NIKI LOU SAVICH: Songs Born From Poetry

Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3

Host: John Chisum EPISODE TITLE: NIKI LOU SAVICH: Songs Born From Poetry

EPISODE SUMMARY: In this heartfelt episode of Song Revolution, John sits down with longtime friend, songwriter, and Americana/folk artist Niki Lou Savich to reflect on her remarkable creative and spiritual journey. Once an international model, poet, caregiver, and therapist, Niki shares how songwriting unexpectedly emerged from her poetry during a deeply emotional season of life. She tells the story of discovering Nashville Christian Songwriters, attending her first retreat, and slowly growing from a poet with notebooks full of lyrics into a recording artist with two full-length albums. Together, John and Niki explore grief, faith, courage, artistry, and the patient, step-by-step process of becoming an artist later in life. This episode is a powerful reminder that God often brings songs from places we never planned—and that it’s never too late to say yes to the call.

EPISODE TOPICS: • Niki’s transition from poetry to songwriting• Discovering songwriting through an unexpected creative moment• Attending her first NCS retreat and falling in love with the craft• Learning melody, structure, and song form without a musical background• Writing songs born from grief, loss, and lament• The death of Niki’s parents and how sorrow shaped her songwriting voice• Developing confidence as a vocalist and recording artist• Overcoming fear and self-doubt in the studio• The difference between writing for a notebook and releasing songs into the world• Artist development, mentorship, and long-term growth• Finding purpose and obedience beyond age, background, or expectations

KEY HIGHLIGHTS: • A song that changed everything: Niki describes the moment a poem unexpectedly came out in full song form—melody, structure, and all—launching her songwriting journey. • From Starbucks parking lots to finished albums:Early coaching sessions took place over Zoom while Niki sat bundled in her car outside Starbucks, learning song structure line by line. • Grief as sacred ground:Following the loss of both parents, Niki’s songwriting deepened into raw, biblical lament, producing songs like “Million Tears,” “Dry as Bone,” and “Valley of Shadow and Light.” • Becoming an artist later in life: Niki shares the mental and emotional shift required to believe she could sing her own songs and step into the role of an artist. • Studio courage:Recording her first album was terrifying, but with patient coaching, encouragement, and faith, Niki found her voice and confidence. • Two albums born from obedience:Niki released Million Tears followed by My Offering, both rooted in honesty, humility, and deep spiritual reflection. • A quiet but fierce strength:John reflects on Niki’s combination of humility, tenacity, and dependence on God as key ingredients in her artistic growth.

FINAL TAKEAWAY: Niki Lou Savich’s story is a testament to the beauty that can rise from brokenness. Her journey reminds us that songwriting is not about age, background, or platform—it’s about obedience, honesty, and trusting God with the songs He places in our hearts. When we surrender our pain, our fear, and our timing, God can transform even grief into a lasting offering of hope.

Connect with Niki Lou Savich: https://nikilousavich.com/

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

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