Saints in the Spotlight

Saints in the Spotlight

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Saints in the Spotlight episodes

  • AI Music Is a Twinkie at Your Wedding | Keagan Park
    Can you build a real music career without moving to Nashville? Country singer-songwriter Keagan Park did it from Ririe, Idaho, a town of about 700 people, with no label, no manager and no big move.
    Corwin and Keagan dig into how he books venues (including the casino email that turned into opening for Gary Allan a year later), what goes in a press kit, how to price your gigs, why an economics class convinced him to drop out of college, his songwriting process, social media for musicians, and why AI music is like serving Twinkies at your wedding.
    Follow Keagan: @keagpark_music on Instagram | Keagan Park Music on Facebook | @KeaganParkMusic on YouTube
    Stream "Bustin' Buckles," "Wicked Fireflies," "Steel String Stitches" and "More Cowboy Than You Think" on Spotify and Apple Music.
    Chapters
    00:00 Intro
    01:35 Who is Keagan Park?
    07:39 Starting at the farmers market
    12:32 How to book a venue you've never played
    15:41 Opening for Gary Allan
    17:39 What goes in a press kit
    20:52 How to price yourself as a musician
    24:41 Why an economics class made him drop out
    30:02 Going full time
    31:38 Songwriting: what makes a song true
    38:07 The East Idaho sound
    39:21 Social media for musicians
    46:44 AI in music: Twinkies vs. wedding cake
    52:42 What gigs pay and what recording costs
    57:42 Label vs. independent, and staying in Idaho
    59:56 Where to find Keagan
    Saints in the Spotlight: conversations with people succeeding in entertainment without compromising who they are.
    1 hr 1 min
  • Yahosh Bonner: Moving Forward with Faith

    The conversation with Yahosh Bonner covers the extraordinary musical and spiritual legacy of the Bonner family, from their humble beginnings to their journey of faith and the power of family and music. It also delves into the challenges of building a brand and the importance of promoting humility and faith in the entertainment industry. The conversation covers topics such as uplifting through gifts, balancing career and passion, reconciling grievances of the past, the legacy of gospel music, honoring ancestral history, and encouragement for moving forward. Yahosh shares insights on the importance of using gifts to uplift and edify, finding balance between career and passion, reconciling grievances of the past, and carrying on the legacy of gospel music. He also emphasizes the significance of honoring ancestral history and encourages individuals to move forward with faith and perseverance.

    Takeaways

    • The Bonner family's legacy is a testament to the power of faith, family, and music.
    • Overcoming challenges and building a brand in the entertainment industry requires humility, trust, and a focus on promoting a message rather than self-promotion. Uplift and edify through gifts
    • Balance career and passion
    • Reconcile grievances of the past
    • Honor ancestral history
    • Encouragement for moving forward

    Chapters

    • 00:00 The Bonner Family Legacy
    • 03:02 The Journey to Las Vegas
    • 05:05 Finding Faith in Adversity
    • 09:59 The Power of Family and Music
    • 20:02 Overcoming Challenges and Building a Brand
    • 27:02 Promoting Humility and Faith
    • 29:47 Uplifting Through Gifts
    • 31:03 Balancing Career and Passion
    • 34:17 Reconciling Grievances of the Past
    • 44:40 Legacy of Gospel Music
    • 51:51 Honoring Ancestral History
    • 01:01:07 Encouragement and Moving Forward
    54 min
  • What Musicians Get Wrong About Success | Ben Truman

    Ben Truman shares his journey from growing up in Nashville to launching his music career at BYU. He discusses the influence of his family, the challenges of the music industry, and the evolution of his music style. Ben also emphasizes the importance of faith and family in his music, and the business skills required for success in the industry. The conversation covers the journey of the Truman Brothers in the music industry, from their involvement in The Nashville Tribute Band to their decision to create Christian music. It explores their experiences on the NACA circuit, the success of their song 'Quiet Revolution,' and the inspiration behind 'Bruised.' The discussion also delves into their definition of success and their future plans.

    Takeaways

    • The impact of a music industry upbringing
    • The evolution of music style and faith-based messaging Navigating opportunities and advantages
    • Overcoming adversity in college shows

    Chapters

    • 00:00 The Music Industry Upbringing
    • 07:27 The Thank You Tour and Musical Projects
    • 13:36 Balancing Music and Family Life
    • 19:07 The Secret to a Good Song
    • 29:27 The Basics of Business
    • 36:27 Navigating Opportunities and Advantages
    • 41:53 Overcoming Adversity in College Shows
    • 49:04 Success of 'Quiet Revolution'
    • 56:21 Authenticity in Christian Music
    • 01:03:15 Defining Success in Music
    1 hr 1 min
  • Accidentally on Purpose: How two cousins reached over 6 million streams

    Halfy & Winks, two cousins, share their journey from accidental music creation to viral success, emphasizing the emotional impact of music and the power of passion in creative endeavors. Their evolution from childhood jealousy to creative collaboration and the balance between quality and quantity in music production are key themes. The viral breakthrough of 'Oblivion' brought both success and new challenges, shaping their approach to future releases. The conversation with Halfy & Winks covers their journey of growth, challenges, and adaptation in the music industry. It delves into their commitment to faith, reconciliation, and the evolution of their music and brand. The discussion also explores their financial harmony, future plans, and expansion into live events and animation.

    Takeaways

    • Passion is the driving force behind creative endeavors.
    • The emotional impact of music is a powerful tool for storytelling and connection.
    • Balancing quality and quantity in music production is a challenge that requires careful consideration. Adaptation and growth are essential in the pursuit of improvement and success.
    • Navigating challenges and maintaining authenticity is crucial for sustained growth and success.

    Chapters

    • 00:00 The Accidental Magic of Music
    • 06:32 The Evolution of a Friendship
    • 15:04 The Emotional Impact of Music
    • 22:56 Starting with Passion and Perseverance
    • 29:37 The Viral Breakthrough and Its Aftermath
    • 36:19 Navigating Challenges and Growth
    • 42:14 Commitment to Faith and Mission
    • 49:40 Evolution of Music and Brand
    • 54:53 Navigating Backlash and Authenticity
    • 01:01:33 Financial Harmony and Future Plans
    1 hr 8 min
  • From Grief to Grace: The Evie Clair Story

    Evie Clair shares her journey from early exposure to music and family influence to her experience on America's Got Talent and performing through grief and loss. Her story highlights the impact of persistence, resilience, and the power of music in times of hardship. The conversation with Evie Clair delves into the power of faith, the challenges of navigating the music industry, the balance between values and success, the complexities of independence, and the power of faith and resilience. Evie's journey as an artist and a mother highlights the importance of faith in times of struggle and the delicate balance between pursuing a music career and motherhood.

    Takeaways

    • Early exposure to music
    • Persistence and resilience
    • The impact of loss and grief Faith in times of struggle
    • The balance between music career and motherhood

    Chapters

    • 00:00 Early Musical Beginnings and Family Influence
    • 12:57 Performing Through Grief and Loss
    • 38:50 The Power of Faith
    • 45:07 Navigating the Music Industry
    • 51:37 Balancing Values and Success
    • 01:06:02 The Challenges of Independence
    • 01:14:13 The Power of Faith and Resilience
    1 hr 10 min
  • The Producer: The Secret to Turning Dreams into Reality

    Tanner Christensen shares his journey from early influences to becoming an event producer, highlighting his experiences at the Eccles Theater and the impact of persistence in the industry. He discusses the challenges, setbacks, and decision-making involved in producing shows, emphasizing the unique experience and key roles in event production. The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to event production and the entertainment industry. Tanner shares insights on building a team of experts, dealing with live event challenges, negotiating with A-list artists, organizational strategies, evaluating event viability, balancing creativity and business, navigating stressful show situations, the emotional impact of events, the magic of the arts, and defining success in career and life.

    Takeaways

    • Early influences shape career choices
    • Persistence is crucial in event production Building a strong team of experienced professionals is crucial for successful event production.
    • Dealing with live event challenges requires a focus on the performers and trust in the expertise of the technical team.

    Chapters

    • 00:00 Introduction to Tanner Christensen
    • 06:26 Producing Shows at the Eccles Theater
    • 15:16 The Impact of Persistence and Challenges
    • 23:14 Navigating Setbacks and Future Plans
    • 30:10 Challenges in Event Industry
    • 35:31 Organizational Strategies
    • 43:24 Navigating Stressful Show Situations
    • 49:13 Emotional Impact of Events
    • 55:28 Defining Success in Career and Life
    51 min
  • Songwriting 101: Berklee Music Grad Breaks Down The Formula for Writing a Hit

    The conversation delves into Brandon Pak's faith journey through music, his missionary experience, and the influence of Berklee College of Music on his career. It also explores his transition from pre-Christian to post-Christian music phase and the impact of music on his relationship with God. Additionally, it covers his debut EP, new album, and the scouting and performances at Berklee. The conversation delves into the significance of connections in the music industry, emphasizing the impact of kindness and genuine relationships. It then explores the process of crafting a song, covering topics such as starting a song with a hook, understanding song form and structure, and managing melodic and lyrical density. The conversation delves into the balance between songwriting and performance, the significance of wedding gigs for musicians, defining success in music and life, advice for aspiring musicians, and the importance of sharing testimony through talents.

    Takeaways

    • Faith journey through music
    • Transition from pre-Christian to post-Christian music phase
    • Impact of music on relationship with God
    • Missionary experience and music
    • Influence of Berklee College of Music on career Importance of connections
    • Starting a song with a hook
    • Understanding song form and structure
    • Melodic and lyrical density Songwriting and performance balance
    • Influence of songwriters on music performance
    • The significance of wedding gigs for musicians
    • Balancing music career with family and other responsibilities
    • Defining success in music and life
    • Advice for aspiring musicians
    • Sharing testimony through talents

    Chapters

    • 00:00 Introduction and Music Career
    • 06:20 Missionary Experience and Music
    • 13:58 Origin Story and Transition to Songwriting
    • 24:32 Scouting and Performances at Berklee
    • 43:23 Crafting a Song
    • 56:17 Balancing Songwriting and Performance
    • 01:08:43 The Significance of Wedding Gigs for Musicians
    • 01:15:39 Advice for Aspiring Musicians
    1 hr 19 min
  • Casey Elliott: The Power of 1000 Fans

    Casey Elliott shares his journey from a diverse career in music, acting, and entrepreneurship, driven by his faith and passion to uplift and inspire others. He discusses the formation of GENTRI and the challenges of balancing passion with career aspirations in the music industry. The conversation covers a range of topics including the balance between artistic integrity and financial stability, adapting to the changing music industry, building a niche audience on social media, owning your audience and content, creating content with emotional impact, emotional connection and audience building, faith and success in the spotlight, expanding the team and growth, setting boundaries without burning bridges, and remembering who you are.

    Takeaways

    • Passion and faith drive Casey's diverse career.
    • The music industry requires dedication, sacrifice, and perseverance. Balancing artistic integrity and financial stability is crucial for maintaining creative freedom.
    • Building a niche audience on social media and creating emotionally impactful content are key to audience building.

    Chapters

    • 00:00 Introducing Casey Elliott
    • 07:48 Life Goals and Faith
    • 13:26 Starting GENTRI
    • 18:27 Brad Robbins Joins GENTRI
    • 26:31 Challenges in Music Industry
    • 32:03 The Reality of Music Career
    • 37:05 Adapting to the Changing Music Industry
    • 43:00 Owning Your Audience and Content
    • 49:19 Faith and Success in the Spotlight
    • 55:06 Expanding the Team and Growth
    • 01:09:27 Remembering Who You Are
    1 hr 10 min
  • Roger and Heidi Merrill: The Magic of Creating Moments

    The conversation covers the journey of the Playmill Theater to its new building, the impact of theater on the human experience, and the challenges and rewards of running a theater business. It explores the role of the Holy Ghost in theater and the unique experiences of cast members in the theater industry. The conversation delves into the world of auditions, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, emotional connection, and being oneself. It also explores the impact of technology on human connection and the significance of family in a family-run business. Additionally, it discusses conflict management and the importance of trust and compartmentalization in a family business.

    Takeaways

    • The journey of the Playmill Theater from its old space to the new building
    • The impact of theater on the human experience and the role of the Holy Ghost in theater
    • The challenges and rewards of running a theater business Authenticity in auditions
    • The importance of being nice and respectful
    • The role of personality in auditions
    • The value of real, emotional connection in auditions
    • The significance of being oneself in acting
    • The impact of technology on human connection
    • The importance of family in a family-run business
    • Conflict management in a family business
    • The importance of trust and compartmentalization in a family business
    • The role of maturity and learning from experiences in a family business

    Chapters

    • 00:00 The Playmill Theater's Journey to a New Building
    • 26:46 Challenges and Rewards of Running a Theater Business
    • 36:45 The X Factor in Auditions
    • 42:03 The Impact of Technology on Human Connection
    • 54:29 The Significance of Family in Business
    • 59:32 Conflict Management in a Family Business
    1 hr 5 min
  • Faith vs Fame: Liahona Olayan on Standing Firm in Hollywood

    The conversation delves into Liahona Olayan's early life in Hawaii, her family's sacrifice and resilience, and the pivotal moment when they willingly became homeless. It then explores her journey from American Idol to redefining success beyond fame, highlighting the challenges she faced in the music industry and the importance of maintaining personal standards and values. The conversation with Liahona Olayan covers a wide range of topics, including the importance of defining values in the music industry, the impact of modesty and standards, navigating the business side of the industry, effective networking, diversifying revenue streams, the influence of AI, leaving a lasting legacy, and future plans for music releases. Throughout the conversation, the recurring themes of authenticity, connection, and standing firm in one's values are emphasized as crucial elements for success in the music industry.

    Takeaways

    • Family sacrifice and resilience
    • Defining success beyond fame Stand for your values
    • The importance of authenticity and connection in the music industry

    Chapters

    • 00:00 Redefining Success and Purpose
    • 33:32 The Impact of Modesty and Standards
    • 38:59 Navigating the Business Side of the Music Industry
    • 45:15 Diversifying Revenue Streams in the Music Industry
    • 52:03 The Influence of AI on the Music Industry
    • 58:27 Closing Remarks and Gratitude
    57 min

About Saints in the Spotlight

From the publisher's feed

How do you balance your life in the entertainment biz with your values as a Christian? Can you even BE successful as a Christian in this industry? What really defines success?

We take you on…