Brandon Lake

Brandon Lake Artistfacts

  • June 21, 1990
  • Brandon Lake was born Michael Brandon Lake in Dallas, Texas and raised in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where his father served as a pastor.
  • Lake considers himself a "miracle child" because his parents went through six miscarriages before his birth.
  • Lake developed a passion for music early on, teaching himself guitar and taking part in his church's worship team during his teenage years.
  • Lake began his recording career with a successful crowdfunding campaign, leading to the independent release of his debut album, Closer, in 2016.
  • He has collaborated with notable Christian music groups and artists, including Bethel Music, Elevation Worship, and Maverick City Music. His work with Elevation Worship includes the songs "Graves Into Gardens" and "Praise," which both topped the Hot Christian Songs chart.
  • Brandon Lake doesn't chase radio play or commercial appeal when he writes. Instead, he asks himself whether a song will "break chains" for someone listening. This mission-driven approach shapes not just his lyrics, but the entire production process.
  • For Lake, writing songs is sometimes a form of spiritual confrontation. He doesn't shy away from including raw, uncomfortable emotions in his lyrics - he believes honesty is essential if the music is going to truly help others heal.
  • He serves as a worship pastor at Seacoast Church in Charleston, South Carolina.
  • Brandon Lake married Brittany Ann Schneider on February 5, 2011. They have three sons: Blaise, Beau, and Banner. They have embraced a family-oriented lifestyle, even venturing into farming.
  • In 2024, Lake and his wife co-authored a children's book titled Little Lion Lungs, inspired by his hit song "Gratitude." The book aims to teach children about gratitude and worship.
  • Lake is open about his struggles with mental health, particularly during periods of intense touring and rising fame. He has spoken candidly about suffering from depression and adrenaline fatigue, and he emphasizes the importance of seeking help and rest. These experiences influenced his 2022 album Help!, which addresses mental health themes.
  • When Brandon Lake was a young worship leader in Charleston, South Carolina, dreaming of recording his first album, he took an unconventional approach to fund it.

    "I did a GoFundMe campaign. I said, 'If you pledge a certain amount, I'll tattoo your name on my leg,'" explained Lake to Billboard. Tapping his left thigh, he added, "So I have 22 last names of folks who donated tattooed on my thigh."

    On May 20, 2016, he released the result of that campaign, the album Closer.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull

Ian Anderson of Jethro TullSongwriter Interviews

The flautist frontman talks about touring with Led Zeppelin, his contribution to "Hotel California", and how he may have done the first MTV Unplugged.

Lou Gramm - "Waiting For A Girl Like You"

Lou Gramm - "Waiting For A Girl Like You"They're Playing My Song

Gramm co-wrote this gorgeous ballad and delivered an inspired vocal, but the song was the beginning of the end of his time with Foreigner.

Edie Brickell

Edie BrickellSongwriter Interviews

Edie Brickell on her collaborations with Paul Simon, Steve Martin and Willie Nelson, and her 2021 album with the New Bohemians.

Loudon Wainwright III

Loudon Wainwright IIISongwriter Interviews

"Dead Skunk" became a stinker for Loudon when he felt pressure to make another hit - his latest songs deal with mortality, his son Rufus, and picking up poop.

Dick Wagner (Alice Cooper/Lou Reed)

Dick Wagner (Alice Cooper/Lou Reed)Songwriter Interviews

The co-writer/guitarist on many Alice Cooper hits, Dick was also Lou Reed's axeman on the Rock n' Roll Animal album.

Bass Player Scott Edwards

Bass Player Scott EdwardsSong Writing

Scott was Stevie Wonder's bass player before becoming a top session player. Hits he played on include "I Will Survive," "Being With You" and "Sara Smile."