For an aspiring songwriter, the Music Modernization Act (www.copyright.gov/music-modernization) may seem as remote as a morning breeze in Borneo. But to those actively engaged in music making and business, it is epochal. The world has never seen such an outdated system of payment for intellectual properties take such a dynamic leap,
“It’s the Lord that does the work. You are only responsible for being a child of God” In episode 65, John sits down with Christian Artist and Songwriter, Dara Maclean. Dara’s debut album You Got My Attention is earning her the attention of many. Growing up in a ministry focused family, leading
“Music reaches beyond the thinking of the mind and goes straight into the heart and soul level” In this week’s episode, we’re continuing our series on “Writing HIt Hooks.” Today, we’re talking all about emotion. What does a specific song make you feel? If you’re like me, as soon as
Here’s the thing… Each of these episodes have SO MUCH GOLD in them that it’s hard to digest it all in one listen. So, today we’re jumping back to our conversation with the amazing Audrey Assad. Audrey Assad is, by her own admission, a very opinionated person. Of Middle Eastern descent, yet
Not only has she been nominated for five Grammy® Awards, one Emmy®, and won three Doves, but singer, songwriter, recording artist, author, and actress Bonnie Keen is one of the most-loved talents in Nashville. One-third of the classic CCM trio First Call with Marty McCall and Melody Tunney, Bonnie began
Why do some songs leave you flat while others stick in your head forever? What are the key ingredients in a song’s basic theme and “hook” that make it stay with you days, even years, after you’ve heard it for the first time? In Part 2 of the Writing Hit
When tenth-graders Chris Rohman and Mark Graalman started making music together in their parents’ basement in a small Ohio town, they could not have imagined that they would one day look back after 22 years of touring to see multiple industry award nominations and wins, 24 radio hits, over 750,000
Do you ever wonder how hit songs are written? You’ve probably heard of “formula songwriting” and maybe even learned about song form, hooks, and melody writing. But what does it take to write a truly great song? In this episode, music industry veteran John Chisum takes you to a deeper
Katie Gustafson Hill is that rare and exquisite blend of musician, singer-songwriter, and healer. Suffering an eating disorder as a child, Katie knows the long road of recovery and seeks to help others, especially women, find their true selves and greater power through her counseling practice in Nashville. Katie comes
Drakeford (Drake & Lucy-Jayne Lanier), embody the most romantic notion of today’s singer-songwriter lifestyle, though they would be the first to tell you that it has its challenges and drawbacks. Newlyweds who met on the mission field, the singing duo have grown accustomed to a nomadic lifestyle of coffee shops,
