Early Life
Born in Dallas, Texas, on June 21, 1990, Michael Brandon Lake was raised in Myrtle Beach/Charleston, South Carolina, where his father established a church. After playing in the collegiate praise band at his church and learning how to play the guitar on YouTube, he went on to become a worship leader at Seacoast Church.
Breakthrough & Self-Started
After a successful crowdsourcing campaign in 2015, Brandon released his debut album, Closer (2016). His path as a rising worship voice began with this independent CD.
The Bethel Music Era and the Success of Songwriting
Brandon got a contract with Bethel Music in January 2019. His breakthrough moment, co-writing “This Is a Move” with Tasha Cobbs Leonard, earned him a GMA Dove Award and his first Grammy nomination for Best Gospel Performance/Song.
“I Need a Ghost,” the lead song from his critically acclaimed album House of Miracles (2020), which climbed at No. 6 on Billboard’s Christian Albums chart, marked the launch of his Bethel solo later that year.
Big Hits & Partnerships
- Elevation Worship’s 2020 single “Graves into Gardens” became a hallmark anthem, reaching the top of the Hot Christian Songs chart and winning a Dove Award.
- Included songs like “Come Again” and “Talking to Jesus” on Maverick City Music’s Old Church Basement.
- “Too Good to Not Believe” and “I See You” (with Chris Tomlin) are two more well-known worship songs.
Honours and Accolades
- Grammy Awards: Old Church Basement, Best Contemporary Christian Music Album – 2022
- GMA Dove Awards: Worship Recorded Song of the Year (2019) and Songwriter of the Year & Worship Recorded Song for “Graves into Gardens” in 2021
- Numerous number-one hits and Billboard accolades
Current Themes & Albums
- Help! (2022), a raw collection that debuts at No. 18 on Christian Albums, addresses mental health and honesty in faith.
- His fourth studio album, Coat of Many Colors (2023), peaked at number one on Christian albums. Features “Hard Fought Hallelujah” and “Praise You Anywhere.”
- King of Hearts (2025): The fifth album, which debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard 200 and No. 1 on the Christian & Rock charts, including the smash singles “That’s Who I Praise” and “Hard Fought Hallelujah.”
Family and Personal Life
On February 5, 2011, Brandon wed Brittany Ann Schneider. Banner, Beau, and Blaise are their three sons. His song “Gratitude” served as the inspiration for their co-written children’s book Little Lion Lungs, which aims to foster a worshipful atmosphere in the family.
Vision and Impact of the Ministry
Sincerity, liberty, and genuineness are at the center of Brandon’s teachings on worship as a way of life for the Church. He feels that via brave, joyous worship, you can declare “the lion inside your lungs.”
