Music
Press
"Strong vocals prevail on songs proficiently written... Without sounding like another U2 clone, the band manages to embody a passion not unlike the rock super group". - Review by Tom Granger
"I am a GO DEEP fan! Michael, Sherrie and the guys have developed a style of praise and worship that is unique, anointed and fun! We have ministered together on several occasions over the last few years and I always enjoy the way that they just simply usher me right into the presence of God. I have also witnessed their humility and integrity of heart. I believe that they are called and anointed to accomplish in these last days what most young musicians aren't even aware of.
My son in law, Peter Furler, is the leader of the NEWSBOYS. Almost 20 years ago I helped the NEWSBOYS get started. I believe that GO DEEP has that same intangible freshness."
- Evangelist/Singer/Gospel Music Hall of Fame
"Go Deep Ignited a new passion in our group, destroying the apathy that had grown around our hearts." - Director/Christ For The Nations, Dalla, TX
"Go Deep is the real deal. True worship is the result of really living a life of love. Go Deep is not just another worship band; they are a band of worshippers. They live what they sing and that makes it a true worship experience." - Senior Pastor/The Branch Family Church, Charlotte, NC
Michael & Sherrie Howell, along with Go Deep, have been a great inspiration to our church body. Their ability to be flexible works well with the diverse mixture of needs they have met for us. They have ministered affectively to our youth and adults in various settings including joint services with the North Texas Youth Department of the Assemblies of God along with Southwestern Assemblies of God University. Their name is more than a catchy moniker; it is a lifestyle for them. To experience a service with them is to be in a setting where the promptings and flow of the Holy Spirit are followed." - Senior Pastor/Evangel Temple Assembly of God An All Generations Church, Waxahachie, TX
"Go Deep is profound. It's so refreshing to find musicians with Godly character. With a passion for God and a passion for souls, Michael Howell and Go Deep are most definitely on-track." - Youth Pastor/Cornerstone Church, Chillicothe, MO
"I believe that Go Deep being here sparked in the hearts of our kids just how much they have wandered away from God. God is finally moving again. It's like cold water on the hottest day! Thank God." - Youth Pastor/Christ Church, Nashville, TN
Discography
*1999 No Other Place
Independent
*2001 Live EP
Independent
*2001 Swimming Towards the Sun (Simple Minds Tribute)
Blowfish Records
*2003 Load Up (companion to Load Up Youth Devotional)
Heirborne Records/Harrison House Publishing
*2004 Brighter Than the Sun
Independent
*2004 O Come All Ye Faithful (Christmas Single)
Independent
*2005 Where We All Belong
Independent
*2006 Velocity (Compilation)
Indelible Creative Group
Word/WEA (Warner/Electra/Atlantic)
Photos
Bio
A passion to connect with God in intimate relationship is the driving force behind Go Deep's ministry. They believe every person's primary purpose in life is to develop a lifestyle of seeking God with their whole heart ("you will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart" Jeremiah 29:13).
Go Deep was formed in 1999 by Michael and Sherrie Howell. Both growing up in pastor’s homes, they have spent their lives serving the church through working with youth, children and leading worship. Go Deep began as small regional gatherings of youth and college groups got together for special evenings to just focus on God and enjoy time in his presence. Those small gatherings quickly grew to hundreds and then thousands. By 2003 the band was doing around 100 events a year and knew it was time to leave job, house and home to pursue their calling full time.
Drawing on a wide range of musical influences like U2, Simple Minds, The Beatles, Counting Crows and Radio Head (to name a few), the band has carved out a musical niche with a spiritual depth and feel to their music that has drawn a loyal following that crosses generational borders.
They have released several independent CD’s and drawn much attention from the music industry by producing music that holds up to the majors and selling over 10,000 units with no marketing or promotional support. They also nabbed the #1 position on the Christian Rock Charts in September of 2004 with the worship anthem “Bless You Lord” (with the help of Damos radio servicing). June 6th of 2006 marks their first official “National” release. In partnership with Indelible records (a Word/Warner/Elektra/Atlantic partner) they will be featured on “Velocity”.
President of Indelible, Chris Thomason says: "Each of these artists is very focused on what they are doing and why they are doing it-they are ministers before they are musicians," Thomason says. "Velocity's purpose is to connect people with that deeper place, moving them nearer to God. It's our desire to serve these indie standouts with a distribution platform that unveils not only their message but also their remarkable gifts as musicians and songwriters."
Indelible is planning several Velocity live touring events in the fall of 2006. World Vision (in partnership with Maxx Technology) is sponsoring the tour, which will feature several artists from the project.
Leading worship is the primary function of the band. It is their desire that times of corporate worship become catalysts that draw people into a deeper walk with the Lord and lead to a lifestyle of worship. Youth retreats and camps are home to Go Deep through the spring and summer months. "All Generations" church services have also become a major focus for the band. As Michael intermingles the Word in extended times of worship, in these intimate "holy moments", they are seeing families and relationships restored. “There seems to be this sense of common ground in an atmosphere of worship and it just seems as if there’s a grace there to forgive, heal and move forward” (-Michael Howell).
In more of a "concert" setting (still keeping worship the focus) they have been privileged to share the stage with some great Christian artists this past year including:
Audio Adrenaline
The Afters
Barlow Girl
By the Tree
Chris Tomlin
David Crowder Band
Disciple
Matthew West
Manic Drive
Rhythm
Sanctus Real
Superchic(k)
Russ Taff
Accepted by audiences both young and old, becoming somewhat of a bridge across generational gaps, they have been honored to lead worship at conferences preceding some of todays foremost ministers including:
John Bevere
Jesse Duplantis
Bill Britt
R.W. Shamboch
Dennis Burke
Terry Mize
Kenneth Copeland
Gloria Copeland
Mylon LeFevre
Jerry Savelle
Adam McCain
They have appeared several times on the Daystar Network and been featured multiple times on Kenneth Copelandís BVOV TV program as well as the Voice of Victory Magazine.
Since it's beginning days in 1999, the band members have changed from time to time in keeping with Michael's vision of Go Deep being a "community" of worshippers. Our current touring lineup is:
Kevin Daughtry (Bass)
Michael Phelps (guitar)
Nick Leitzinger (drums)
Sherrie Howell (keys/vocals)
Michael Howell (vocals/guitar)
Links
