JOHN CHISUM: How Pro Songwriters Crank Out Hit After Hit

“Songs are more assembled than written… Pro songwriters understand the craft of songwriting and they use every tool they have to assemble a good song.”

Last weekend, Nashville Christian Songwriters hosted the 4th Songwriting Intensive Weekend. Forty aspiring songwriters came together with professional level song coaches and speakers from the Contemporary Christian Music industry to learn, write together, get invaluable critiques, and develop a strong songwriting community. Songwriters left empowered with next steps for their songwriting endeavors. We are sure to sell out for the next intensive, so stay connected to NCS and The Song Revolution Podcast so you can register early and secure your spot.

“Great writers spend more time looking for great ideas than they do actually writing the song… Great ideas rarely come from sitting down at your laptop or at an instrument and waiting for them to happen. ”

This week on The Song Revolution Podcast, John shares one of his dynamic teachings from the Intensive Weekend. Pro-songwriters crank out hit after hit, have you ever wondered how? John gives insight into the importance of assembling your song, instead of simply writing out of emotion. He breaks down the different components of a hit song, giving advice and actionable tips for each. Listen in and take one of your songs from good to great today!

“Pro-songwriters know that great ideas often begin with a tiny seed, a phrase, an inkling of something that should be written.”

Some topics we talk about in this episode:

  • Introduction – 2:08
  • Intensive Recap – 5:02
  • The First Secret to Building a Good Song – 12:36
  • Where Do Great Song Ideas Come From? – 19:12
  • Finding and Developing Your “Hook” – 30:00
  • Focused and Dynamic Lyric Writing – 37:22
  • Melodic Development – 42:40
  • Wrap Up – 53:34

 

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John Chisum

John Chisum is a pioneer in the Christian music business, serving alongside people such as Bill & Gloria Gaither, Twila Paris, Paul Baloche, Don Moen, and many more. As President of Nashville Christian Songwriters, John seeks to empower Christian songwriters worldwide to discover and fulfill their call to write.

This Post Has 2 Comments

  1. Kevin

    I’ve been able to listen to a few podcasts , I wanted so much to come to the intensive weekend. During my vacation, well I God laid off work today , I wish I had an avenue to get the songs of Ezekiels Fire out there now more than ever

  2. korinah

    Got some good insights. That will really help me develop my lyrics into songs. I always start with the one big idea. But there were a few key points I needed to hear.

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