JOHN CHISUM: Killer Ideas and the Unforgettable Titles (Part 2)
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Release Date: 06/16/2025
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info_outlineSong 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 and Gloria Gaither, and offers a candid story about missing a major publishing opportunity—proving the importance of doing your homework and understanding your audience. Bryant weighs in with examples from his work in Eauclaire and producing artists through NCS Collective, offering real-world insight on refining ideas and developing a unique artistic voice.
If you’ve ever struggled to turn inspiration into impact, this episode will help you understand why writing regularly, listening broadly, and collaborating openly are key to leveling up as a Christian songwriter.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- Why journaling is essential for developing your lyric writing voice
- How to find original titles through fragments and lyrical observation
- The value of co-writing and rewriting to create unique songs
- Why great songs start with specificity and universality
- How to listen eclectically and study modern songwriting
- Real examples from NCS Collective, Eauclaire, and more
Key Moments:
[02:14] – Heaven on Earth Festival preview (Moab, Utah, July 16)
[05:03] – Why unforgettable titles are the core of every great song
[06:48] – Lessons from Bill Gaither on writing timeless lyrics
[10:23] – How journaling sharpens your creative vocabulary
[12:15] – John’s missed opportunity with Chicken Soup for the Soul
[14:20] – The cost of not knowing your creative context
[16:57] – How melody and rhyme stick with us from childhood
[17:57] – Discovering your personal writing voice through journaling
[21:34] – Getting inspired by song fragments and rhythmic feel
[25:26] – How “Hold On Me” evolved from a beat to a finished track
[27:13] – Why spiritual inspiration must still be crafted and refined
[30:17] – Balancing nostalgia with modern sound in production
[31:40] – The Spotify sweep: a tool to stay current with your genre
[33:53] – Creativity is fueled by what you’re consuming
[35:12] – How NCS Collective artists are succeeding with strong foundations
Resources & Links:
Register for Heaven on Earth Festival (July 16–19, Moab, UT)
https://heavenonearthfestival.com
Listen to Eauclaire’s single “You Me the Kids”
https://lnk.to/e-YouMetheKids
Check out “Hold On Me” by John Chisum feat. Phoebe Scott
https://open.spotify.com/track/6KAJV2RHqfVcVcBN7heJIF?si=7bcc3352eb2e4064
Join the NCS 2025 Songwriting Challenge – Get your free guide
https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/challenge2025
Start your 14-day free trial with NCS Community
https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-community
Explore Pro Song Mastery – Next group opens July 7
https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/psm
Have questions? Contact: info@nashvillechristiansongwriters.com