Called To Music Podcast

  As we all know releasing music takes a lot of planning to do it right. Once the song is mastered and ready to release the work is only half way done. Putting together a plan for a strategic release can make all the difference. 

  I wanted to share a simple formula we have used for my own releases and many artists I have worked with.  By having a plan in place it can make the process of releasing fun, less stressful and more impactful.

   With each release cycle you will learn the best type of content for your followers. Keep implementing and experimenting and you will refine your skills and continue to gain traction. This can be a tedious process, but if we want our music to be heard, putting in the extra effort will help us achieve maximum reach.

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  Chasing a music dream can be such an exciting experience. When we dedicate ourselves to achieving something and start to see things work, we feel fulfilled and are living out our purpose. But what happens when things in the industry start to change? What happens when what used to work, doesn’t work like it once did? Do we continue to try and force it or do we make changes to find the new thing that works?

  Personally, we are currently going through a kitchen renovation due to a major leak we had back in April. Our kitchen was completely torn out on June 14 and we are still without a kitchen. This process has been difficult, especially feeling out of place in our own home. 

  This got me thinking, what other areas of my life and music journey could benefit from a renovation? In the middle of the process things feel stressful, uncomfortable and maybe even painful, however the end result is always worth it. 

  I wanted to go through 7 areas of our music journey that we could consider making some renovations. Taking a look at what we do and how we are currently doing it can keep us moving in the right direction with the most efficiency and impact! 

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  Sync music is one of the biggest topics in the modern music industry. Its popularity comes from a few different factors, but one of them being the mystery behind it.  Yes, most of us know that sync is music written/produced specifically for placements in film & tv, but how does our music end up on our favorite show, movie or ad campaign? 

I wanted to cover 8 truths from my experience in writing/producing for sync over the last year and a half. I love working in the genre and excited for all of the things that have happened along the way. Like with everything in music, there is no right or wrong way, these are just the things I have learned and wanted to share.

I hope this gives some insight into the sync world. It can be a lot of fun and very rewarding. I am beyond thankful to be working with Deb @praiseworthy as she has taught me so much. I am grateful for her and all we have accomplished together. Sync is only going to grow, think about it, every video we see needs music, so the sky is the limit for the need of high-quality songs. 

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On this episode I had a great conversation with artist, songwriter and worship leader Ryan Lynton. I came across Ryan’s music a couple of years ago and have been a fan ever since. He creates music with strong melodic hooks while bringing depth and meaning to his lyrics.

 Ryan has been working in church ministry since high school and received his ministerial certifications and degree from the Assemblies of God Masters Commission Program. Ryan and his wife have worked in professional ministry for many years now and we discussed how he has balanced ministry with artistry. 

 We also talked what it looks like to be intentional and upfront when coming into positions on a church staff and setting expectations from the beginning. Ryan gave some great insight on how to be all in for God in many different capacities!

 I know you will be encouraged by this interview! To follow Ryan Lynton head to:

Instagram
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Spotify

 Come join us on our CIAS FB group! CLICK HERE to join now.

On this episode I had a great conversation with my friend Marcos Suazo- Mr. Mas Music. Marcos grew up in the church keeping close attention to the drums and that has stayed with him on his entire journey. From picking up the guitar to write his first songs, to learning production and releasing an EP, Marcos has always kept the main thing, the main thing. 

 We discussed what it looks like to be efficient and honoring of the time God gives us.  Marcos also talked about how we are called and it is an important part of our lives to figure out ways to share the music inside us. We never know how the music we write and release will impact the world for God, but if we don’t get it out there we know it won’t have the opportunity to impact anyone.

 There was so much wisdom and insight on this episode and I know that you will be encouraged by it! 

To follow Marcos head to:

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 Come join us on our CIAS FB group! CLICK HERE to join now.

On this first episode of season 3 I had a truly inspired conversation with my good friend Jonathan Jackson. Jonathan is a talented artist, songwriter and entrepreneur in the music space.  He has been writing 100 songs per year for the last 5 years and that is evident on his releases that are killing it on streaming platforms.

 On this episode we heard how Jonathan got started in music. From music college at the prestigious Indiana University, to making the move to Nashville, to driving for Amazon/Uber, to self producing and writing with some of Nashvilles top talents, Jonathan has always been driven put everything he has into his music.

  We also got into some really encouraging conversation on what it looks like to have self control and how to handle ourselves around people we look up to. Jonathan has done a great job of building relationships and not overstepping and burning bridges along the way which has served him well.

Above all else Jonathan has kept God the center of it all and his family first, which is the thread through his entire journey. I know you will be inspired and encouraged by this episode! 

To connect with Jonathan Jacksons head to:

Instagram
Facebook
Spotify

 Come join us on our CIAS Facebook group! CLICK HERE to join now.

 On this episode we are saying goodbye to season 2 of the CIAS podcast! What an incredible season we’ve had with some amazing interviews. I know I’ve been so encouraged and inspired by the conversations and I hope you have been as well.

  I wanted to give a little clarity behind what CIAS actually is and the meaning and purpose behind it. As this episode is going live we are on day 3 of our first CIAS Songwriting retreat. We have 12 songwriters from all across the country here on the Atlantic coast writing songs, building relationships and chasing after God together. We have so many exciting things on the horizon for you through CIAS and we can’t wait to share it all!

  Season 3 will be kicking off next Thursday, June 10 with my friend Jonathan Jackson and you do not want to miss this conversation!

We would love for you to join us on our CIAS Facebook group. CLICK HERE to join now and we will see you next week for Episode 1 of Season 3!

 On this episode I had a great conversation with Leah Hale of Virtue Design. Leah is a talented web designer who works with a wide range of clients, but has created a specific line of sites for bands and artists. Not only does she design the site with you using a few different layout options, but she will also host, update and keep your site safe through daily back-ups and security monitoring. 

It is essential to have a professional website as a tool to establish your artistry, but also as a main hub for everything you are doing. We all know that social media is great, but we do not own our profiles. With a great website of our own we can take control of how our fans see us and keep up to date with us.

 If you are an artist or a band looking to up your website game for a very affordable rate, I would highly recommend you reach out to Leah and see if Virtue Design is a good fit for you and your artistry!

To connect with Leah head to:

Website
Facebook

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 On this episode of the Christian Indie Artists and Songwriters Podcast I had a great conversation with my friend Ashley Beckford. Ashley and her husband Lance are part of the planting team at Unite Church Pasadena. Ashley has been leading worship and writing songs now for most of her adult life and had so much wisdom to share. 

  Ashley has a unique perspective and skillset with her background and degree in business administration/human resources management. We talked how leaning on administrative skills and blending with creative skills can be a great recipe for life in ministry. Ashley also discussed how she has brought local churches together through various writing events in the California area. I met Ashley earlier this year through her involvement with the Women in Worship  organization!

To connect with Ashley and check out all the great music she has been releasing through her church go to:

Website
Instagram
Facebook
Spotify

 Come join us on our CIAS Facebook group now! Click HERE!

On this episode I had an incredible conversation with Nashville-Based, artist, singer/songwriter Olivia Lane. I first came across Olivia on TikTok and quickly realized that she is doing some BIG things in the modern music industry. From starting off with chasing an acting dream that led her to Hollywood, to changing paths to pursue music fully, to even being featured on an episode of NBC's Songland, Olivia has always been driven to achieve the dreams in her heart.

  As you will hear in the interview, Olivia has faced many struggles in her life that ultimately lead her to Jesus and how that changed everything for her. She was a self-proclaimed atheist until 2018 when God radically changed her life. Since then she has committed all of her music, career and life in general to His plan.

  We took a deep dive into her strategy and outlook on TikTok which has earned her over 235K followers and growing everyday. Olivia's authentic approach and vulnerability has continued to greatly impact her career and reach. She also spoke into the importance of team and how we need to get stuff out into the world in order to learn and grow in our craft. I know you will be encouraged by this episode and learn a ton from all her wisdom and insight! 

To connect with Olivia Lane head to:

TikTok
Website
Instagram
Spotify

  Come join us on our CIAS Facebook group to continue the conversation. Click HERE to join now.