Michael Ian Brisbane
Guitarist • Recording Artist • Session & Live Musician
For Michael Ian Brisbane, the guitar has never been about simply playing the notes. It's about feel, tone, dynamics, and knowing what the song needs.
A Texas native, Michael's musical journey started early. He was behind a drum kit at just two years old, later explored piano, played cello, and sang in choir before picking up the guitar at 13. What started as a way to impress a girl quickly became a lifelong pursuit.
By 16, Michael had connected with acclaimed guitarist, songwriter, and worship artist Paul Baloche, who became a mentor during the next several years and helped shape Michael's development as a musician.
From Texas to Southern Oregon
After relocating to Southern Oregon in 2008, Michael met bassist Mike Pugh in 2009. That meeting began a musical partnership that has continued through numerous bands, recording projects, and live performances over the years.
Michael's musical path has taken him through blues, rock, metal, progressive music, contemporary Christian music, and beyond. His work has included projects such as Southern Gunns, 2nd Amendment, Bloodmoon Warning, Wild Side, Sylent Storm, Living Loving Led, and eventually The Brisbane Project.
Each project added something different to his playing—from supporting a song and locking in with a rhythm section to creating arrangements, developing guitar tones, and stepping forward as a lead guitarist.
Opportunities That Shaped the Journey
Michael's career has also given him opportunities to step outside his normal musical world and challenge himself alongside other accomplished musicians.
In 2014, Michael auditioned for legendary rock guitarist and artist Lita Ford, an experience that put his playing to the test at a professional level and became an important milestone in his musical journey.
Michael also had the opportunity to participate in Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp, sharing the musical experience with accomplished and renowned musicians. Playing alongside musicians with extensive professional careers reinforced something that continues to shape his approach today: listen, adapt, serve the music, and be ready when the opportunity comes.
Recording & Collaboration
Michael's experience isn't limited to the stage.
His years of recording and collaborating across different styles have developed an approach centered on creating the right guitar part for the song—whether that's a rhythm track, melodic hook, layered texture, featured lead, or guitar solo.
During his time with Sylent Storm, Michael brought his guitar work to the band's traditional heavy metal sound alongside longtime collaborator Mike Pugh. Michael performed guitar on the band's album The Fire Never Dies, further expanding his experience as a recording guitarist.
That versatility continues today through Michael's studio and remote session work, where he works with artists and producers to develop guitar parts, arrangements, solos, and tones built around their music.
The Brisbane Project
In 2020, Michael founded The Brisbane Project with longtime musical partner Mike Pugh. The project ultimately brought Michael back to his Texas and blues roots while giving him room to combine those influences with the rock-driven energy developed throughout his career.
As guitarist and co-frontman, Michael has helped develop the band's modern blues and Texas-rock sound through original music, recording, and live performance.
The Brisbane Project's journey has given Michael the opportunity to perform on stages supporting artists including ZZ Top and Buddy Guy, as well as Queen Nation, while the band was also named Winner of the 2025 Southern Oregon Battle of the Bands.
Live. Studio. Song.
Today, Michael's work extends beyond any single band or genre.
He is available as a live guitarist for touring, fill-in work, artist support, one-off performances, festivals, and special projects, as well as for remote and in-studio session guitar.
Whether he's stepping onto a stage with another artist, developing guitar parts for a recording, dialing in a tone, or performing his own music, Michael approaches the job the same way:
Be prepared. Listen. Serve the song. Play with feel.