Song Revolution Podcast – Season 4

TITLE: JOHN CHISUM: Stop Waiting, Start Growing

HOSTS: John Chisum

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of Song Revolution, John shares a powerful and honest message about the importance of mentoring and coaching in the journey of becoming a great Christian songwriter and artist. Drawing from over four decades in the music industry, John reflects on his own apprenticeship under legendary mentors and how that experience shaped his career.

He challenges common misconceptions around calling, talent, and success—reminding songwriters that passion alone isn't enough. Growth requires intentional investment, humility, and a willingness to learn from those further along in the journey. John also speaks candidly about the realities of the music industry, the value of paying for professional services, and the responsibility artists have to steward their calling with excellence.

This episode is both a wake-up call and an invitation—to stop waiting, start growing, and pursue songwriting with discipline, mentorship, and purpose.

EPISODE TOPICS

• Why mentoring and coaching are essential for songwriting growth
• The difference between being "called" and being "ready"
• How John's early apprenticeship shaped his entire career
• Why talent and passion alone won't make you a great songwriter
• The importance of investing time, effort, and money into your craft
• Common mindset traps that hold Christian songwriters back
• How to evaluate your songs beyond personal or cultural bias
• Why surrounding yourself with excellence accelerates growth

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• Mentorship is a biblical and practical pathway to growth
• Great songwriting is developed, not assumed
• You are responsible for developing and presenting your calling
• Feedback, challenge, and accountability are necessary to improve
• The question isn't "Am I good enough?"—it's "Am I committed enough to grow?"
• Excellence in songwriting requires both inspiration and discipline

FINAL TAKEAWAY

Christian songwriting is both a calling and a craft. Passion opens the door, but growth comes from humility, mentorship, and intentional effort. Surround yourself with those who challenge and inspire you, invest in your development, and commit to excellence in every song you write. The journey isn't about proving your talent—it's about stewarding your gift with purpose, discipline, and faithfulness. Start today, seek guidance, and let every step forward bring you closer to the songwriter God has called you to be.

Take your next step by downloading the free NCS Complete Songwriting Guide and exploring the coaching and community opportunities available at Nashville Christian Songwriters.

Be sure to like, share, and subscribe to Song Revolution so you never miss an episode.

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/

Song Revolution Podcast – Season 4

TITLE: JOHN CHISUM: Are You Drifting as a Songwriter?

HOSTS: John Chisum

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of Song Revolution, John introduces Theme #1 from the brand-new NCS Complete Songwriting Guide—the call to become an intentional Christian songwriter. Rather than writing sporadically or waiting for inspiration to strike, John challenges songwriters to develop a clear plan, take consistent steps forward, and steward their calling with purpose.

Drawing from decades of songwriting experience, John shares how many writers dream of being heard on radio, in churches, or around the world—but often lack the intentional habits necessary to get there. He explains why lasting growth doesn't happen through giant leaps, but through small, faithful steps taken consistently over time.

This episode lays the foundation for the upcoming themes in the guide, encouraging songwriters to move beyond hobby-level creativity and step into purposeful development. It's a motivating and practical call to stop drifting and start growing as a songwriter who writes with vision, discipline, and faith.

EPISODE TOPICS

• Introduction to the NCS Complete Songwriting Guide
• Theme #1: Becoming an intentional Christian songwriter
• Why many songwriters stay stuck without a clear plan
• The difference between dreaming and doing
• Taking incremental steps toward songwriting growth
• Moving from hobbyist thinking to purposeful development
• Investing time, energy, and resources into your calling
• Developing spiritual and creative discipline
• Creating momentum through small, consistent actions
• Building a long-term vision for your songwriting journey

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• Introducing the NCS Complete Songwriting Guide: John shares the heart behind creating an 80-page resource designed to help Christian songwriters take meaningful, practical steps toward growth. The guide outlines 12 essential themes to help writers develop both skill and purpose.
• Intentional Songwriting Starts with a Plan: Many songwriters have dreams but lack structure. John emphasizes that growth requires intention—setting goals, creating rhythms, and making songwriting a priority rather than an afterthought.
• Small Steps Lead to Big Results: Instead of trying to make giant leaps, songwriters are encouraged to focus on consistent, manageable actions. Incremental growth builds confidence, skill, and long-term momentum.
• From Hobby to Calling: Writing songs casually can be fulfilling, but those who feel called to share their message more broadly must treat songwriting as a discipline worth investing in.
• Feed Your Mind and Spirit: True growth happens when songwriters nurture both their creative skills and their spiritual lives—drawing inspiration from the Holy Spirit while developing practical tools.
• Get Unstuck by Taking Action: Waiting for the perfect moment often leads to stagnation. Progress begins when songwriters take the next available step, even if it feels small.

Your Calling Deserves Stewardship: Songwriting is not just a creative outlet—it's a responsibility. Stewarding your gift well means being intentional about growth, learning, and consistent effort.

FINAL TAKEAWAY

Great songwriting doesn't happen by accident—it happens by intention.

If you feel called to write songs that impact others, it's time to move beyond wishful thinking and take purposeful steps forward. Start where you are, make a plan, and commit to steady growth. Over time, small, faithful actions can lead to powerful results in your songwriting and your calling.

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/

Song Revolution Podcast – Season 4

TITLE: CLARK BECKHAM: Are You Settling For Average?

HOSTS: John Chisum

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of Song Revolution, John sits down with returning guest, artist, and songwriter Clark Beckham for a powerful conversation on artistry, worship, and the pursuit of excellence in songwriting.

From his journey as a finalist on American Idol to becoming an NCS Records artist, Clark shares how his passion for soul, jazz, and expressive musicianship has shaped his unique approach to worship music. The conversation explores the heart behind his Acoustic Worship Sessions project, where familiar worship songs are reimagined through rich chord progressions and deeply personal expression.

Beyond the music, this episode dives into the discipline required to grow as a songwriter and artist. Clark and John unpack the importance of skill development, teachability, and resisting the temptation to settle for mediocrity. This is a compelling and honest look at what it really takes to steward your calling and create music that reflects both excellence and authenticity.

EPISODE TOPICS

• Clark Beckham's journey from American Idol to NCS Records
• The vision behind the acoustic Worship Sessions project
• Reimagining worship songs through soul, jazz, and expressive chords
• The role of musical skill in honoring God through creativity
• Why growth requires discipline, not just desire
• Learning from mentors and collapsing the learning curve
• The difference between hobbyists and committed songwriters
• Overcoming creative passivity and taking action
• Worship as both spiritual expression and musical craftsmanship
• The balance between congregational accessibility and artistic depth

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• A Unique Approach to Worship Clark shares how his love for soul and jazz naturally flows into his worship leading. Rather than trying to be different, his style is simply the authentic expression of his musical journey and relationship with God.
• The Heart Behind Acoustic Worship Sessions What started organically has become a powerful project—taking well-known worship songs and presenting them in a fresh, intimate, and musically rich way that highlights both skill and sincerity.
• God Created Every Chord Clark challenges the idea that only simple or familiar musical structures are "spiritual." From major chords to complex jazz voicings, all musical beauty ultimately points back to the Creator.
• Excellence Is an Offering Both John and Clark emphasize that pursuing excellence is not about performance or pride—it's about offering God your very best. Growth requires intentional effort, learning, and a willingness to refine your craft.
• Stop Talking, Start Growing A key theme throughout the episode is the difference between wanting to improve and actually doing the work. Real growth comes from discipline, learning from others, and consistently putting in the reps.
• Learn from Those Who've Gone Before You Whether through courses, books, or mentorship, learning from experienced voices can dramatically accelerate growth and help avoid unnecessary mistakes.
• Calling Requires Development Being called does not mean being instantly skilled. Often, the calling itself is an invitation into a process of growth, refinement, and deeper dependence on God.

FINAL TAKEAWAY

Your calling is not just about what you create—it's about who you become in the process.

Great songwriting and worship don't come from shortcuts or surface-level effort. They are formed through discipline, humility, and a deep desire to grow. When you commit to developing your craft and offering your best to God, your music becomes more than sound—it becomes a true expression of worship that can impact others in a lasting way.

RESOURCES & LINKS:

Follow what Clark Beckham is up to!

https://clarkbeckham.com/

Check out Nashville Christian Songwriters!

NashvilleChristianSongwriters.com

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

Real people writing real songs - check out NCS Collective

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

Song Revolution Podcast – Season 4

TITLE: JOHN CHISUM: Don't Be A Lazy Songwriter

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of Song Revolution, John Chisum dives into one of the most essential—and often overlooked—skills in songwriting: finding truly great ideas.

Against the backdrop of today's rapidly evolving AI landscape, John challenges songwriters to resist shortcuts and instead pursue authenticity, depth, and spiritual connection in their creative process. He explores the tension between "high tech" and "high touch," emphasizing that while technology continues to advance, the need for real human expression has never been greater.

Through personal stories, practical teaching, and decades of experience, John breaks down how to discover "killer hooks" rooted in genuine faith, lived experience, and a vibrant relationship with God. This episode is both a creative roadmap and a spiritual call to write songs that are not only well-crafted—but lasting.

EPISODE TOPICS

• The importance of great ideas in songwriting
• "High tech vs. high touch" in a digital and AI-driven world
• Why authentic testimony matters more than generated content
• The role of the Holy Spirit in inspiration
• How environment and influences shape your creativity
• Developing originality in song concepts
• The power of language, rhyme, and lyrical tools
• Learning from books, advertising, and other songs
• Avoiding lazy songwriting habits
• Writing songs that stand the test of time

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• Great Songs Start with Great Ideas John emphasizes that every impactful song begins with a compelling, clear, and focused idea. Without a strong foundation, even the best production cannot carry a song.
• High Tech vs. High Touch As technology continues to expand, the value of human connection and authentic expression increases. Songwriting is not just about output—it is about the Spirit of God moving through a real person's life and testimony.
• Don't Outsource Your Voice While AI can generate content, it cannot replace the personal, spiritual, and emotional depth that comes from your own story. Your testimony is your greatest creative asset.
• The Power of a "Killer Hook" Timeless songs are built on simple, powerful ideas that connect instantly. A great title or hook should stand on its own—clear, compelling, and memorable without explanation.
• Go Inward First Some of the best ideas come from quiet moments of reflection and connection with God. Asking the Holy Spirit what He is doing in your life can unlock deeply meaningful song concepts.
• Feed Your Creativity Great writers are filled with great words. Reading, listening, and surrounding yourself with inspiring content strengthens your ability to write with depth and originality.
• Learn the Craft Understanding tools like rhyme, alliteration, and lyrical structure is essential. Songwriting is both spiritual and skill-based—it requires growth, study, and intentional development.
• Don't Be a Lazy Songwriter Waiting passively for inspiration or relying on shortcuts leads to shallow results. Proactive, disciplined writers create more compelling and lasting songs.

FINAL TAKEAWAY

Great songwriting is not accidental—it is intentional, spiritual, and deeply personal.

In a world increasingly driven by technology, your greatest advantage is your humanity and your relationship with God. The songs that last are not generated—they are cultivated through time, discipline, and authentic connection with the Holy Spirit.

If you want to write songs that matter, start by listening inward, stewarding your voice, and committing to the process. Your testimony, your words, and your calling are worth the work.

RESOURCES & LINKS:

Check out Nashville Christian Songwriters!

NashvilleChristianSongwriters.com

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

Real people writing real songs - check out NCS Collective

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

Song Revolution Podcast – Season 4

TITLE: GINNY OWENS: Different Kind Of Water

HOSTS: John Chisum

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of Song Revolution, John sits down with award-winning artist, songwriter, theologian, and worship leader Ginny Owens. From her early discovery by Michael W. Smith and her years in the CCM spotlight to seasons of burnout, spiritual wrestling, and renewed calling, Ginny shares a candid look at the highs and hardships of life in Christian music.

Now serving at Redeemer Church in Manhattan and holding a Master of Divinity degree, Ginny reflects on what it means to go deeper in faith, to wrestle honestly with God, and to create music that fosters real spiritual conversations. She also introduces her new EP, Different Kind of Water, and shares about launching The Asaph Project, a new nonprofit focused on equipping worship leaders and writing songs for the local church.

This is a rich conversation about faithfulness over fame, depth over dopamine, and blooming faithfully where God has planted you.

EPISODE TOPICS

• Being discovered by Michael W. Smith and signing with Rocketown Records
• The realities behind the CCM touring life
• Burnout, doubt, and rediscovering spiritual depth
• Moving to New York City and earning an M.Div.
• Studying under Tim Keller at Redeemer
• The importance of church accountability for artists
• Writing songs that spark spiritual conversations
• The heart behind the EP Different Kind of Water
• Launching The Asaph Project to serve the congregational church
• Blooming where you're planted as a songwriter

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• From Belmont to Rocketown Ginny shares the story of how a simple church offertory led to recording demos, connecting with publisher Michael Puryear, and eventually signing with Michael W. Smith's Rocketown Records. Community and faithful connectors played a pivotal role in her journey.
• The Hidden Cost of the Dream While touring and recording brought exciting opportunities, Ginny candidly discusses the spiritual and relational toll of life on the road. Without consistent church accountability and rooted community, burnout followed. Her reflection offers valuable wisdom for aspiring artists.
• Going Deeper After Doubt Following a difficult season of burnout and spiritual questioning, Ginny sensed the Lord leading her into deeper theological study. Her move to New York to attend seminary at Redeemer under Tim Keller became a transformative chapter of growth and renewal.
• Writing for Spiritual Conversations Her new EP, Different Kind of Water, reflects conversations she longs to have with friends who don't yet believe. Each song addresses universal longings—satisfaction, forgiveness, purpose—and gently points toward Christ as the ultimate answer.
• The Asaph Project Ginny shares her vision for The Asaph Project, a nonprofit aimed at equipping worship leaders in theology, songcraft, and congregational leadership while also creating new music specifically for the local church.
• Bloom Where You're Planted Her encouragement to songwriters: bring every dream and idea to the Lord, stay rooted in Scripture, and faithfully serve where you are now rather than chasing the door that hasn't opened yet.

FINAL TAKEAWAY

Success in Christian music is not sustained by momentum, platform, or applause—it is sustained by presence with Jesus and rootedness in community.

Ginny's journey reminds us that calling is deeper than career. Whether you're touring the world or serving your local church, faithfulness begins with abiding in Christ and blooming right where He has planted you.

RESOURCES & LINKS:

Follow along with Ginny Owens

https://www.ginnyowens.com/

Check out Nashville Christian Songwriters!

NashvilleChristianSongwriters.com

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

Real people writing real songs - check out NCS Collective

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

Song Revolution Podcast – Season 4

TITLE: DANIEL DOSS: Revival and Songwriting

HOSTS: John Chisum

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of Song Revolution, John sits down with songwriter and artist Daniel Doss for an honest conversation about calling, perseverance, and the refining process of songwriting. Daniel shares his journey into music, the challenges of building a career while staying grounded in faith, and the lessons he has learned about consistency, character, and craft.

Throughout the conversation, Daniel opens up about navigating setbacks, staying creative during uncertain seasons, and learning how to write songs that are both personal and universally resonant. This episode highlights the importance of patience, humility, and long-term faithfulness in a songwriting journey that is often marked by unseen growth before visible opportunity.

EPISODE TOPICS

• Daniel's early path into songwriting and artistry
• The tension between ambition and surrender
• Developing craft through repetition and discipline
• Staying rooted in faith while pursuing opportunity
• The importance of community in a creative career
• Writing songs that are authentic rather than strategic
• Growth that happens behind the scenes

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• Daniel reflects on how early challenges shaped both his faith and his songwriting voice.
• A candid discussion about rejection and how it refines both character and craft.
• Insight into why consistency matters more than momentary momentum.
• Encouragement to write songs that come from lived experience rather than trends.
• A reminder that longevity in music requires humility, patience, and a willingness to keep learning.
• Practical wisdom on staying encouraged during seasons when progress feels slow.

FINAL TAKEAWAY

A sustainable songwriting career is not built overnight. Daniel Doss's story reminds us that true growth often happens in hidden seasons where discipline, faith, and character are formed. When songwriters commit to the long process—refining their craft, guarding their hearts, and trusting God with the timeline—their songs carry depth that cannot be manufactured.

RESOURCES & LINKS:

Check out Daniel Doss

https://www.danieldossmusic.com/

Check out Nashville Christian Songwriters!

NashvilleChristianSongwriters.com

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

Real people writing real songs - check out NCS Collective

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

Song Revolution Podcast – Season 4

TITLE: SHAYLEE SIMEONE: Honest Jesus Music

HOSTS: John Chisum

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of Song Revolution, John welcomes singer, songwriter, and storyteller Shaylee Simeone for an honest and heartfelt conversation about identity, calling, and the long road of obedience in a creative life. Shaylee shares her journey from early musical influences and family harmony to stepping out on her own as an artist and songwriter.

The conversation explores the tension between ambition and surrender, the process of refining your voice over time, and the importance of writing songs that reflect real life rather than performance. Shaylee opens up about seasons of waiting, redefining success, and learning to trust God with both the platform and the process. This episode is a powerful reminder that longevity in songwriting is built on faithfulness, authenticity, and the courage to tell the truth.

EPISODE TOPICS

• Growing up in a musical family and early creative development
• Discovering personal identity apart from performance
• The tension between ambition and obedience
• Navigating seasons of waiting and transition
• Moving to Nashville and stepping into the songwriting community
• Writing from real life rather than image
• Redefining success as faithfulness
• The importance of vulnerability in songwriting
• Trusting God with timing, platform, and opportunity

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• Shaylee reflects on how her early experiences in music shaped both her confidence and her insecurities.
• A thoughtful discussion on separating identity from achievement.
• Insight into the discipline of continuing to write even when outcomes feel uncertain.
• Honest moments about comparison and the pressure to measure up.
• Encouragement to write songs that are rooted in lived experience rather than trend.
• A clear reminder that calling is often confirmed through quiet obedience rather than immediate visibility.

FINAL TAKEAWAY

Sustainable songwriting is not built on hype or momentum—it is built on faithfulness. Shaylee Simeone's story reminds us that when we anchor our identity in who we are rather than what we achieve, we gain the freedom to create from a place of honesty and peace. The songs that endure are the ones shaped by patience, trust, and a willingness to let God define the outcome.

RESOURCES & LINKS:

Check out Shaylee Simeone

https://www.shayleesimeone.com/

Check out Nashville Christian Songwriters!

NashvilleChristianSongwriters.com

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

Real people writing real songs - check out NCS Collective

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

Song Revolution Podcast – Season 4

TITLE: AMANDA JANSON: Sinner To Saint

HOSTS: John Chisum

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this powerful episode of Song Revolution, John sits down with worship artist and songwriter Amanda Janson for an honest and deeply vulnerable conversation about faith, calling, trauma, and songwriting as testimony. Amanda shares her journey from a Broadway-bound upbringing and a complicated spiritual background to encountering Christ in adulthood and eventually stepping into a life of worship and songwriting.

The conversation traces Amanda's move to Nashville, her growth as a co-writer, and the intense personal battles that shaped her latest album, Sinner To Saint. With courage and clarity, Amanda opens up about depression, shame, suicidal thoughts, and the turning points that led her to deeper surrender and healing. This episode is a profound reminder that songwriting can become a sacred place where pain, honesty, and faith meet—and where God brings redemption.

EPISODE TOPICS

• Growing up with mixed religious backgrounds and no church foundation
• Encountering Christ later in life and the early days of faith
• Walking away from a Broadway career and discovering new purpose
• Moving to Nashville by faith and trusting God's timing
• Learning to co-write and build genuine community in songwriting rooms
• Navigating ambition, industry pressure, and comparison
• Trauma, depression, and confronting shame as a believer
• Suicidal thoughts and the journey toward healing and surrender
• Writing songs rooted in testimony and vulnerability
• The heart and message behind the album Sinner To Saint
• Songwriting as a tool for honesty, healing, and worship

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• Amanda shares her unexpected salvation story and the early curiosity that led her to faith.
• A candid discussion about chasing success versus pursuing God's presence.
• Insight into the emotional toll of industry pressure and unmet expectations.
• Amanda's description of a profound moment of surrender that marked a turning point in her life and faith.
• The story behind the song "Where the Warfare Ends" and how it was born from a moment of deep despair and divine truth.
• Reflections on the freedom that comes from releasing shame and embracing identity as a child of God.
• Encouragement for artists to tell the truth in their songs and create space for others to heal through honesty.

FINAL TAKEAWAY

True songwriting begins when we stop hiding. Amanda Janson's story reminds us that faith does not remove struggle, but it does invite healing, redemption, and hope into our darkest moments. When songwriters choose honesty over image and surrender over striving, their songs become more than music—they become ministry. God meets us in our broken places, and when we write from there, our stories can help others find light in their own darkness.

Resources & Links:

Check out Amanda Janson

https://www.amandajansonmusic.com/

Check out Nashville Christian Songwriters!

NashvilleChristianSongwriters.com

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 NCS Community! https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-community

NCS Collective: Check out the songwriters and artists in our collective!

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

Song Revolution Podcast – Season 4

TITLE: JOHN CHISUM: Can AI Write Christian Music?

HOSTS: John Chisum

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this thought-provoking episode of Song Revolution, John Chisum tackles one of the most pressing issues facing today's music creators: artificial intelligence in songwriting.

Fresh off multiple interviews at the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) convention, where AI was the dominant topic of conversation, John unpacks the realities, risks, and responsibilities surrounding AI-generated music. From deep fakes and copyright confusion to spiritual discernment and creative integrity, this episode dives deep into what AI means for Christian songwriters.

John makes a clear and passionate case: AI may be a powerful tool, but it can never replace the calling, humanity, and spiritual formation of a real songwriter. This conversation challenges creators not to take the easy way out, but to steward their gifts faithfully in a rapidly shifting technological landscape.

EPISODE TOPICS

• The rise of AI-generated music
• Experiences at NRB and industry-wide AI discussions
• Rights, revenue, and reputation concerns in publishing
• AI "scraping" artist catalogs and copyright implications
• Spotify removing millions of AI-generated tracks
• Deep fakes and reputational harm
• Theological and spiritual questions about AI worship songs
• When AI can be a helpful tool versus a creative shortcut
• Why real songwriters still matter
• Growing as a communicator instead of outsourcing creativity

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• AI Is Here to Stay John acknowledges that AI technology will only improve. Like the digital shift of the late 20th century, we are in a major cultural and creative transition. The key question is not whether AI exists—but how we respond to it.
• Rights, Revenue, and Reputation AI-generated songs often "scrape" existing catalogs to mimic an artist's style, raising serious concerns about intellectual property and theft. Who owns these songs? Who gets paid? And what happens when an artist's name or likeness is misused through deep fakes?
• Humanity Cannot Be Scraped While AI can generate polished production and flawless vocals, John argues that it lacks pathos, testimony, and authentic spiritual experience. A great song carries one clear idea rooted in real human emotion. Production may impress, but stripped down to piano or guitar, the song must stand on its own.
• Prompt Writing vs. Songwriting If a creator inputs only a prompt and receives a finished song, John draws a firm line: that is not songwriting. True songwriting involves crafting lyrics, shaping melody, wrestling with structure, and allowing personal testimony to flow into the work.
• Appropriate Use of AI John is not anti-technology. Using AI to generate a demo of a fully written lyric and melody can be a legitimate tool. The issue is not assistance—it is substitution.
• Spiritual Discernment in the AI Era Can God use AI-generated lyrics if they contain truth? Possibly. Truth is truth. But Christian communicators are called to more than efficiency—they are called to communion with God. Songwriting is not just output; it is formation.
• Don't Shortchange the Process The labor of crafting lyrics and melodies over time shapes the songwriter. Taking creative shortcuts may produce sound, but it does not produce growth.

FINAL TAKEAWAY

Technology may accelerate production, but it cannot replace calling.

AI can be a tool—but it must never become a substitute for the Spirit-led, deeply human process of writing songs. God called you to be a songwriter not simply to produce music, but to spend time with Him, to grow, and to communicate truth from your own heart.

Do not shortchange yourself. Do not surrender your voice. Steward your gift, embrace the discipline, and create as a real human being empowered by the Spirit of God.

RESOURCES & LINKS:

Link to the John Piper ChatGPT clip John mentioned in the episode.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIMZH7DEPPQ

Check out Nashville Christian Songwriters!

NashvilleChristianSongwriters.com

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

Real people writing real songs - check out NCS Collective

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

Song Revolution Podcast – Season 4

TITLE: JACKSON DREYER: Letting Life Shape The Song

HOSTS: John Chisum

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of Song Revolution, John sits down with singer-songwriter Jackson Dreyer for an honest and wide-ranging conversation about creativity, discipline, and finding your voice as a songwriter. From growing up outside Chicago to planting roots in East Nashville, Jackson shares how movement, architecture, relationships, and everyday life experiences shape his songwriting process. The conversation explores how stepping away from constant noise creates space for emotional clarity, lyrical depth, and authentic expression.

This episode is a thoughtful look at how songwriters can stay inspired, grounded, and creatively alive while navigating both personal growth and artistic ambition.

EPISODE TOPICS

• The connection between physical movement and creative clarity
• How running and solitude spark songwriting ideas
• Growing up near Chicago and the influence of architecture and place
• Finding inspiration in cities, communities, and everyday surroundings
• Living and writing in East Nashville as a songwriter
• Turning real emotions into honest lyrics
• Avoiding creative overload and reclaiming mental space
• Letting life experiences shape better songs

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• Jackson shares how running helps him reconnect with his thoughts and emotions, often leading to new song ideas.
• A discussion on how silence and mental margin are essential for meaningful songwriting.
• Reflections on how cities like Chicago and Nashville influence creativity, identity, and artistic perspective.
• Insight into how architecture and visual beauty can fuel musical inspiration.
• Honest thoughts on balancing productivity with presence as a modern songwriter.
• Encouragement to embrace real life—relationships, movement, environment—as songwriting fuel.

FINAL TAKEAWAY

Great songs don't come from constant noise—they come from paying attention. By creating space to think, feel, and live fully, songwriters can tap into deeper honesty and write from a more authentic place. Creativity thrives when we slow down, observe our surroundings, and allow life itself to shape the songs we write.

Resources & Links:

Check out Jackson Dreyer

https://www.jacksondreyer.com/

Check out Nashville Christian Songwriters!

NashvilleChristianSongwriters.com

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 NCS Community! https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-community

NCS Collective: Check out the songwriters and artists in our collective!

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