We got the opportunity to speak with United Pursuit band member Michael Ketterer. Hailing from Knoxville, Tennessee, Michael tells us about traveling across the country leading worship at college campuses, his life as a father (of six!) and the latest album he and the rest of United Pursuit are working on.
Mike, can you briefly share your background and tell us more how you got involved in music and particularly worship music?
I was raised the son of a Southern Baptist music minister and committed my life to Christ when I was 6. I have been walking that road ever since. My life has been full of adventure. Following Christ truly is the wildest and most outrageous life there is. He’ll ask you to do all kinds of crazy stuff, and push you into some outlandish situations. My relationship with God has also carried me through some very tough situations, including my father leaving and my mother’s bout with drugs. God has always been with me, even at the young age of 6 I knew him, and I am still in absolute love with Him today.
Your music has a multitude of beats and electronic influence not usually found in the Christian music realm. Where do you get your inspiration?
I have so many sources of inspiration it’s ridiculous! I enjoy all kinds of music. I love bands like U2 and Coldplay. Chris Cornell was a huge influence of mine. I listen to many different R&B and Rap artists. Otis Redding is probably one of my all-time favorites. I love Dance and Pop beats, and Daft Punk is amazing! My favorite worship leader is Kim Walker! I love the power and authority in her voice. I’m also a part of the United Pursuit community here in Knoxville, TN. There are so many amazing musicians in this community! I am exposed to many different sounds and am constantly encouraged and challenged by all the incredible artists around me.
Tell us about what you’ve been up to lately
I have recently been traveling all over the country primarily playing on college campuses. I have played at Dartmouth, Cornell, USC, and many others. I am a father also, as my wife and I, in addition to our biological daughter, have adopted 5 little boys. So you can imagine my hands are full and my time is precious. I feel like college campuses are one of the best places to invest myself. I have led worship and evangelical out-reaches on campuses. As a matter of fact, on USC we saw over 150 people receive Christ for the first time! Powerful! College students are on fire! There are so many of them ready to get out and change the world, I love to be able to show up and pour oil on the flame that is already there. Additionally, I lead worship in our community on Tuesday nights. You should come see us. IT’S AWESOME!
What do you have in the works right now?
Right now I am in the process of recording a Worship Album with United Pursuit. While it is a corporate album full of powerful worship anthems, it definitely is not without the Ketterer flair. So if you want something a bit wild and different in your worship playlist then you’re going to want to buy my album.
Do you have a set release date?
I don’t have a set release date at this time, but we are shooting for November, hopefully right before Thanksgiving. That is very appropriate because I am always very thankful once I finally complete an album. There is so much heart and soul that goes into it. It’s always a huge relief to finally put it out there.
Where can people learn more about you and hear your music?
Well you can always come worship with us every Tuesday night at 7:00 in Knoxville, TN at 1218 N Central St. You can also purchase music on United Pursuit’s website and on iTunes and Amazon. Soon we will be live web-streaming our worship nights on the website, so stay tuned for that as well.
Listen to a sample of Michael’s current album Love/War/Solar System below:
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