The Secret Chord

Nick talks with worship artist Andy Cherry about his journey into the world of Christian music, walking away, and God leading him back again. The two discuss Andy's new record "Invocation," Andy's pursuit of personal and family health, and the redemption of dreams through Andy's journey of worship. You may or may not be able to find Andy on MySpace.

ANDY CHERRY

THE SECRET CHORD

Nick talks with Eric and Krissy Nordhoff about their decades of experience in the Christian music industry. The three talk about dealing with the constant rejection that comes in the music business, maintaining core values as Christians, and what it looks like to empower others along the way. The two share stories from their own journey and the philosophies that sit behind their longevity and success.

Eric and Krissy Nordhoff have been involved in Christian music since the 90’s. Eric has worked any number of jobs at Christian labels, started lots of businesses, and has more stories that you could shake a stick at. Krissy is a n award-winning songwriting who’s hits include “Your Great Name” (recorded by Natalie Grant) and “Famous For” (recorded by Tauren Wells and Jenn Johnson.) Together the Nordhoffs started the Writing Worship organization to help train the next generation of Kingdom songwriters. Ask Eric and he might reveal his Michael W. Smith impersonation to you.

WRITING WORSHIP & NORDHOFFS

THE SECRET CHORD

Nick talks with Jillian Edwards about growing up in a musical family, the winding journey of being a songwriter who’s also a Christian, and how having a family has focused her as an artist. Jillian shares about what it was like to fight through her stage fright, and how she’s learned to own her personality as a performer.

Jillian Edwards is a singer/songwriter who’s been releasing albums since her teenage years. She’s been surrounded by musical family her entire life, and is an artist who represents a slow and consistent climb in their career. Her albums have charted on all sorts of Billboard charts over the years. Her new EP “Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled” blends her songwriter roots with songs about her faith.

You may or may not be able to find her on MySpace.

JILLIAN EDWARDS

Follow Jillian on Instagram @jillian_edwards 

Listen to the new EP “Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled” on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6ctgu4FFlnNhMgrKiIzCxp?si=86oUpcFVRhqeg6r_vPHJuA

THE SECRET CHORD

For new episode info follow TSC on Instagram @thesecretchordpodcast

Follow The Secret Chord Season 1 playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0aaO0vKdZOy4RJ9ueaD5vg?si=b2df25097e824a46

Theme music by Mountaintops: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7d4GxDYKKKb6wzu3tQIBrW?si=vCCkGo1KS3yuZTZuG-fe2Q

Nick talks with Christian music marketing guru Drew Small about the ins and outs of how Christians can effectively - and ethically - promote their music. The two talk about how marketing philosophy meets discipleship, how labels effectively market major label artists, and practical tips that independent musicians can use immediately. Grab a pen and take notes!

Drew Small is a marketing director who’s worked with some of the biggest names in Christian music. Drew’s worked for Bethel Music, Capital Records, and now for Tooth and Nail / BEC Records. Drew’s had the opportunity to work on tons of huge projects, and oversee the marketing after the music gets made.

DREW SMALL

Follow Drew on Instagram @not__drew 

Check out Drew’s marketing website: drewsmall.com

THE SECRET CHORD

For new episode info follow TSC on Instagram @thesecretchordpodcast

Follow The Secret Chord Season 1 playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0aaO0vKdZOy4RJ9ueaD5vg?si=b2df25097e824a46

Theme music by Mountaintops: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7d4GxDYKKKb6wzu3tQIBrW?si=vCCkGo1KS3yuZTZuG-fe2Q

Nick talks with John Mark McMillan about his long history as an artist, creative philosophies, and what it means to write music that truly connects with people. The two discuss John Mark’s years as an independent artist versus working with a record label, the pros and cons of the industry, and how both the industry and artists change over the years.

John Mark McMillan is a platinum-selling artist best known for his songs like “How He Loves,” “Death in His Grave,” and “King of My Heart” written with his wife Sarah. His reputation for blending genres, authentic songs, and exploring the mysteries of faith has garnered a rabid fanbase. McMillan’s influence on the past 20 years of Christian music is hard to overstate…and he also might know the code to unlock MTV on your parents’ television.

JOHN MARK McMILLAN

Follow JMM on Instagram @johnmarkmcmillan: https://www.instagram.com/johnmarkmcmillan/

Support JMM on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/johnmarkmcmillan

Listen songs JMM’s latest music on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0T1KC0OHfbRO0O5bNH2tek?si=abowIWppRmSHnyf2jaB92g&dl_branch=1

THE SECRET CHORD

For new episode info follow TSC on Instagram @thesecretchordpodcast

Follow The Secret Chord Season 1 playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0aaO0vKdZOy4RJ9ueaD5vg?si=b2df25097e824a46

Theme music by Mountaintops: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7d4GxDYKKKb6wzu3tQIBrW?si=vCCkGo1KS3yuZTZuG-fe2Q

Nick talks with Tony Wood about his decades of experience as a Christian songwriter. Tony shares stories and lessons from his own journey, cowriting tips and advice for young songwriters, and wisdom that’s sustained his career for 30+ years. They touch on the importance of finding your people, leveraging your strengths and weaknesses, and what it takes to succeed in the Christian music industry.

Tony Wood has become a mainstay in the Christian songwriting world. The artists who have recorded Tony’s songs includes folks like Michael W. Smith, Reba McEntire, Matt Redman, and Stephen Curtis Chapman. Tony’s had 33 #1 songs(!) and he’s won/been nominated for so many awards even he’s probably lost track. Tony has worked for a variety of publishers in Nashville and has a reputation as a go-to lyricist in Christian music.

TONY WOOD

Follow Tony on Instagram @tonywood_exit71 

Visit Tony’s website at tonywoodonline.com

Listen songs Tony’s written on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1EFO25W7gC1Ut4?si=c6d84a8437c54ad4

THE SECRET CHORD

For new episode info follow TSC on Instagram @thesecretchordpodcast

Follow The Secret Chord Season 1 playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0aaO0vKdZOy4RJ9ueaD5vg?si=b2df25097e824a46

Theme music by Mountaintops: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7d4GxDYKKKb6wzu3tQIBrW?si=vCCkGo1KS3yuZTZuG-fe2Q

Nick talks with Andrew Osenga about his long career in Christian music, how his philosophies have matured over time, and the discerning questions he uses when measuring the music he’s responsible for (“Is it true? Is it useful? Is it kind?”) The two talk about how songs influence the way people think, Andrew’s role working with artists for Integrity Music, and the responsibility of Christian music-makers.

Andrew Osenga has played nearly every role in the music industry: songwriter, artist, studio musician, producer, label executive. His career started at the age of nineteen with his band the Normals, who toured and released albums during his college age years. Andrew went on to join the band Caedmon’s Call, and has produced and toured with many well known Christian artists. He’s released his own albums for over twenty years, and has become a voice of influence in the Christian industry. Andrew works A&R for Integrity Records, helping to guide and lead the next generation of artists.

ANDREW OSENGA

Follow Andrew on Instagram @andrewosenga 

Check out Andrew’s music, production, studio work, and podcast at www.andrewosenga.com

Listen & follow Andrew on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1lJC5MbTUW5ld4yXzNB0H4?si=9z_TcXcNRoO7JFB4YwKpVA

Andrew’s albums can be heard wherever you listen to music.

INTEGRITY MUSIC

Follow Integrity Music on Instagram @integitymusic 

THE SECRET CHORD

For new episode info follow TSC on Instagram @thesecretchordpodcast

The Secret Chord Season 1 playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0aaO0vKdZOy4RJ9ueaD5vg?si=7xlGspYmSNeoWrEXef-aDg

Theme music by Mountaintops: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7d4GxDYKKKb6wzu3tQIBrW?si=vCCkGo1KS3yuZTZuG-fe2Q

Nick talks with Andrew Blooms about life as a full-time artist, producer, and songwriter. Andrew shares about his songwriting process, how to succeed working with other artists in the studio, and his journey toward creative contentment. The two discuss how to synthesize the life of faith with life as a full time musician.

Andrew Blooms is a singer/songwriter, artist, and producer from Atlanta. While he’s not making records for other artists, he keeps busy releasing a prolific string of albums and singles. He’s released three albums in the last four years that tackle various themes of life and faith from an angle that’s interesting and uncommon. Andrew’s also part of the Common Hymnal collective, a group of “spiritual underground” Christians who create from fringe spaces and make music that sounds markedly different than typical CCM.

Andrew also functions as the personal assistant to legendary producer Chef Bloomyardee.

ANDREW BLOOMS

Follow Andrew on Instagram @andrew.blooms 

Listen & follow Andrew on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5o17ihVicRuwiD54GBZpt1?si=GZyVZiGxS6i0m_1tNIeyGQ

Andrew’s latest album “987” can be heard wherever you listen to music.

THE SECRET CHORD

For new episode info follow TSC on Instagram @thesecretchordpodcast

The Secret Chord Season 1 playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0aaO0vKdZOy4RJ9ueaD5vg?si=7xlGspYmSNeoWrEXef-aDg

Theme music by Mountaintops: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7d4GxDYKKKb6wzu3tQIBrW?si=vCCkGo1KS3yuZTZuG-fe2Q

Nick Talks with Matt Stinton about the craft of writing songs, removing barriers to creativity, and pursuing emotional & relational health as worship leaders. Matt shares from his own journey about redefining success & his huge heart for teaching others through The Songwriter’s Advocate online school.

Matt Stinton is a pastor & songwriter based out of Portland, Maine. His well-known worship songs include “Give Me Jesus” and “Who Can Compare to You.” Matt founded the online school The Songwriter’s Advocate and wrote the book by the same name.

MATT STINTON

Follow Matt on Instagram @mttstntn 

Follow The Songwriter’s Advocate on Instagram @thesongwritersadvocate 

Listen & follow Matt on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7hpcX3zORb79qaPYgwkXbi?si=zi82_7-iRaqXhvw7v9IQkw

Learn more about the Songwriter’s Advocate online school: www.thesongwritersadvocate.com

MUSIC

Matt’s latest EP “Son of the Sea” can be heard wherever you listen to music.

THE SECRET CHORD

For new episode info follow TSC on Instagram @thesecretchordpodcast

The Secret Chord Season 1 playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0aaO0vKdZOy4RJ9ueaD5vg?si=7xlGspYmSNeoWrEXef-aDg

Theme music by Mountaintops: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7d4GxDYKKKb6wzu3tQIBrW?si=vCCkGo1KS3yuZTZuG-fe2Q