Song Revolution with John Chisum
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Host: John Chisum Guest: Mandy Morris (Executive Coach, Therapist, EMDR Specialist) Episode Title: MANDY MORRIS: Overcoming Writers Block with EMDR Episode Summary: In this compelling episode of Song Revolution, host John Chisum welcomes Mandy Morris, a licensed therapist, executive psychological coach, and EMDR specialist. Together, they explore how trauma, subconscious belief systems, and emotional blocks can interfere with creativity—and how tools like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) can help artists,...
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Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Episode Title: SARAH KROGER: Invitation to the Desert Host: John Chisum Episode Summary: In this deeply moving episode of Song Revolution, host John Chisum welcomes recording artist and worship leader Sarah Kroger for an honest conversation about faith, identity, songwriting, and spiritual wilderness. With a contemplative heart and a background shaped by Catholic tradition, Sarah shares how her latest album A New Reality was birthed in a season of silence and questioning. Together, John and Sarah explore what it means to embrace...
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Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Episode Title: JOHN CHISUM: Killer Ideas and the Power of Journaling (Part 2) Hosts: John Chisum & Bryant Urich Episode Summary: In this follow-up to their previous conversation on song concepts, John Chisum and Bryant Urich dive deeper into the craft of generating unforgettable song ideas and titles. Building on the foundation laid in Part 1, they explore how journaling, active listening, and intentional creativity can transform your songwriting from empty to inspired. John shares lessons learned from his mentors, including Bill...
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Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Host: John Chisum Guest: Emily Hostetler (Founder of Heaven on Earth Festival) Episode Title: EMILY HOSTETLER: Heaven On Earth Episode Summary: In this episode of Song Revolution, host John Chisum is joined by special guest Emily Hostetler, founder of the Heaven on Earth music festival—a unique and immersive Christian music and wellness event held in stunning locations like Jackson Hole, Wyoming and Moab, Utah. Emily shares her journey of discovering God's love throughout her life—from a childhood of spiritual...
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Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Episode Title: JOHN CHISUM: Killer Ideas and Unforgettable Titles Hosts: John Chisum & Bryant Urich Episode Summary: This week on Song Revolution, hosts John Chisum and Bryant Urich kick off June with an essential topic for every songwriter: how to develop killer ideas and unforgettable titles. Great songs start with strong hooks, but how do you find them? Where do the best ideas come from? And how do you know when a title is fresh, original, and worth writing? John and Bryant share personal stories, songwriting insights, and...
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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: 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...
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Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Hosts: John Chisum & Bryant Urich Episode Title: Writing in Your Best Genre Episode Summary: In this episode of Song Revolution, hosts John Chisum and Bryant Urich continue their deep dive into genre, style, and artistic identity—with practical insights on how to discover and develop your best musical lane. From personal stories to real-world examples like Anya Lee, Clark Beckham, and the NCS Collective, John and Bryant unpack how to write with intention, identify your audience, and stay creatively inspired. Whether you're...
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Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Host: John Chisum Guest: Claire Bacon (Project Manager, NCS) Episode Title: CLAIRE BACON: Genre, Growth, and Grace Episode Summary: In this episode of Song Revolution, host John Chisum introduces a new member of the NCS team: Claire Bacon, NCS Project Manager and music industry pro. With experience at Bethel Music, Pure Mosaic, and a degree from Middle Tennessee State University, Claire brings a unique blend of creative and business insight to Christian songwriting and artist development. Claire shares how she went from singing...
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Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Hosts: John Chisum & Bryant Urich Episode Title: The Power of Knowing Styles & Genres Episode Summary: In this episode of Song Revolution, hosts John Chisum and Bryant Urich dive deep into one of the most important (and often confusing) parts of being a songwriter or artist: understanding your genre and style. This discussion is packed with practical insights for anyone who has ever wondered, "What kind of music do I actually make?" Using real examples from the NCS Collective—including music from artists like Nikki Lou,...
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Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Host: John Chisum Guest: Adrian Thompson (Head of A&R, Bethel Music) Episode Title: Adrian Thompson: Bethel Exec on Miracles and Music Episode Summary: In this thought-provoking episode of Song Revolution, host John Chisum sits down with Adrian Thompson, the Head of A&R at Bethel Music and former VP of A&R at Integrity Music. They discuss the impact of Bethel Music on modern worship, the controversy surrounding charismatic expressions of faith, and the process of developing and signing artists at Bethel. Adrian shares insights into...
info_outlineSong Revolution Podcast - Season 3, Episode 4
Episode Title: Galen Crew: To China with Love
Host:
- John Chisum
Special Guest:
- Galen Crew, Singer-Songwriter and Producer
Episode Highlights:
- Meet Galen Crew:
- Nashville-raised artist and songwriter with an inspiring global reach.
- Viral success in China, with over a billion streams across his catalog.
- Collaboration with legendary British songwriter Roger Cook, known for “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing.”
- The Road to Music City:
- Growing up in Franklin, Tennessee, surrounded by the Christian music scene.
- Early songwriting inspired by personal experiences, including his parents' divorce.
- Crafting a Unique Musical Identity:
- Fusing fantasy, fairy tale, and mythological themes into his music.
- Inspirations from Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and Hermann Hesse.
- The journey from a local rock band to a solo artist with global appeal.
- Going Viral in China:
- The unexpected success of “Sleepy Head” on Chinese music platforms like NetEase and Tencent.
- Navigating international music markets and learning to connect with a diverse audience.
- Touring China, performing for dedicated fans, and bridging cultural gaps with music and language.
- Collaborations and Mentorship:
- The serendipitous connection with Roger Cook through Galen’s grandfather.
- Writing and producing songs like “Sleepy Head” with Roger Cook.
- Learning the art of storytelling in songwriting.
- Lessons for Songwriters:
- Embracing creativity and authenticity in your music.
- Encouragement to step out of your comfort zone and share your unique voice.
- Exploring global opportunities and being open to unexpected paths.
Key Takeaways:
- Music transcends borders, with the potential to connect with audiences worldwide.
- Authenticity in your art can carve new lanes beyond traditional industry expectations.
- Leveraging the digital age to expand your reach is more accessible than ever.
Featured Tracks:
- Sleepy Head – A viral hit in China with a whimsical, fairy-tale theme.
- Explore Galen Crew’s music on Spotify, NetEase, and other platforms.
Get Involved:
- Check out Galen Crew’s music and follow his inspiring journey.
- Join the NCS Community for coaching, resources, and inspiration to revolutionize your songwriting.
- Download the NCS 2025 Songwriting Challenge Guide to take your craft to the next level.
Next Week’s Episode:
- Celebrating the power of community and collaboration in songwriting with a special guest from the Nashville scene.
Connect With Us:
- Website: NashvilleChristianSongwriters.com
- Social Media: Facebook | Instagram
Support the Show:
If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review and share it with your fellow songwriters!