason=nothing in the allmusic.com source to support these two statements|date=October 2018}} ''All I Need is Here''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=All I Need is Here – Michael Gungor |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/all-i-need-is-here-mw0001913616/credits |website=AllMusic |access-date=November 9, 2014}}</ref> This was Gungor's first independent project, and was a great departure from the predictable CCM box of his two releases with Integrity. Michael Gungor rented a house down the road from his church in Grandville and turned it into a recording studio. It was there that Gungor and Rossback produced their 2007 release,{{citation needed|reason=nothing in the allmusic.com source to support these two statements|date=October 2018}} ''All I Need is Here''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=All I Need is Here – Michael Gungor |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/all-i-need-is-here-mw0001913616/credits |website=AllMusic |access-date=November 9, 2014}}</ref> It was Gungor's first independent project and was a great departure from the predictable ] box of his two releases with Integrity. In 2008, the Michael Gungor Band signed with Brash Records. The label re-released their album in 2008 as ''Ancient Skies'', omitting two songs and adding the upbeat rock opener "Say So", as well as a song sung by Lisa, "You Are The Light".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ancient Skies – Michael Gungor |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/ancient-skies-mw0000795107 |website=AllMusic |access-date=November 9, 2014}}</ref>

In 2008, the Michael Gungor Band signed with Brash Records. The label re-released their album in 2008 as ''Ancient Skies'', omitting two songs and adding the upbeat rock opener "Say So", as well as a song sung by Lisa, "You Are The Light".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ancient Skies – Michael Gungor |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/ancient-skies-mw0000795107 |website=AllMusic |access-date=November 9, 2014}}</ref>


=== Gungor === === Gungor ===
{{Main|Gungor}} {{Main|Gungor}}
After touring with his sophomore release, Michael Gungor renamed the group from "The Michael Gungor Band" to simply "Gungor" (styled as güngör). This reflected another change, both in the direction of his music and in the evolving number of band members.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gungor Biography |url=http://www.todayschristianmusic.com/artists/gungor/biography/ |publisher=TodaysChristianMusic.com |access-date=January 21, 2014}}</ref> The first album release under the new name was ''Beautiful Things'' in 2010. This album was yet another departure from Gungor's old style, involving indie-folk instrumentation reminiscent of ], and ambient soundscapes. The album featured a short gospel-blues jam featuring ] titled "Heaven". In 2011, the album and its title track, "Beautiful Things", were nominated for the Grammy categories Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album and Best Gospel Song, respectively.{{citation needed|date=October 2018}} After touring with his sophomore release, Michael Gungor renamed the group from "The Michael Gungor Band" to simply "Gungor" (styled as güngör). It reflected another change, both in the direction of his music and in the evolving number of band members.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gungor Biography |url=http://www.todayschristianmusic.com/artists/gungor/biography/ |publisher=TodaysChristianMusic.com |access-date=January 21, 2014}}</ref> The first album release under the new name was ''Beautiful Things'' in 2010. The album was yet another departure from Gungor's old style, involving indie-folk instrumentation reminiscent of ] and ambient soundscapes. The album featured a short gospel-blues jam featuring ] titled "Heaven". In 2011, the album and its title track, "Beautiful Things", were nominated in the ] categories Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album and Best Gospel Song, respectively.{{citation needed|date=October 2018}}


In 2011, Gungor released ''Ghosts Upon the Earth'', and followed this with a live album, ''A Creation Liturgy'' in 2012. The band's third studio album, ''I Am Mountain'', was released on September 24, 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gungor's Long Awaited New Release: I Am Mountain &#124; Metro Youth Network &#124; Connect. Experience. Grow.Metro Youth Network |url=http://metroyouthnetwork.com/2013/08/22/gungors-long-awaited-new-release-i-am-mountain/ |last=Irvine |first=Nate |date=August 22, 2013 |access-date=January 21, 2014}}</ref> On October 24, 2013, the band began its 60-city headline tour across the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mansfield |first=Brian |date=August 16, 2013 |title=Song debut: Gungor's 'I Am Mountain' |publisher=usatoday.com |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2013/08/16/gungor-i-am-mountain-song-debut/2665241/ |access-date=September 26, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Song Premiere: Gungor, "Wayward & Torn" |url=http://www.americansongwriter.com/2013/08/song-premiere-gungor-wayward-torn/ |date=August 26, 2013 |publisher=American Songwriter |access-date=January 21, 2014}}</ref> In 2011, Gungor released ''Ghosts Upon the Earth'' and followed it with a live album, ''A Creation Liturgy'' in 2012. The band's third studio album, ''I Am Mountain'', was released on September 24, 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gungor's Long Awaited New Release: I Am Mountain &#124; Metro Youth Network &#124; Connect. Experience. Grow.Metro Youth Network |url=http://metroyouthnetwork.com/2013/08/22/gungors-long-awaited-new-release-i-am-mountain/ |last=Irvine |first=Nate |date=August 22, 2013 |access-date=January 21, 2014}}</ref> On October 24, 2013, the band began a 60-city headline tour across the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mansfield |first=Brian |date=August 16, 2013 |title=Song debut: Gungor's 'I Am Mountain' |publisher=usatoday.com |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2013/08/16/gungor-i-am-mountain-song-debut/2665241/ |access-date=September 26, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Song Premiere: Gungor, "Wayward & Torn" |url=http://www.americansongwriter.com/2013/08/song-premiere-gungor-wayward-torn/ |date=August 26, 2013 |publisher=American Songwriter |access-date=January 21, 2014}}</ref>


Though Gungor's music is filled with Christian themes and language and is spiritual in nature, the collective has attempted to distance itself from being labeled simply a "Christian" band due to the problematic way the term is often used.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gungormusic.com/|title=Gungor|website=Gungor}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Gungor Talks With FaithVillage – FaithVillage &#124; MOVE YOUR FAITH HERE |url=http://www.faithvillage.com/article/c6e41a44b9e245c3a35967f0bcb02953/gungor_talks_with_faithvillage |date=May 14, 2012 |publisher=FaithVillage |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131008185111/http://www.faithvillage.com/article/c6e41a44b9e245c3a35967f0bcb02953/gungor_talks_with_faithvillage |archive-date=October 8, 2013 |access-date=January 21, 2014}}</ref> Michael Gungor refers to Gungor as a collective because at any given time the group is composed of 3–10 members. He and his wife believe that their music transcends any one genre.<ref name="nbclatino">{{Cite web |title=Grammy-nominated Gungor, label-less in music and life |url=http://nbclatino.com/2013/11/08/gungor-label-less-in-music-and-life/ |last=Puga |first=Kristina |publisher=Nbclatino.com |access-date=January 21, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Music: Gungor |url=http://citybeat.com/cincinnati/article-28870-music_gungor.html |date=October 22, 2013 |publisher=Citybeat.com |access-date=January 21, 2014}}</ref> Gungor writes songs that are a mix of indie rock, post rock, prog, soft rock and more. When asked, Gungor describes his style as "alternative, folk, textured and experimental."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Alt-Folk Collective Gungor Launches 60+ City Headlining Tour Oct. 24 at The Madison Theater |url=http://www.cincygroove.com/?p=26768 |date=October 9, 2013 |publisher=Cincy Groove |access-date=January 21, 2014}}</ref> They performed at ] 2014.<ref name="nbclatino" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=SXSW 2014 |url=http://sxsw.com/ |publisher=SXSW LLC |access-date=March 7, 2014}}</ref> Though Gungor's music is filled with ] themes and language and is spiritual in nature, the collective has attempted to distance itself from being labeled simply a "Christian" band due to the problematic way the term is often used.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gungormusic.com/|title=Gungor|website=Gungor}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Gungor Talks With FaithVillage – FaithVillage &#124; MOVE YOUR FAITH HERE |url=http://www.faithvillage.com/article/c6e41a44b9e245c3a35967f0bcb02953/gungor_talks_with_faithvillage |date=May 14, 2012 |publisher=FaithVillage |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131008185111/http://www.faithvillage.com/article/c6e41a44b9e245c3a35967f0bcb02953/gungor_talks_with_faithvillage |archive-date=October 8, 2013 |access-date=January 21, 2014}}</ref> Michael Gungor refers to Gungor as a collective because at any given time the group is composed of 3–10 members. He and his wife believe that their music transcends any one genre.<ref name="nbclatino">{{Cite web |title=Grammy-nominated Gungor, label-less in music and life |url=http://nbclatino.com/2013/11/08/gungor-label-less-in-music-and-life/ |last=Puga |first=Kristina |publisher=Nbclatino.com |access-date=January 21, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Music: Gungor |url=http://citybeat.com/cincinnati/article-28870-music_gungor.html |date=October 22, 2013 |publisher=Citybeat.com |access-date=January 21, 2014}}</ref> Michael writes songs that are a mix of indie rock, post rock, prog, soft rock and more. When asked, he describes his style as "alternative, folk, textured and experimental."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Alt-Folk Collective Gungor Launches 60+ City Headlining Tour Oct. 24 at The Madison Theater |url=http://www.cincygroove.com/?p=26768 |date=October 9, 2013 |publisher=Cincy Groove |access-date=January 21, 2014}}</ref> The group performed at ] 2014.<ref name="nbclatino" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=SXSW 2014 |url=http://sxsw.com/ |publisher=SXSW LLC |access-date=March 7, 2014}}</ref>


Gungor announced the end of their journey as a band in early 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gungor says 'journey is over' for band, announces farewell tour: 'It's time for something new' |url=https://www.christianpost.com/news/gungor-says-journey-is-over-for-band-announces-farewell-tour-its-time-for-something-new.html |website=Christian Post |date=February 4, 2019 |access-date=April 9, 2020}}</ref> The "End of the World" tour became their farewell tour. Gungor announced the end of their journey as a band in early 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gungor says 'journey is over' for band, announces farewell tour: 'It's time for something new' |url=https://www.christianpost.com/news/gungor-says-journey-is-over-for-band-announces-farewell-tour-its-time-for-something-new.html |website=Christian Post |date=February 4, 2019 |access-date=April 9, 2020}}</ref> The "End of the World" tour became their farewell tour.


=== The Liturgists === === The Liturgists ===
In 2014, Gungor, together with Michael's wife and sister, began collaborating with other artists and releasing music as "The Liturgists", which he calls "an experimental art collective".<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Liturgists {{!}} Gungor |url=http://gungormusic.com/2014/04/the-liturgists/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150601041416/http://gungormusic.com/2014/04/the-liturgists/ |archive-date=June 1, 2015 |access-date=August 26, 2015}}</ref> This is also the title of their podcast, which discusses topics through the lenses of science, art and faith.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Podcast |url=https://theliturgists.com/the-podcast/ |access-date=May 26, 2020}}</ref>{{better source|date=September 2016|reason=Primary source. A secondary source, with a review of the podcast should be provided.}} In 2014, Gungor, together with Michael's wife and sister, began collaborating with other artists and releasing music as "The Liturgists", which he calls "an experimental art collective".<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Liturgists {{!}} Gungor |url=http://gungormusic.com/2014/04/the-liturgists/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150601041416/http://gungormusic.com/2014/04/the-liturgists/ |archive-date=June 1, 2015 |access-date=August 26, 2015}}</ref> It is also the title of their podcast, which discusses topics through the lenses of science, art, and faith.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Podcast |url=https://theliturgists.com/the-podcast/ |access-date=May 26, 2020}}</ref>{{better source|date=September 2016|reason=Primary source. A secondary source, with a review of the podcast should be provided.}}


=== Writing === === Writing ===
Gungor published his first book ''The Crowd, the Critic and the Muse'' in 2012.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.michaelgungor.com/new-page-1|title=Books|website=Michael Gungor}}</ref> Michael Gungor published his first book ''The Crowd, the Critic and the Muse'' in 2012.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.michaelgungor.com/new-page-1|title=Books|website=Michael Gungor}}</ref> In April 2019, he published his second book ''This''. He is the host of a podcast which shares the name with a book, Loving This,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.michaelgungor.com/new-page|title=About|website=Michael Gungor}}</ref> exploring the spiritual themes of clinging and suffering.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.michaelgungor.com/|title=Michael Gungor|website=Michael Gungor}}</ref>

In April 2019, Gungor published his second book ''This''. He is currently the host to a podcast, which shares the name with the book,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.michaelgungor.com/new-page|title=About|website=Michael Gungor}}</ref> that explores the spiritual themes of clinging and suffering.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.michaelgungor.com/|title=Michael Gungor|website=Michael Gungor}}</ref>


== Personal life == == Personal life ==


Michael Gungor grew up in ]. He is the son of pastor and author Ed Gungor. He began writing and playing music at a young age and went on to study jazz guitar at both ] and the ] while also touring and working as a multi-instrumentalist musician. He met his wife Lisa at ] during their first year, and she, also a musician, later became his music partner and serves as the other primary vocalist and songwriter for Gungor.{{citation needed|date=October 2018}} Michael Gungor grew up in ] southeast of ]. He is the son of pastor and author Ed Gungor. Michael began writing and playing music at a young age. He studied jazz guitar at both ] in ] and the ] in ] while also touring and working as a multi-instrumentalist musician. He met his wife Lisa at ] in ] during their first year of college. She later became his music partner and is the other primary vocalist and songwriter for Gungor.{{citation needed|date=October 2018}}

Michael and Lisa live in Los Angeles, California with their two daughters, Amelie and Lucette.<ref name="nbclatino" /> They wrote the song "Light" for their younger daughter, born in May 2014, who has Down syndrome.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gungor Music Blog |url=http://gungormusic.com/2014/05/lucette/ |website=Gungormusic.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110002302/http://gungormusic.com/2014/05/lucette/ |archive-date=November 10, 2014 |access-date=November 9, 2014}}</ref>


In 2007, Michael and Lisa Gungor founded a non-denominational church community called Bloom, but have since dissociated themselves from the church.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Interview on music and Bloom community |url=http://media.blubrry.com/thecollisionpodcast/collisioncm.com/html/podcast/collision_podcast_ep044.mp3 |publisher=The Collision Podcast |access-date=May 17, 2012}}</ref> Michael and Lisa live in ] with their two daughters, Amelie and Lucette.<ref name="nbclatino" /> They wrote the song "Light" for their youngest daughter, born in May 2014, who has ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gungor Music Blog |url=http://gungormusic.com/2014/05/lucette/ |website=Gungormusic.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110002302/http://gungormusic.com/2014/05/lucette/ |archive-date=November 10, 2014 |access-date=November 9, 2014}}</ref> In 2007, Michael and Lisa Gungor founded a non-denominational church community called Bloom, but have since dissociated themselves from the church.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Interview on music and Bloom community |url=http://media.blubrry.com/thecollisionpodcast/collisioncm.com/html/podcast/collision_podcast_ep044.mp3 |publisher=The Collision Podcast |access-date=May 17, 2012}}</ref>


==Discography== ==Discography==

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Michael Gungor
Also known asGungor
Born (1980-09-14) September 14, 1980 (age 44)
Wisconsin, U.S.
GenresExperimental, post-rock, folk, alternative, worship
Years active1999–present
LabelsIndependent
Websitegungormusic.com
Musical artist

Michael Gungor (born September 14, 1980) also known as Vishnu Dass, is an American singer-songwriter, producer, music editor, author, and podcast host. He led the musical collective Gungor, which received multiple Grammy nominations. The group's music has been compared to that of Sufjan Stevens, Bon Iver, and Arcade Fire. Aside from his work with the band, Michael Gungor has written and produced music for several other artists, and is a co-founder of the art collective The Liturgists.

Music career

Early career

As early as 2002, Gungor began producing albums with his church, Resurrection Life Church in Grandville, near Grand Rapids, Michigan. The albums garnered the attention of Integrity Music, who signed Gungor for a solo album. In 2003, he released "Bigger Than My Imagination" under Integrity Media. The album included the single "Friend of God", a Dove Award-nominated song which Gungor wrote with gospel artist Israel Houghton. The album enjoyed some radio play.

In 2005, Gungor toured with Teen Mania's Acquire the Fire traveling youth rally event. In the same year, he and his wife Lisa released a live album titled Battle Cry: Worship from the Frontlines, through Integrity Media. Michael later retired most of the songs on this album, tweeting a link to his blog which is no longer online. The blog said that he no longer preferred to associate military imagery with Christian belief.

The Michael Gungor Band

In 2006, Michael Gungor parted ways with Integrity Music, seeking more creative control over his music. He then formed the Michael Gungor Band, consisting of himself on guitar and vocals, his wife Lisa on vocals, his brother David Gungor on bass, John Arndt on piano, Josh Eatmon on drums, and former Desperation Band member Michael Rossback as a guitarist and producer.

Michael Gungor rented a house down the road from his church in Grandville and turned it into a recording studio. It was there that Gungor and Rossback produced their 2007 release, All I Need is Here. It was Gungor's first independent project and was a great departure from the predictable CCM box of his two releases with Integrity. In 2008, the Michael Gungor Band signed with Brash Records. The label re-released their album in 2008 as Ancient Skies, omitting two songs and adding the upbeat rock opener "Say So", as well as a song sung by Lisa, "You Are The Light".

Gungor

Main article: Gungor

After touring with his sophomore release, Michael Gungor renamed the group from "The Michael Gungor Band" to simply "Gungor" (styled as güngör). It reflected another change, both in the direction of his music and in the evolving number of band members. The first album release under the new name was Beautiful Things in 2010. The album was yet another departure from Gungor's old style, involving indie-folk instrumentation reminiscent of Sufjan Stevens and ambient soundscapes. The album featured a short gospel-blues jam featuring Israel Houghton titled "Heaven". In 2011, the album and its title track, "Beautiful Things", were nominated in the Grammy categories Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album and Best Gospel Song, respectively.

In 2011, Gungor released Ghosts Upon the Earth and followed it with a live album, A Creation Liturgy in 2012. The band's third studio album, I Am Mountain, was released on September 24, 2013. On October 24, 2013, the band began a 60-city headline tour across the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe.

Though Gungor's music is filled with Christian themes and language and is spiritual in nature, the collective has attempted to distance itself from being labeled simply a "Christian" band due to the problematic way the term is often used. Michael Gungor refers to Gungor as a collective because at any given time the group is composed of 3–10 members. He and his wife believe that their music transcends any one genre. Michael writes songs that are a mix of indie rock, post rock, prog, soft rock and more. When asked, he describes his style as "alternative, folk, textured and experimental." The group performed at SXSW 2014.

Gungor announced the end of their journey as a band in early 2019. The "End of the World" tour became their farewell tour.

The Liturgists

In 2014, Gungor, together with Michael's wife and sister, began collaborating with other artists and releasing music as "The Liturgists", which he calls "an experimental art collective". It is also the title of their podcast, which discusses topics through the lenses of science, art, and faith.

Writing

Michael Gungor published his first book The Crowd, the Critic and the Muse in 2012. In April 2019, he published his second book This. He is the host of a podcast which shares the name with a book, Loving This, exploring the spiritual themes of clinging and suffering.

Personal life

Michael Gungor grew up in Marshfield southeast of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. He is the son of pastor and author Ed Gungor. Michael began writing and playing music at a young age. He studied jazz guitar at both Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo and the University of North Texas in Denton while also touring and working as a multi-instrumentalist musician. He met his wife Lisa at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma during their first year of college. She later became his music partner and is the other primary vocalist and songwriter for Gungor.

Michael and Lisa live in Los Angeles with their two daughters, Amelie and Lucette. They wrote the song "Light" for their youngest daughter, born in May 2014, who has Down syndrome. In 2007, Michael and Lisa Gungor founded a non-denominational church community called Bloom, but have since dissociated themselves from the church.

Discography

Michael Gungor

Michael Gungor Band

  • Ancient Skies EP (March 24, 2006)
  • All I Need Is Here (October 9, 2007)
  • Ancient Skies (September 9, 2008)

Gungor

The Liturgists

  • Vapor EP (February 28, 2014)
  • Garden EP (April 8, 2014)
  • God Our Mother EP (May 6, 2014)
  • Pentecost EP (June 6, 2014)
  • Oh Light (December 20, 2015)
  • Holy Week (March 2016)

Awards

  • GMA Dove Awards 2008: "Say So" – Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year
  • Independent Music Awards 2013: A Creation Liturgy (Live) – Best Live Performance Album

Publications

  • The Crowd, the Critic, and the Muse: A Book for Creators – (2012)
  • This: Becoming Free – (2019)

References

  1. "The Mystical Practice of Receiving a New Name". thymindoman.com. Archived from the original on September 22, 2020. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  2. "Song Premiere: Gungor, "Wayward & Torn"". americansongwriter.com. August 26, 2013. Retrieved September 26, 2013.
  3. Mansfield, Brian (August 16, 2013). "Song debut: Gungor's 'I Am Mountain'". Usatoday.com. Retrieved January 21, 2014.
  4. "Bigger Than My Imagination - Michael Gungor". Archived from the original on June 15, 2007. Retrieved June 5, 2007.
  5. "iTunes Music – Battlecry: Worship From the Frontlines". iTunes. January 2005.
  6. "Michael Gungor on Twitter". twitter.com. Retrieved November 9, 2014.
  7. "D'Addario Strings: Artist Details: Michael Rossback". D'Adarrio. Retrieved November 9, 2014.
  8. "All I Need is Here – Michael Gungor". AllMusic. Retrieved November 9, 2014.
  9. "Ancient Skies – Michael Gungor". AllMusic. Retrieved November 9, 2014.
  10. "Gungor Biography". TodaysChristianMusic.com. Retrieved January 21, 2014.
  11. Irvine, Nate (August 22, 2013). "Gungor's Long Awaited New Release: I Am Mountain | Metro Youth Network | Connect. Experience. Grow.Metro Youth Network". Retrieved January 21, 2014.
  12. Mansfield, Brian (August 16, 2013). "Song debut: Gungor's 'I Am Mountain'". usatoday.com. Retrieved September 26, 2013.
  13. "Song Premiere: Gungor, "Wayward & Torn"". American Songwriter. August 26, 2013. Retrieved January 21, 2014.
  14. "Gungor". Gungor.
  15. "Gungor Talks With FaithVillage – FaithVillage | MOVE YOUR FAITH HERE". FaithVillage. May 14, 2012. Archived from the original on October 8, 2013. Retrieved January 21, 2014.
  16. ^ Puga, Kristina. "Grammy-nominated Gungor, label-less in music and life". Nbclatino.com. Retrieved January 21, 2014.
  17. "Music: Gungor". Citybeat.com. October 22, 2013. Retrieved January 21, 2014.
  18. "Alt-Folk Collective Gungor Launches 60+ City Headlining Tour Oct. 24 at The Madison Theater". Cincy Groove. October 9, 2013. Retrieved January 21, 2014.
  19. "SXSW 2014". SXSW LLC. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
  20. "Gungor says 'journey is over' for band, announces farewell tour: 'It's time for something new'". Christian Post. February 4, 2019. Retrieved April 9, 2020.
  21. "The Liturgists | Gungor". Archived from the original on June 1, 2015. Retrieved August 26, 2015.
  22. "The Podcast". Retrieved May 26, 2020.
  23. "Books". Michael Gungor.
  24. "About". Michael Gungor.
  25. "Michael Gungor". Michael Gungor.
  26. "Gungor Music Blog". Gungormusic.com. Archived from the original on November 10, 2014. Retrieved November 9, 2014.
  27. "Interview on music and Bloom community". The Collision Podcast. Retrieved May 17, 2012.
  28. "Dove Awards History Artist: Michael Gungor". Gospel Music Association. Archived from the original on June 5, 2012. Retrieved October 14, 2009.
  29. "12th Annual Independent Music Awards Winners Announced!" Independent Music Awards, June 11, 2013. Retrieved on September 4, 2013.

External links

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