ED RODE: We Are All Storytellers
Song Revolution with John Chisum
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...
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JOHN CHISUM: Developing The Skill of Rewriting
Song Revolution with John Chisum
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...
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Steele Crosswhite & Caleb Yetton: From Rock to Redemption
Song Revolution with John Chisum
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...
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DAWN & STEVE: Faith, Radio, and Soul Care
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Host: John Chisum Episode Title: DAWN & STEVE: Faith, Radio, and Soul Care Episode Summary: In this episode of Song Revolution, John Chisum turns the tables and welcomes longtime radio hosts Dawn Ray May and Steve Hiller, formerly of Moody Radio and now co-hosts of the Dawn and Steve Plus podcast. With decades of experience in Christian radio, Dawn and Steve share stories of their broadcasting journeys, memorable interviews with iconic artists, and the lessons they’ve learned about faith, resilience, and community. The...
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CLARK BECKHAM: American Idol Finalist on Songwriting & Surrender
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Host: John Chisum Episode Title: CLARK BECKHAM: American Idol Finalist on Songwriting & Surrender Episode Summary: In this episode of Song Revolution, John Chisum welcomes singer-songwriter, musician, and American Idol finalist Clark Beckham. Known for his soulful voice and authentic artistry, Clark shares his journey from small-town beginnings to national recognition and beyond. The conversation dives deep into the balance between ambition and surrender, the lessons learned from rejection and waiting, and how faith anchors him...
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MIA FIELDES: Writing From Revelation
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Host: John Chisum Episode Title: MIA FIELDES: Writing From Revelation Episode Summary In this episode of Song Revolution, John Chisum sits down with acclaimed songwriter and worship leader Mia Fieldes, whose songs have been recorded by artists like Lauren Daigle, Zach Williams, Phil Wickham, Kim Walker-Smith, and many more. From growing up in poverty and seasons of homelessness to becoming one of the most prolific voices in modern worship, Mia shares how faith, perseverance, and gratitude have shaped her journey. With honesty and humor,...
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JOHN CHISUM: Does God Really Give You Songs?
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Hosts: John Chisum & Bryant Urich Episode Title: Does God Really Give You Songs? Episode Summary: In this thought-provoking episode of Song Revolution, hosts John Chisum and Bryant Urich tackle one of the most frequently asked—and often misunderstood—questions among songwriters: Does God really give you songs? As Nashville Christian Songwriters celebrates its 10th anniversary, John and Bryant reflect on thousands of conversations with writers over the years who have wrestled with this very idea. Together, they unpack the...
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STAFF EDITION: NCS Staff Takeover
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Hosts: Claire Bacon, Bryant Urich, Chris Crenshaw, Kyle Kicker, and Jack Landis Episode Title: STAFF EDITION: NCS Staff Takeover Episode Summary: In this special episode of Song Revolution, the microphones are turned toward the Nashville Christian Songwriters staffas the team celebrates NCS’s upcoming 10-year anniversary. With John Chisum away on vacation, Claire, Bryant, Chris, Kyle, and Jack take over to share their stories, talk about their paths to NCS, and give listeners a glimpse of the unique personalities that make up the...
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ANDREW GREER: Mysticism, Minimalism, and Music
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Host: John Chisum Episode Title: ANDREW GREER: Mysticism, Minimalism, and Music Episode Summary In this episode of Song Revolution, host John Chisum welcomes back singer-songwriter, producer, and filmmaker Andrew Greer for another deep and thought-provoking conversation. From literature and scripture to mysticism, minimalism, and music, John and Andrew explore how faith, creativity, and a posture of humility shape our art and our lives. Andrew shares about his move from Nashville to the small town of Plains, Georgia, and how a...
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JOHN CHISUM: Inside Music Publishing
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Hosts: John Chisum, Claire Bacon, & Bryant Urich Episode Title: Inside Music Publishing Episode Summary: In this episode of Song Revolution, John Chisum is joined by Claire Bacon and Bryant Urich from the NCS team for a lively and practical discussion on music publishing. Together, they break down the difference between creative and administrative publishing, share behind-the-scenes stories from Claire’s time at Bethel Music, and explore how co-writing, retreats, and publishing support can shape a songwriter’s career. The...
info_outlineSong 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 collection, from self-publishing to partnering with a publisher, this episode offers clarity and encouragement to help you take control of your songs and your future. If you’ve ever wondered whether you need a publisher, how to register your songs, or how to build the right relationships in the industry, this discussion will give you practical steps forward.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- The difference between copyright and publishing
- How publishing has evolved from gatekeepers to digital access
- The two sides of publishing: administration vs. creative development
- Why many songwriters choose self-publishing today
- What publishers actually do for songwriters
- How to know if you’re ready for a publishing deal
- Why relationships matter more than cold submissions
- How to find community and connection no matter where you live
Key Topics and Highlights:
- John’s early Nashville days and the old gatekeeper model of publishing
- Claire’s experience developing writers and matching them in the right rooms
- Bryant’s perspective on band publishing and handling royalties as a group
- The importance of building your own foundation before seeking a publisher
- How marketing and publishing have become two separate tracks
- Practical steps every songwriter can take on their own: registering songs, networking, showcasing your work, and learning the basics of copyright
Memorable Quotes from the Episode:
“Copyright is about protection. Publishing is about getting your song out there.”
“A publisher’s job is to elevate what you’re already doing—not create it for you.”
“So much of making music today is DIY, and that’s a good thing.”
“Publishing isn’t just about royalties—it’s about relationships.”
Final Takeaway:
You don’t need a publisher to get started, but you do need to understand publishing. By learning the basics, building relationships, and developing your craft, you’ll be ready when the right opportunities come.
Resources & Links:
NashvilleChristianSongwriters.com
Join the NCS 2025 Songwriting Challenge – Download the free 31-page guide
https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/challenge2025
Sign up for Free First Monday Songwriting Training
https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/training
Explore NCS Community and membership options
https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-community
NCS Collective: Check out our artists!
https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-collective/