Song Revolution with John Chisum

Latest Episodes:

MICHAEL CARD: Keeping Theology in Your Songwriting Jul 28, 2018

Show notes

"Let the excellence of your work be your protest"

In episode 75, John sits down with veteran songwriter, author, and Bible scholar, Michael Card. Michael has recorded over 37 albums, authored over 27 books, hosted a radio program, and written for a wide range of magazines. While he has penned such favorites as "El Shaddai", "Love Crucified Arose", and "Immanuel," He never imagined writing over 19 #1 hits. The popularity of his work seemed a stark contrast to his goal in life, to simply and quietly teach the Bible.

"God uses suffering to save the world - that is what makes Christianity unique"

Michael is a graduate of Western Kentucky University, where he earned his bachelor's and Master's degrees in biblical studies. Michael has also received honorary PhD's in music and Christian education from Whitfield Seminary and Philadelphia Biblical University.

Although music provided him the opportunity to share insight gained through extensive research, writing songs alone limited what he felt called to share. Card would frequently agonize over having to condense the vast depth and richness of scripture into a three-minute song. And so he fell, quite naturally, into the field of book writing where he has garnered numerous awards.

"God's presence is more important than His provision"

We hope that this episode inspires you to constantly weave theology throughout your songwriting. Over the years, Michael has continuously pointed people back to Jesus and the Bible with his deep lyrics and meaningful thoughts. We are called, not just to be songwriters, but to share the gospel with all nations, not just with our songs, but with our lives.

"Music is water that you was people's feet with"

Some topics we talk about in this episode:

Introduction // Michael Card - 0:40
How Michael Got His Start - 3:30
Being a Songwriter and Academic Scholar - 8:55
Let the Excellence of Your Work Be Your Protest - 11:30
How to Translate Your Pain without Causing More - 18:58
The Difference Between Complaining and Lamenting - 25:02
Understanding Psalm 73 - 28:45
A Deeper Look at the Presence of God - 32:20
The Pauline Revelation - 39:42
How Do We Separate Spirit, Soul, and Body? - 45:21
Great Songwriters are Readers - 50:00
Michael's New Book - "Hesed" - 57:16
Engaging Imagination with Your Words - 59:30
What's Going in Michael's World Now - 1:13:32
Wrap Up and Takeaways - 1:18:20

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!

SUE C. SMITH: Courage and Persistence in Songwriting Jul 21, 2018

Show notes

"This isn't about what I want to say or what I think, the song has to be about what people want to hear"

In Episode 74, John Chisum sits down with veteran songwriter, Sue C. Smith. Sue has written 15 #1 songs, including "Mourning Into Dancing" (The Bowlings) in March 2017, and "I Choose Christ" (Karen Peck and New River) in July 2017. In 2017 she was named Absolutely Gospel Music Songwriter of the Year. She is deeply involved in writing music for the church and for church choirs, having written over 80 musicals which are presented in churches around the world.

"As a songwriter, you have to have the courage to persist with an idea until you find the person that God wants you to write it with"

Sue is a five-time Dove award winning songwriter who has had cuts by Avalon, Jason Crabb, The Oak Ridge Boys, The Crabb Family, Sandi Patty, Guy Penrod, Travis Cottrell, Mark Harris, Larnelle Harris, Steve Green, Janet Paschal, Pure NRG, Triumphant Quartet, Ernie Haase and Signature Sound, Brian Free and Assurance, The Hoppers, and many others. Sue shares her insight into the process of songwriting and gives practical tips that will help you become the songwriter you were always meant to be.

"If we're going to worship God for all of eternity, we're going to be writing new songs to sing, so there will be new things to say and new ways to say it"

She and her late husband, John, founded The Write About Jesus Workshop in 2000 and have hosted it each year since then. The workshop has been the launch pad for the songwriting of dozens of fresh voices in Christian music. Write About jesus is also actively engaged in encouraging and training songwriters around the world, and Sue has made visits to Myanmar, India and Uganda in that effort.

To find out more about Sue, visit www.suecsmithsongwriter.com and www.writeaboutjesus.com

Also, here's a link to the Youtube Video that John mentions in the episode of a song written at the "Write About Jesus" Conference by two 12 year old boys - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojdzjsF37FI

Some topics we talk about in this episode:

Introduction // Sue C. Smith - 2:10
Sue's Journey Into Songwriting - 10:08
15 Number One Songs and 93 Musicals - 18:22
The Challenge of Writing a "New" Idea - 22:24
The Vulnerability and Benefits of Co-Writing - 25:02
Bettering Your Craft As a Songwriter - 32:15
Utilizing the Power of Language in Your Songwriting - 43:15
How Sue Approaches the Process of Songwring - 51:22
Wrap Up - 61:15

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!

JONATHAN BROWN: Integrity Music President on Global Worship Jul 14, 2018

Show notes

"It can be beautiful music, but without the presence of God, there's no distinction"

In this week's episode, Chisum sits down with Jonathan Brown, President of Integrity Music at their offices in the Cool Springs area of Franklin, TN. Jonathan Brown, known as "JB," is a 25-year music industry veteran who began his career at Word Records in the U.K. before taking roles with Furious Records and Fierce Distribution where he was part of the teams responsible for building and establishing global platforms for artists like Delirous?.

"Releasing the indigenous worship of nations is something that's eternal"

JB is a focused, passionate and highly energized marketing creative with a heart to curate and amplify worship songs and artistry. His heart's desire is to facilitate the creation of highways throughout the world on which songs can travel beyond borders and language barriers. JB is leading Integrity Music into the future and God is doing amazing things through his leadership and the people of Integrity Music.

"If we want to go deeper into the lyrical content of who God is, there are expressions in other parts of the world that can give more than just one expression coming from where we live"

If you're a christian songwriter looking to get your songs heard, Integrity has some amazing resources crafted with you in mind. Check out the new SongShare platform and much more at www.integirtymusic.com and www.weareworship.com.

Some topics we talk about in this episode:

Introduction // Jonathan Brown - 1:30
Jonathan's Background - 4:05
The Global Sound of Worship - 9:02
Cultural Expressions of Worship across the World - 13:22
The New Vision of Integrity Music - 17:28
How the Vision Will Play Out in Music - 22:42
An Opportunity for Unsigned Songwriters - 26:11
The Balance of Spirit and Commerce - 31:15
What JB is Excited About at Integrity - 32:20
Jonathan's Advice to Aspiring Songwriters - 34:45
Wrap Up - 40:00

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!

JOHN CHISUM: Cowriting - What to Know and What to Bring Jul 07, 2018

Show notes

"Allow time for a discovery period at the beginning of a co-write"

You rarely see a song these days with just one writer. Especially in Christian music and the world of corporate worship. In Episode 72, John goes in depth into the process of co-writing, what it looks like in Nashville, and how you can use it to write better songs.

"Don't go into a writing room empty-handed. Walk in with at least 6-10 ideas of what you hope to write"

There are several things that are important to know before going into a writing room with others. You have to realize that, just like relationships, there are going to be writers that you just "click" with, and others that you don't. It's more of a process of becoming self-aware to realize what type of writer you are, and the group dynamics of the co-write.

"Take turns sharing ideas and starting on the one that feels most agreeable"

If you've been struggling to write songs on your own, we strongly urge you to start co-writing. Community is a part of our DNA here at NCS and we know that in order to write better songs, we need each other for feedback and collaboration.

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!

JOSH WILSON: Dreaming Smaller for Greater Impact Jun 30, 2018

Show notes

"Write what you know. Be as honest as you can and use your experience. Don't try to be someone else."

In episode 71, John Chisum sits down to chat all things artistry and songwriting with Josh Wilson. This Texas-native started playing piano at nine years old, then took up guitar and drums when he was 10. From there, he never looked back. During his high school years, he continued to hone his musicianship, and eventually he fell in love with songwriting at Nashville's Belmont University. A self-described introvert with an aversion to the spotlight, Wilson never dreamed he'd be the one behind the mic, but God had other plans.

"There's so much to be thankful for. Even in the middle of hard times"

Wilson signed his latest record deal with Black River Christian in 2017, and in 2018, released his first single, "Dream Small," with the new label. As a multi-instrumentalist and live-looping enthusiast, he's been known to play and record as many as 20 instruments on stage at any given time.

"You have a voice and experience that no one else does, so you write from there and be honest"

Some topics we talk about in this episode:

Introduction // Josh Wilson - 0:38
How Josh Got His Start in Music - 4:28
Applying University Training in the Music Biz - 6:35
Touring with World-Renowned Artists Straight Out of College - 9:25
Don't Give Up After One Bad Night - 13:15
NCS Bootcamp Opportunity - 17:20
Life Beyond Music for Josh - 19:14
Josh's New Single "Dream Small" - 26:32
A Message to Aspiring Songwriters - 34:21
Wrap Up - 38:39

Check out Josh's new single "Dream Small" available wherever you get your music!

You can watch the Dream Small interview with Josh's wife, Becca here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEONyNaLf8M

Also, head over to www.joshwilsonmusic.com to stay connected to all that Josh is doing and to connect with him on social media.

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 Jun 23, 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 70, 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/

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!

JESSE PRUETT: Film Actor, Worship Leader, Songwriter Jun 16, 2018

Show notes

"Write from your heart because we all have a story that we can tell"

In episode 69, John Chisum sits down with songwriter, worship leader, actor, and composer, Jesse Pruett. Jesse is currently on staff as Worship Arts Pastor in Lake Havasu City, Arizona and when he's not there, he's rubbing shoulders with some of the biggest names in the Film and TV industry through acting, film scoring, and writing songs for Film and Television.

The amazing part about this episode is Jesse's passion for God and the local church. It's evident that, above all of the success he's had so far, his heart is intensely set on leading people to Jesus as well as his family and relationships.

"My heart right now is really in worship, in ministry, and just leading people to Jesus. So, when I go do films and things like that, I'm already preparing my heart for ministry and for God to speak"

As songwriters, it's easy for us to get fixated on success. We want to write the best songs that we can and we're constantly striving to perfect our craft and dig deeper into the gift that we've been given. While it is our role to steward the gift, our "success" is not up to us.

Jesse talks about the doors that God has opened in his career and it's been more of a matter of him being obedient to take those opportunities and do them as unto the Lord. Jesse's success is not something he could have formulated on his own, and by the end of this episode you will see Jesse's heart for ministry is his driving force.

"Write from your heart because we all have a story that we can tell"

We hope that Jesse's story inspires you to become the songwriter that you were meant to be. Be sure to go back into the Song Revolution Podcast archives and listen to all of the amazing episodes that we have to offer.

Some topics we talk about in this episode:

Introduction // Jesse Pruett - 0:40
Jesse's Major Acting Roles - 7:20
Film Scoring and Music in Film - 11:05
Writing for Film and Television - 16:00
Staying Plugged into the Local Church and Writing Songs for the World - 21:35
Jesse's New Worship Record "Journey" - 25:28
What Motivates Jesse to Keep Writing and Stay Creative - 29:45
Jesse's Songwriting Process - 33:00
Family Life and Background - 38:16
Wrap Up - 40:42

It's not too late to register for the NCS Weekend Intensive coming up this month! Reserve your spot today, book your trip to Nashville, and become the songwriter that you were born to be!

https://nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/product/ncs-weekend-intensive-june-21-23/

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 Hit Hooks Part 5 - Simplicity Jun 09, 2018

Show notes

"This whole art endeavor that we're involved with as songwriters is an amazing combination of your whole life. Bring all that you are to your songs"

In episode 68, John wraps up a 5 part series on "Writing Hit Hooks" with one of the most important, yet difficult to master keys to songwriting. Simplicity is found in every great song or hook. John shares multiple examples of famous songs that have some of the simplest and memorable hooks of all time. Often times, as songwriters we tend to overcomplicate our thoughts and try to fit 20 ideas into one song. John's insight on simplicity in this episode with transform the way you think about writing songs and, if you apply them, will take you from being a good songwriter to becoming a great one.

"A great idea + a great hook + a great melody = a GREAT song"

This entire series will equip you with everything you need to write great hooks in your songs. At the core of songwriting, a great idea is the essence of what makes a song great. It's nearly impossible to write great hooks without first having a great idea. Add in a great melody and you have all of the ingredients necessary to having a great song.

"If you're struggling with hooks, you probably haven't spent enough time developing the idea first"

As Christian songwriters, our goal is to effectively communicate the truth of God's word in our songs. If we learn how to master the art of simplicity, our songs will connect in a much greater way. It's not a matter of watering down your content or not being deep, rather it's about learning to communicate a deep idea in the most effective way to the greatest number of people.

"The greatest songs share one thing - Simplicity"

Some topics we talk about in this episode:

Introduction // John Chisum - 1:26
Writing HIt Hooks Part 5: Simplicity - 7:25
The Myth about Tips, Tricks, and Hacks - 9:28
Equation for Songwriting Success - 12:15
Capturing Better Ideas and Becoming a Better Lyricist - 19:50
Recapping Parts 1-4 - 25:12
The Key to Simplicity - 33:45
Examples of Simplicity in Modern Christian Music - 37:00
Becoming an Editor - 40:30
Wrap Up - 43:58

It's not too late to register for the NCS Weekend Intensive coming up this month! Reserve your spot today, book your trip to Nashville, and become the songwriter that you were born to be!

https://nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/product/ncs-weekend-intensive-june-21-23/

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!

ANTONY BRUNO: Getting Paid for your Music Jun 02, 2018

Show notes

"We are an online platform that connects creators with investors as a way of helping them raise money..."

In episode 67, John chats with Antony Bruno from Royalty Exchange. If there are two main areas that can be difficult for songwriters to navigate and understand, it's royalties and finances. How do you make money as a songwriter? How do you keep everything organized so that you're actually getting paid for the songs you write? Antony has a long history in the music business and gives some insight into what Royalty Exchange does to help songwriters, and what you can do to insure you get paid for the songs you create during your career.

"If the stock market crashes, the revenue created by royalties is not affected by that"

Here's a brief overview from their website:

Artists turn to Royalty Exchange to raise money and take control of their financial future. We connect them with private investors through the world's first online marketplace for buying and selling royalties. Creators love us because we give them a powerful new way to fund their career. Investors love us because we help them generate income that's hard to beat. And our commitment to transparency and honesty ensures value for all."

"You can make more money in different ways with song royalties now than you could in the past"

If you'd like to learn more and potentially work with Royalty Exchange, visit their website for more information - www.royaltyexchange.com

"As a creator, you need to allow yourself the ability to say NO. Having your finances in order allows you to say NO to things"

Also be sure to check out John's article below about his experience with Royalty Exchange in the early days of NCS.

"There's a misconception that a lot of the motivation to leverage or sell royalties is out of some kind of desperation"

Some topics we talk about in this episode:

Introduction // Antony Bruno of Royalty Exchange - 0:33
Antony Bruno's background in the Music Industry - 3:15
What is Royalty Exchange? - 10:28
John's Experience with Royalty Exchange - 12:15
The Role of Investors in Royalty Exchange - 15:10
Royalty Exchange's Position in the Music Business - 23:02
Common Misconceptions around Leveraging or Selling Royalties - 27:06
Financial Freedom and Creativity - 30:35
What You Need to Work With Royalty Exchange - 35:15
Breaking Down the Process - 39:12
Wrap Up - 43:15

Read more about John's experience with Royalty Exchange in this detailed article that he wrote for them titled, "Lessons From A Songwriter: Emotional Attachment vs. Financial Opportunity"

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 Hit Hooks Part 4 - Universality May 26, 2018

Show notes

"Most often, the Holy Spirit gives inspiration that you can then take and, with the other gifts, talents, and tools that you have, craft it in a way the entire world can embrace"

In episode 66, John dives back into writing hit hooks. This is the 4th episode in this series and today, we're talking about "Universality".

"The quality of your song will never exceed the quality of your hook"

What does it mean to be "universal"? When you're writing a hook, it's important to keep the listener in mind. The idea of universality in songwriting is simply identifying key areas that are universally felt, known, or believed in order to connect with people on a deeper and more common level.

Think about your favorite song. There is a good chance that it's tied to a memory, and emotion, or something you were going through at that time in your life. Our goal as christian songwriters should always be to reveal truth in a new and fresh way - BUT we have to remember to be universally minded, or our songs won't connect.

"That greatest hooks capture something that universally felt, known, or believed"

NCS offers this podcast as a free resource, as well as many other videos, trainings, emails, and articles that you can take advantage of today.

If you're ready to invest in your songwriting to take it to the next level, we also offer our flagship 8 week bootcamp and NCS Membership to equip you even more.

"The people that break out choose not to rewrite the same phrases again and again"

Don't forget to register now and reserve your spot at our NCS Weekend Intensive coming in June 2018. You can get all of the information and join some of the best in Nashville as you learn valuable tips and insights to become the songwriter you were meant to be

https://nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/product/ncs-weekend-intensive-june-21-23/

Some topics we talk about in this episode:

Introduction - 1:18
Upcoming Podcast Guests and Interviews - 5:10
What's Missing in a Songwriter's Life - 11:05
The Importance of a Quality Hook - 14:40
Recap on Emotion in Writing Hooks - 15:45
Universality - What it Means - 18:00
Writing Things that are NEW - 23:02
Feelings Can Be Universal - 30:15
Reasons Songs Don't Translate - 37:22
Using Alliteration in Your Hooks - 39:15
Benefits of NCS Bootcamp and Membership - 42:10
Wrap Up - 46:00

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!

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