MIKE HARLAND: Lifeway Worship Director on Successful Christian Songwriting
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Release Date: 09/08/2018
SETH & NIRVA: Courage, Compassion, and the Gospel
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Hey everybody! Welcome back to Song Revolution. It's an absolute joy to be here with you once again, bringing you fresh inspiration and encouragement to help you live a better life. Today, we have a captivating duo in our midst – Seth and Nirva Ready. Nirva, once a dancer and singer for Toby Mac, brings a wealth of behind-the-scenes stories, while Seth's journey from his Mississippi roots led him to share the stage with gospel legends such as Kirk Franklin and Donnie McClurkin. Stay tuned as we dive into these captivating stories, offering a glimpse into the life of artists who are not just...
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GEORGE & CAROL GODWIN: Ezra Worship Initiative
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Song Revolution podcast with John Chisum, brought to you by the NRT network. This episode features George and Carol Godwin, co-directors of the Ezra Worship Initiative, hailing from Decatur, Alabama. The conversation revolves around the unique and transformative experiences offered by the Ezra Worship Initiative – an internship program designed for college-age, bi vocational worship leaders. The program not only focuses on the musical aspects of worship but also incorporates theology, leadership, audio, technology, and musicianship, providing a holistic...
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JOHN CHISUM: New Year, New You, New Songs
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Welcome back to Song Revolution. Happy new year! Welcome to a new episode of the Song Revolution podcast with John Chisum, presented by the NRT network. In this 2024 episode, John, alongside his right-hand man Bryant Ulrich, kickstarts the New Year with a focus on songwriting and community building in the Christian music world. Celebrating their ninth year as Nashville Christian Songwriters, they share their journey, the growth of their podcast, and the evolution of their programs. This episode delves into the past seven years of Bryant's journey in Nashville, from his arrival with aspirations...
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JOHN CHISUM: Why the World Needs Your Best Christmas Songs Now
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Join us in this special Christmas edition of the Song Revolution podcast with John Chisum, where we delve into the art and soul of Christian songwriting. In this episode, John shares his insights and personal journey in the world of music, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and growth in songwriting. He discusses the transformative power of songs in living a better life and connecting more deeply with God's love, regardless of whether you're a songwriter or not. Special highlights include a retrospective of the year's best episodes, insightful...
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DARA MACLEAN: Love Over Religion
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Welcome back to Song Revolution. Today's episode is a special treat. Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dara Maclean, a visionary artist at the intersection of music and ministry. This episode takes you behind the scenes of Dara's latest album, "River.” It delves into her artistic journey, exploring the depths of her music that aims to ignite internal revival and pursuit of wholeness. From discussing the nuances of songs like “Love Over Religion” to sharing her experiences with Gateway Worship, Dara's insights offer a refreshing perspective on spirituality and creativity. Don't...
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PHIL & HEATHER JOEL: Honoring God by Caring for His Creation
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Greetings, wonderful folks! Welcome back to Song Revolution. Today's episode is a special treat as we're joined by the incredible Phil Joel and his equally amazing wife, Heather Joel. Now, you probably know Phil as the enduring force behind the Christian rock band, Newsboys. But here's the scoop—his talents extend far beyond music. We've got something truly unique for you in this episode, recorded live on the grounds of Joel's latest venture. Enter , a haven of eco-friendliness and sustainable living nestled right in the heart of downtown Franklin, Tennessee. While Phil is no...
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MICHAEL BETHANY: Gateway Worship Leader on Prayer, Accountability, and Celebrating Recovery
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Hey everybody! Welcome back to Song Revolution. In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Christian songwriter and Gateway Worship leader, Michael Bethany, a Stellar Award-nominated songwriter and two-time BMI Christian Song Award recipient. Hailing from Gateway Music at Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, Michael wears multiple hats as a singer, songwriter, producer, and recording artist. During his remarkable career, Michael has collaborated with musical greats such as Fred Hammond, Mitch Wong, Leeland Mooring, Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp, Tamela Mann, and more. His passion goes...
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PETRINA PACHECO: The Stories Behind The Music
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Hey everybody! Join your host John Chisum as we uncover the captivating stories behind the music. In this special episode of the Song Revolution Podcast, we sit down with the talented artist, Petrina Pacheco. Petrina's melodies and lyrics have touched the hearts of many, and in this conversation, she opens up about the inspirations that drive her creative process. From life's highs to its challenges, we delve deep into the emotional and artistic landscape that defines her music. Get ready to be inspired as we explore the artistry, passion, and resilience that have propelled Petrina Pacheco to...
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JOHN CHISUM: 40 Years of Music Making
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Welcome to the Song Revolution Podcast! Today, we invite you to embark on an extraordinary musical journey as we pay tribute to our host and iconic artist, John Chisum, and his remarkable 40-year career in music. In this special episode, we'll delve deep into the life and legacy of John Chisum, a true music visionary whose passion for creating soul-stirring melodies and compelling lyrics has captivated audiences worldwide. Join us as we uncover the pivotal moments that shaped John Chisum's artistic journey, the inspiration behind his timeless songs, and the collaborations that have left an...
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RYAN STEVENSON: Still in the Eye of the Storm
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Welcome back to Song Revolution, where we explore the world of music and connect with extraordinary artists. I'm thrilled to have had the opportunity to sit down with Ryan Stevenson, the talented musician behind the chart-topping hit "Eye of the Storm." In our conversation, we went beyond his lightning-strike start in Christian music and delved into the present moments that shape his soulful journey. We discussed his latest record, "Able," and the heartfelt inspiration behind it, including how Ryan experiences the intimate presence of God. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to his music,...
info_outline“The mistake I see young writers making sometimes... is they focus most of their energy on what they can do, instead of focusing their energy on being who they should be. If you’ll be who God wants you to be, He’ll take care of the doing what you should do.”
In this episode, John Chisum interviews the inimitable Dr. Mike Harland, Director of LifeWay Worship. LifeWay has reach into millions of believers and is one of the world’s largest Christian resource ministries offering a full range of music, Bible studies, research, events, and much more.
”I think we undervalue the process of writing songs, the impact that has on you the writer... The process of sitting down with pen and paper and pouring your heart out in song shapes you.”
Mike Harland has been at the helm of LifeWay Worship for twelve years and brings an amazing amount of information and depth about songs, songwriting, and the publishing industry in this powerful show.
“Get in that space in your head, where you learn all about the craft and then ‘forget it’ to be able to do what you do. Let the Lord anoint it and enable it.”
Catch up with Mike Harland on Twitter at @mikeharlandLW, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/mike.harland.37 and check out all the great resources LifeWay offers at Worshiplifeevent.com, Worshiplife.com, Lifewaysongs.com.
Some topics we talk about in this episode:
- How to write from the overflow of your devotion to God
- How to follow God’s leading into your destiny and be who YOU are as a Christian songwriter
- Why character matters more than ability
- How frustration shuts you down creatively
- Remembering that intimacy with God is our real “platform”
- What LifeWay Worship is doing this year you should know about
- Why no one would be “served well” if publishers threw their doors open to receive unsolicited material and how you can really be heard as an unpublished writer
- Why you can’t hide a GREAT song (and how “I Can Only Imagine” was born)
- How great songs will always “find their way” to the forefront
- How songs are “good,” “great,” or “commercial”
- What makes a song unique and the distance between great songs and commercial songs
- What motivates publishers to publish YOUR songs
- Why we don’t need another Lauren Daigle
- Fanny Crosby, Xiao Min, and the idea of God “dropping songs” on people
- Mike’s tips on song process and why we undervalue the process of writing songs and its effects on us as songwriters
How to get involved
- Join the Successful Christian Songwriters Group on Facebook and continue the discussion! https://www.facebook.com/groups/SuccessfulChristianSongwriters/
- Check out all of the resources for you to become the songwriter you were meant to be at www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com
If you liked this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a quick review on iTunes. It would mean the world to hear your feedback and we’d love for you to help us spread the word!