Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Episode Title: CLARK BECKHAM: Micro Moments of Flow State Hosts: John Chisum Guest: Clark Beckham - American Idol Season 14 Runner-Up, Soul/R&B Artist, Educator, Host of Idol Breakdown Episode Summary: In this powerful episode, John sits down with acclaimed vocalist and musician Clark Beckham to unpack his journey from street performer to American Idol fame. Clark opens up about the highs and lows of the entertainment industry, how his faith shapes his artistry, and why he believes Jesus loves the complexity found in music—yes, even a flat five. You'll also hear about Clark’s passion for music education, the emotional weight of critiquing performers on his Idol Breakdown series, and why it's perfectly normal to not feel obsessed with your art every single day. Key Takeaways: Clark’s honest experience as runner-up on American Idol Why he sees music as a competition with yourself The story behind “Jesus Loves the Flat Five” How faith, love, and genuine care translate in the entertainment world The difference between worship as a genre vs. worship as a personal practice Why it’s okay not to feel creative every day—and why you should keep going anyway The purpose behind Idol Breakdown and how he handles criticism responsibly Demystifying music theory through Clark’s online courses Quotable Moments: “Excuses are just permission slips for mediocrity.” “God is the author of art. And when we express emotions through it, He’s in it.” “You don’t follow your passion. You work really hard to get good, and passion follows.” “Jesus loves complexity. He loves art. He loves the flat five.” RESOURCES & LINKS ClarkBeckham.com 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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43:28
JOHN CHISUM: Writing in Your Best Genre
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Hosts: John Chisum & Bryant Urich Episode Title: Writing in Your Best Genre Episode Summary: In this episode of Song Revolution, hosts John Chisum and Bryant Urich continue their deep dive into genre, style, and artistic identity—with practical insights on how to discover and develop your best musical lane. From personal stories to real-world examples like Anya Lee, Clark Beckham, and the NCS Collective, John and Bryant unpack how to write with intention, identify your audience, and stay creatively inspired. Whether you're new to songwriting or looking to sharpen your skills, this conversation will help you understand your artistic DNA, clarify your creative purpose, and embrace your unique sound and calling. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why genre and style matter more than ever in modern music How to write songs with clarity, context, and purpose The role of pre-writing in making your songs more impactful Tips for finding your “flow state” and discovering your lane Why writing in your natural genre can lead to greater creative freedom What to do when your favorite genre isn't "commercially popular" Key Moments: [01:10] – Recapping May's focus on genre and style [03:00] – Musical influences and the evolution of artist identity [06:00] – Releasing experimental music & the freedom to try new things [09:10] – Why knowing your audience before you write is key [10:35] – Anya Lee’s fearless fusion of pop, gospel & testimony [12:00] – Micro-moments of flow: Clark Beckham's unique spin on worship [14:00] – Balancing creative authenticity and market relevance [20:00] – Finding your unique voice within broader genres [25:00] – Why pre-writing and research are essential to songwriting [29:30] – What to look for in a great lyric: hooks, form, and repetition [33:00] – Co-writing and the power of community and collaboration 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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36:01
CLAIRE BACON: Genre, Growth, and Grace
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!
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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