EMILY HOSTETLER: Heaven On Earth
Song Revolution with John Chisum
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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JOHN CHISUM: Killer Ideas and Unforgettable Titles
Song Revolution with John Chisum
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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CLARK BECKHAM: Micro Moments of Flow State
Song Revolution with John Chisum
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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JOHN CHISUM: Writing in Your Best Genre
Song Revolution with John Chisum
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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CLAIRE BACON: Genre, Growth, and Grace
Song Revolution with John Chisum
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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JOHN CHISUM: The Power of Knowing Styles & Genres
Song Revolution with John Chisum
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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ADRIAN THOMPSON: Bethel Exec on Miracles and Music
Song Revolution with John Chisum
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...
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JOHN CHISUM: Building Your Creative Team
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Hosts: John Chisum & Bryant Urich Episode Title: Building Your Creative Team Episode Summary: In this episode of Song Revolution, hosts John Chisum and Bryant Urich explore one of the most important factors in a songwriter’s success—building a strong creative team. While many songwriters start out alone, no artist truly succeeds in isolation. It takes producers, mentors, collaborators, and a solid support network to bring music to life and get it heard. John and Bryant break down the essential roles in a songwriter's...
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JARED ANDERSON & Kelly Wilkerson: Worship, Community, and Legacy with 11:21 Worship
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Host: John Chisum Guests: Jared Anderson & Kelly Wilkerson (11:21 Worship) Episode Title: Worship, Community, and Legacy with 11:21 Worship Episode Summary: In this episode of Song Revolution, host John Chisum welcomes Jared Anderson (writer of Great I Am, Rescue, Lord, I’m Amazed) and Kelly Wilkerson of 11:21 Worship to talk about the power of worship, legacy, and ministry. Kelly shares the incredible history of World Challenge and Teen Challenge, founded by her father-in-law, David Wilkerson, and how their global...
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JOHN CHISUM: Creating In Community
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Hosts: John Chisum & Bryant Urich Episode Title: Creating In Community Episode Summary: In this episode of Song Revolution, hosts John Chisum and Bryant Urich dive into one of the most essential aspects of songwriting success—creating in community. Many songwriters struggle with Lonely Songwriter Syndrome (LSS), feeling isolated in their creative process. But thriving as a songwriter requires connection, collaboration, and honest feedback. John and Bryant discuss the benefits of having a creative support system, how...
info_outlineSong 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 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:
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