Christian Artist Mentorship

What does it actually take for a song to get played on Christian radio? And is radio still worth pursuing as an independent artist in 2026?

In this episode of the Christian Artist Mentorship Podcast, Wisdom Moon sits down with Steve Shore, Music Platform Program Director for K-LOVE and Air1, to pull back the curtain on how Christian radio works and what music programmers are really looking for.

Steve shares his journey from being the kid who brought his CD collection to youth group to spending more than two decades in Christian radio. He explains how radio programmers evaluate new music, the role of streaming data and listener research, why the first 30 seconds of a song matter, and how songwriting, production, lyrics, and social media can all influence whether a song connects.

Most importantly, Steve offers honest advice for independent artists. Including when it makes sense to invest in radio promotion, why spending thousands of dollars on radio may not be the best move for every indie artist, how to build relationships with industry professionals without burning bridges, and why artists shouldn't compromise their sound just to chase radio.

If you're an independent Christian artist wondering whether radio is right for you, or simply trying to understand how the Christian music industry works, this conversation is full of practical insight and encouragement.

Topics discussed:

• How Christian radio decides which songs get played

• What music programmers listen for in a new song

• The importance of the first 30 seconds

• Lyrics vs. melody vs. production

• Streaming data and listener research

• When indie artists should and shouldn't invest in radio

• Building genuine relationships with radio and industry professionals

• Common mistakes that can burn industry relationships

• Social media and discoverability in 2026

• AI music and the future of human-made music

• The changing sound of Christian radio

• Staying grounded and maintaining longevity as an artist

• Why some of the most creative Christian music is coming from the indie space

Connect with Steve Shore

Instagram: @steveoshore

Connect with Wisdom Moon:

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@wisdommoon⁠⁠⁠

Christian Artist Mentorship: ⁠⁠⁠christianartistmentorship.com⁠⁠⁠

Pure Mosaic Services: ⁠puremosaicservices.com⁠

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a songwriter, producer, worship leader, or Christian artist who would benefit from the conversation.

What does it really take to grow as a Christian songwriter, especially when you do not live in Nashville or have established industry connections?

In this episode of the Christian Artist Mentorship Podcast, Wisdom Moon sits down with songwriter and Full Circle Music Academy Director Maggie Youngs to discuss songwriting, collaboration, community, and trusting God with an unconventional career path.

Maggie shares how songwriting began as a personal way to process anxiety and pray through difficult questions. She also explains how an unexpected internship at Full Circle eventually developed into a leadership role she never could have planned for herself.

Wisdom and Maggie unpack what actually happens during a Nashville co-write, how songwriters should approach ownership splits, and why serving the artist’s vision should remain the North Star of the writing process.

They also discuss whether every artist should write their own songs, the proper role of artificial intelligence in songwriting, and why strong relationships often matter just as much as strong creative ability.

Maggie also explains how Full Circle Music Academy helps independent artists, songwriters, and producers access industry education, meaningful collaboration, professional feedback, and a community of creatives who can grow together.

Maggie Youngs is the Academy Director at Full Circle Music. Using her unique background in ministry, business, and songwriting, she works to build events, resources and opportunities that help creatives take real steps toward their careers and callings.

Connect with Maggie Youngs and Full Circle Academy:

Email: [email protected]
Full Circle Instagram: @officialfcmusic
Maggie’s Instagram: @maggieeeeeeliz

Connect with Wisdom Moon:

Instagram: ⁠⁠@wisdommoon⁠⁠

Christian Artist Mentorship: ⁠⁠christianartistmentorship.com⁠⁠

Pure Mosaic Services: puremosaicservices.com

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a songwriter, producer, worship leader, or Christian artist who would benefit from the conversation.

In this episode, Wisdom Moon sits down with Nashville-based mix engineer Carl Markham to talk about the art, emotion, and technical craft behind mixing music.

Carl shares how he got started, what it means to honor an artist’s vision, and why mixing is about more than making a song sound “better.” It is about helping the song feel right. He also talks about working with producers and artists, learning from experienced professionals, the importance of collaboration, and why independent Christian artists should consider building a trusted creative team.

They also discuss AI in music, faith and creativity, when artists should hire a mix engineer, and what Christian artists often misunderstand about the mixing process.

In This Episode:

• How Carl became a mix engineer
• What mixing actually is and why it matters
• The role of emotion in a great mix
• Why collaboration can elevate a song
• When artists should stop doing everything themselves
• How faith shapes Carl’s approach to his work
• What artists should know before sending a song to mix
• Carl’s thoughts on AI in music
• Why revisions are part of the creative process

Whether you are an artist, producer, songwriter, or someone who wants to better understand the music-making process, this conversation will help you see mixing as both a technical craft and a deeply creative service.

Connect with Carl Markham:

Instagram: ⁠@_carlmarkham

Connect with Wisdom Moon:

Website: ⁠wisdommoon.com⁠

Instagram: ⁠@wisdommoon⁠

Christian Artist Mentorship: ⁠christianartistmentorship.com⁠

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a songwriter, producer, worship leader, or Christian artist who would benefit from the conversation.

In this episode of the Christian Artist Mentorship Podcast, Wisdom Moon sits down with songwriter, producer, and worship leader Chris Clayton for an honest conversation about songwriting, production, publishing, and building a sustainable music ministry.

Chris shares how a mentor helped launch his career, why relationships matter more than talent in co-writing rooms, and how he approaches both songwriting and production with a heart to serve artists well. They also discuss the growing role of AI in music creation, the importance of strong songwriting before production begins, and why every artist should have clear agreements in place when working with producers.

The conversation takes a deeper turn as Chris unpacks his passion for theologically rich worship songs, his thoughts on trends in modern worship music, and what it means to write songs that are both biblically grounded and congregationally accessible.

Chris also shares the story behind signing a publishing deal with Story House Collective, founded by Matthew West, and offers practical advice for songwriters and producers pursuing a career in Christian music.

Topics Covered:

• How Chris got started as a songwriter and producer

• The value of mentorship and apprenticeship

• What makes a successful co-writing relationship

• AI tools like Suno and their role in songwriting

• Writing theologically grounded worship songs

• Why congregational worship songs matter

• Producer points and music industry agreements

• The role of a music publisher

• Chris' journey to signing with Story House Collective

• Whether songwriters need to move to Nashville

• Advice for aspiring songwriters, producers, and artists

Connect With Chris Clayton:

Website: chrisclayton.com

Instagram: @chrisclaytonmusic

Connect With Wisdom Moon:

Website: wisdommoon.com

Instagram: @wisdommoon

Christian Artist Mentorship: christianartistmentorship.com

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a songwriter, producer, worship leader, or Christian artist who would benefit from the conversation.

In this episode, I talk with Leigh Holt, founder of maddjett and co-founder of Hsquared Management, who has helped shape the careers of many artists and personalities like Lauren Daigle, Riley Clemmons, Lizzie Morgan, Demi Tebow, Jeremy Rosado, Jordan St. Cyr and Annie F. Downs.

Founder and CEO of multiple entertainment ventures, Leigh Holt has built her career on identifying market opportunities and creating innovative solutions in the artist management and brand development space.

Through her companies maddjett and Hsquared Management, she’s pioneered entrepreneurial approaches that have transformed how talent connects with audiences and how brands engage with entertainment.

Her ventures have been instrumental in securing multiple Grammy wins and nominations, Billboard and American Music Awards, launching bestselling authors, and developing groundbreaking partnerships with Fortune 500 companies.

As a founder, she’s cultivated organizations that combine creative vision with business acumen, resulting in multiple Guinness World Records, 475+ sold out events, and partnerships with global brands including Pepsi, Proctor & Gamble, Toyota, and IKEA.

She continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in entertainment management through strategic innovation and entrepreneurial leadership.

We talk about:

• ​The real role of a manager and what great management actually looks like
• ​Why great music is still the foundation in a noisy industry
• ​The strategic decisions behind crossover success
• ​How to choose the right partners and build the right team
• ​Mistakes artists make when momentum starts to build
• ​How to navigate fear, criticism, and pressure in the public eye
• ​Why identity and authenticity matter more than copying someone else’s path

This is a grounded, honest look at what it really takes to build something sustainable in today’s music industry.

If you’re serious about growing as an artist, this conversation will challenge how you think and how you build.

If you’re an independent Christian artist looking for clarity, strategy, and support, you can apply for Christian Artist Mentorship.

Let's Connect:

• ​⁠⁠⁠Christian Artist Mentorship⁠⁠⁠ (Next Cohort Begins April 21)
• ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wisdom Moon on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ​⁠⁠⁠Christian Artist Mentorship on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ​⁠⁠⁠Christian Music Marketing on Instagram⁠⁠⁠
• ​⁠⁠⁠Pure Mosaic Services⁠⁠

Connect with Leigh Holt:

maddjett.com

Hsquared Management

In this episode, Wisdom sits down with Brian Ortize, who has spent over 25 years in music, from touring in his teens to serving as a worship pastor and church planter in Hollywood, CA. He later spent nearly a decade in A&R at Tooth & Nail / BEC Recordings and now focuses on film and TV development.

Brian shares his story of navigating different seasons, stepping into new opportunities, and building a career through faith and relationships. They also talk about the realities of the Christian music industry and what artists need to understand as they grow.

If you are an artist, songwriter, or creative trying to find your path, this conversation will give you perspective and encouragement for the journey ahead.

Let's Connect:

• ⁠⁠Christian Artist Mentorship⁠⁠ (Next Cohort Begins April 21)

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wisdom Moon on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠Christian Artist Mentorship on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠Christian Music Marketing on Instagram⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠Pure Mosaic Services⁠

Connect with Brian Ortize:

tiktok.com/@brianmortize

In this episode, Wisdom sits down with songwriter Rhyan Shirley to talk about the real path to building a songwriting career.

Rhyan Shirley is a BMI award-winning songwriter who has been writing since she was just 7 years old, starting at her family piano in small town Arkansas. After moving to Nashville in 2011, she’s gone on to write for artists like Bethel Music, Leeland, We Are Messengers, Colton Dixon, Rachael Lampa, and Jordan St. Cyr, among many others.

Her work has also been featured across film and TV, including Love Is Blind, Teen Mom, Love Island, and more. As an artist, her project Ri-An has reached over 7 million streams on Spotify.

Rhyan shares how she got started, from writing songs as a child to moving to Nashville. She also opens up about the role mentorship played in her growth, as well as her journey through being a signed songwriter and being fully independent.

This episode is part of a session from the Christian Artist Mentorship. If you're interested in being a part of our next cohort, visit ChristianArtistMentorship.com⁠.

Let's Connect:

• ⁠Christian Artist Mentorship⁠ (Next Cohort Begins April 21)

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wisdom Moon on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠Christian Artist Mentorship on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠Christian Music Marketing on Instagram⁠

• ⁠Pure Mosaic Services

Connect with Rhyan Shirley:

instagram.com/songsmith_coaching

songsmithcoaching.com

After nearly a year away, the podcast is finally back.

In this episode, Wisdom shares a quick life update, why the podcast paused longer than planned, and what is ahead for the show. He also introduces a new season of content that will include interviews, industry conversations, and select sessions from the Christian Artist Mentorship program.

This episode features a special clip from one of those mentorship sessions with Adrian Thompson, Head of A&R at Bethel Music and formerly head of A&R + Publishing at Integrity Music. Adrian brings over 20 years of experience in artist development, publishing, and creative leadership within the Christian music industry.

Wisdom also shares details about the upcoming Christian Artist Mentorship Group starting April 21, including how artists can apply and what they will learn during the 10 week program.

If you are an artist, songwriter, or industry professional trying to navigate the Christian music space with wisdom and clarity, this episode will give you an inside look at how the industry really works.

Let's Connect:

• Christian Artist Mentorship (Next Cohort Begins April 21)

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wisdom Moon on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• Christian Artist Mentorship on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• Christian Music Marketing on Instagram

• Pure Mosaic Services

In this episode, Wisdom Moon responds to questions from independent Christian artists about funding, calling, and growth in the music industry. Topics include how to allocate a Kickstarter budget, the balance between worship and compensation, and practical steps for how to grow as both an artist and a worship leader.

The episode also introduces Madyson Kohl, who shares her journey into the Christian music industry and offers insight on boundaries, communication, and staying grounded in ministry.

Wisdom Moon's experience in the Christian music industry includes his time in marketing and publishing at Centricity Music and Integrity Music, before launching his own company to help guide hundreds of artists, labels, churches, and organizations through branding, marketing, and strategy.

Wisdom is recognized as a pioneer in the Christian music industry, having founded All About Worship, Kingdom Songs, Marketing with Wisdom, Christian Music Marketing, and Lula Street Records. He currently hosts the Christian Music Industry Podcast, where he shares conversations, insights, and practical guidance to help artists and industry professionals navigate their calling and career with clarity and purpose.

A respected consultant, speaker, podcast host, and executive, Wisdom’s influence spans across labels, churches, conferences, and independent artist communities. His passion is to see artists live out their calling with boldness, humility, and eternal impact.

Whether walking alongside emerging artists or serving established voices, Wisdom Moon remains committed to helping creatives grow their audience and their Kingdom impact, with purpose and integrity.

To submit questions for future episodes, visit christianartistmentorship.com

This episode is sponsored by Christian Creative Mentorship, a community created specifically for Christian music creatives who are serious about growing in both their craft and their calling. Whether you're just starting out or navigating your next steps, this community exists to help you steward your music ministry in a way that honors God and serves others well. Visit christianartistmentorship.com⁠ to join for free today!

CONNECT WITH US:

⁠⁠⁠⁠Christian Artist Mentorship on YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wisdom Moon on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lula Music Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lula Music Group on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Christian Artist Mentorship on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this deeply personal and inspiring episode, Wisdom Moon sits down with Dove Award-winning songwriter Tony Wood for a rich conversation on calling, craft, and career longevity. With over 900 recorded songs and more than 30 No. 1 hits, Tony shares the story of his humble beginnings in a small North Carolina town, his leap of faith to Nashville, and the years of quiet faithfulness that shaped his songwriting ministry.

You’ll hear about:

-The early days of writing lyrics in church youth group

-What it means to be faithful in the hidden seasons

-Why the second meeting with a publisher is harder than the first

-How to create safe, Spirit-led writing rooms

-Encouragement for young Christian songwriters navigating today’s industry

Tony’s story is a reminder that the fruit of faithfulness often grows slowly, but it lasts. Whether you're a new songwriter or a seasoned creative, this conversation will encourage you to trust God with your calling and show up with a heart to serve.

This episode is sponsored by Christian Creative Mentorship, a community created specifically for Christian music creatives who are serious about growing in both their craft and their calling. Whether you're just starting out or navigating your next steps, this community exists to help you steward your music ministry in a way that honors God and serves others well. Visit ⁠christianartistmentorship.com⁠⁠ to join for free today!

CONNECT WITH US:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Christian Artist Mentorship on YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wisdom Moon on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lula Music Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lula Music Group on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Christian Artist Mentorship on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

CONNECT WITH TONY WOOD:

tonywoodonline.com

instagram.com/tonywood_exit71