More Cowbell Please: CCM Stories

The lawsuit nightmare.Running out of money.Almost homeless with a young family.And the miraculous “eagle” vision that carried him through.Jess shares how God turned the darkest season into a comeback—writing worship anthems for Chris Tomlin, Passion, John Reddick, TobyMac w Forrest Frank, and more.From pop highs (Backstreet Boys, David Archuleta) to Nashville heartbreak and redemption—this is raw faith in the music business.Next episodes coming:Stu G (Delirious? guitarist – worship music legend)Stacey Willbur (veteran CCM song plugger)Hit subscribe—you don’t want to miss these! 🔥#JessCates #ChristianSongwriter #WorshipMusic #ComebackStory #morecowbellplease

00:00 Intro

00:57 Out of Money & Almost Homeless

01:30 A Vision & God’s Word

02:59 Settling the Lawsuit

03:50 Lawsuit Aftermath04:46 Life Lessons from the Lawsuit

05:15 Lawsuit Outcome

05:41 Selling the Catalog

06:00 Nashville Deals & Humbling Moments

07:18 Forming In Paradise

07:35 Signing with TIM Publishing

08:14 Getting Back on His Feet

08:42 Random Success Stories

09:41 Jess’s Journey Through Genres

10:10 TobyMac, Forrest Frank & Jon Reddick

11:09 “Jeff Cates” & Alt IDs11:41 AI in Songwriting

15:12 10,000 Hours & 3 Guys in a Room

16:10 Career Advice for New Writers

17:50 Embarrassing Songwriting Stories

18:33 Lessons from Hard Sessions

19:38 Fear vs Faith in the Room

21:14 Changing Priorities

22:25 Finding & Living Your Purpose

24:30 Jonas Brothers Session

25:02 Martina McBride “Just Call You Mine”

26:44 Passion “The Lord Will Provide”

27:36 Song Impacts on Listeners

29:28 Goodbye & Thanks

29:35 Outro

🎧ALL EPISODES:.https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBt6FZ88v_g64fr3KfLjQgPIM0vUYRZy9PODCAST:Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/0v9dEeIH0OeP1chxSfQ7gj?si=d0HmJihHTjGhiEuwP8cYewListen on Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-cowbell-please/id1796605641Get vidIQ to grow your channel faster! 🚀https://vidiq.com/morecowbell

Hit songwriter, Jess Cates takes us into the realities of the craft in both LA and Nashville. From mega hits with Backstreet Boys and American Idols, to worship hits with Elevation, Passion, Matt Redman, and the who's who of CCM Christian Music. From millions in sales and billions in streams, to being broke and almost homelessAt one point finding himself needing to sue his non paying publisher. The highs and lows and song backstories you wont believe!Part 2 next week.Credits include songs withMainstream Pop:Back Street BoysNick LacheyJonas BrothersNew Kids on the BlockVertigoCliff RichardAmerican Idol ALUMS:David ArchuletaScotty McCreeryClay AikenDavid CookCountry:LeAnnRimesMartina McBrideCCM:Mercy MeTobyMacForrest FrankLeelandRebecca St JamesMandisaAvalonBebo NormanPoint of GraceSonicFloodJump5The AftersBritt NicoleBen RectorWorship:Matt RedmanChris TomlinPassion MusicElevationJon ReddickJesus CultureMatt MaherChapters00:00 Intro – Season 2 Premiere!

02:13 Welcome Jess Cates

02:27 Nashville Roots & Preacher’s Kid Life

03:19 Growing Up in Franklin Schools

04:01 First Song Ever Written (Age 15!)

04:26 Early Gigs & Talent Shows

04:46 Meeting Michael W. Smith

06:05 One Year at Belmont… Then Quitting

06:17 Writing Worship with Friends

06:54 First Publishing Deal – Brentwood-Benson07:50 How Publishing Deals Actually Work

09:45 Leading Worship on the Side

10:07 First Major Cuts (Avalon, Plus One)

11:01 Signing a Pop Deal in LA

11:27 Moving to Los Angeles12:10 Worship Leading in the Desert

12:40 Finding Family at an LA Church

13:33 Success vs Faith Tension in Hollywood

14:19 Praying in the Bathroom Between Sessions

14:58 Inviting God into Secular Writing Rooms

15:59 Real Faith Conversations with Pop Stars

16:56 The Joshua Tree Surrender Story

17:10 Jonas & the Holy Spirit Lights

18:26 “Incomplete” – Writing for Backstreet Boys

19:51 How the Song Leaked & Exploded

20:19 God’s Joshua Tree Confirmation

23:07 The Mystery of Songwriting

25:01 More LA Hits (David Archuleta, Nick Lachey)

25:14 “Crush” – From Prayer Closet to #1

27:00 The Chris Tomlin “Even So Come” Miracle

30:19 Passion Release & Life-Changing Impact

30:44 Partnering with TIM Publishing

31:37 Why Jess Left LA

31:48 The Lawsuit That Changed Everything

32:00 Running Out of Money

32:20 Landing Back in Nashville

32:50 Spiritual Breakthrough in Hardship

33:41 Almost Homeless with a Young Family

34:28 Outro – Part 2 Next Week!🎧ALL EPISODES:.https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBt6FZ88v_g64fr3KfLjQgPIM0vUYRZy9PODCAST:Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/0v9dEeIH0OeP1chxSfQ7gj?si=d0HmJihHTjGhiEuwP8cYewListen on Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-cowbell-please/id1796605641Get vidIQ to grow your channel faster! 🚀https://vidiq.com/morecowbell

I name the top 5 the most radical Christian music artists in the recorded music era and what they did that shocked the business. And the church. Were they right? Did they go too far? Forrest Frank has posted radical stands lately - Dropping out of the Doves, slamming AI music, refusing to listen to non christian music. It reminded me of those in the past that have done even more radical things, Sadly all but one have passed away, but each lived controversially - and i speculate they may have moderated with time and grace. Follow along as i detail the stands of Carman, Keith Green, Larry Norman, Rich Mullins and of course mr Forrest Frank.

🎧ALL EPISODES:.https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBt6FZ88v_g64fr3KfLjQgPIM0vUYRZy9PODCAST:Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/0v9dEeIH0OeP1chxSfQ7gj?si=d0HmJihHTjGhiEuwP8cYewListen on Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-cowbell-please/id1796605641Get vidIQ to grow your channel faster! 🚀https://vidiq.com/morecowbell

Join Me as I share a personal life update. And LEGAL issues!. I'm also taking to opportunity to give a life story of my journey from Australia to India, opening a Christian music venue, to mixing Grammy-winning tracks for For King & Country and Matt Redman! Discover the heart behind the podcast, inspired by faith, struggles, and stories from CCM legends like Danny Duncan, John Mays and Jackie Patillo, as well as CCM's most well known producers, writers, and Artists like for King and Country's own Joel and Luke Smallbone, Matt Hammit and Aaron Shust. The historic -time following of Charlie Kirks assassination has refocused me on the gospel’s power in music. The GREAT NEWS there's MORE COMING. But not for a couple weeks. Stay tuned. Subscribe! #MoreCowbellPlease

If you've seen the cowbells recent reels showing Charlie Kirk praising Forrest Franks influence, The effect on Lauren Daigle, and Jenny McCarthy you'll have sensed a change. Watch for the upcoming stories and observations in conversation with my guests - we're on a mission!

Chapters:0:00 Intro0:09 Welcome to More Cowbell Please0:17 Channel Stats: 1M Views, 1,400 Subs1:10 Guest Highlights: CCM Legends1:15 Producers: Chris Stevens & More2:04 Songwriters: Matt Armstrong & Ian Eskelin2:11 Executives: Jackie Patillo & John Mays2:27 Skillet’s Manager Zach Kelm2:37 Artists: For King & Country & More2:58 Engineers: Danny Duncan & Others3:06 Concert Promoter Gary Smith3:14 Media: Jessica Morris on Newsboys3:24 Thanks to Our Guests3:28 The CCM Industry Pyramid3:38 Why I Paused the Podcast4:41 Legal Hold on Special Episode5:01 My Australian Roots5:26 India Missionary Life5:58 Outback & Boarding School Adventures6:53 Piano Tuning Apprenticeship7:37 Starting a Christian Music Venue8:09 Bible College & Theological Training8:45 Promoting with David Smallbone9:37 Unsung Hero: Amy Grant Connection10:08 Producing Local Acts11:03 Moving to the USA11:37 Working at a Worship Label12:05 Becoming a Full-Time Mixer13:16 Podcast Inception Story13:56 Charlie Kirk Impact14:28 What’s Next for More Cowbell Please🎧ALL EPISODES:.https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBt6FZ88v_g64fr3KfLjQgPIM0vUYRZy9 PODCAST:Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/0v9dEeIH0OeP1chxSfQ7gj?si=d0HmJihHTjGhiEuwP8cYewListen on Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-cowbell-please/id1796605641

Prince Mulla is a Christ follower working in the Bollywood movie industry as a producer and musician. From leading 500,000 in worship to crafting Bollywood hits, Prince shares his journey as a pastor’s son, navigating faith in a 1.4 Billion people nation where conversion is illegal. Hear stories of his viral song “Zinda” impacting Pakistan persecution, and “Gal” healing loneliness. He's producing homegrown authentic modern worship that the Indian population can relate to - and I frankly find fascinating!. In this podcast we learn about how he's blending traditional instruments like tablas, harmoniums and sitar with western musical influences in this new wave of worship music sweeping thru the Church there.Chapters: 0:00 Intro to More Cowbell Please1:07 Meet Prince Mulla: Bollywood & Faith1:36 Prince’s Christian Roots in India2:03 Music Journey: Harmonium to Keyboard2:26 Studying Music in Chennai2:51 Bollywood Beginnings as Keyboardist3:35 Leading Worship for 500,0005:05 Navigating Bollywood’s Music Scene5:55 Faith in Bollywood: Staying True6:28 Producing Ads & Jingles7:16 Viral Christian Songwriting Begins8:10 Personal Worship Through Music9:05 India’s 26 Languages & Hindi Worship9:45 Christianity in India: 2% & Growing11:13 Conversion Laws in India13:26 Christ Follower, Not Christian14:30 Church Growth Amid Persecution16:47 Indian Worship Meets Western Sound18:07 Western Music’s Impact on India18:36 India’s Wealth Divide Explained19:38 Breaking India’s Caste System21:45 First Impressions of America22:56 Zinda’s Impact After Church Bombing24:36 Gal: A Song for God’s Hug26:41 India’s Got Talent & Guinness Record27:33 Nations of Worship Ministry28:10 Keeping Worship Pure, Not Paid29:12 Rich Mullins’ Money Philosophy29:58 Choosing Ministry Over Money30:27 Christian Music Scene in India31:21 Outro & Duncan Phillips Tease🎧ALL EPISODES:.https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBt6FZ88v_g64fr3KfLjQgPIM0vUYRZy9 PODCAST:Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/0v9dEeIH0OeP1chxSfQ7gj?si=d0HmJihHTjGhiEuwP8cYewListen on Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-cowbell-please/id1796605641

Nathan Nockels. Producer. A master class in how to make a record. Picking great songs, being an authentic creative. After 18 years producing for Passion including Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, Crowder, Laura Story and annual conference records, he tells us about his current work - some of his most sucessful yet. But not for the reasons you may think! He's produced hits like the ICONIC 10000 Reasons (Matt Redman), Better is One Day (Passion), Blessings (Laura Story) making the worship sound track of the late 90's and 2000's.Chapters: 0:00 Intro1:53 Welcome to Nathan Nockels2:25 Oklahoma Roots2:55 Early Days with Charlie Hall4:02 First Studio Adventures5:24 Forming Sons and Daughters6:22 Christy’s Game-Changing Vocals7:21 Passion’s Beginnings with Louie Giglio8:10 Nathan’s Producer Awakening9:17 Passion’s First Spark13:24 Matt Redman’s Songs at Passion ‘9914:47 Bringing in Chris Tomlin15:32 Keith Smith’s Loop Legacy17:23 Starting Passion City Church18:27 Writing for Passion Conferences20:03 10,000 Reasons: Disney Robin Hood Roots22:28 10,000 Reasons’ Global Impact25:22 AI & Authentic Music Creation28:01 Keeping Creativity Alive29:52 Snare Sound Evolution31:38 First Massive Crowd Moment32:52 Meditative Music Lessons33:58 Overwhelming Georgia Dome Experience35:09 Leaving Passion37:58 Nockels’ Lullaby & Christmas Success39:33 Authentic Creativity’s Power42:12 Experience Shapes Artistry48:08 Recapturing Youthful Creativity48:57 Challenging the Status Quo51:17 Songs Touching Lives53:27 Hilarious Mixing Mishap55:33 Music Education Journey58:27 Theological Training Insights61:57 Embarrassing Matt Redman Moment62:31 Goodbyes & Thanks62:38 Outro🎧ALL EPISODES:.https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBt6FZ88v_g64fr3KfLjQgPIM0vUYRZy9 PODCAST:Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/0v9dEeIH0OeP1chxSfQ7gj?si=d0HmJihHTjGhiEuwP8cYewListen on Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-cowbell-please/id1796605641

Matt Armstrong is a songwriter behind hits like Chris Tomlin’s “At the Cross” and Casting Crowns’ “Always Enough”! From his Buffalo roots to Nashville’s CCM scene, Matt shares wild stories—spilling Dr. Pepper with Ashley Judd, surviving a dog funeral saga, and finding faith through music. Now an A&R pro at Story House Collective, he mentors new talent like Cade Thompson. Next up: Nathan Nockles & Prince Mulla! Subscribe on YouTube to help us hit our first 1000 - almost there! #MoreCowbellPlease

Chapters0:00 Intro1:36 Welcome to Matt Armstrong2:08 Buffalo Roots3:32 Discovering Christian Music6:30 Full Sail Journey7:10 Darkhorse Internship8:13 Working with Ed Cash10:32 Reigniting Songwriting12:03 First Cuts: Always Enough14:06 Ashley Judd & Dr. Pepper16:04 Awkward Protest Song16:34 Three Dog Saga20:47 Song Stories: At the Cross21:11 Watoto Choir Miracle24:22 Songs as Ministry26:56 Making a Living Songwriting28:03 Ups and Downs in Music32:37 A&R at Story House33:59 Dog Sitting for Matthew West34:31 Building Story House Talent38:05 Avoiding Bitterness39:41 Magnificent Defeats43:28 Meeting His Wife44:51 Goodbyes & Thanks44:59 Outro🎧ALL EPISODES:.https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBt6FZ88v_g64fr3KfLjQgPIM0vUYRZy9 PODCAST:Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/0v9dEeIH0OeP1chxSfQ7gj?si=d0HmJihHTjGhiEuwP8cYewListen on Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-cowbell-please/id1796605641

Our epic chat with Gary Smith, a veteran Christian music promoter in Europe! Behind the scenes stories of booking Rebecca St. James’ first UK tour to Skillet’s loud shows and for KING & COUNTRY’s international debut, Gary shares wild stories—like a whale-chasing crowd in the Faroe Islands and a 900-ticket sellout in an Austrian village. Hear how faith and ministry drove his work with, Thrid Day, DC Talk, Newsboys, and many more. 🕊️ Subscribe for more inspiring stories, and don’t miss Matt Armstrong next week! #MoreCowbellPlease

Chapters

0:00 Intro

1:06 Welcome

2:02 Early Life Stories

2:40 Boys’ Brigade Memories

4:08 Discovering Music Festivals

4:46 First Bookings: Firm Foundations

6:59 Label Showcase Moments

8:26 Hiring the Right Team

9:21 Landing U.S. Label Gigs

9:39 DC Talk Show Highlights

10:49 GMA Experiences

11:06 David Smallbone’s Impact

11:48 Organizing RSJ’s First Tour

13:45 RSJ Tour Locations

14:57 Planning Show Dates

15:46 Core Touring Values

16:31 Supporting Promoters

17:40 Making Tours Work for All

19:00 Austrian Tour Story

22:10 Translator Tales

23:47 Faroe Islands Adventure

26:06 Japan Tour Insights

28:20 for KING & COUNTRY’s First International Dates

28:59 Keyboard Player Anecdotes

30:27 Acts Promoted

32:41 To Tour Europe or Not?

34:52 Skillet’s Big Date

36:13 Investing in European Tours

37:42 Europe’s Openness to the Gospel

39:38 Crossing Over to Mainstream

40:11 U2’s Influence

40:57 Life After Promoting

42:10 Brazil Tour Story

43:56 Rich Mullins’ Legacy

45:44 Goodbyes & Thanks

45:59 Outro

🎧ALL EPISODES:.https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBt6FZ88v_g64fr3KfLjQgPIM0vUYRZy9

PODCAST:

Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/0v9dEeIH0OeP1chxSfQ7gj?si=d0HmJihHTjGhiEuwP8cYew

Listen on Apple Podcasts

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-cowbell-please/id1796605641

This week I chat with veteran CCM podcasters, the brothers Jacob and Jesse Priddy of the 'Christian Music Guys' podcast, a heartfelt music conversation, with music insights from the fans perspective. As lifelong fans as well as being pastors and worship leaders, they dive into the songs and stories that shaped their faith, from nostalgic CCM classics to today’s emerging artists. With over 200 episodes, they’ve interviewed icons like Steven Curtis Chapman, Matthew West, and former Newsboys frontman John James, sharing their music journey that inspire millions. I wante to get their takes on some topics - so i invited them on for a chat. Great guys and true fans!

Visit them : https://christianmusicguys.com/🎧ALL EPISODES:.https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBt6FZ88v_g64fr3KfLjQgPIM0vUYRZy9 PODCAST:Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/0v9dEeIH0OeP1chxSfQ7gj?si=d0HmJihHTjGhiEuwP8cYewListen on Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-cowbell-please/id1796605641

Ainslie Grosser dives deeper with Aaron Shust on his indie artist journey, balancing family with his son Michael’s special needs, and learning to “be still” in faith. From tour pranks to biblical truths, this episode inspires! Aaron talks about the power of his song ZION, His journey as a parent of a special needs boy with Downs Syndrome, Autism Subscribe for more! #MoreCowbellPlease #aaronshust #songwriter

Chapters :

0:00 Intro

1:01 Changing Labels

1:22 Centricity

1:55 Independence

3:38 Touring and Marriage

6:34 Family

10:02 Michael

11:28 Lessons of Special Needs Parenting

15:10 Michael's Birth and the Blog

17:21 How a Diagnosis Changes Your Life

18:51 Magnificent Defeats

19:39 Losing the Band

21:07 End of the Centricity Deal

23:42 Handling Tough Stuff

24:46 Israel Inspirations

27:23 Song 'ZION'

29:58 Funnies

33:02 Goodbyes

33:10 Outro

🎧ALL EPISODES:.https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBt6FZ88v_g64fr3KfLjQgPIM0vUYRZy9

PODCAST:

Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/0v9dEeIH0OeP1chxSfQ7gj?si=d0HmJihHTjGhiEuwP8cYew

Listen on Apple Podcasts

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-cowbell-please/id1796605641