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JOHN CHISUM: The Craft of Christmas Songwriting

Release Date: 12/12/2025

JOHN CHISUM: Stop Waiting, Start Growing

Song Revolution with John Chisum

Song Revolution Podcast – Season 4 TITLE: JOHN CHISUM: Stop Waiting, Start Growing HOSTS: John Chisum EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of Song Revolution, John shares a powerful and honest message about the importance of mentoring and coaching in the journey of becoming a great Christian songwriter and artist. Drawing from over four decades in the music industry, John reflects on his own apprenticeship under legendary mentors and how that experience shaped his career. He challenges common misconceptions around calling, talent, and success—reminding songwriters that passion alone...

CLARK BECKHAM: Are You Settling For Average?

Song Revolution with John Chisum

Song Revolution Podcast – Season 4 TITLE: CLARK BECKHAM: Are You Settling For Average? HOSTS: John Chisum EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of Song Revolution, John sits down with returning guest, artist, and songwriter Clark Beckham for a powerful conversation on artistry, worship, and the pursuit of excellence in songwriting. From his journey as a finalist on American Idol to becoming an NCS Records artist, Clark shares how his passion for soul, jazz, and expressive musicianship has shaped his unique approach to worship music. The conversation explores the heart behind his Acoustic...

JOHN CHISUM: Don't Be A Lazy Songwriter

Song Revolution with John Chisum

Song Revolution Podcast – Season 4 TITLE: JOHN CHISUM: Don’t Be A Lazy Songwriter EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of Song Revolution, John Chisum dives into one of the most essential—and often overlooked—skills in songwriting: finding truly great ideas. Against the backdrop of today’s rapidly evolving AI landscape, John challenges songwriters to resist shortcuts and instead pursue authenticity, depth, and spiritual connection in their creative process. He explores the tension between “high tech” and “high touch,” emphasizing that while technology continues to...

GINNY OWENS: Different Kind Of Water

Song Revolution with John Chisum

Song Revolution Podcast – Season 4 TITLE: GINNY OWENS: Different Kind Of Water HOSTS: John Chisum EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of Song Revolution, John sits down with award-winning artist, songwriter, theologian, and worship leader Ginny Owens. From her early discovery by Michael W. Smith and her years in the CCM spotlight to seasons of burnout, spiritual wrestling, and renewed calling, Ginny shares a candid look at the highs and hardships of life in Christian music. Now serving at Redeemer Church in Manhattan and holding a Master of Divinity degree, Ginny reflects on...

DANIEL DOSS: Revival and Songwriting

Song Revolution with John Chisum

Song Revolution Podcast – Season 4 TITLE: DANIEL DOSS: Revival and Songwriting HOSTS: John Chisum EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of Song Revolution, John sits down with songwriter and artist Daniel Doss for an honest conversation about calling, perseverance, and the refining process of songwriting. Daniel shares his journey into music, the challenges of building a career while staying grounded in faith, and the lessons he has learned about consistency, character, and craft. Throughout the conversation, Daniel opens up about navigating setbacks, staying creative...

SHAYLEE SIMEONE: Honest Jesus Music

Song Revolution with John Chisum

Song Revolution Podcast – Season 4 TITLE: SHAYLEE SIMEONE: Honest Jesus Music HOSTS: John Chisum EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of Song Revolution, John welcomes singer, songwriter, and storyteller Shaylee Simeone for an honest and heartfelt conversation about identity, calling, and the long road of obedience in a creative life. Shaylee shares her journey from early musical influences and family harmony to stepping out on her own as an artist and songwriter. The conversation explores the tension between ambition and surrender, the process of refining your voice over...

AMANDA JANSON: Sinner To Saint

Song Revolution with John Chisum

Song Revolution Podcast – Season 4 TITLE: AMANDA JANSON: Sinner To Saint HOSTS: John Chisum EPISODE SUMMARY In this powerful episode of Song Revolution, John sits down with worship artist and songwriter Amanda Janson for an honest and deeply vulnerable conversation about faith, calling, trauma, and songwriting as testimony. Amanda shares her journey from a Broadway-bound upbringing and a complicated spiritual background to encountering Christ in adulthood and eventually stepping into a life of worship and songwriting. The conversation traces Amanda’s move to Nashville,...

JOHN CHISUM: Can AI Write Christian Music?

Song Revolution with John Chisum

Song Revolution Podcast – Season 4 TITLE: JOHN CHISUM: Can AI Write Christian Music? HOSTS: John Chisum EPISODE SUMMARY In this thought-provoking episode of Song Revolution, John Chisum tackles one of the most pressing issues facing today’s music creators: artificial intelligence in songwriting. Fresh off multiple interviews at the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) convention, where AI was the dominant topic of conversation, John unpacks the realities, risks, and responsibilities surrounding AI-generated music. From deep fakes and copyright confusion to spiritual discernment and...

JACKSON DREYER: Letting Life Shape The Song

Song Revolution with John Chisum

Song Revolution Podcast – Season 4 TITLE: JACKSON DREYER: Letting Life Shape The Song HOSTS: John Chisum EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of Song Revolution, John sits down with singer-songwriter Jackson Dreyer for an honest and wide-ranging conversation about creativity, discipline, and finding your voice as a songwriter. From growing up outside Chicago to planting roots in East Nashville, Jackson shares how movement, architecture, relationships, and everyday life experiences shape his songwriting process. The conversation explores how stepping away from constant noise...

LAURA OSNES: Faith, Art, and Starting Over

Song Revolution with John Chisum

Song Revolution Podcast – Season 4 TITLE: LAURA OSNES: Faith, Art, and Starting Over HOSTS: John Chisum EPISODE SUMMARY: In this episode of Song Revolution, John welcomes Broadway star, film actress, and singer-songwriter Laura Osnes for a deeply personal conversation about calling, identity, and creativity. Laura shares her journey from early musical theater roots to starring on Broadway, navigating career success, public controversy, and a major life pivot that led her to Nashville. The conversation explores how a season of loss and uncertainty opened the door to...

More Episodes

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 nostalgic memories and classic hymns to modern Christmas pop, offering guidance on how to approach seasonal songwriting with authenticity, originality, and skill. Whether you're crafting a worshipful Advent ballad or a fun, hooky holiday pop song, this episode equips you with tools to write songs that truly connect.

Key Topics & Highlights:

Why Christmas songs matter and how nostalgia, memory, and emotion fuel their impact
Lyrical themes of top Christmas songs based on research and data
Musical traits that dominate Christmas hits including major keys, sleigh bells, and swing feels
Using sensory details to make lyrics more vivid and relatable
Finding original ideas by drawing from personal memories, traditions, and real experiences
Analyzing classics and modern hits from Bing Crosby to Mariah Carey
Using hymnals and older carols as starting points for new song ideas
The importance of strong hooks and pre-writing in seasonal songwriting
Why great Christmas songs evoke emotion first and facts second
The role of chord extensions (like major 7ths) in creating a warm, wistful holiday sound
Why many artists write Christmas music in the middle of the year and what that teaches about discipline
Encouragement for writers who want to grow in skill, craft, and confidence

Final Thought

Christmas songs endure because they make us feel something. Whether you’re writing from nostalgia, faith, longing, or joy, the key is to create with intentionality and skill. When you pair heartfelt inspiration with craftsmanship, your holiday songs can stand out, connect deeply, and carry meaning far beyond the season.

Resources & Links:

Learn more:
Visit NashvilleChristianSongwriters.com for songwriting resources, coaching, and community.

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

NCS Collective: Check out our artists!

https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-collective/

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