Song Revolution with John Chisum

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STU G: Delirious? Co-Founder on Co-writing (Encore) Dec 08, 2018

Show notes

Best known as co-founder, lead guitarist, and songwriter of the British worship band Delirious? with Martin Smith, Stu Garrard helped shape the modern worship movement. Famous for culture-shifting songs like Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble and I Could Sing of Your Love Forever, Garrard helped to capture and define worship for an entire generation as Delirious? traveled the world leading millions in worship and even opening for Bon Jovi.

In this episode, John Chisum visits with Stu G around his new release called "The Beatitudes Project," a full-length record featuring songs Stu co-wrote with industry-leading artists Amy Grant, Audrey Assad, Michael W. Smith, All Sons and Daughters, Joel Houston, and many more. The album is accompanied by a book, Words from the Hill (An Invitation to the Unexpected) released in April by NavPress, and a documentary film, View from the Hill, now in production.

In this episode, John and Stu discussed not only The Beatitudes Project, but great moments in Stu's career, what it's like to co-write with amazing artists, and offered songwriting advice to aspiring writers.

About Stugiology Music: Stugiology Music is a record label formed by Stu Garrard, who is perhaps best-known as the guitarist / songwriter for the RIAA Certified Gold-selling, GRAMMY-nominated and Dove Award-winning British band Delirious?. He is also a founding member of One Sonic Society (although no longer with the band) and recorded and released his first solo project in 2013, Of Burdens, Birds, and Stars. When not touring with Michael W. Smith or adding his sonic paint to Casting Crowns, Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, Meredith Andrews, All Sons & Daughters, Amy Grant and many others' recordings, Garrard is writing, recording, speaking, leading worship and working with JHS on a custom line of guitar pedals. He lives in Nashville with his wife Karen. For all the latest Stu Garrard news and tour information, go to www.stugworld.com.

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!

AARON SHUST: Hit Songwriting, Worship Leading, and the Passion for People (Encore) Dec 01, 2018

Show notes

Over the past decade, Aaron Shust has earned a reputation as one of Christian music's most compelling songwriters and a vocalist of considerable depth and passion. He was named both New Artist and Songwriter of the Year at the 2007 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards and the impact of his song, "My Savior My God" was recognized with the Song of the Year honor. He has continued to build on that early promise to become one of the community's most creative and trusted voices.

Shust is well known for such hits as "My Hope is in You," which spent 14 weeks at No. 1, "No One Higher," which hit the summit on the Inspirational chart and "Ever Be," which made its way to No. 3 on the NCA chart. "O Come O Come Emmanuel" has become a perennial holiday favorite, earning acclaim as the most played song each December for 10 years in a row.

In this episode, John Chisum connects with the authentic Shust on family, songs, touring, and how to keep life real in the midst of success as a Contemporary Christian Artist and popular worship leader. You can connect with Aaron at aaronshust.com and on Twitter and Instagram @aaronshust.

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!

TREVOR GRAVES: What it Takes to Be Heard in Nashville (Encore) Nov 24, 2018

Show notes

Trevor Graves is an aspiring songwriter hoping to be heard in Nashville. His acoustic songs and sound are a blend of classic CCM with fresh influences a la John Mayer and Ed Sheeran. In this episode of The Song Revolution Podcast, John Chisum highlights Trevor's songs and sincere call to write for Jesus.As a client of Nashville Christian Songwriters' coaching program, Mastering the Art & Craft of Christian Songwriting, Trevor shares about his journey into commercial songwriting and the development of three songs during the show, which he also performs. Listeners will immediately recognize his talent and the quality of his work.Songwriters looking for inspiration and many nuggets about the craft of songwriting won't be disappointed in this episode as they follow the development of a very talented and developing songwriter, Trevor Graves.

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!

PAT BARRETT: "Good Good Father" and Finding Inspiration in the Everyday (Encore) Nov 17, 2018

Show notes

The Song Revolution Podcast EP 91

Writing Good Good Father and Finding Inspiration with Pat Barrett

"Surround yourself with people that challenge you, and pray for you, and can see more clearly, and help you know the direction you should take in your music."

In this episode of the Song Revolution Podcast, John sits down with Pat Barrett. Pat is the lead vocalist of the band Housefires, and co-writer of the song, "Good Good Father." He is the debut artist on Chris Tomlin's Label, Boyer & Bow, and released a self-titled solo album on July 20th of this year.

"I found such energy and hope realizing that I can contribute. I get the opportunity to contribute to the conversation of how we talk about God, and why this message even matters and that it can change our lives, and the way we love each other."

John and Pat discuss the backstory of the award-winning song, "Good Good Father." The song has won multiple awards, including "Song of the Year" at the GMA Dove Awards. Chris Tomlin and Pat also co-wrote a children's book of the same name, which has currently sold almost 200,000 copies.

Pat has years of experience writing, singing, and leading in the worship community. John and Pat discuss worship music, and give unique perspective to the transformational value that can be found in worship. While the primary purpose of worship is to bring us into the presence of God, introspective worship can help us take a look at our own hearts. As we allow ourselves to become closer to the heart of God, it will affect all areas of our lives.

"In my songwriting process, I've tried to be sensitive and awake to the things that inspire me... I try to follow that feeling, and not force myself to put a song in a certain framework or mold… Become a disciple of the things that move you."

Pat and John give helpful tips and techniques to assist songwriters in all genres. Becoming more aware of our surroundings, and the things that move us, can lead to our creation of music that will inspire the same feeling in others.

If you haven't already, check out Pat Barrett's EP on iTunes!

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/pat-barrett-ep/1392775335

Some topics we talk about in this episode:

Introduction // Pat Barrett - 1:28
Story Behind "Good Good Father"- 5:45
Current Work and Community- 13:12
Pat's Motivations for Writing - 24:40
Pat's Songwriting Process- 29:48
Advice to Songwriters - 36:32
Wrap Up - 39:12

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!

CHRIS MCCLARNEY: Leading the World in Worship (Encore) Nov 10, 2018

Show notes

"When we are writing songs that connect people to God, part of that process is pushing fear out of the way"

In episode 90, John sits down with Worship Leader and Songwriter, Chris McClarney. Chris grew up in the church as the son of a Youth Pastor and met Jesus at a very young age. When he was 14, he began leading worship for a small group, which led to full-time ministry in local churches and inner-city ministries across Nashville.

"My personal style of leading worship is seeking moments, as opposed to just playing songs really well"

Chris' powerful worship anthem "Your Love Never Fails" has become one of the most popular songs in America's churches as reported in the Top 25 of CCLI and a #1 song on the Billboard Christian Chart. Chris then partnered with Jesus Culture Music and recorded his debut live album "Everything and Nothing Less." This powerful live album featured songs recorded live at the 2015 Jesus Culture Sacramento Conference.

"I write a lot of bad songs, but every now and then, I write a song that people like"

Since that time, Chris has released more music and just released his new album titled "Breakthrough." He currently serves as Worship Pastor at Church of the City in Franklin, TN while touring with Jesus Culture and others to lead the world in Worship through powerful songs and intentional moments.

Find out more about Chris and download his new album at https://chrismcclarneymusic.com/

NCS Boot Camp is an Online 8-Week Personal Mentoring Program for Christian Songwriters

Designed to lead you step by step to the most powerful expressions of songwriting you've ever experienced, glorifying God fully by utilizing the gifts He's placed in you, and overcoming the fears and procrastination that have held you back for far too long to get your songs out there!

Begins Nov 12! Apply Now - https://nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/bootcamp/

Some topics we talk about in this episode:

Introduction // Chris McClarney - 2:12
Hearing Ten Thousand People Sing Your Songs - 6:45
Chris' Start as a Worship Leader - 8:50
How Chris Stays Grounded - 13:38
The Weight of the Call - 20:46
Spontaneity in Worship - 23:32
Removing the Barriers of Comparison - 26:50
The Vision behind the New Record "Breakthrough" - 31:10
Chris' Songwriting Process - 36:55
Learning From Your Mistakes and Train Wrecks - 43:45
Wrap Up - 48:02

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!

JASON GRAY: Getting Real (Encore) Nov 03, 2018

Show notes

From the outside, it may look like Jason Gray has the perfect life. Now in his 10th year as a commercial Christian recording artist with a string of successful collaborations with some of the biggest names in Christian music, number one hit radio songs, touring with the likes of Natalie Grant, Lauren Daigle, and many more, it'd be easy for the casual onlooker to assume that Jason has it all together. But it doesn't take more than a minute with him to realize that life has been anything but rosy for Jason, despite the popularity of his music and all the commercial success he has gained.

In this episode of The Song Revolution Podcast, John Chisum gets quickly to the deeper side of Jason Gray. In their thoughtful and transparent discussion, Jason shares candidly about how his broken, abusive home growing up, his speech impediment, his own divorce, and one of the darkest moments in his life in which he could have ended it all has influenced the transparency and depth of his writing.

Jason performed three songs during this episode, Death Without a Funeral, With Every Act of Love, and Without Running Away… each a powerfully crafted and emotionally impacting song that reveals the deep well of his heart and the masterful level of wordsmithing and tune crafting Jason has come to be known for in his ministry.

Among the many awesome moments of this discussion, Jason talks about:

How the "gift" of his speech impediment has shaped his songs
How he creates "points of entry" for his listeners to go deeper in the Gospel
Why our brokenness is the very place God meets us and how he captures those places in his songwriting
The balance between too much/too little transparency in songwriting and how his mentor, Walter Wangerin, taught him how to "give" to his audience instead of "taking" from them through over-sharing
How to redeem your pain properly and how God used him to pray for couples in distress despite his own divorce and pain
Three song categories and how to write for each, including the kind that are "unhewn stones" not to be touched by craft and made as a simple offering to God
Insightful thoughts on his own song processes and why he chooses to be "invisible" inside his songs
How "taking tools off the table" leads to creativity beyond our normal capacities
How writers such as Frederick Buechner and N.T. Wright have influenced his lyrics
How God spoke to him through an agnostic folk singer named Paul Simon and how God is able to make himself heard with or without our permission
What the future may be for his songwriting and ministry

Anyone cynical about contemporary Christian music has yet to discover Jason Gray. This podcast will stir your creativity, challenge your preconceived notions about who God can or cannot use, and will dare you to face your own brokenness and need for Jesus, whether you write songs or just love listening to them.

You can connect with Jason Gray at jasongraymusic.com and follow him on FaceBook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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!

LINDA DOANE: Music, Faith, and Stage Four Cancer Oct 27, 2018

Show notes

"That desire to write was always in me. That desire to sing was always in me, but I just thought it was for myself."

On this episode of The Song Revolution Podcast, Linda Doane lends her testimony and her insight to John Chisum, detailing her battle with cancer and the release of Powerful, her brand-new album in partnership with Inspiration Worship. Although music was always a part of Linda's private life, she never shared her talents and her voice until after her second diagnosis with stage four Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma in 2014. It was then that she and her husband Tom looked at each other and decided to take a leap of faith and pursue Linda's true calling in music.

"That was a lesson actually I had to learn after recording Whose. I felt like it was God pouring right through me and I felt like when he gave me that song, He said if I am the answer to the questions in Whose, then this is your go time. Go."

As Linda tried to navigate her diagnosis and treatment, juggling doctor's appointments alongside her daughter's illness and a death in the family, she leaned on God and on one word alone- "Faith." Through it all, her heart for God and desire to keep living and making great music propelled her forward, towards healing and a fruitful partnership with Ian Eskelin, who became Linda's friend, champion, and producer for Powerful. Linda's strength, creativity, and deep love for Jesus shine through every word she speaks in this interview, and she takes time to encourage and inspire anyone listening and harboring an unfulfilled dream.

"Early on, Ian said, 'content is king.' And I would encourage people to continue writing, continue getting feedback, and just if the desire is truly there, keep moving forward."

As John and Linda unpack her journey through healing and music, she also talks honestly about the ins and outs of creating music as an independent artist. She discusses how good rejection can feel, refusing to compromise on core values, and using your unique talents to the glory of God. Hearing Linda Doane speak about her journey through sickness to success in Christ will inspire and uplift you.

Some topics we talk about in this episode:

Introduction // Linda Doane - 0:38
Linda's Passion for Music - 2:33
Ian Eskelin and Whose - 4:38
Faith and the "Diag-no-sis"- 10:39
Inspiration Worship- 16:19
Advice for the Talented and Lost- 26:25
Growing as an Independent Artist- 29:22
Closing Thoughts- 34:55
Outro- 37:17

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
Visit Linda and her work at www.inspirationworship.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!

BJ PRIDHAM: Planetshakers & Songwriting for Global Worship Oct 20, 2018

Show notes

"It's incredible to be able to take what God has entrusted to us, and impart that to the Body… this is about us coming together and lifting up the name of Jesus. We're here to empower generations."

This week on the Song Revolution Podcast, John Chisum and BJ Pridham discuss worship, songwriting, and staying humble while playing music in front of hundreds of thousands of people. BJ is the worship pastor at Planetshakers, Church, a dynamic church based in Melbourne, Australia. The Planetshakers travel globally, playing worship sets for churches and conferences.

"We're out there doing life with people. We really want to empower people to experience all they can with God, and to live a life full of Kingdom benefit. This is about transforming people's lives, and therefore transforming nations."

Throughout this interview, BJ's love for the Lord is so evident. He gives excellent advice to aspiring songwriters about remaining humble, keeping your life in order, and listening for God's voice to guide the songwriting process. BJ encourages aspiring songwriters to be daring and bold in the songwriting process. Many people can feel like "there is nothing new under the sun," and struggle to come up with original concepts. However, BJ shares that your moment of encounter could be a catalyst for another person's breakthrough. This episode is sure to inspire and motivate you in your songwriting ventures!

"You just don't know where you'll be when God speaks. I think my head is full of great ideas, but that's not necessarily what I'm looking for. I want God to speak something, and I want to capture that in my songwriting."

Some topics we talk about in this episode:

Introduction // Guest Name - 2:11
How BJ Joined the Planetshakers - 6:22
Favorite Songs - 9:32
Travel with Planetshakers - 11:52
How the Mission of the Planetshakers Impacts Their Ministry - 15:50
Writing in the Group - 20:02
Performance and Ego - 24:55
BJ's Songwriting Process - 30:32
Upcoming Plans for Planetshakers - 37:12
Advice for Aspiring Songwriters - 39:30
Wrap Up - 41:44

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!

JACKIE PATILLO: The Past, Present, and Future of Gospel Music Oct 13, 2018

Show notes

"When God puts something together, it doesn't have to look like anything you've ever seen or sound like anything you've ever heard, there's an anointing and power to it.""

This week on The Song Revolution Podcast, John Chisum and Jackie Patillo talk about the gospel music industry, and the past, present, and future of gospel music. Jackie Patillo is the Executive Director of the Gospel Music Association. She has a rich history in the music industry, working as the Vice President of Star Song Communications, as well as working for Benson Music Group, Integrity, and Verity. She has had the opportunity to help develop and give guidance to the music career of many artists including Phillips, Craig & Dean, Joe Pace and The Colorado Mass Choir, Israel and New Breed, Natalie Grant, Donnie McClurkin, Kirk Franklin, Byron Cage, Kurt Carr, Dave Hollister.

"There is nothing like being able to put words in the mouth of the Church to extol our King, there's nothing more powerful than that."

The term "Gospel Music" can at times lend itself to certain connotations about genre and style. However, in this podcast we talk about the wide range of gospel music, and the reach of gospel music across a wide variety of genres. Part of Jackie's role at GMA is running the Dove Awards that are hosted each year in Nashville. Jackie provides a sneak peek behind the work done behind the scenes for this Awards ceremony, as well as other events that occur throughout the year.

"Gospel music is not defined by its style, but by its message."

The Gospel Music Association has created new opportunities for young Christian creatives to find connection and career development. They have a program devoted to Christian Executives under 30, and also a community to support band wives.

If you aren't already a part of GMA, you should be! Visit their website to learn more, and join a community that will support your aspirations as a songwriter.

"I consider our artists modern day Christian soldiers… They're heeding the call, they're using their talents and giftings, and they're making sacrifice to spread the gospel through music."

Some topics we talk about in this episode:

Introduction // Jackie Patillo - 0:56
Jackie's Journey in the CCM Industry - 3:12
Jackie's work with GMA & The Dove Awards - 10:15
Work at Lipscomb University - 20:50
The Past, Present, and Future of GMA - 24:50
The Mission of GMA - 35:12
Opportunities for Young Christian Creatives - 37:32
Wrap Up - 41:22

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!

JOHN CHISUM: How Pro Songwriters Crank Out Hit After Hit Oct 06, 2018

Show notes

"Songs are more assembled than written… Pro songwriters understand the craft of songwriting and they use every tool they have to assemble a good song."

Last weekend, Nashville Christian Songwriters hosted the 4th Songwriting Intensive Weekend. Forty aspiring songwriters came together with professional level song coaches and speakers from the Contemporary Christian Music industry to learn, write together, get invaluable critiques, and develop a strong songwriting community. Songwriters left empowered with next steps for their songwriting endeavors. We are sure to sell out for the next intensive, so stay connected to NCS and The Song Revolution Podcast so you can register early and secure your spot.

"Great writers spend more time looking for great ideas than they do actually writing the song... Great ideas rarely come from sitting down at your laptop or at an instrument and waiting for them to happen. "

This week on The Song Revolution Podcast, John shares one of his dynamic teachings from the Intensive Weekend. Pro-songwriters crank out hit after hit, have you ever wondered how? John gives insight into the importance of assembling your song, instead of simply writing out of emotion. He breaks down the different components of a hit song, giving advice and actionable tips for each. Listen in and take one of your songs from good to great today!

"Pro-songwriters know that great ideas often begin with a tiny seed, a phrase, an inkling of something that should be written."

Some topics we talk about in this episode:

Introduction - 2:08
Intensive Recap - 5:02
The First Secret to Building a Good Song - 12:36
Where Do Great Song Ideas Come From? - 19:12
Finding and Developing Your "Hook" - 30:00
Focused and Dynamic Lyric Writing - 37:22
Melodic Development - 42:40
Wrap Up - 53:34

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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