Song Revolution with John Chisum
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Hosts: John Chisum, Claire Bacon, & Bryant Urich Episode Title: Music Publishing in 2025 Episode Summary: Season 3 of Song Revolution continues with a practical and eye-opening conversation on one of the most misunderstood topics in the music industry: publishing. Hosts John Chisum, Claire Bacon, and Bryant Urich break down what publishing really means in 2025, how it has changed from the traditional gatekeeper model of the past, and why understanding it is essential for every songwriter. From copyright protection to royalty...
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Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Hosts: John Chisum Episode Title: MADALYN ROSE: Forgiveness, Faith, and Finding Your Voice Episode Summary: In this heartfelt episode of Song Revolution, host John Chisum sits down in Moab, Utah, with emerging singer-songwriter Madalyn Rose to talk about her journey through personal loss, rebuilding her life, and finding healing through songwriting. From her Montana roots to worship leading in Colorado, Madalyn shares how grief, forgiveness, and faith have shaped both her music and her outlook on life. The conversation dives deep...
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Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Hosts: John Chisum & Bryant Urich Episode Title: Time, Tithe, and Talent Episode Summary: In this episode of Song Revolution, John Chisum and Bryant Urich shift the focus inward to explore what it really means to be a songwriter in today’s world. Beyond writing lyrics and melodies, this conversation is about discovering the deeper motivations that drive your creative work—your identity, purpose, and the integrity behind the songs you share. John and Bryant discuss the pressures that come with songwriting in the Christian...
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Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Hosts: John Chisum Guest: Dan Dean Episode Title: DAN DEAN: 25 Years of Ministry with Phillips, Craig, and Dean Episode Summary: In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Song Revolution, host John Chisum sits down with Dan Dean—one-third of the legendary trio Phillips, Craig & Dean—to explore a decades-long career marked by timeless songs, deep-rooted ministry, and a newly released solo album, More. From early cassette recordings to leading worship across the globe, Dan opens up about perseverance, songwriting, the power...
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Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Hosts: John Chisum & Bryant Urich Episode Title: Want to Be a Christian Artist? Episode Summary: Season 3 of Song Revolution kicks off with a powerful conversation between hosts John Chisum and Bryant Urich about what it truly means to pursue a calling as a Christian artist. Reflecting on their recent experience at the Heaven on Earth Festival in Moab, Utah, they share personal stories, hard truths, and practical encouragement for artists who feel called to create for the Kingdom. This episode is about more than music. It’s...
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Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Host: Bryant Urich Guest: Justin Gambino Episode Title: JUSTIN GAMBINO: Turning Trials into Testimony Episode Summary: In one of the most powerful episodes of Song Revolution to date, host Bryant Urich sits down with recording artist and worship leader Justin Gambino, who shares his raw and redemptive life story—from addiction and criminal charges at age 18, to leading worship in Iraq, to becoming a full-time touring Christian artist. Raised in church and homeschooled in small-town Texas, Justin began his musical journey strumming his Bible as a...
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Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Hosts: John Chisum & Bryant Urich Episode Title: Mapping Your Next Steps in Music Making Episode Summary: In this episode of Song Revolution, hosts John Chisum and Bryant Urich continue their deep dive into what it means to build a career in the current music landscape. They break down how the music business has radically changed in recent years, why anyone can now record and distribute music, and what that means for artists trying to rise above the noise. John and Bryant also get practical, discussing how to identify your...
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Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Host: John Chisum Special Guest: Chris Weinberg Episode Title: CHRIS WEINBERG: Build a Business For Your Music Episode Summary: This week on Song Revolution, host John Chisum sits down with Chris Weinberg, a top business and performance coach who has worked with Fortune 500 executives, artists, entertainment companies, and entrepreneurs. As someone who has helped creative professionals turn their passion into a sustainable business, Chris shares valuable insights on what it takes to monetize your music career. If you’re a songwriter,...
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Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Hosts: John Chisum & Bryant Urich Episode Title: How Music Works Now Episode Summary: In this kickoff episode for July, hosts John Chisum and Bryant Urich reflect on the first half of 2025 and introduce the month’s focus: understanding how the music industry works today. They explore the challenges and changes facing songwriters and artists, especially those operating outside traditional industry systems. From redefining what “making it” means to embracing the calling of songwriting at every level, this episode delivers both...
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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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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 Disney songs as a child to interning at Bethel just three weeks after giving her life to Christ, and how that faith journey has impacted her approach to A&R, publishing, and artist development. She also opens up about the challenges of giving professional song feedback, and how relational trust is key in the music industry.
This episode is packed with wisdom on genre vs. style, tips for emerging artists, and how to navigate your calling with both heart and strategy.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- Claire’s journey from MTSU to Bethel Music and beyond
- How a personal faith encounter shaped her path in music
- The difference between publishing administration and creative publishing
- What it really takes to give—and receive—song feedback gracefully
- How to find your artistic identity in a genre-rich music world
- Practical advice for new songwriters discovering their sound
Key Moments:
[03:13] – Claire’s early love for music and storytelling
[06:53] – Why she chose MTSU and how it shaped her career
[09:07] – Giving her life to Christ—and getting a Bethel internship weeks later
[14:32] – Stepping into real-world A&R with Pure Mosaic
[17:00] – Navigating hard conversations with artists
[20:02] – Genre & style: working across musical diversity
[23:41] – Nikki Lou’s powerful folky transformation story
[25:51] – Genre vs. style: how to define and navigate both
[31:08] – Helping writers who feel “undefined” or stuck
[33:36] – Advice for songwriters: study the genre you want to write in
[35:31] – The exciting future of NCS and the NCS Collective
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!