Song Revolution with John Chisum

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DARRELL HARRIS: Opening the Floodgates of Creativity Feb 12, 2019

Show notes

"Get outside of your comfort zone to create."

The Song Revolution Podcast is dedicated to bringing you the most interesting people that we can find. People that you haven't heard from ever before, or haven't' realized have had such a significant influence on the Christian Music industry worldwide. This week John Chisum sits down with a legend in the industry. Darrell Harris co-founded Starsong Records in 1976. During the 70s and 80s, he signed and developed incredible artists including Petra, Newsboys, and The Gaither Vocal Band. During his time in the industry, he had the opportunity to work with artists including the Imperialists, Nicole Nordeman, Twilah Paris, Kim Hill, and Phillips Craig and Dean.

"While the music isn't as simple of an equation today as it was, it's a much more open playing field."

Since leaving the music industry in 1996, Darrell has been actively involved in the academic study of worship. He is the Dean of the Chaplain for Robert E. Weber Institute of Worship Studies. Darrell has such a rich and varied background and contributes such a unique perspective to the contemporary worship conversation. In this episode, he contributes amazing insights into the concept of creativity, spirituality, and contemporary worship. Listen in and be blessed.

"The only way these songs have any meaning at all is because the Lord was knitting them all together"

How to get involved

Join the Successful Christian Songwriters Group on Facebook and continue the discussion! https://www.facebook.com/groups/SuccessfulChristianSongwriters/
Check out all of the resources for you to become the songwriter you were meant to be at www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com

If you liked this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a quick review on iTunes. It would mean the world to hear your feedback and we'd love for you to help us spread the word!

GREG NELSON: Finding Success Through Humility Feb 02, 2019

Show notes

"It's God that orders our steps. If you want to enjoy success, don't chase after the market, chase after God." - Greg Nelson

This week on The Song Revolution Podcast, John Chisum had the honor of sitting with award-winning Christian Music Producer, Greg Nelson. Greg has produced recordings for artists such as Sandi Patty, Steve Green, Larnelle Harris, Twila Paris, Michael Crawford, and Richard Smallwood. He has received 20 Dove Awards and over 30 nominations, 7 Grammy Awards, 13 Grammy nominations, along with a host of other awards and recognitions. He has written hundreds of songs and also co-written successful neo-classical works that have toured internationally. Although he has achieved such incredible success in his music career, Greg is one of the most humble and authentic men you could ever meet. His interview reveals the depths of his heart, and his genuine desire to pursue the calling that God has placed on his life no matter the circumstance.

"I'm not the best. I'm not the worst. I don't keep score, I just write, and God uses it."

- Greg Nelson

This article is full of priceless advice for the songwriter to take to heart. Greg discusses the importance of pursuing your life's message. When you are clear on the mission the God has given for your life, and you pursue it with all of your heart, it is God who brings the increase. Success is found when we focus on chasing after the passion God has given us, instead of trying to fit what we're doing inside the framework of what is currently trending on the charts.

Greg shares his journey to songwriting success, and what it was like to make a shift in his focus when inspirational music became less popular. Instead of hanging onto a genre that was fading or pursuing a popular genre that was outside of his giftings, Greg dove into the neo-classical works. He continued pursuing the genres that made his heart sing, and God used that passion to create long-lasting success.

Listen in to hear more about Greg's story, timeless wisdom for aspiring songwriters, the best way to achieve success in songwriting, and how Greg has maintained a sense of humility in the face of incredible success.

"Writing for the market goes by the wayside. Instead, write what the Lord has placed on your heart." - Greg Nelson

If you would like to know more about Greg and his story, check out his book, Runaway Horse.

Some topics we talk about in this episode:

Introduction // Greg Nelson- 1:24
The Secret to Success - 10:32
Greg's Songwriting Story - 23:45
Greg's Oratorios - 31:12
The Importance of Writing from Scripture - 37:39
Greg's TedX Talk - 47:57
The Wide World of Song Possibility - 53:42
Wrap Up - 1:01:12

How to get involved

Join the Successful Christian Songwriters Group on Facebook and continue the discussion! https://www.facebook.com/groups/SuccessfulChristianSongwriters/
Check out all of the resources for you to become the songwriter you were meant to be at www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com

If you liked this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a quick review on iTunes. It would mean the world to hear your feedback and we'd love for you to help us spread the word!

DAN KEEN: Finding Your True Calling as a Songwriter Jan 26, 2019

Show notes

"Listen to that voice inside you. Follow that calling, especially if it doesn't make sense. Pay attention to that voice, and find a way to honor it." - Dan Keen

This week on The Song Revolution Podcast, Dan Keen talks about the journey to pursuing your passion, and the milestones achieved along the way. Dan is a Belmont University educator in Nashville, Tennessee. Belmont is one of the most popular music business schools in the country. Dan served as an adjunct professor for 16 years, before being hired full-time. Music has been Dan's focus for the majority of his life, and his experience in the music industry is broad and diverse. He held a 15-year tenure as an executive with ASCAP and worked with incredible artists including Paramore, Chris Young, Rivers Rutherford, Nickel Creek, Mercy Me, and Rachel Thibodeau. He has also served with the Bluegrass Association and has experience writing jingles for major brands. He is hilarious and authentic and has incredible insight to offer to songwriters and musicians.

"There is no failure, as long as you learn something." - Dan Keen

In this episode, Dan shares his journey through different realms of music and incredible opportunities with the music industry that finally led to his job at Belmont. He shares that when he was hired at Belmont, he realized that it was the passion and purpose he had been pursuing all along. Many times your calling in life doesn't make sense until later, and we might not even realize what it is until we're right in the midst of it. There's a continual process of following the path before us, even if we can only see the next step.

Keen shares so much great advice for aspiring songwriters, musicians, and really anyone who is hoping to break into the music industry. He shares the best way to find success is to ask yourself two questions. What are the needs of the creative people and how can you bridge that gap? Instead of boxing yourself in with a particular role in the industry, look to solve a problem, meet a need, and find out how that will impact the world around you.

The other advice Keen shares is, "if you want to catch a fish, you have to think like a fish." Identify the people you are trying to reach with your music, and then find out where they hang out. Give those people what they need, and meet them in their environment.

"The inspiration comes from God, but there's also work involved. You have to learn the craft. It's like any other artform. Learn how to craft your music so people can receive your message." - Dan Keen

Some topics we talk about in this episode:

Introduction // Dan Keen - 1:38
Dan's Story - 6:27
Dan's Current Work at Belmont University - 27:54
For the Love of Bluegrass - 31:26
Work with Nickel Creek, Ricky Skaggs, and Other Groups - 37:12
The Evolution of the Music Industry - 43:25
Focus for Songwriters - 51:23
Information About Belmont - 57:39
Wrap Up - 1:03:12

How to get involved

Join the Successful Christian Songwriters Group on Facebook and continue the discussion! https://www.facebook.com/groups/SuccessfulChristianSongwriters/
Check out all of the resources for you to become the songwriter you were meant to be at www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com

If you liked this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a quick review on iTunes. It would mean the world to hear your feedback and we'd love for you to help us spread the word!

DON MOEN: Taking Worship to the World Jan 19, 2019

Show notes

"Many years ago the Lord spoke to me and he said, 'Just be yourself.' When God opens the door and puts me on the platform I do a lot better if I walk in my own anointing and who God made me to be. I can't be as hip and cool as others, but they can't be me." - Don Moen

This week on the Song Revolution Podcast, we celebrate our 100th episode with singer-songwriter, Don Moen. Don has written over 100 worship songs and led worship services on every continent but Antartica. Don has also received a Dove Award for his work on the musical "God With Us" and has received multiple Dove Award nominations for his songs, CDs and choral resources. In addition to his writing and recording, Don has had the opportunity to sing with Chris Tomlin, Twila Paris, Darlene Zschech, Andrea Bocelli, Sara Groves, Paul Baloche, and others. Don Moen is truly an inspiration in his heart for worship, his incredible talent, and his mission statement to be an architect who designs products and events that help people experience God's presence in new and fresh ways.

"Worship is a common denominator. It crosses generations, cultures, denominations… what connects with people is the heart of worship. It brings down barriers." - Don Moen

Don has been in ministry for over three decades and has literally journeyed around the world to create worship experiences for the nations. In this episode, he shares stories of some of his travels, including a worship service his team was able to do in Katar. John Chisum and Don talk about the future of the worship industry, and the new sound that will rise from worship songwriters in the coming years. Don gives some timeless wisdom and techniques for honing the craft of songwriting. Don truly is an inspiration and is full of wisdom for aspiring songwriters and worshippers.

"I believe the new sound is going to be the sound of the psalms, the sound of authenticity, the sound of suffering, the sound of crying out even in the midst of our pain, rather than a sugar-coated glossiness." - John Chisum

This past year, Don released a book, full of inspirational wisdom, and stories of his travel. You can find the book here.

Some topics we talk about in this episode:

Introduction: Celebrating Our 100th Episode // Don Moen - 1:32
Don's Journeys Around the World - 12:56
The Power of Just Being Yourself - 19:24
Creating a Song Revolution - 35:24
Worship, Suffering, and Faithfulness - 38:13
The Practice of Crafting a Song - 48:35
Don's Resources - 1:00:37
Wrap Up - 1:07:16

How to get involved

Join the Successful Christian Songwriters Group on Facebook and continue the discussion! https://www.facebook.com/groups/SuccessfulChristianSongwriters/
Check out all of the resources for you to become the songwriter you were meant to be at www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com

If you liked this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a quick review on iTunes. It would mean the world to hear your feedback and we'd love for you to help us spread the word!

Episode 100 - Taking Worship to the World with Don Moen Jan 19, 2019

Show notes

"Worship is a common denominator. It crosses generations, cultures, denominations… what connects with people is the heart of worship. It brings down barriers." - Don Moen

This past year, Don released a book, full of inspirational wisdom, and stories of his travel. You can find the book here.

Some topics we talk about in this episode:

Introduction: Celebrating Our 100th Episode // Don Moen - 1:32
Don's Journeys Around the World - 12:56
The Power of Just Being Yourself - 19:24
Creating a Song Revolution - 35:24
Worship, Suffering, and Faithfulness - 38:13
The Practice of Crafting a Song - 48:35
Don's Resources - 1:00:37
Wrap Up - 1:07:16

How to get involved

Join the Successful Christian Songwriters Group on Facebook and continue the discussion! https://www.facebook.com/groups/SuccessfulChristianSongwriters/
Check out all of the resources for you to become the songwriter you were meant to be at www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com

If you liked this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a quick review on iTunes. It would mean the world to hear your feedback and we'd love for you to help us spread the word!

CHRISTA WELLS: Hit Songwriter, Indie Artist, Mother of Five Jan 12, 2019

Show notes

Christa Wells is an American singer-songwriter based in Nashville, Tennessee, with over 15 years experience in the music industry.As an indie artist, Christa has released five albums, developing a signature alternative-pop sound that is fresh, soulful, and enduring. Her latest project,Velveteen (April 2018) chronicles her own journey through suffering, singing relentless hope across the wide spaces of loss.In 2013 she also teamed up with fellow singer-songwriter Nicole Witt to create a folk-inspired collection of worship music under band name More Than Rubies.An award-winning songwriter, Christa has also collaborated with other Nashville artists to write hit songs such as "Held" (Natalie Grant), "Need You Now" + "God Help Me" (Plumb), and "Red Sea Road" (Ellie Holcomb.Christa is passionate about encouraging + mentoring fellow artists. In addition to devoting regular time to one-on-one songwriting coaching, she also serves one week each summer on staff with Masterpiece Ministries, an arts camp for high school students. Along with Nicole Witt, she co-founded a creative support community called Artist And, which hosts periodic songwriting and creative/spiritual retreats.

How to get involved

Follow Christa on Social and find more info at http://www.christawellsmusic.com
Join the Successful Christian Songwriters Group on Facebook and continue the discussion! https://www.facebook.com/groups/SuccessfulChristianSongwriters/
Check out all of the resources for you to become the songwriter you were meant to be at www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com

If you liked this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a quick review on iTunes. It would mean the world to hear your feedback and we'd love for you to help us spread the word!

ANDREW RIPP: Addiction, Authenticity, and Artistry Jan 05, 2019

Show notes

"Throughout our process we've learned what it feels like when friends carry the weight with you. And the only way to get there is to be vulnerable and let other people into your struggle. If they don't know, they can't lift it."

This week on The Song Revolution Podcast, John Chisum talks about authenticity with singer-songwriter Andrew Ripp. Andrew recently released The Heart, the first half of a new album, The Heart & The Soul. His music is full of strong hooks, and is written in a very lyric forward manner. While he is an extremely talented artist, this interview is full of wisdom about family, forgiveness, vulnerability, and being more than a conqueror!

"If I want God's dream over my life rather than mine, I have to be willing to let go of everything I know. Learning how to rest and quiet the noise has done wonders in my life. We have to learn how to get quiet."

Andrew feels passionately about the importance of vulnerability. He and John talk about Andrew's journey to overcome alcoholism, and how he triumphed over this addiction and gained greater strength and perspective. His thoughts regarding the strength found in the midst of surrender are challenging and truly inspiring. There are times when we surrender is necessary to make space for something new. Andrew's surrender led the way to freedom, and new opportunity. Listen in to hear more about Andrew's life, lessons he has learned as a husband and artist, and how he and his wife abruptly entered the realm of parenthood just a couple of months ago!

"WIth themes in songs, I don't really think about it while I'm writing them. Sometimes songwriters try to write the song, instead of waiting for the song to reveal itself. The best songs come when they unfold, and you just get out of the way."

Some topics we talk about in this episode:

Introduction // Guest Name - 1:26
Andrew's Story - 6:02
Marriage, Family, and Forgiveness. - 12:17
The Freedom of Surrender - 29:23
Andrew's Journey to Find Freedom From Alcoholism - 33:12
Andrew's new EP The Heart - 41:22
Wrap Up - 48:13

How to get involved

Join the Successful Christian Songwriters Group on Facebook and continue the discussion! https://www.facebook.com/groups/SuccessfulChristianSongwriters/
Check out all of the resources for you to become the songwriter you were meant to be at www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com

If you liked this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a quick review on iTunes. It would mean the world to hear your feedback and we'd love for you to help us spread the word!

TIM TIMMONS: Big Beards, Big Baldness, Big Glasses, Big Life (Encore) Dec 29, 2018

Show notes

Tim Timmons' life has always been one of adventure, but for the first time, the singer/songwriter feels awake enough to actually live it. After nearly two decades of ministry and a lifetime as a believer, Timmons is no stranger to the tenets of the Christian faith. Now he finds himself moving beyond believer to follower, awake and alive to the nearness of Jesus. His sophomore album, Awake Our Souls(Reunion Records), is a portrait of Timmons' own awakening and an invitation for every listener to discover the abundant life beyond belief."We talk about all these things I've known about my whole life—like freedom in Jesus and overwhelming joy—but I've never known it until now, and it's just this awakening in my soul," the singer shares. "The goal of this record is to invite people into a new reality of the Kingdom of God that is around us all the time. Here are ten songs—ten prayers—that help me practically live in the availability and the truth of God's Kingdom," he says. "It's a huge concept—the Kingdom of God… We have power, but who lives as though the same spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives inside of us? Jesus is saying, 'You can do anything I did.'"In this episode, John Chisum yuks it up with the very affable Timmons and talks about Timmons' recent spiritual awakening from professional Christian to authentic believer and how it's affected his entire life, ministry, family, songwriting, and world outlook. Armed with a new contentment in his soul, Timmons' songs have taken on a whole new depth that is nothing short of incendiary to passive, cultural Christianity.For all the latest information on Tim Timmons, including music, and touring, go towww.TimTimmonsMusic.com, and check him out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

How to get involved

Join the Successful Christian Songwriters Group on Facebook and continue the discussion! https://www.facebook.com/groups/SuccessfulChristianSongwriters/
Check out all of the resources for you to become the songwriter you were meant to be at www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com

If you liked this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a quick review on iTunes. It would mean the world to hear your feedback and we'd love for you to help us spread the word!

ALISA TURNER: Surviving Life's Tragedies to Authentically Worship (Encore) Dec 22, 2018

Show notes

New Integrity Music artist Alisa Turner is no stranger to tragedy. She lost her worship leader Dad to a sudden heart attack when she was a 20-year old aspiring Nashville singer-songwriter, was bedridden for six years with Lymes Disease, and lost her infant son, London, 71 minutes after he was born. Yet, her heart looms large with love for God, worship, and others, and her laughter and smiles are truly infectious.

In this deeply personal episode, John Chisum and Alisa dig into how she has managed to stay not only positive, but outright effervescent in the face of such losses and offer to the world an endless sense of hope despite the pain. Her worship is deep and the solid biblical foundations of her life support the profound and powerful messages in her songs.

The Integrity Music Press Release says of Turner, "Worship artist Alisa Turner sings with passion and vulnerability. Her songs capture something almost mystical, yet deeply rooted in the hard stuff of the "now and not yet" grit of the everyday. It's the lilt and innocence in her voice and the heartbreaking, but hopeful truth of her story. That story is inextricably woven throughout her self-titled EP (Integrity Music) in a tapestry of grief, suffering, hope and redemption for which there is only one appropriate response: unfettered, unfiltered worship."

An independent artist for over a decade, Alisa's debut self-titled album produced by Michael Farren is available now as pre-sale and for downloads August 25th. In this episode, John and Alisa enjoy a candid, warm, and often funny conversation as they talk about:

Hot chocolate on hot days (she's obviously a "choco-holic")
Co-writing with high level songwriters like Word Music writer Tony Wood (29 #1 songs and counting), James Galbraith, Jessica Campbell, and Michael Farren
How authentic ministry comes from tremendous tragedy and loss and how to craft songs even in the sorrow
What it's like to be "discovered" as an independent artist and find herself signed to Integrity Music
Insights into her songwriting process, melody writing, and co-writing (and why she always takes food to cowrites!)
How she thinks about writing melodies to words on the page
Why she's excited about gearing up for her radio concert tour with Greg Sykes
And more…

For more information on Alisa Turner,visit www.alisaturner.com, or connect with her via Twitter @alisaturner, Instagram @alisaturnermusic and Facebook. Turner's music is also available at iTunes, Apple Music, Google Play and Spotify.

For more information visit www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com and join the Successful Christian Songwriters Group on Facebook!

Be sure to join NCS MEMBERSHIP today at www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com for the finest songwriter resources, coaching, inspiration and information!

TONY WOOD: Twenty-Nine #1 Songs and Counting (Encore) Dec 15, 2018

Show notes

By all accounts, Tony Wood is the epitome of successful Christian songwriting. Take five minutes now to read the following list of artists who've recorded his songs and then ask yourself if Tony Wood might not have something very valuable to say to you about how to craft songs that span genres, styles, and even generations.With over 700 songs recorded in the Christian music marketplace, Tony Wood songs have been recorded by Point Of Grace, Michael W. Smith, SELAH, 4-Him, Sandi Patty, Natalie Grant, Avalon, Ginny Owens, Mark Schultz, Brian Littrell (of the Backstreet Boys), Matt Redman, KUTLESS, Steven Curtis Chapman, Chris August, Mark Hall (of Casting Crowns), Group 1 Crew, Big Daddy Weave, Pocket Full of Rocks, FFH, Mandisa, Chris Sligh, Mark Harris, Francesca Battistelli, Colton Dixon, Nicole C. Mullen, Larnelle Harris, All Star United, Building 429, Jason Crabb, Joy Williams, Hawk Nelson, Jaci Valesquez, 33 Miles, Steve Green, PASSION, Gaither Vocal Band, Phillips, Craig & Dean, Royal Tailor, About A Mile, Petra, 7eventh Time Down, Kari Jobe, Anthony Evans, Wayne Watson, Meredith Andrews, Kim Hill, the Museum, Oak Ridge Boys, Don Moen, Rush Of Fools, Kathy Troccoli, Lincoln Brewster, OBB, Moriah Peters, Matt Wertz, Mike Donehey (of Tenth Avenue North), 1 Girl Nation, Aaron*Jeoffrey, Sidewalk Prophets, Guy Penrod, Booth Brothers, Cindy Morgan, Mark Lowry, Geoff Moore, Greg Long, Ricky Skaggs, Travis Cottrell, Kerrie Roberts, Clay Crosse, Scott Krippayne, Talley Trio, Bob Carlisle, Nichol Sponberg, Bill Gaither, Babbie Mason, Christy Nockels, Ian Eskelin, Steve Camp, Jonny Diaz, Russ Taff, Gold City, Ray Boltz, Jill Phillips, Paul Baloche, Aaron Shust, Leeland Mooring, Rob Mathes, Wayne Haun, Michael English, BarlowGirl, Sheila Walsh, Warren Barfield, Joseph Habedank, I AM THEY, Amber Nelon Thompson, Ronnie Freeman, TaRanda Greene, Brian Free and Assurance, NEWSONG, Susan Ashton, Veritas, Jim Brady Trio, Jody McBrayer, Matthew West, Tim Rushlow, Jessica Simpson, All Things New, Todd Agnew, Ronan Tynan, Legacy Five, Janet Paschall, Nelons, OBB, Kim Boyce, Gary Chapman, the Martins, Charles Billingsley, Russ Lee, Michael O'Brien, GLAD, First Call, Imperials, Karen Peck & New River, TRUTH, Alisa Turner and even more…If you're not impressed with that list, you're listening to the wrong podcast.In this episode, John Chisum has a fun and very valuable conversation with Tony about his humble beginnings and the leap of faith that brought him to Nashville with no connections, no guarantees, and only the faith that God had called him to become a Christian songwriter. Tony shares candidly about the long journey through trials and setbacks that required a lot of tenacity and faith for him to "make it" years after he settled here with his first song being recorded, as well as his uncertainty that the "next song will ever come."You can read more about Tony Wood on his website at tonywoodonline.com and follow him on Twitter and Instagram @tonywood_exit71.For more information visit www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com and join the Successful Christian Songwriters Group on Facebook!Be sure to join NCS MEMBERSHIP today at www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com for the finest songwriter resources, coaching, inspiration and information!

How to get involved

Join the Successful Christian Songwriters Group on Facebook and continue the discussion! https://www.facebook.com/groups/SuccessfulChristianSongwriters/
Check out all of the resources for you to become the songwriter you were meant to be at www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com

If you liked this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a quick review on iTunes. It would mean the world to hear your feedback and we'd love for you to help us spread the word!

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