THE SARGE: From Battlefield Survival to Building a Voice for Independent Hip-Hop

In today’s independent music landscape, authenticity has become one of the most valuable currencies an artist can
possess. Few artists embody that authenticity more than Michael Ung, better known to fans and supporters as THE
SARGE. From serving in combat zones overseas to building one of Colorado Springs’ most active underground music
and radio movements, THE SARGE’s journey is one built on resilience, service, and purpose.

Born March 20, 1984, in Bangkok, Thailand, Michael Ung’s path to music was far from traditional. Before stepping into
studios and onto stages, he first wore the uniform of the United States Army. Joining the military at age 20, THE
SARGE trained at Fort Benning, Georgia before being deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan during OIF 5-7 and OEF
9-10.

Like many veterans returning from combat, Michael faced the difficult realities of PTSD and the emotional aftermath of
war. During his years stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, he discovered music as a form of therapy and
expression. What started as poetry soon evolved into songwriting, allowing him to transform pain, memories, and
personal struggles into something creative and meaningful.

The nickname “THE SARGE” naturally followed him into music. Already holding the rank of E-5 Sergeant in the Army,
fellow soldiers constantly referred to him as “Sarge.” Over time, the name stuck — eventually becoming both his
identity and his artistic brand.

Determined to sharpen his craft, THE SARGE attended UTEP in El Paso, studying Music Theory and Composition
before later relocating to Colorado Springs in 2015 for medical reasons. What could have been another setback
instead became a major turning point in his career.

Once in Colorado, THE SARGE quickly became deeply involved in the local music and radio scene. His passion for
helping artists led to the creation of MOUNTAIN HIGH 10 RADIO, a platform designed to give independent artists and
local businesses visibility through live events, radio exposure, podcast interviews, promotions, and community
engagement.

Over the past several years, THE SARGE has become one of the most active contributors to Colorado Springs’
independent entertainment scene. By his own record, he has helped organize and promote over 400 events within a
five-year span — ranging from underground showcases to larger live performances featuring nationally recognized
talent. 

As an artist himself, THE SARGE has shared stages with an impressive list of names including Tech N9ne, Ouija
Macc, Twiztid, Luniz, N.B. Ridaz, Ruff Ryders, Wu-Tang Killa Beez, DEV, Lil Wyte, Lil Flip, and D-Loc and Chucky
Chuck of Kottonmouth Kings. His performances combine hip-hop storytelling with elements of pop punk and rock,
creating a sound that resonates with listeners dealing with trauma, depression, survival, and everyday life struggles.

But beyond the music itself, THE SARGE’s mission has remained consistent: build opportunities for others while
turning real-life experiences into something positive. 

Even while balancing music, events, and community work, Michael Ung continues pursuing higher education through
Full Sail University, where he is currently working toward a BA degree in Audio Production.

For THE SARGE, music was never simply entertainment — it became survival, therapy, and eventually a platform to
uplift others. In an industry often driven by image and trends, his story stands as a reminder that some artists earn
their voice through real-life experience long before stepping into the spotlight. 

Official Links & Social Media

Official Website:
http://www.thesarge.net/ 

YouTube Channel:
https://youtube.com/@thesarge10?si=kwIMciMBIVYhDikQ 

Music Video:
https://youtu.be/xlpYjQF_jpM?si=7aS47-_RW62zWfuV 

Music Video:
https://youtu.be/yqtnfx08fkQ?si=6TP68x_qSNoM6vaQ 

Music Video:
https://youtu.be/RC8h-PBVqnY?si=ex2BQLjQzgIUyzd0 

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/share/1bbF6veL7W/ 

Instagram:
instagram://user/?username=thesargellc&igsh;=dm44bWdpbTZwcWo5 

Exclusive Interview With THE SARGE

Billboard Hip-Hop: Your story starts long before music. How did your experiences serving in Iraq and Afghanistan
shape who you are today as both an artist and a person?

THE SARGE: Serving overseas changed my entire outlook on life. When you experience combat and everything that
comes with it, you come back seeing the world differently. Music became a release for me because there are things
veterans carry that are hard to explain in normal conversation. Writing helped me process emotions, memories, and
struggles that I couldn’t always speak about directly. As an artist, I try to make music that’s honest because I know
there are people out there dealing with similar battles mentally and emotionally. 

Billboard Hip-Hop: Music became therapy for you during one of the most difficult periods of your life. Do you
remember the exact moment you realized music was becoming more than just an outlet?

THE SARGE: Absolutely. At first it was just poetry and personal writing. I wasn’t thinking about becoming an artist. But
over time I realized people connected to what I was saying. I started seeing that my words could actually help others
feel understood too. That’s when it became deeper than therapy. It became purpose. 

Billboard Hip-Hop: Your sound blends hip-hop storytelling with elements of pop punk and rock. What inspired you to
combine those different influences together?

THE SARGE: I grew up around a lot of different music. I never wanted to stay boxed into one lane creatively. Hip-hop
gave me storytelling, punk gave me emotion and energy, and rock gave me freedom to be expressive. I think real life
has a mix of emotions, so my music reflects that. Some songs are aggressive, some are emotional, and some are
about just enjoying life and surviving through the hard times.

Billboard Hip-Hop: You’ve become known in Colorado Springs not only as an artist, but as someone who actively
builds opportunities for other artists. What inspired you to create MOUNTAIN HIGH 10 RADIO? 

THE SARGE: I saw a lot of talented people getting overlooked simply because they didn’t have connections or a
platform. I wanted to help change that. MOUNTAIN HIGH 10 RADIO became a place where independent artists could
actually get heard, promoted, interviewed, and supported. I know how hard this industry is when you’re independent,
so if I can open doors for somebody else, that means something to me.

Billboard Hip-Hop: Throwing over 400 events in five years is an incredible accomplishment. What have you learned
about the independent music scene through all of those experiences? 

THE SARGE: Consistency matters more than almost anything. A lot of artists quit too early because they expect
overnight success. Building a real movement takes years of work, networking, sacrifice, and patience. I’ve also
learned that community matters. When artists support each other instead of competing constantly, everybody grows
stronger together. 

Billboard Hip-Hop: You’ve shared stages with major artists like Tech N9ne, Twiztid, Luniz, and Wu-Tang affiliates.
Were there any moments from those experiences that stood out to you personally?

THE SARGE: Definitely. Watching how major artists handle themselves behind the scenes taught me a lot. The
professionalism, work ethic, and dedication showed me what it really takes to survive in this business long term. It
also reminded me that every artist starts somewhere. No matter how big somebody becomes, they all had to grind to
get there. 

Billboard Hip-Hop: PTSD and mental health are subjects many artists still avoid discussing openly. Why is it important
for you to address those topics in your music? 

THE SARGE: Because people need to know they’re not alone. A lot of veterans and everyday people struggle silently.
Music can save lives when people hear something that makes them feel understood. I never wanted to pretend life
was perfect. If my music helps even one person keep going, then it’s worth it.

Billboard Hip-Hop: Looking ahead, what’s the long-term vision for THE SARGE as both an artist and entrepreneur? 

THE SARGE: I want to keep growing the platform, helping artists, building bigger events, and continuing to evolve
musically. I’m also focused on finishing my degree in Audio Production because I want to keep learning the business
and technical side too. Long term, I want to leave behind something bigger than music — a legacy of helping people
and creating opportunities.