Song Revolution with John Chisum

Latest Episodes:

KRISSY NORDHOFF: Writing Brave Worship Sep 29, 2018

Show notes

"One thing I always feared is what if this is the last song I ever write, or what if this is the last good idea I ever have, and that's a lie from the enemy. You're always going to write another song, and that's how you should approach co-writes and rewrites and new versions of songs."

This week on The Song Revolution Podcast, John sat down with professional songwriter and worship leader, Krissy Nordhoff. Krissy is a writer for Integrity Music, a 3 time Dove Award Nominee, and writer of the dynamic worship song, Your Great Name. She has written songs for several artists including Natalie Grant, Mandisa, Aaron Shust, Darlene Zschech, Lauren Daigle, Anthony Evans, and Meredith Andrews. Krissy also has a mentorship program for women called Brave Worship. In the episode, Krissy shares about this program being birthed from her own desire to have a mentor to help her navigate the music industry and her personal life.

"There are several different purposes for songs. Sometimes we just see we want our songs to reach the whole entire world, but that might not be what the Lord has in mind. It might be a song to bless Him, or a song to bless you personally, or something you want to give as a gift."

- - - - - - - - -

[SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT] Are you a worship songwriter ready to go deeper in your calling and learn how to write worship songs the world would love to sing from the co-writer of the hit worship song, Your Great Name?

NCS is now partnering with Integrity Music songwriter Krissy Nordhoff to offer you a 20% discount for a limited time only on her new Worship Songwriter Mentorship Course!

You will learn:

How to write worship songs for you and your congregation
How to maximize your unique Worship Songwriting Personality
How to co-write with confidence
Ways to nurture and develop a true heart of worship
Your own ways to shape powerful worship songs
The art of giving and receiving helpful songwriting feedback
The joy of connecting into a great community of worship songwriters

Krissy Nordhoff's heart for God and for mentoring worshiping songwriters is captured in this incredible course and songwriting community, a heart that will be yours as you join her in the Worship Songwriting Mentorship Program.

This offer ends at midnight on October 10th, so use THIS LINK today to get started writing your best worship songs ever!

Check out this week's podcast where John Chisum talks with Krissy about her songwriting journey, her deep desire to mentor younger women in worship and worship songwriting, and learn the story of the massively popular song Your Great Name.

"Our songs may be fighting battles that we never lay our eyes on until we get into heaven. Or we may have a song that trickles out and reaches a heart that we never knew and changes a life. We can never underestimate the power of song."

Some topics we talk about in this episode:

Introduction // Krissy Nordhoff - 0:36
Krissy's Story - 3:40
The Progression of "Your Great Name" - 11:02
Writing, Re-Writing and Revisions - 15:03
The Song that Changed Krissy's Life - 19:45
Writer's Personality Test - 24:48
Mentoring and Songwriting - 32:30
Advice to Beginning Songwriters - 37:38
Maintaining Humility in the Midst of Success - 41:04
Worship Writer Mentorship - 45:52
The Rest of the Story: Your Great Name - 53:55
Wrap Up - 30:00

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!

LOWELL ALEXANDER: Mastering the Art and Craft of Songwriting Sep 22, 2018

Show notes

"This whole thing is not about instant gratification. You have to work and learn your craft."

This week on The Song Revolution Podcast, John Chisum spent time with Lowell Alexander. While you may not recognize the name, you would definitely recognize his work. Lowell has had over 600 songs published, and has worked with some of the best. His songs have been recorded by some of the top artists in the industry, including Point of Grace, Selah, Amy Grant, Art Garfunkle, Sandy Patti, Bill Gaither, Natalie Grant, Ellie Holcomb, and the list goes on!

"Read, read, read! If you're going to write beautiful words, you have to be filled with beautiful words!"

Unlike most individuals in the music industry, the career actually found him. Lowell began as a teacher at a private Christian school, and was discovered by Rich Mullins at the age of 22. You'll want to listen to this episode to hear more about how Lowell went from school teacher to staff writer, stepped away from music for a season, and then jumped back in. He has achieved great success in his craft, and has some incredible insight and wisdom to share with listeners.

"There's a difference between surface lyrics and simple lyrics. There's a lot of surface stuff that goes on out there, something that is simple and profound, that sums up the gospel, is so powerful "

Some topics we talk about in this episode:

Introduction // Lowell Alexander - 0:39
Lowell's Start as a Songwriter - 4:11
Highlights of Lowell's Songwriting Career - 16:43
Taking a Break from the Business - 27:43
Returning to Music - 34:15
The Importance of Reading as a Songwriter - 38:32
Lowell's Current Work: The Miracle in Bedford Falls - 51:11
Two Songs Lowell Can't Sing - 57:11
Advice to the Aspiring Songwriter - 1:00:30
Wrap Up - 1:12:08

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!

LOWELL ALEXANDER: Mastering the Art and Craft of Songwriting Sep 22, 2018

Show notes

"This whole thing is not about instant gratification. You have to work and learn your craft."

"Read, read, read! If you're going to write beautiful words, you have to be filled with beautiful words!"

Some topics we talk about in this episode:

Introduction // Lowell Alexander - 0:39
Lowell's Start as a Songwriter - 4:11
Highlights of Lowell's Songwriting Career - 16:43
Taking a Break from the Business - 27:43
Returning to Music - 34:15
The Importance of Reading as a Songwriter - 38:32
Lowell's Current Work: The Miracle in Bedford Falls - 51:11
Two Songs Lowell Can't Sing - 57:11
Advice to the Aspiring Songwriter - 1:00:30
Wrap Up - 1:12:08

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!

KENNA TURNER WEST: Thirty-Four Number One Songs (and counting) Sep 15, 2018

Show notes

"We have to treat our songs not as something holy, but just as a song… 'Ain't nothin holy but the Lord.' If we cling to what we wrote so tightly that it can only ever be that, if someone doesn't like that, it won't get cut. If my goal is to bear fruit and to affect the kingdom when an artist cuts it, who am I to say no?"

This week on The Song Revolution Podcast, John Chisum sits down with Kenna Turner West on the famous Music Row in Nashville, TN. As an incredibly accomplished, award-winning songwriter, it's safe to say that Kenna is the Queen of Southern Gospel Songwriting! Kenna has written 34 #1 Hit Songs for major artists including The Talley Trio, The Martins, Legacy 5, Brian Free and Assurance, and the Hoppers. She has performed alongside Amy Grant, Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, CeCe Winans, Charles Billingsley, The Cathedrals, The Talleys, and so many others.

"I've stirred the gift and fanned the flame as much as I can, so now when I feel the Lord nudging me to write, it's better than it was 20 years ago."

While Kenna's musical accomplishments are incredibly impressive, her heart for Jesus and desire for others to understand Him more fully through her music is, perhaps, the most remarkable thing about her. This passion is so evident in this episode, and Kenna does such a wonderful job of helping listeners recognize how songwriting can be a ministry, and how best to hone your craft to have a platform to spread the Good News to the world.

"There's a thousand ways to learn songwriting, and it would be crazy not to take advantage of those ways, to take the gifting that we have, and take the passion that we have, and make it better."

Kenna also discusses the art of songwriting, the importance of honing your craft, and recognizing the need to be pliable when it comes to your songs. She encourages listeners to stop seeing your song as 'holy,' be brave enough to move the words of your songs around, to create something that will be marketable. Her expert perspective as a seasoned commercial writer is eye-opening, and will be sure to challenge you in the best way.

Some topics we talk about in this episode:

Introduction // Kenna Turner West - 1:25
Kenna's Rich Legacy in Music - 5:06
Kenna's Music Background - 11:02
Tips for Pitching Songs - 19:45
The Importance of Learning Your Craft - 22:12
The Best Part of the Song Process - 31:20
Kenna's Songwriting Process - 34:37
Advice for the Songwriter - 52:50
How to Connect with Kenna - 57:34
Wrap Up - 59:36

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!

MIKE HARLAND: Lifeway Worship Director on Successful Christian Songwriting Sep 08, 2018

Show notes

"The mistake I see young writers making sometimes... is they focus most of their energy on what they can do, instead of focusing their energy on being who they should be. If you'll be who God wants you to be, He'll take care of the doing what you should do."

In this episode, John Chisum interviews the inimitable Dr. Mike Harland, Director of LifeWay Worship. LifeWay has reach into millions of believers and is one of the world's largest Christian resource ministries offering a full range of music, Bible studies, research, events, and much more.

"I think we undervalue the process of writing songs, the impact that has on you the writer... The process of sitting down with pen and paper and pouring your heart out in song shapes you."

Mike Harland has been at the helm of LifeWay Worship for twelve years and brings an amazing amount of information and depth about songs, songwriting, and the publishing industry in this powerful show.

"Get in that space in your head, where you learn all about the craft and then 'forget it' to be able to do what you do. Let the Lord anoint it and enable it."

Catch up with Mike Harland on Twitter at @mikeharlandLW, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/mike.harland.37 and check out all the great resources LifeWay offers at Worshiplifeevent.com, Worshiplife.com, Lifewaysongs.com.

Some topics we talk about in this episode:

How to write from the overflow of your devotion to God
How to follow God's leading into your destiny and be who YOU are as a Christian songwriter
Why character matters more than ability
How frustration shuts you down creatively
Remembering that intimacy with God is our real "platform"
What LifeWay Worship is doing this year you should know about
Why no one would be "served well" if publishers threw their doors open to receive unsolicited material and how you can really be heard as an unpublished writer
Why you can't hide a GREAT song (and how "I Can Only Imagine" was born)
How great songs will always "find their way" to the forefront
How songs are "good," "great," or "commercial"
What makes a song unique and the distance between great songs and commercial songs
What motivates publishers to publish YOUR songs
Why we don't need another Lauren Daigle
Fanny Crosby, Xiao Min, and the idea of God "dropping songs" on people
Mike's tips on song process and why we undervalue the process of writing songs and its effects on us as songwriters

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!

DRAKEFORD: Living the Dream as Independent Artists Sep 01, 2018

Show notes

"There are definitely challenges and struggles that come with being on the road, I think people forget about the challenge that comes along with it. If you do feel called to it, you have to learn how to balance time with your community, and time on the road."

In this unique episode of The Song Revolution Podcast, John Chisum sits down with Drakeford. Drakeford is a husband and wife folk/pop singer-songwriter duo based in Chattanooga, TN. They share the story of how they met doing street ministry and ended up married and living in the mountains of Chattanooga, TN. Drakeford and Lucy-Jayne give an update of their current work and play us some songs from the new record.

"If you don't jump out there, play open mics, show people songs, get in the car and drive to play at a church gig… if you don't dare to step up there and do it, you will never know what sort of potential God's put in you and your songs, and in the opportunities He's presented."

Drakeford and Lucy-Jayne share the ups and downs they experience in their life of touring as indie artists. They have the opportunity to embark on amazing adventures, including singing with a church choir in old cathedrals in Wales. However, in the midst of "living the dream," they discuss the challenges of operating outside of a label, missing out on important family life events, and finding a balance of community life, and travel. Drakeford, Lucy-Jayne, and John give practical advice to musicians who feel that their passion is to pursue a life of touring.

"I think growth is really where God wants us to be. It's never perfection."

If you haven't had the opportunity yet, check out Drakeford's new album!

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-venture/1378762158

If you would like to financially support Drakeford, send them a message at-

https://www.drakefordmusic.com/contact

Some topics we talk about in this episode:

Introduction // Drakeford - 0:39
**Stronger - 1:56
Drakeford's Story - 7:50
**Chattanooga - 11:53
Drakeford's Current Work - 18:48
**Creation to Salvation - 25:49
"The Venture" - 30:22
Sharing the Gospel with Secular Audiences - 37:20
**Forever Amen - 40:20
Life as "Musicianaries" - 46:50
Advice to Songwriters - 53:00
**Ready Or Not - 54:50
Wrap Up - 1:00:00

**Drakeford's songs - old, new, and Song Revolution Podcast exclusive!

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!

CINDY MORGAN: Finding Your True Songwriting Voice Aug 23, 2018

Show notes

"The process of discovering a song, is that it comes together. It may just be a thought, or an idea, or a line. As you move forward, though, it will unfold before you."

In this episode of the Song Revolution Podcast, John Chisum sits down with one of Nashville's most influential songwriters and artists, Cindy Morgan. Cindy is a two time Grammy nominee, and the recipient of 12 Dove Awards. She has written 21 #1 hits and co-written with a multitude of notable artists including Amy Grant, India.Arie, Rascal Flatts, Natalie Grant, Michael W. Smith, Point of Grace, Mandisa, Francesca Battistelli, and so many others.

She presents a beautiful and unique sound, and is an example of owning individuality in every component of the craft. Cindy gives insight into how she found her voice, and recognized her strength as a singer songwriter, and abandoned the "need" to write the genre she felt would sell the best.

"When you've been carrying the story with you your whole life, it comes out easy, because you know it. A lot of times we run away from what we know, we try to write what will sell."

Cindy is currently working on an album called Bad Creek, set to begin recording in August. She draws inspiration from the rich musical legacy of her family, and her childhood in the backwoods of Kentucky. This album will be a tribute to this heritage, and this episode of Song Revolution Podcast features a song we can look forward to hearing on the album!

In addition to this album, Cindy is also writing an EP based on love songs of the Old Testament. She and John discuss the flawed nature of the characters of the Old Testament, but the passion for God that can be found in the midst of their failures.

"The goal in songwriting is to find pure, fresh eyes for something that is familiar."

If you would like to hear more of Cindy's music and stay up to date with her current projects, you can visit www.cindymorganmusic.com

Some topics we talk about in this episode:

Introduction // Cindy Morgan - 2:10
Cindy's Start with Music - 11:26
Cindy's Current Work - 14:50
Track Writing, Top Line Writing, and Writing Organically - 17:20
Notable Work With Artists - 24:30
Musical Roots - 26:50
Bad Creek: Album and Documentary - 29:20
** Preacher Woman - 35:20
Cindy's Songwriting Process - 40:20
Writing Love Songs from the Old Testament - 47:40
** West of Nod - 48:40
Connecting with Cindy Morgan - 1:01:23
Advice for Songwriters - 1:03:05
Wrap Up - 1:05:00

** Listen to some of Cindy's music!

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 Aug 18, 2018

Show notes

"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!

RHETT WALKER: Artist, Songwriter, Preacher's Kid, and Family Man Aug 11, 2018

Show notes

"My biggest thing, since I was a kid, has been authenticity. I think you can write a song that means something to just you, and that, most of the time, will end up relating to most people. They might not have lived that story, but they can relate it to something in their own life. "

In this episode, John sits down with Grammy-nominated artist, Rhett Walker. Rhett is a down-to-earth family man, who grew up as a preacher's kid in South Carolina. While he was raised in church, Rhett shares about his personal journey of recognizing the need to find Jesus for himself. As a worship leader, songwriter, and touring artist, Rhett has a well-rounded experience in music.

"So many times with music… we spend a lot of time adding things, and not sharing the space that a song actually needs… It's important to be authentic in how we play the songs."

Rhett formed the Rhett Walker Band in 2011, after moving to Nashville to pursue his passion for music. In 2012 his song, "When Mercy Found Me," was nominated for Best Contemporary Christian Music Song. Throughout this episode, Rhett gives practical and profound advice in regards to songwriting and musicianship. The underlying message is authenticity, being true to who you are, and letting that resonate in the music that you create.

"Don't just try to write pretty words… Don't say something cliche just because it sounds cool… It might be just one song out of a hundred that has success, but that one out of a hundred will be the most 'you' song, that only you could write."

Some topics we talk about in this episode:

Introduction // Rhett Walker - 0:39
Rhett's Early Influences- 3:36
Rhett's Start with Music- 7:53
"When Mercy Found Me"- 15:28
Upcoming Music Release- 22:12
Rhett's Songwriting Process- 26:30
Rhett's Music Team- 31:00
Advice for Aspiring Songwriters- 36:40
How to Connect with Rhett- 39:02
Wrap Up - 40:14

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: Writing Songs to Reach the World Aug 02, 2018

Show notes

"There's a difference between a dream and a fantasy. A dream is something you're willing to take some steps towards... you just cannot help but go hard after it."

In episode 76, John tackles the burning question on the mind of nearly every songwriter who desires to reach a larger audience in the music realm. John gives a brief background of his own journey with songwriting, publishing, and career with Integrity music.

"Do something to further your craft. Anything, Even a small thing is better than living in a fantasy world waiting for someone to come and do this for you… If this is a true passion in your life, you'll be willing to do something about it."

John discusses the tools we have to spread our message that are right in our hand. So many times we overcomplicate the idea of sharing our music. When we do our part to get our music out there, opportunities are created for others to hear our message and for others, including publishers, to take note. John also shares meaningful statistics that cut down the notion that we have to wait for a publisher, in order to be successful in the music industry.

"You have, in the palm of you hand, the most overlooked publishing mechanism in the world... We need to lose the excuses of needing the right people… build up your craft so that they'll be chasing you… it's an old mindset to think that someone is going to 'discover' you. "

John shares three fundamental keys for songwriting success, as given by Ralph Murphy from ASCAP. These simple keys, that are easily implemented will increase the quality and power of your songs.

Creating phenomenal songs, and utilizing the power you hold right in your hand, will help secure your platform in the music community.

Some topics we talk about in this episode:

Introduction // John Chisum - 1:35
The Nagging Question- Am I Good Enough to Be a Songwriter?- 12:30
A Short History of John's Publishing Career- 17:40
Utilizing Technology to Share Your Craft- 20:20
Starting Where You Are- 37:01
Three Principles to Songwriting Success- 47:29
Wrap Up - 55:45

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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