Called To Music Podcast

🎙️ CIAS Podcast Episode #104

In this episode, we’re chatting with the amazing folks from Natural State Music. Haley, Del and Matt share their wild ride in the Christian music world.

They all started out in church, passionate about using their talents to worship God. Haley had a tough break after a big label showcase didn’t go as planned and thought she was done with music. But God had other plans. He opened a door for her to lead worship back in her hometown, and her love for music was reignited.

After not writing for 8 years, Haley wrote a worship song with Dell at their church in Chattanooga. Writing worship music was a totally different and refreshing experience for Haley, that connected her with God in a fresh and inspired way.

The name “Natural State” comes from Arkansas’ slogan, symbolizing that our natural state is to know, worship, and love God, and to use our gifts to serve others. In 2022, they felt God calling them to Nashville, so they made the move, and it was clear God was leading the way.

Once in Nashville, they got down to writing the best songs they could. They recently hit 10K followers on Instagram and are super grateful for how their posts are impacting people. They treat their music like a business, not just a hobby. By creating content and engaging with their audience, they’re figuring out which songs resonate most, as they prepare for their next album.

Natural State journey is all about leaning into the work and embracing the unexpected. They remind us that we don’t have to rely on others to reach where God wants us to go. As long as we stay close to Him and His calling, He empowers us to live out His plan.

Don’t miss this inspiring episode packed with great insights and encouragement for anyone in the music ministry!

Connect with Natural State Music:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naturalstatemusicofficial

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@naturalstateofficial

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0EpCi97ecBbnLyBlmLaLM1?si=7c4CWLNiSmGB6kxNyus2eA

Website: https://naturalstatemusic.com/

On this episode, I hang out with producer, brand strategist, professional YouTuber, award winning creative marketing specialist, and the founder of SellMusic.com Adam Ivy, who talks about some REAL truths for indie artists and songwriters.

Adam has grown his YouTube channel to over 300K subscribers by helping independent musicians, artists and brands make impact with their music. He shares a wealth of knowledge on how to navigate the music scene, while staying true to yourself and what you love.

Key Takeaways:

•  Be Yourself: You’re not for everyone, and that’s totally fine. Surround yourself with people who lift you up.
•  Look for Opportunities: God’s got opportunities lined up for you; you just need to spot them.
•  Keep the Passion: Don’t let making music feel like a chore. Remember why you started and keep that excitement alive.
•  Work Smarter: Use your time wisely. Focus on real productivity, not just being busy. “So many times we step over dollars to pick up dimes.”
•  Make Use of What You Have: Use what you’ve got until it helps you get what you want.
•  Build Your Reputation: Keep putting in the work to get better and make an impact. "Your repetition builds your reputation!"
•  Protect Your Time: Focus on what’s really moving your family, business, and life forward. Don’t chase too many goals at once.
•  Enjoy the Ride: The journey is the fun part, so make sure you enjoy it!

And so much more!

I have personally learned so much from Adam on my own music journey and it was an honor to get to sit down and talk.

I know you will get so much from this conversation that you will help you on your own journey.

 To connect with Adam Ivy:
 • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adamivy/
•  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adamivy
•  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamivy
•  Website: https://www.sellmusicmasterclass.com/enrollnow

🎙️ CIAS Podcast Episode #102: Folk Worship Goes Viral with Brice Davis 🎙️

Join us for a laid-back chat with Brice Davis from Jacksonville, Florida.

Brice has been on an incredible journey, balancing a full-time job, fatherhood (with two kids and another on the way!), and skyrocketing his music career on social media. Since August of last year,

Brice has organically grown his Instagram from 600 followers to over 115K!

🔹 Social Media Strategies We Discuss:

•Reels: Perfect for attracting new followers and fans.

•Posts: Keep your current audience updated.

•Stories: Engage with followers through questions and interactions.

🔹 Key Takeaways- Brice shares tons of great tips and strategies on how to organically grow your social media:

•Mix things up to keep your content fresh.

•Make sure your music sounds great and your captions are eye-catching.

•Invest in your music and always prioritize your relationship with the Lord.

•Late nights and hard work pay off to keep the momentum going.

•Don’t be afraid to post and share your journey on social media.

Brice shares how staying engaged with God is the key to his songwriting and encourages fellow artists to share their stories without fear. Tune in for some real talk about faith, family, and making big impact in the music world!

I know you’ll be blessed by this interview.

To connect with Brice Davis head to:

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bricedavismusic/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bricedavismusic

Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/artist/1b1HAA4FKPRckylVMBY9PM?si=rQLq-GewRfK4WezSIQi-3w

On episode #101 of the CIAS Podcast I sat down with my friend Chase Wagner. Chase is a prominent artist, songwriter, and the Worship Pastor of Grace City Church in Lakeland, FL. 

From beginning to know The Lord through music as a teen in Seattle, to moving across the country to found SEU Worship, as well as Grace City Music/Church, he has found encouragement to keep going through His strong faith in God.  

Over the last five years Chase has been writing for worship artists such as Leeland, Jesus Culture, Evan Craft, Mack Brock, Sarah Kroger and more. 

Chase is about to release his second full length album, as well as a collection of songs for an Acoustic worship 90’s throwback project through Grace City Music.

Chase has a heart to see other creatives pursue after their true creative callings. I know you’ll be encouraged by this episode and Chase's story and all the wisdom and insight he shares!

Connect with Chase:

Website: https://chasewagnermusic.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasejwagner/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chasejwagner

Pre Save "Song In The Room" releasing June 28th, 2024: https://presave.to/m895743

On this celebration episode #100 of the CIAS Podcast I sat down with my friend Chris Lawson Jones from the Wings Distribution Group. Chris has been working professionally in the Christian music industry for over 20 years and shares so much insight and wisdom.

We talk through the state of the independent artist and how using a boutique distribution platform like Wings can help set any artist up for success, whether a veteran or just getting started.

I know you will be blessed by this episode. If you are looking for a great music distribution service I highly recommend Wings Access (which I personally use myself)

Use my link to save 15% on Wings Access here, or use code "BRYANB"
https://www.wingsaccess.com?fpr=bryan53

To connect with Chris and Wings head to:
Website: https://www.wingsaccess.com/

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/wingsaccess/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083855919690

On this episode of the CIAS Podcast Ross King and I talk about the 4th ingredient in his formula for music industry success- raw talent.

Ross says that we are not able to do anything about the amount of raw talent we are given, however we can lean on the other ingredients (work ethic, suck meter, and how are you in a room) to cultivate the raw talent we have.

The bad news is that we can’t do anything to gain more “raw talent” but the great news is that raw talent is not enough on its own to make a real impact in music. 

This means, within reason, no matter the amount of talent you start with, you can continue to work and develop yourself to do great things in music.

 Ross’s merchandise: https://rosskingmusicstore.bigcartel.com/

Join our CIAS Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/christianindieartistsandsongwriters

On this episode of the CIAS podcast Ross King and I talk about the work ethic it takes to go pro.

You might be thinking we talk about things like working 100 hour weeks and do whatever you need to to make it happen, but we don’t! We wanted to give you a practical look at how we manage and schedule our time as a professional in the music industry.

  So much of being a pro has to do with preparation and intentionality, more than even with talent. When your calendar has specific events dedicated to your music journey, it shows that you are truly working.

  I know you are going to get so much out of this episode, and if you are not already, click the link below and join the CIAS Facebook group so we can continue the conversation!

Join our CIAS Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/christianindieartistsandsongwriters

On this episode of the CIAS podcast, Ross King and I dive deep into the importance of how you are in a room. In a music career we will be in MANY different kinds of rooms, so having an understanding of how to be at our best in each situation is critical. We discuss many practical tips on what to do (and what not to do)

  Whether you are just getting started, or have been chasing your music dream for years, I know you will find a ton of inspiration and encouragement in this conversation.

Join our CIAS Facebook group here!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/christianindieartistsandsongwriters

Check my website for free resources and to connect further:
https://www.bryanbolivermusic.com/

Instagram:
CIAS: https://www.instagram.com/officialcias/
Bryan Boliver: https://www.instagram.com/bryanboliver/

On the latest episode of the CIAS Podcast I sat down with my good friend and 30 year music industry vet Ross King to discuss developing our personal quality control measure, a.k.a. our "Suck Meter"

Knowing what is good, for the target you are aiming for, is critical for success in music. We develop our "suck meter" over time, but there are a few elements to help with that process.

Join our Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/christianindieartistsandsongwriters

Check out our website
https://www.bryanbolivermusic.com/CIAS

Follow us on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/officialcias/

On this episode I had a great conversation with my friend Kevin Winebarger of Courage Studios. Kevin is a marketer, artist, songwriter, producer and an all around guru in social media and making big impact in the music industry.

Kevin has been working in the industry for nearly a decade and has been serving many artists along the way.

Kevin took a deep dive into many of his marketing principals on things like Spotify and YouTube marketing, as well as insights on how to make real impact on your music journey.

  If you are looking to go further and reach more people with your music, you are going to need to grab a note pad and get ready to listen to this episode a few times, as there is a lot of wisdom and knowledge to take in!

To connect with Kevin:
https://www.couragestudiosonline.com/

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/couragestudios/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/CourageMusicStudios

TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@couragestudios?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc