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ABOUT

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Michael Rix

 

Michael James Ricks II, known professionally as Michael Rix, is an American banjo-driven country artist, author, actor, and trauma survivor. Known for blending traditional country and bluegrass with deeply personal storytelling, Rix has appeared on national television, in international fashion events, and on the stages of major music festivals. His memoir, From Cult to Country: An Asthmatic’s Journey to Find More Air, recounts his upbringing in a cult and his path to healing through music.

 

Early Life and Background

 

Michael Rix was born in Toledo, Ohio, the eldest of nine children. Raised in a highly controlling religious cult led by Hobart Freeman, he endured emotional, psychological, and physical abuse. The group’s denial of modern medicine contributed to over 100 preventable deaths.

 

At age 12, Rix turned a wooden paddle used for punishment into a makeshift guitar. That act marked the beginning of his musical journey. He credits music with helping him survive trauma and anxiety and eventually reclaim his life.

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Discography and Notable Releases

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2024 – I Can See The Sun (Album)

Michael Rix’s breakout banjo-driven country album I Can See The Sun was released in 2024. The project combines contemporary country themes with bluegrass influence, spotlighting Rix’s signature banjo style. The album received 24 million streams across all platforms.

 

  • “Sounds Like Summertime” – Lead single, released in 2024
    This summer anthem became a fan favorite, amassing 22 million streams across digital platforms.

 

 

2024 – A Very Banjo Christmas (EP)

A festive holiday EP showcasing banjo arrangements of Christmas classics and original material. A Very Banjo Christmas solidified Rix’s versatility as both a soloist and arranger, delivering spirited acoustic holiday cheer with a country twist.

 

2024 – I Believe in Love (Single)

A heartfelt, roots-inspired single released in 2024. The track continues Rix’s tradition of blending emotional storytelling with virtuosic banjo instrumentation.

 

2024 – Fighting for Their Day (Commissioned Song)

Commissioned by the City of Franklin Downtown Business Association, this original song was written and performed by Rix in honor of the United States Colored Troops (U.S.C.T.). & The Fuller Story project.

 

  • The project was part of a historic fundraising initiative to support the building of U.S.C.T. soldier monuments in Franklin, Tennessee, and Clarksville, Tennessee.

  • The song blends historical reverence with musical tribute, further embedding Rix’s music into civic and cultural legacy work.

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Musical Career​  Notable Performances

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  • Grand Ole Opry – Opry Community Day (2025)

  • Pilgrimage Festival – 2022 & 2023 (opened in 2023 before 60,000 fans)

  • London Fashion Week (2023) – Burlington Arcade with Jeff Garner’s Prophetik

  • ChangeNOW Summit (Paris, 2025) – Opening musical act for international sustainability conference

  • Juneteenth Franklin TN (2025) – Main stage performance

  • Frequent shows at Kimbro’s Pickin’ Parlor, Fox & Locke, and other Nashville-area venues

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Style and Endorsement

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Rix is known for a banjo-forward sound blending country, soul, and bluegrass. He is endorsed by Recording King for his banjo work.

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Media and Television Appearances

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  • RFD-TV – Special Cowboy Moments – interview and story about his book

  • PBS / Bank of America Campaign – national appearance for Country Music by Ken Burns

  • CMT’s Still the King – appearance with Billy Ray Cyrus

  • ABC/CMT’s Nashville – performance segment

  • Pepsi x Nintendo Switch Ad – broadcast during 2017 CMT Award

 

Publications

 

  • From Cult to Country: An Asthmatic’s Journey to Find More Air (2022) – Memoir detailing his childhood in a cult, trauma recovery, and healing through music

 

Recognition and Media Coverage

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  • People Magazine (2023 & 2024) – Featured at Pilgrimage Festival in the Stetson Portrait Series

  • Williamson Scene (2025) – Profiled in “The People Issue”

  • Williamson Herald (2025) – Juneteenth performance coverage

  • Bethany Writes – In-depth story on his cult upbringing and redemption

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Movies and Documentaries

 

Film and Animation

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  • Walk in the Light (2025) – Musician on the soundtrack

  • song “I Can See the Sun”; NAACP Image Award nominated film

  • Hav Faith (2016) – Appeared as a classroom student (Tubi)

 

Documentaries and Streaming

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  • Let Them Be Naked (2024) – Actor/Musician; premiered at ChangeNOW Paris; won 12 international film awards showing around the world.

  • AmericArt (2019) – Actor/Musician; streaming on Amazon Prime

  • Our Story, Our Song – Episode 3 (2023) – Actor/Musician; produced by Root and Vine

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Studio Recording and Session Work

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  • The War and Treaty – Plus One (2025)

    • Played banjo on the album released by Universal Music Group

  • FAME Studios (Muscle Shoals, AL) – Recorded sessions in January and May 2024

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Touring and Major Performances

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Performed as a featured banjo player with The War and Treaty on tour:

 

  • Zach Bryan’s Quittin’ Time Tour – Crypto.com Arena (2 nights; 20,000 fans per night)

  • Red Rocks Amphitheatre – Played alongside Ian Munsick (10,000 fans)

  • Carolina Country Fest (2024) – Performed for 5,000 fans

  • CMA Fest (2024) – Performed before 70,000 fans; aired on ABC and streamed on Hulu

 

Live Performances and Festival Appearances

Sold-Out Shows

 

  • Pilgrimage Festival – 2022 & 2023 (opened 2023 main stage)

  • Kimbro’s Pickin’ Parlor – Sold out (Feb 4, 2022)

  • Puckett’s (Fox & Locke) – Sold out (2021)

  • Grand Ole Opry Community Day – Sold out (2022)

  • Blackberry Jam Festival – Sold out (2022 & 2023; 2,000 in attendance)

  • Porchfest Westhaven – Sold out (2023; with Sister Hazel and David Ryan Harris)

  • Green’s Grocery – Sold out (played by Sheryl Crow and Keb’ Mo’)

  • Performers for Paws at Nashville Palace – Sold out (Feb 2025; with Craig Campbell, Craig Wayne Boyd, Anthony Smith)

 

International Appearances

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  • London Fashion Week (2023) – First country artist to play Burlington Arcade with Jeff Garner

  • ChangeNOW Paris (2025) – Opened global sustainability summit

  • New York Fashion Week (2025) – Closing performer for Jeff Garner show at FIT

  • Outer Banks Film Festival (2025) – Performed at event hosted by Michelle Lewis; featured in Let Them Be Naked

 

Personal Life and Advocacy

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Michael Rix is a strong advocate for trauma survivors, the unhoused, and medical access for underserved communities.

 

  • Board Member – Williamson County Homeless Alliance

  • Artist Advocate – MAP International (2019–2022); encouraged donations for medical aid during concerts

  • Advocates through music for:

    • Cult trauma healing

    • Anxiety recovery

    • Music as therapy

    • Ethical fashion with Jeff Garner

    • Housing security

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He resides in Nashville, Tennessee, where he continues performing, mentoring, and sharing his story.

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