JOHN CHISUM: Developing The Skill of Rewriting
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Release Date: 11/10/2025
Song Revolution with John Chisum
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Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Host: John Chisum & Bryant Urich Episode Title: JOHN CHISUM: The Craft of Christmas Songwriting Episode Summary: In this festive episode of Song Revolution, host John Chisum and co-host Bryant Urich dive into the art and craft of writing Christmas songs. From exploring why holiday music resonates so deeply to analyzing the lyrical and musical trends behind the world’s biggest Christmas hits, this conversation is packed with practical ideas, humor, and real-world insights for songwriters. John and Bryant discuss everything from...
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Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Host: John Chisum Guest: Mary Lou Kayser Episode Title: The Power of Poetry Episode Summary In this episode of Song Revolution, host John Chisum welcomes poet, author, and creative entrepreneur Mary Lou Kayser for a deeply moving and thought-provoking conversation on art, creativity, and what it means to live—and write—fully in a digital age. Mary Lou shares her journey as a teacher, writer, and poet, exploring how the rapid shift into the digital world impacts human connection and creativity. She opens up about loss, love, and the role...
info_outlineSong 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 latest release, John and Bryant also share exciting NCS updates and practical encouragement for songwriters at every level. Whether you’re polishing your next worship anthem or trying to take your lyric from good to great, this episode offers real-world insights that will elevate your songwriting craft.
Key Topics & Highlights:
- The importance of rewriting month in the NCS 2025 Songwriting Challenge
- How professional songwriters approach rewriting and editing
- Balancing inspiration with skill and craft
- Why “writing is rewriting” — the mindset that separates hobbyists from pros
- Overcoming false humility and defensiveness about your work
- Pre-writing and research as essential steps toward great songs
- Strengthening your hook and title through rhyme and alliteration
- Keeping focus on the “One Big Idea” (OBI) in every song
- The emotional power of songs—why listeners remember how you made them feel
- Upcoming NCS resources, courses, and community updates
Final Thought:
Rewriting isn’t about undoing your inspiration—it’s about refining it. Every great songwriter knows that inspiration starts the fire, but skill shapes it into something lasting. When you’re willing to revisit your work with humility and fresh eyes, you give your songs the chance to truly speak to others.
Resources & Links:
Learn more about Nashville Christian Songwriters: nashvillechristiansongwriters.com
Join the NCS Community for coaching, resources, and connection
https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-community
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
NCS Collective: Check out our artists!
https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-collective/