Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Host: John Chisum Guest: Claire Bacon (Project Manager, NCS) Episode Title: CLAIRE BACON: Genre, Growth, and Grace Episode Summary: In this episode of Song Revolution, host John Chisum introduces a new member of the NCS team: Claire Bacon, NCS Project Manager and music industry pro. With experience at Bethel Music, Pure Mosaic, and a degree from Middle Tennessee State University, Claire brings a unique blend of creative and business insight to Christian songwriting and artist development. Claire shares how she went from singing Disney songs as a child to interning at Bethel just three weeks after giving her life to Christ, and how that faith journey has impacted her approach to A&R, publishing, and artist development. She also opens up about the challenges of giving professional song feedback, and how relational trust is key in the music industry. This episode is packed with wisdom on genre vs. style, tips for emerging artists, and how to navigate your calling with both heart and strategy. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Claire’s journey from MTSU to Bethel Music and beyond How a personal faith encounter shaped her path in music The difference between publishing administration and creative publishing What it really takes to give—and receive—song feedback gracefully How to find your artistic identity in a genre-rich music world Practical advice for new songwriters discovering their sound Key Moments: [03:13] – Claire’s early love for music and storytelling [06:53] – Why she chose MTSU and how it shaped her career [09:07] – Giving her life to Christ—and getting a Bethel internship weeks later [14:32] – Stepping into real-world A&R with Pure Mosaic [17:00] – Navigating hard conversations with artists [20:02] – Genre & style: working across musical diversity [23:41] – Nikki Lou’s powerful folky transformation story [25:51] – Genre vs. style: how to define and navigate both [31:08] – Helping writers who feel “undefined” or stuck [33:36] – Advice for songwriters: study the genre you want to write in [35:31] – The exciting future of NCS and the NCS Collective Get Involved with NCS: NCS 2025 Songwriting Challenge – Get the free guide & grow your songwriting skills this year! https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/challenge2025 Free First Monday Songwriting Training https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/training NCS Community Membership – 52 weeks of access to the right music industry professionals. Join today! https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/community/ NCS Collective: https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-collective/ Connect With Us: NashvilleChristianSongwriters.com Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review and share it with your fellow songwriters!
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37:41
JOHN CHISUM: The Power of Knowing Styles & Genres
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Hosts: John Chisum & Bryant Urich Episode Title: The Power of Knowing Styles & Genres Episode Summary: In this episode of Song Revolution, hosts John Chisum and Bryant Urich dive deep into one of the most important (and often confusing) parts of being a songwriter or artist: understanding your genre and style. This discussion is packed with practical insights for anyone who has ever wondered, "What kind of music do I actually make?" Using real examples from the NCS Collective—including music from artists like Nikki Lou, Howard Gripp, Eauclaire, and Coby James—John and Bryant explore how genre and style influence songwriting, production, and artist development. Plus, they offer guidance for identifying your unique artistic voice, no matter where you are in your journey. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The difference between genre and style—and why it matters How artists like Nikki Lou and Eau Claire found their signature sound Why knowing your favorite music is a powerful clue to your own style How the NCS Collective is empowering real people to make real music Tips for choosing the right producer or direction for your songs The importance of letting the song guide the production Key Moments: [03:00] – Christian music's wide range: from worship to folk to hip-hop [07:57] – The story behind launching the NCS Collective [13:00] – Producing Howard Gripp’s debut rock/CCM music [15:25] – How Nikki Lou’s grief journey birthed powerful bluegrass/folk songs [23:00] – A listen to Kobe James’ modern pop worship track Mighty God [26:40] – Bryant shares Eauclaire’s evolving sound: cinematic, folk, indie rock [34:00] – Highlighting Collective artists: Jay Davids, Bonnie Barbay, Ezra Worship, Anya Lee [35:30] – How to find your style: Let the song—and your heart—lead Featured Music in this Episode: Million Tears and Valley of Shadow and Light by Nikki Lou Mighty God by Coby James Grow and Faith Is the Bird by Eauclaire Get Involved with NCS: NCS 2025 Songwriting Challenge – Get the free guide & grow your songwriting skills this year! https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/challenge2025 Free First Monday Songwriting Training https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/training NCS Community Membership – 52 weeks of access to the right music industry professionals. Join today! https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/community/ NCS Collective: https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-collective/ Connect With Us: NashvilleChristianSongwriters.com Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review and share it with your fellow songwriters!
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39:16
ADRIAN THOMPSON: Bethel Exec on Miracles and Music
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Host: John Chisum Guest: Adrian Thompson (Head of A&R, Bethel Music) Episode Title: Adrian Thompson: Bethel Exec on Miracles and Music Episode Summary: In this thought-provoking episode of Song Revolution, host John Chisum sits down with Adrian Thompson, the Head of A&R at Bethel Music and former VP of A&R at Integrity Music. They discuss the impact of Bethel Music on modern worship, the controversy surrounding charismatic expressions of faith, and the process of developing and signing artists at Bethel. Adrian shares insights into how Bethel identifies new talent, the songwriting process behind their music, and the biblical foundation of their songs. He also opens up about his own spiritual journey, moving from a Presbyterian background to encountering the Holy Spirit, and how that experience continues to shape his work in music ministry today. If you've ever wondered how worship music is shaped, how A&R works at a major worship label, or why some churches criticize charismatic worship, this episode is for you! What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Bethel Music discerns and develops new artists The role of A&R in shaping worship music for the global church Addressing the controversies surrounding Bethel’s theology & worship style Why Bethel cross-references song lyrics with Scripture before release The importance of community, mentorship, and authenticity in worship music How songs go from demo to finished album at Bethel Key Moments: [02:26] – Adrian Thompson’s journey: From Presbyterian roots to charismatic faith [05:54] – Addressing the controversy around Bethel & charismatic worship [10:15] – Miracles, gold dust, and why supernatural experiences divide the church [17:06] – How Bethel Music ensures theological soundness in worship songs [23:17] – The role of A&R in selecting and refining worship songs [27:45] – What it takes to become a Bethel Music artist [31:29] – The UK worship movement & its influence on global worship [36:12] – Advice for songwriters who feel called to write for the church Resources & Links: Listen to Bethel Music’s latest releases https://bethelmusic.com/ Follow Bethel Music on Instagram – @bethelmusic Get Involved with NCS: NCS 2025 Songwriting Challenge – Get the free guide & grow your songwriting skills this year! https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/challenge2025 Free First Monday Songwriting Training https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/training NCS Community Membership – 52 weeks of access to the right music industry professionals. Join today! https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/community/ NCS Collective: https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-collective/ Connect With Us: www.NashvilleChristianSongwriters.com Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review and share it with your fellow songwriters!
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41:13
JOHN CHISUM: Building Your Creative Team
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Hosts: John Chisum & Bryant Urich Episode Title: Building Your Creative Team Episode Summary: In this episode of Song Revolution, hosts John Chisum and Bryant Urich explore one of the most important factors in a songwriter’s success—building a strong creative team. While many songwriters start out alone, no artist truly succeeds in isolation. It takes producers, mentors, collaborators, and a solid support network to bring music to life and get it heard. John and Bryant break down the essential roles in a songwriter's journey—from crafting a great song to recording, production, marketing, and promotion. They also share real-life success stories from NCS artists who went from dreaming about music to making an impact with their songs. If you’re a songwriter who feels stuck doing everything alone, this episode will show you how to build a team and move forward with confidence! What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why every songwriter needs a team to succeed How to find producers, co-writers, and collaborators The essential roles in the music-making process—from idea to release The difference between DIY production and professional studio recordings How marketing and social media can make or break your song’s success Real-life examples of NCS artists thriving with the right team Key Moments: [03:20] – Why community is the key to success in music [06:33] – Breaking down the songwriting and production process [10:26] – The roles of producers, engineers, and session musicians [15:39] – The power of marketing and why artists must promote themselves [18:42] – Social media tips for songwriters and independent artists [24:16] – How a strong vision helps attract the right team [30:00] – How NCS can help you connect with the right people Get Involved with NCS: NCS 2025 Songwriting Challenge – Get the free guide & grow your songwriting skills this year! https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/challenge2025 Free First Monday Songwriting Training https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/training NCS Community Membership – 52 weeks of access to the right music industry professionals. Join today! https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/community/ NCS Collective: https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-collective/ Connect With Us: NashvilleChristianSongwriters.com Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review and share it with your fellow songwriters!
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32:30
JARED ANDERSON & Kelly Wilkerson: Worship, Community, and Legacy with 11:21 Worship
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Host: John Chisum Guests: Jared Anderson & Kelly Wilkerson (11:21 Worship) Episode Title: Worship, Community, and Legacy with 11:21 Worship Episode Summary: In this episode of Song Revolution, host John Chisum welcomes Jared Anderson (writer of Great I Am, Rescue, Lord, I’m Amazed) and Kelly Wilkerson of 11:21 Worship to talk about the power of worship, legacy, and ministry. Kelly shares the incredible history of World Challenge and Teen Challenge, founded by her father-in-law, David Wilkerson, and how their global ministry continues to impact lives today. She also opens up about her family’s personal struggles with addiction and how they’ve experienced God’s faithfulness through it all. Jared Anderson, known for his work with New Life Church and Desperation Band, discusses his transition from a solo worship career to leading 11:21 Worship and how their team is writing music to serve the church and inspire generations. The episode also highlights 11:21 Worship’s powerful new version of the classic song “Rise Again”, originally made famous by Dallas Holm over 47 years ago. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The history of Teen Challenge & World Challenge—a ministry impacting lives for over 60 years How Jared Anderson transitioned from solo worship to leading 11:21 Worship The importance of writing music for your specific ministry & audience Kelly’s personal testimony of family addiction and God’s healing The story behind the new 11:21 Worship version of “Rise Again” The power of multi-generational worship leadership Key Moments: [02:49] – The story of Teen Challenge & World Challenge’s global impact [07:05] – How David Wilkerson led Nikki Cruz to Christ & started a movement [13:22] – Kelly’s personal journey with addiction in her family [19:17] – Jared’s transition from Desperation Band to 11:21Worship [29:47] – Why 11:21Worship is creating new music for a new generation [33:06] – The message behind the song “At Your Table” [36:12] – Reimagining “Rise Again”—bringing a classic song to today’s worshippers [39:52] – Encouragement for songwriters & worship leaders Resources & Links: Listen to 11:21Worship’s new music - https://www.1121worship.com/ Follow 11:21Worship on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/1121worship/ World Challenge Ministries - https://www.worldchallenge.org/ Get Involved with NCS: NCS 2025 Songwriting Challenge – Get the free guide & grow your songwriting skills this year! https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/challenge2025 Free First Monday Songwriting Training https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/training NCS Community Membership – 52 weeks of access to the right music industry professionals. Join today! https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/community/ NCS Collective: https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-collective/ Connect With Us: NashvilleChristianSongwriters.com Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review and share it with your fellow songwriters!
The Song Revolution Podcast exists to empower you through valuable songwriting insights, inspiration, and interviews with some of the greatest songwriters, producers, arrangers, artists, and creatives in the industry and beyond. Find out more at nashvillechristiansongwriters.com
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