Song Revolution Podcast – Season 4

TITLE: JOHN CHISUM: Why Aren't Your Songs Resonating?

HOSTS: John Chisum

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of Song Revolution, host John Chisum continues the walkthrough of the NCS Complete Songwriting Guide by diving into Theme #5: finding your lane as a songwriter. John unpacks the importance of writing with clarity, direction, and genre awareness so your songs connect more deeply with listeners instead of drifting through "vague territories of meaning." Drawing from decades of experience in Christian music, worship songwriting, and artist development, John shares practical insight on how titles, hooks, genre, audience, and model songs all work together to shape impactful music. He also gives a behind-the-scenes look at his own songwriting process, including the development of a new worship song inspired during church called "See the Lamb."

EPISODE TOPICS

• Theme #5 of the NCS Complete Songwriting Guide
• Finding your songwriting lane and genre
• Avoiding "vague territories of meaning"
• Why clarity matters in lyric writing and music production
• The connection between title, hook, and genre
• Writing with a target audience in mind
• The importance of model songs in songwriting
• Writing with a specific artist or worship leader in mind
• John's songwriting process behind "See the Lamb"
• Developing songs that resonate emotionally and stylistically
• How modern worship songs are intentionally crafted
• Learning from professional songwriting practices
• The role of originality in established genres
• Studying songs and artists you admire
• Using genre awareness to make songs more effective

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• John explains why strong songwriting begins with a focused "One Big Idea" rather than vague concepts.
• He discusses how both lyrics and musical style need direction for a song to connect.
• John shares how a lyric idea from church eventually became a full worship ballad titled "See the Lamb."
• The episode explores how genre often emerges naturally as melody and lyric develop together.
• John encourages writers to study artists and songs they admire in order to better understand genre conventions.
• He explains how professional writers use "model songs" to help shape musical direction during co-writing sessions.
• John emphasizes the importance of knowing your audience before fully developing a song.
• The conversation includes insight into modern worship writing and the intentional choices behind successful songs.
• John references the NCS Collective project and breaks down the songwriting approach behind "Nothing But the Name."
• Listeners are challenged to stop writing aimlessly and instead create songs with purpose, clarity, and artistic alignment.

FINAL TAKEAWAY

Great songs know where they're going. Whether you're writing worship music, CCM, country, or inspirational songs, clarity matters. Understanding your audience, genre, lyrical focus, and emotional target will help your songs connect more powerfully. Instead of writing in vague territories of meaning, focus your ideas, study the songs you love, and intentionally craft music that resonates deeply with listeners.

RESOURCES & LINKS:

FREE DOWNLOAD - The Complete NCS Songwriting Guide: Proven Principles for writing better songs, stewarding your gifts, and building a lasting life of Christian songwriting.

https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/guide

Join the NCS ONE SONG CHALLENGE!

https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/one-song-challenge

Be a part of our community of songwriters from across the globe. Join NCS Community!

https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-community

Check out Nashville Christian Songwriters!

NashvilleChristianSongwriters.com

Real people writing real songs - check out NCS Collective

https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-collective/