Song Revolution with John Chisum

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**Song Revolution with John Chisum**

The Song Revolution Podcast exists to empower you through valuable songwriting insights, inspiration, and interviews with some of the greatest songwriters, producers, arrangers, artists, and creatives in the industry and beyond. Find out more at nashvillechristiansongwriters.com

Latest Episodes:

CLARK BECKHAM: Micro Moments of Flow State Jan 05, 2026

Show notes

Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3

Episode Title: CLARK BECKHAM: Micro Moments of Flow State

Hosts: John Chisum

Guest: Clark Beckham - American Idol Season 14 Runner-Up, Soul/R&B Artist, Educator, Host of Idol Breakdown

Episode Summary:

Happy New Year and welcome to 2026! Thank you for joining us for Song Revolution. As we gear up for season 4 we wanted to share just a few of our favorite episodes from 2025. Enjoy!

In this powerful episode, John sits down with acclaimed vocalist and musician Clark Beckham to unpack his journey from street performer to American Idol fame. Clark opens up about the highs and lows of the entertainment industry, how his faith shapes his artistry, and why he believes Jesus loves the complexity found in music—yes, even a flat five.

You'll also hear about Clark's passion for music education, the emotional weight of critiquing performers on his Idol Breakdown series, and why it's perfectly normal to not feel obsessed with your art every single day.

Key Takeaways:

Clark's honest experience as runner-up on American Idol

Why he sees music as a competition with yourself

The story behind "Jesus Loves the Flat Five"

How faith, love, and genuine care translate in the entertainment world

The difference between worship as a genre vs. worship as a personal practice

Why it's okay not to feel creative every day—and why you should keep going anyway

The purpose behind Idol Breakdown and how he handles criticism responsibly

Demystifying music theory through Clark's online courses

Quotable Moments:

"Excuses are just permission slips for mediocrity."

"God is the author of art. And when we express emotions through it, He's in it."

"You don't follow your passion. You work really hard to get good, and passion follows."

"Jesus loves complexity. He loves art. He loves the flat five."

RESOURCES & LINKS

ClarkBeckham.com

Get Involved with NCS:

NCS 2025 Songwriting Challenge – Get the free guide & grow your songwriting skills this year!

https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/challenge2025

Free First Monday Songwriting Training

https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/training

NCS Community Membership – 52 weeks of access to the right music industry professionals. Join today!

https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/community/

NCS Collective:

https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-collective/

Connect With Us:

NashvilleChristianSongwriters.com

Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review and share it with your fellow songwriters!

NIKI LOU SAVICH: Songs Born From Poetry Dec 29, 2025

Show notes

Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3

Host: John Chisum EPISODE TITLE: NIKI LOU SAVICH: Songs Born From Poetry

EPISODE SUMMARY: In this heartfelt episode of Song Revolution, John sits down with longtime friend, songwriter, and Americana/folk artist Niki Lou Savich to reflect on her remarkable creative and spiritual journey. Once an international model, poet, caregiver, and therapist, Niki shares how songwriting unexpectedly emerged from her poetry during a deeply emotional season of life. She tells the story of discovering Nashville Christian Songwriters, attending her first retreat, and slowly growing from a poet with notebooks full of lyrics into a recording artist with two full-length albums. Together, John and Niki explore grief, faith, courage, artistry, and the patient, step-by-step process of becoming an artist later in life. This episode is a powerful reminder that God often brings songs from places we never planned—and that it's never too late to say yes to the call.

EPISODE TOPICS: • Niki's transition from poetry to songwriting• Discovering songwriting through an unexpected creative moment• Attending her first NCS retreat and falling in love with the craft• Learning melody, structure, and song form without a musical background• Writing songs born from grief, loss, and lament• The death of Niki's parents and how sorrow shaped her songwriting voice• Developing confidence as a vocalist and recording artist• Overcoming fear and self-doubt in the studio• The difference between writing for a notebook and releasing songs into the world• Artist development, mentorship, and long-term growth• Finding purpose and obedience beyond age, background, or expectations

KEY HIGHLIGHTS: • A song that changed everything: Niki describes the moment a poem unexpectedly came out in full song form—melody, structure, and all—launching her songwriting journey. • From Starbucks parking lots to finished albums:Early coaching sessions took place over Zoom while Niki sat bundled in her car outside Starbucks, learning song structure line by line. • Grief as sacred ground:Following the loss of both parents, Niki's songwriting deepened into raw, biblical lament, producing songs like "Million Tears," "Dry as Bone," and "Valley of Shadow and Light." • Becoming an artist later in life: Niki shares the mental and emotional shift required to believe she could sing her own songs and step into the role of an artist. • Studio courage:Recording her first album was terrifying, but with patient coaching, encouragement, and faith, Niki found her voice and confidence. • Two albums born from obedience:Niki released Million Tears followed by My Offering, both rooted in honesty, humility, and deep spiritual reflection. • A quiet but fierce strength:John reflects on Niki's combination of humility, tenacity, and dependence on God as key ingredients in her artistic growth.

FINAL TAKEAWAY: Niki Lou Savich's story is a testament to the beauty that can rise from brokenness. Her journey reminds us that songwriting is not about age, background, or platform—it's about obedience, honesty, and trusting God with the songs He places in our hearts. When we surrender our pain, our fear, and our timing, God can transform even grief into a lasting offering of hope.

Connect with Niki Lou Savich: https://nikilousavich.com/

Learn more:Visit NashvilleChristianSongwriters.com for songwriting resources, coaching, and community.

Join the NCS Community for coaching, resources, and connection https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-community

Join the NCS 2025 Songwriting Challenge – Download the free 31-page guide https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/challenge2025

NCS Collective: Check out our artists! https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-collective/

MICHAEL LEE BROWN: From Broadway to Songwriting Dec 22, 2025

Show notes

Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3

Host: John Chisum

Guest: Michael Lee Brown

Episode Title: MICHAEL LEE BROWN: From Broadway to Songwriting

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Song Revolution, John welcomes singer, songwriter, and Broadway actor Michael Lee Brown, best known for his four-year run in Dear Evan Hansen on Broadway. Michael shares his unexpected journey into the NCS studio, his early beginnings in music, his transition from musical theater to singer-songwriter artistry, and the faith-filled moments that shaped his path. He opens up about the disciplines of acting, the joy and challenge of writing authentically, and why storytelling matters now more than ever. This episode offers inspiration for any creative searching for clarity, direction, and renewed passion in their craft.

Episode Topics:

• Michael's early exposure to music and his family's creative influence • The road to Dear Evan Hansen and the meaningful moments that confirmed his path • What it took to perform as Evan, Connor, and Jared • Lessons learned from repetition, preparation, and total immersion in a show • How audience feedback shaped his understanding of the show's impact • Life after Broadway and navigating the post-pandemic creative landscape • Michael's songwriting process for pop and musical theatre • Writing from personal truth versus writing from a character's perspective • John's coaching advice on emotional authenticity in songwriting • The heartfelt inspiration behind Michael's song "Bob's Town" • New music, teaching, and what Michael hopes for in the next season of his career

Key Highlights:

• A meaningful Broadway breakthrough: Michael reflects on years of walking past the Music Box Theatre, imagining himself on that stage, long before Dear Evan Hansen moved there. He later discovered a ring used in his first rehearsal was engraved with the Lord's Prayer—one of several moments that affirmed his steps.

• Becoming the only actor to play all three major male roles: Michael shares the strategy, training, mental discipline, and repetition required to perform Evan, Connor, and Jared at different times throughout the show's run.

• The emotional weight and reward of the work: Letters, conversations with fans, and powerful audience reactions reinforced the deep impact Dear Evan Hansen had on people of all ages.

• Songwriting as a window into the soul: Michael describes his usual melody-first writing approach, how musical theatre requires a different process, and the tension between writing catchy songs versus revealing more vulnerable personal truth.

• The power of story in "Bob's Town": Michael explains the inspiration behind the song, which honors a man named Bob and the small town that lovingly supported him. The story underscores the beauty of simple kindness and everyday humanity.

Looking ahead: Michael is actively auditioning, writing new music, teaching voice and acting, and preparing to release more songs in the coming year.

Resources & Links:

Connect with Michael Lee Brown:

https://www.michaelleebrown.com/

Learn more: Visit NashvilleChristianSongwriters.com for songwriting resources, coaching, and community.

Learn more about Nashville Christian Songwriters: nashvillechristiansongwriters.com

Join the NCS Community for coaching, resources, and connection

https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-community

Join the NCS 2025 Songwriting Challenge – Download the free 31-page guide https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/challenge2025

NCS Collective: Check out our artists!

https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-collective/

STOWTOWN WORSHIP: Unity, Legacy, and Worship Dec 15, 2025

Show notes

Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3

Host: John Chisum

Episode Title: STOWTOWN WORSHIP: Unity, Legacy, and Worship

Episode Summary:

In this episode, John welcomes an extraordinary lineup of worship leaders and vocal powerhouses—Alvin Slaughter, Steven McWhirter, and TaRanda Greene—along with the vision behind StowTown Worship's new project, Live from the Iron Manor. What began as a desire to bless worship pastors at the Metro Conference grew into a powerful night of worship, featuring reimagined classics, newly arranged favorites, and cross-generational, cross-genre collaboration.

The group discusses the heart behind the project, the importance of unity in the church, breaking down stylistic walls, and stewarding songs that serve real people in real church pews. They also introduce StowTown Resource, a new comprehensive tool designed to equip churches with high-quality arrangements, stems, charts, and orchestrations—including the entire Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir catalog.

This episode is rich with testimony, humility, humor, and a deep passion for ministering to God's people through music.

Episode Topics:

The origins of the StowTown Worship project
The spiritual and musical vision behind Live from the Iron Manor
Cross-generational worship and breaking down stylistic divides
Crafting fresh arrangements of classic worship songs
How worship transcends genre, age, and background
Memories and legacy moments from Brooklyn Tabernacle
Personal ministry journeys, testimonies, and career highlights
Capturing the presence of God through united worship
The launch of StowTown Resource and what it offers churches
Serving people beyond the stage with authenticity and compassion

Key Highlights:

TaRanda Greene explains how the project began as a simple desire to bless worship pastors and evolved into a full recording featuring a powerhouse lineup.
Alvin Slaughter reflects on his 35 years of ministry, Brooklyn Tabernacle roots, and renewed inspiration for recording again.
Steven McWhirter shares the real-life basement moment behind "Come Jesus Come" and the humility surrounding his recent Dove Award win.
The team discusses why songs must serve the hearts of real congregations, not just the stage or the worship industry.
Fresh arrangements of classics like "Holy, Holy, Holy," "Heart of Worship," and "For God So Loved" were intentionally shaped to break down denominational and stylistic walls.
The room of worship pastors at the Metro Conference became an active choir—captured on the live recording.
StowTown Resource officially launches, offering charts, stems, orchestrations, rehearsal tools, and the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir catalog all in one place.
A strong emphasis emerges: unity, sincerity, and a kingdom mindset must drive modern worship ministry.

Final Takeaway

At its core, the StowTown Worship project reflects a simple truth: worship is about people encountering God—together. Whether through timeless hymns, brand-new songs, or powerful reimagined arrangements, what matters most is unity, authenticity, and a heart that serves the church. The night at the Iron Manor captured this beautifully, and the launch of StowTown Resource ensures that churches everywhere can carry that same spirit into their own worship ministries.

Resources & Links:

Keep up with StowTown Worship!

https://stowtownrecords.com/stowtown-worship

Learn more: Visit NashvilleChristianSongwriters.com for songwriting resources, coaching, and community.

Learn more about Nashville Christian Songwriters: nashvillechristiansongwriters.com

Join the NCS Community for coaching, resources, and connection

https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-community

Join the NCS 2025 Songwriting Challenge – Download the free 31-page guide https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/challenge2025

NCS Collective: Check out our artists!

https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-collective/

JOHN CHISUM: The Craft of Christmas Songwriting Dec 12, 2025

Show notes

Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3

Host: John Chisum & Bryant Urich

Episode Title: JOHN CHISUM: The Craft of Christmas Songwriting

Episode Summary:

In this festive episode of Song Revolution, host John Chisum and co-host Bryant Urich dive into the art and craft of writing Christmas songs. From exploring why holiday music resonates so deeply to analyzing the lyrical and musical trends behind the world's biggest Christmas hits, this conversation is packed with practical ideas, humor, and real-world insights for songwriters.

John and Bryant discuss everything from nostalgic memories and classic hymns to modern Christmas pop, offering guidance on how to approach seasonal songwriting with authenticity, originality, and skill. Whether you're crafting a worshipful Advent ballad or a fun, hooky holiday pop song, this episode equips you with tools to write songs that truly connect.

Key Topics & Highlights:

Why Christmas songs matter and how nostalgia, memory, and emotion fuel their impact
Lyrical themes of top Christmas songs based on research and data
Musical traits that dominate Christmas hits including major keys, sleigh bells, and swing feels
Using sensory details to make lyrics more vivid and relatable
Finding original ideas by drawing from personal memories, traditions, and real experiences
Analyzing classics and modern hits from Bing Crosby to Mariah Carey
Using hymnals and older carols as starting points for new song ideas
The importance of strong hooks and pre-writing in seasonal songwriting
Why great Christmas songs evoke emotion first and facts second
The role of chord extensions (like major 7ths) in creating a warm, wistful holiday sound
Why many artists write Christmas music in the middle of the year and what that teaches about discipline
Encouragement for writers who want to grow in skill, craft, and confidence

Final Thought

Christmas songs endure because they make us feel something. Whether you're writing from nostalgia, faith, longing, or joy, the key is to create with intentionality and skill. When you pair heartfelt inspiration with craftsmanship, your holiday songs can stand out, connect deeply, and carry meaning far beyond the season.

Resources & Links:

Learn more: Visit NashvilleChristianSongwriters.com for songwriting resources, coaching, and community.

Learn more about Nashville Christian Songwriters: nashvillechristiansongwriters.com

Join the NCS Community for coaching, resources, and connection

https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-community

Join the NCS 2025 Songwriting Challenge – Download the free 31-page guide https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/challenge2025

NCS Collective: Check out our artists!

https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-collective/

JAMIE JAMGOCHIAN: Learning to Wait Well with God Dec 08, 2025

Show notes

Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3

Host: John Chisum

Episode Title: JAMIE JAMGOCHIAN: Learning to Wait Well with God

Episode Summary:

In this inspiring episode of the Song Revolution Podcast, host John Chisum welcomes singer-songwriter, worship leader, and author Jamie Jamgochian for a rich conversation about creativity, calling, spiritual formation, and her new book Sacred Surrender: The Practice of Waiting Well with God.

Jamie shares her personal journey from studying jazz at Berklee, to encountering Jesus at twenty-one, to navigating a decades-long career in Christian music as a Dove Award-nominated artist. She opens up about seasons of waiting, chronic illness, finding healing through quieter forms of worship, and discovering God's presence in silence and stillness.

Together, John and Jamie explore the challenges of slowing down in a noisy culture, the practice of surrendering personal dreams, and the beauty of connecting with God through meditative music, spontaneous worship, and simple moments of presence. They also talk about mentoring younger artists, developing spiritual resilience, and writing from a place of honesty and trust.

What You'll Learn:

The heart behind Jamie's new book Sacred Surrender
How to wait on God with trust, peace, and purpose
Why silence and stillness are essential for spiritual health
How chronic illness reshaped Jamie's relationship with worship
The difference between waiting on God and waiting with God
How meditative music can bring healing, peace, and connection
Why surrender is a daily practice, not a one-time moment
The importance of community, mentorship, and staying grounded as an artist
Practical advice for aspiring songwriters and worship leaders
How to let God dream through you instead of forcing your own plans

Key Topics & Highlights:

Jamie's early journey as a jazz-trained pianist and her conversion at twenty-one
Life at Berklee, early performance career, and coming to faith
Seasons of illness, including Lyme disease, and how quiet worship sustained her
Creating piano meditations and spontaneous worship recordings
The inspiration behind Sacred Surrender and the discipline of waiting well
Learning to listen to God through silence, boredom, and stillness
How surrender frees us from pressure, comparison, and unrealistic timelines
Developing spiritual maturity and emotional health before chasing platform
Jamie's heart for mentoring young female artists in Nashville
Why honing your craft and creating your own opportunities matters
Trusting God's timing over the industry's timeline

Final Thought:

True transformation happens not in the spotlight but in the quiet spaces where surrender becomes a way of life. Jamie reminds us that walking with God means releasing our timelines, deepening our trust, and practicing presence daily. When we learn to wait well with God, we discover a richer, steadier, more grounded life—one where creativity flows from peace, not pressure.

Resources & Links:

Keep up with all that Jamie is doing!

https://www.jaimejam.com/

Check out Jamie's book, Sacred Surrender.

https://ffm.bio/sacredsurrender

Learn more: Visit NashvilleChristianSongwriters.com for songwriting resources, coaching, and community.

Learn more about Nashville Christian Songwriters: nashvillechristiansongwriters.com

Join the NCS Community for coaching, resources, and connection

https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-community

Join the NCS 2025 Songwriting Challenge – Download the free 31-page guide https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/challenge2025

NCS Collective: Check out our artists!

https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-collective/

MARY LOU KAYSER: The Power of Poetry Nov 24, 2025

Show notes

Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3

Host: John Chisum

Guest: Mary Lou Kayser

Episode Title: The Power of Poetry

Episode Summary

In this episode of Song Revolution, host John Chisum welcomes poet, author, and creative entrepreneur Mary Lou Kayser for a deeply moving and thought-provoking conversation on art, creativity, and what it means to live—and write—fully in a digital age. Mary Lou shares her journey as a teacher, writer, and poet, exploring how the rapid shift into the digital world impacts human connection and creativity. She opens up about loss, love, and the role poetry plays in healing and transformation, reading two poignant pieces from her poetry collections The Far Unlit Unknown and The River Only Runs One Way.

Through her work and wisdom, Mary Lou challenges listeners to reconnect with their creative selves, embrace authenticity, and make peace with their past while courageously stepping into the unknown.

Key Topics & Highlights

Life in Transition: How Mary Lou moved from teaching literature to fully embracing life as a writer and creative entrepreneur.
The Digital Dilemma: Understanding how the algorithm era impacts art, purpose, and human connection.
The Power of Poetry: Why poetry still matters—and how it can heal, illuminate, and connect us.
Teaching and Transformation: Lessons from the classroom that shaped her creative voice and worldview.
Loss and Renewal: How grief, love, and change inspired her collections The Far Unlit Unknown and The River Only Runs One Way.
The Craft of Writing: The importance of revision, reflection, and returning to one's work with new eyes.
Poetry vs. Songwriting: Exploring the similarities and differences between written verse and lyrical composition.
The Courage to Create: Why waiting to share your art is the biggest mistake—and how to release your work fearlessly.

Memorable Quotes

"Loneliness is a compass guiding you toward becoming more of who you've always been." – Mary Lou Kayser

"If you are being called to create—don't wait. Time is always moving, and the river only runs one way." – Mary Lou Kayser

"How can we expect to write beautiful words if we're not filled with them?" – John Chisum

Final Thought

Mary Lou reminds us that art is not just about expression—it's about connection, transformation, and courage. Whether you're a poet, songwriter, or storyteller, your creativity is a bridge between the human and the divine. Don't wait for the "right" time. Create now, share freely, and trust the river to carry your words where they need to go.

Resources & Links:

Connect with Mary Lou Kayser and "Play Your Position" Podcast: maryloukayser.com

Learn more: Visit NashvilleChristianSongwriters.com for songwriting resources, coaching, and community.

Learn more about Nashville Christian Songwriters: nashvillechristiansongwriters.com

Join the NCS Community for coaching, resources, and connection

https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-community

Join the NCS 2025 Songwriting Challenge – Download the free 31-page guide https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/challenge2025

NCS Collective: Check out our artists!

https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-collective/

ED RODE: We Are All Storytellers Nov 17, 2025

Show notes

Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3

Episode Title: ED RODE: We Are All Storytellers

Guest: Ed Rode, Iconic Nashville Photographer and Author of "Songwriter: Musician Behind the Curtain with Nashville's Iconic Storytellers and Players"

Host: John Chisum

Episode Summary

In this visually rich and inspiring episode, host John Chisum sits down with celebrated photographer Ed Rode, whose lens has captured some of the most iconic figures in music—from Chet Atkins, Dolly Parton, and Willie Nelson to Taylor Swift and Vince Gill. Through his stunning photography and storytelling, Ed shares how a 35-year journey documenting Nashville's creative legends turned into his new coffee table book, Songwriter: Musician.

Together, John and Ed explore the intersection of photography, songwriting, and storytelling, revealing how every frame—and every lyric—has the power to invite people into a meaningful moment. Ed reflects on the mentorship of Chet Atkins, his experiences photographing legends like Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton, and the emotional encounters that defined his career, including a powerful moment with Glen Campbell near the end of his life.

This episode is a celebration of creativity in all forms and a reminder that great art—whether a photograph or a song—comes from deep observation, patience, and heart.

Key Topics & Highlights

The Origins of Ed's Career: How a chance encounter with Chet Atkins led to decades of photographing music legends.
Storytelling Across Mediums: Why photography and songwriting share the same DNA—inviting others into a moment.
The Art of Capturing Authenticity: How Ed disarms his subjects to reveal the truest version of themselves.
Mentorship and Mastery: What Ed learned from icons like Chet Atkins and why mentorship shapes creative excellence.
The Soul of a Photograph: Behind-the-scenes stories with Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, and Glen Campbell.
Work Ethic vs. Talent: The balance between natural ability, discipline, and the willingness to grow.
Creativity in the Digital Age: Why true storytelling and human perspective can never be replaced by AI.
Teaching and Giving Back: How Ed now passes on his craft as a photography instructor, continuing the cycle of creativity.

Final Takeaway

Whether through a song or a photograph, creativity is about storytelling that connects hearts. Ed Rode's journey reminds us that art isn't just about talent—it's about persistence, curiosity, and the courage to see beauty in every fleeting moment. As he says, "We're all storytellers," and every story told from the heart has the power to inspire.

Resources & Links:

Connect with Ed Rode edrode.com

Book: Songwriter: Musician Behind the Curtain with Nashville's Iconic Storytellers and Players Available online and at the Country Music Hall of Fame Store.

Learn more: Visit NashvilleChristianSongwriters.com for songwriting resources, coaching, and community.

Learn more about Nashville Christian Songwriters: nashvillechristiansongwriters.com

Join the NCS Community for coaching, resources, and connection

https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-community

Join the NCS 2025 Songwriting Challenge – Download the free 31-page guide https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/challenge2025

NCS Collective: Check out our artists!

https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-collective/

JOHN CHISUM: Developing The Skill of Rewriting Nov 10, 2025

Show notes

Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3

Host: John Chisum

Episode Title: The Skill of Rewriting

Episode Summary: In this episode of Song Revolution, host John Chisum sits down with NCS Vice President of A&R and Production, Bryant Urich, to dive deep into the art and discipline of rewriting songs. As part of the NCS 2025 Songwriting Challenge, they explore why rewriting is essential to crafting powerful, lasting songs—and how humility, skill, and intentionality play key roles in the process.

From Clark Beckham's new songwriting courses to the band Eauclaire's latest release, John and Bryant also share exciting NCS updates and practical encouragement for songwriters at every level. Whether you're polishing your next worship anthem or trying to take your lyric from good to great, this episode offers real-world insights that will elevate your songwriting craft.

Key Topics & Highlights:

The importance of rewriting month in the NCS 2025 Songwriting Challenge
How professional songwriters approach rewriting and editing
Balancing inspiration with skill and craft
Why "writing is rewriting" — the mindset that separates hobbyists from pros
Overcoming false humility and defensiveness about your work
Pre-writing and research as essential steps toward great songs
Strengthening your hook and title through rhyme and alliteration
Keeping focus on the "One Big Idea" (OBI) in every song
The emotional power of songs—why listeners remember how you made them feel
Upcoming NCS resources, courses, and community updates

Final Thought: Rewriting isn't about undoing your inspiration—it's about refining it. Every great songwriter knows that inspiration starts the fire, but skill shapes it into something lasting. When you're willing to revisit your work with humility and fresh eyes, you give your songs the chance to truly speak to others.

Resources & Links:

Learn more about Nashville Christian Songwriters: nashvillechristiansongwriters.com

Join the NCS Community for coaching, resources, and connection

https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-community

Join the NCS 2025 Songwriting Challenge – Download the free 31-page guide https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/challenge2025

NCS Collective: Check out our artists!

https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-collective/

Steele Crosswhite & Caleb Yetton: From Rock to Redemption Nov 03, 2025

Show notes

Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3

Host: John Chisum

Episode Title:

Steele Crosswhite & Caleb Yetton: From Rock to Redemption

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Song Revolution, John Chisum sits down with Steele Crosswhite and Caleb Yetton from The Rock Church in Salt Lake City, Utah. Once a rock musician sharing stages with artists like the Foo Fighters, Sheryl Crow, and Maroon 5, Steele encountered the grace of Jesus and traded the spotlight for a life of ministry and songwriting rooted in the local church.

Together with Caleb, a fellow pastor and musician, Steele shares how God transformed his music and mission—leading to Captured by Grace, a record originally released twenty years ago and now beautifully reimagined for a new generation. The conversation dives into faith, creativity, and how great songs can grow from obedience and community within the local church.

What You'll Learn:

How Steele's encounter with Jesus radically changed his life and music
The story behind Captured by Grace and its 20-year anniversary re-release
Why The Rock Church's music ministry is thriving in a challenging cultural landscape
How songwriting can serve as a tool for mission and discipleship
The importance of local church creativity and community-driven worship
How music from Utah is impacting lives far beyond the state's borders

Key Topics & Highlights:

From rock and roll to ministry – Steele's transition from touring with major acts to leading music at The Rock Church.
Captured by Grace – the inspiration, writing process, and new arrangements for the 20th anniversary project.
Partnership and vision – how Caleb and Steele co-pastor, co-create, and lead a thriving creative community.
Local church as a creative hub – empowering artists to make excellent music that reaches their own communities.
Utah as a mission field – ministering in one of the least evangelical states in the U.S. through authentic worship.
Timeless songwriting – how songs like "Matters" continue to resonate 20 years later with new life and production.
Collaboration and legacy – involving new musicians and worship leaders in revisiting classic songs.

Final Takeaway:

Steele Crosswhite and Caleb Yetton remind us that when we give God our gifts, He gives them back refined with purpose. Whether on a stage or in a small church, great music begins with obedience, community, and a heart fully captured by grace.

Resources & Links:

Listen to Steele Crosswhite, Caleb Yetton, and The Rock Music!

https://open.spotify.com/artist/1EqgZg4Y6LDJPlkbi7mWcF?si=cSrldCtmSyy_luV8KxNipw

https://open.spotify.com/artist/27zD09dXJnOpZ3qfeXpzu8?si=KVnMeqm7RGKU3HcQxufi6w

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0c8xYlEYETimOaLlGZcMVk?si=AjZJ1QwzTKiVrzv8jP2zpg

Visit therockmusic.org for updates, music, and church information.

Learn more about Nashville Christian Songwriters: nashvillechristiansongwriters.com

Join the NCS Community for coaching, resources, and connection

https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-community

Join the NCS 2025 Songwriting Challenge – Download the free 31-page guide https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/challenge2025

NCS Collective: Check out our artists!

https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-collective/