The Songwriter Gospel Podcast: Recent Episodes
Darnell Peters
The Songwriter Gospel exists to inspire, elevate, and empower Christian songwriters, artists, and musicians to share their music and message with the world. Join us as we have honest conversations, hear powerful testimonies, share tips and insights, and listen to the stories of everyday Christian songwriters, artists, and musicians on how they've overcome fear, doubt, and other limiting beliefs to help you walk into your creative purpose and the calling God placed on your life and get your music heard.
On today’s episode I speak with upcoming Gospel artist Candace Eason about struggles of becoming a independent gospel artist. We talk about the behind the scenes side of being an independent gospel artist, from music business, social media, and all the other hats that come with being an independent artist.
Candice Eason, a native of Long Island, New York, who has a deep passion for doing God’s work. She uses her soulstress voice as a language to express herself, while spreading the message of hope, love & joy to the masses.
Growing up, Candice was inspired, and influenced by many great vocalists such as The Clark Sisters, Faith Evans, Kim Burrell, and Darryl Coley (just to name a few). Having the ability to hear musical arrangements and write songs, Candice landed many opportunities to write for other artists, as well as assist with vocal production & arranging.
In today’s episode we talk about
- Her journey from starting in R&B to becoming a Gospel artist
- How to manage all the responsibilities as an independent artist
- The power of vulnerability and authenticity on social media
- How to deal with failures
- And She talks about her latest single “He’s Been Good” and her upcoming EP.
Connect With Candace:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialcandiceeason/
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/candice-eason/1602390290
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/41VbRVisdMuItcqRqPWm4Q?si=RvJYvqRlQmiazsv5JB-Dgg
Connect With Us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesongwritergospel/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesongwritergospel
Website: https://thesongwritergospel.com
What would you do if you lost all your song ideas for an entire year? Imagine you lost a year’s worth of voice memos, song ideas, project ideas, and even promo content for your soon upcoming release. What would you do, would you give up, would you be able to bounce back? Well in today’s episode I had a real honest conversation with upcoming Christian pop artist, Steph Andrews, about just that.
Steph is a faith-based pop artist, songwriter, worship leader, wife, and mom. She’s a music theory nerd, and recently released her debut album and hit a huge milestone if hitting over 100k all time streams for it.
In today’s episode we talk about:
- Her journey into music and becoming a Christian artist
- How God lead her to find her unique & honest, message through her music
- We talk about the crazy, wild story behind how she dealt with a major setback, losing all her voice memos and song ideas, what she learned from it, and how God led her to a finding a deeper purpose and relationship from it.
- She shares some productivity tips to on how to organize her songwriting ideas and handle the admin side of songwriting and music
- She talks about her debut project How Long/How Lovely and the beauty of creativity in music
Connect With Steph:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsstephandrews
Website: https://www.stephandrews.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4FnTMVmIxn0KHS5IplpaLD?si=3ThuT6l_S6qxsN-xy8fQqg
Connect With Us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesongwritergospel/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesongwritergospel
Website: https://thesongwritergospel.com
Do you struggle with consistency when it comes to marketing your music as an independent Christian artist? Do you find yourself constantly falling into a cycle of being burnt out after every new release?
In today’s episode, I speak with Christian music marketing expert, Wisdom Moon, about a topic I absolutely love and that’s marketing. I know marketing is a big hurdle for many artists and songwriters, in general. There’s many facets to it and it can feel a bit complicated, and leave you feeling burnt out at times. You may even be wondering what exactly is marketing, what does it look like for my music, or where do I even start? So today I wanted to provide some answers to those questions that you may have, as I speak with Wisdom about how to build an overall marketing campaign for your music, and what does a marketing campaign look like for you as an independent Christian artist.
So on this episode we talk about:
- Wisdom’s journey into the music industry
- The #1 struggle and mistakes he sees Christian artists make when it comes to marketing their music
- How to build an overall marketing plan to help you stay consistent and avoid the burnout that comes with promoting your music
- How to scale your marketing plan and some advanced marketing strategies and examples
- And we talk about his agency Christian Music Marketing and their mission to serve independent Christian artists.
About Our Guest:
Wisdom is the Founder and CEO of Marketing with Wisdom, Christian Music Marketing and Lula Street Records.
He is also the founder and former owner of All About Worship and Kingdom Songs, and a pioneer in creating resources for Christian artists, songwriters and worship leaders. He has over 20 years of ministry experience and over 15 years of marketing & business experience.
His background includes marketing and branding for Christian record labels, churches, nonprofits, businesses, artists, and podcasts.
Wisdom has served in various marketing roles for Centricity Music and Integrity Music, as well as for artists like Lauren Daigle, All Sons & Daughters, Chris McClarney, Darlene Zschech, New Life Worship, Paul Baloche, Corey Voss, Aaron Shust, David & Nicole Binion, Lincoln Brewster, Covenant Worship, Gateway Worship, Christine D'Clario, Israel Houghton, Joshua Aaron, David Leonard, Krissy Nordhoff, NCC Worship, Sovereign Grace Music, Dustin Smith, Seth & Nirva, WorshipMob, Soul Survivor, Mike Real, FLAME, and others.
Connect With Wisdom Moon:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wisdommoon/
Website: https://www.wisdommoon.com
Music Marketing Agency: https://christianmusicmarketing.com
Connect With Us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesongwritergospel/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesongwritergospel
Website: https://thesongwritergospel.com
Have you ever been frustrated with pitching your songs to hundreds of Spotify playlists only to get very little to no results? Have you wondered what's the best way to pitch your music in order to successfully land on a Spotify playlist?
In today’s episode, I wanted to do something a little different and get an “insider’s” perspective on playlist pitching. I spoke with 4 independent Spotify Playlist Curators, and asked them, "What is your #1 tip/advice to help Christian artists successfully pitch their music to Spotify Playlist Curators? and "What's 1 thing you say artists should avoid when pitching their music to you?" Each of these curators shared some great and unique tips & tricks, insights, and perspectives on the process of pitching your music and some great overall tips regarding marketing your music.
You'll hear answers from:
- Dana Miller - Lead Producer at Hillside Recording
- Wisdom Moon - Founder & CEO of Lula Street Records, Marketing with Wisdom, & Christian Music Marketing
- Bradden Ford - Head Playlist Curator at Lightfire 134 Playlists
- Sherwyn Williams - CMO at Gospel Music Buzz
As a special thank you for listening here's a FREE GIFT:
Get your FREE Christian Spotify Playlist Spreadsheet & Contact list included with over 100+ Christian/Gospel Spotify Playlists with contact info.
Get it HERE: https://thesongwritergospel.gumroad.com/l/playlistspreadsheet
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating & review below! And please SHARE this episode with your friends and other fellow artists & songwriters.
Connect With Us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesongwritergospel/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesongwritergospel
Website: https://thesongwritergospel.com
Connect With Dana Miller (Hillside Recording):
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hillsiderecordingstudio/
Website: https://beacons.page/hillsiderecording
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/nsosz32w7004r00cx9rilkscq
Connect With Wisdom Moon (Marketing With Wisdom):
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wisdommoon/
Website: https://www.wisdommoon.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/wisdommoonmusic
Connect With Bradden Ford (Light134 Playlists):
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lightfire134playlist/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/b0dbrnnc3lvjkd1wlu7mp3egi
Connect With Sherwyn Williams (Gospel Music Buzz):
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gospelmusicbuzzz/
Website: https://gospelmusicbuzz.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/31gs3onimbuewz7vn6latkpfktbq
In today’s episode, I speak with indie Gospel artist, and NY native, Diane Malloy about building a village around your music and how God can open doors when you take time to invest in people.
Diane Malloy is an artist who merges the beauty of R&B notes with the spirituality of Gospel messages to advocate for personal freedom through a relationship with God. She is also a wife and mom of 1 and has released 2 singles within in the past year.
In this episode we talk about:
- Diane’s journey into music and becoming a gospel artist
- How she built a village to help release her music
- Ways God has opened up doors for her from investing in people
- She shares some lessons she’s been learning being in the indie gospel music industry
- She also shares a powerful story of how God has used a moment of tremendous grief to help propel her message of hope through her music
Connect With Us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesongwritergospel/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesongwritergospel
Website: https://thesongwritergospel.com
Connect With Diane:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianemalloymusic
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dianemalloymusic
Website: https://www.dianemalloymusic.com/
Listen to Her Music:
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/diane-malloy/1556551748
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6wQSuQKj52uBiA6MBlv0Am?si=X4-TyUbrQVC4KIozOVwGVw
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn8Rww1M-kSaXM-9Cb6lSUw
In today’s episode, I speak with upcoming independent Christian artist Amanda Janson about how God opened doors for her to pursue her dreams of moving to Nashville and becoming a Christian artist.
Amanda is an independent Christian artist, singer/songwriter who just recently moved to Nashville and is part of the Rixon Entertainment Group. Amanda is also a wife and mother of 2, soon to be 3.
In this episode we talk about:
- Her journey into becoming a full-time, independent Christian artist.
- How God opened doors for her to realize her dream to move to Nashville and become a part of the Rixon Entertainment Group.
- The process behind finding and choosing her first single.
- How she has seen God working through her music and ministry so far.
- The impact of her ministry on her family and kids.
- She shares 3 things she wishes she knew before stepping into the Christian Music industry.
Connect With Us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesongwritergospel/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesongwritergospel
Website: https://thesongwritergospel.com
Connect With Amanda:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandajansonmusic/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/watch/amandajansonmusic/
Listen to Her Music:
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/amanda-janson/1601699416
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1hmExKU3SJa9jqgv2KKCuN?si=HuJcwGDgSjiPYU8KhlUO4g
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8cGnPRHbjPIa_mN21amVWg
In today's episode, I spoke with gospel artist, and Brooklyn native, Samantha Howard about how she stepped into the gospel music industry and has learned to stay motivated and pursue the dream and vision God has given her.
Samantha is a gospel artist, and worship leader at Allen Cathedral Church in NY, and is currently signed and works with Indie Blu Nashville. As a singer Samantha has been afforded the opportunity to travel internationally, sharing the stage with artists such as Vashawn Mitchell, JJ Hairston, Tasha Cobbs, Todd Galberth, John Legend, Alicia Keys, and many more.
In this episode we talk about:
- Her journey into becoming a gospel music artist and stepping into the Gospel Music Industry.
- How she ended up signing with the label Indie Blu Nashville.
- The toughest lessons she’s had to learn being in the music industry.
- How she’s learned to deal with and overcome rejection and disappointments and the lessons she’s learned from them.
- How she manages her days as a full-time artist.
- And she shares some people and resources that helped her along the way.
Connect With Us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesongwritergospel/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesongwritergospel
Website: https://thesongwritergospel.com
Connect With Samantha:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamsamanthahoward/
Tik-Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iamsamanthahoward
Website: https://iamsamanthahoward.campsite.bio
Listen to Her Music:
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/samantha-howard/729231228
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1xVJbLzjmb2cidpt7jZvmR?si=i9PbkvLESJGdlxdrBhDyPw
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SamanthaHowardMusic
Have you ever used words like slimy, spammy, or feel like you're selling your soul to market your music? In today's episode, I talk about 4 ways to change your mindset about how you market your music, so you can share your music with more confidence, purpose, and integrity.
As someone who has marketed my own music, owned a business, and also does social media management and help with marketing for a couple of artists, I've had to learn how to market with more intention and value.
So in this episode, I share:
- How to properly define marketing from a holistic and Biblical perspective.
- 4 keys to marketing your music with more intention and purpose.
- Tips on how to stay motivated when marketing your music.
If you enjoy this episode, please feel free to leave a rating and review, it would really help us to reach more people, and helps us to know if this content is of value to you! Thank you for listening!
Connect With Us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesongwritergospel/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesongwritergospel
Website: https://thesongwritergospel.com
Today I spoke with fellow NY native, Marcos Suazo about finding your influence and realizing the power of your unique message as a songwriter.
Marcos is a songwriter, musician, content creator, and host of the Himfluencer podcast where he empowers Christ-followers to let their light shine so they can influence for Him and also is a co-host of the SuazoTalks podcast with his wife.
In this episode we talk about:
- His journey into music and songwriting
- How to find the value in your songs and your unique message
- How to focus your message to create the greatest impact
- How to create influence through your music and message
- And he talks about his podcast Himfluencer and how songwriters can use their gifts and music to be influencers of Christ
Connect With Us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesongwritergospel/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesongwritergospel
Website: https://thesongwritergospel.com
Connect with Marcos:
Himfluencer Podcast:https://thehimfluencerpodcast.buzzsprout.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcos.suazo.music/
Music:
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/mas/1477144119
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/44NKrrYSAsYzIo3i9zN9Pd?si=mGVzlxtATXSlRi9GSppyqA
In this episode, I speak with Crystal Hott about how to be your authentic self on social media and use it to attract people to you and your music and message.
Crystal is an indie Christian artist, singer/songwriter, and recent founder of Songwriter Social where she helps songwriters use attractive marketing to create authentic connections on social media. Crystal has also recently won an award for Best New Female Artist for 2021 for a Music Award Ceremony at the Foundations of Faith World Convention hosted by WVIU Web Radio.
In this episode we talk about:
- Her journey into music and finding her voice.
- How she started with social media and learned to begin showing up more confidently.
- How she creates authentic relationships with people and found community through social media
- She shares some tips on creating a content plan for social media and some content ideas songwriters can use to help share their music and message.
- And she talks about how she started Songwriter Social and the impact it’s had in the lives of those who’ve been apart.
Connect With Us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesongwritergospel/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesongwritergospel
Website: https://thesongwritergospel.com
Connect with Crystal:
Website: https://crystal18.godaddysites.com
Join Songwriter Social: https://crystal18.godaddysites.com/songwriter-social
Music:
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/crystoria/1602734899
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4lXDmlfe4a4vts979yUCSt?si=zoxidESmRWaanDZi3jZTNQ
In today’s episode, I spoke with a good friend of mine, Beverly Song Burton. Beverly is a singer/songwriter and Christian/Gospel artist in NYC, she’s also an entrepreneur and owner of Beverly Burton School of Music where she teaches music theory and piano to kids and is also now an author of children’s music books for kids.
In this episode we talk about:
- Her journey from leaving a full-time stable job, to starting a business in music and pursuing music full time
- How she pushes past the need for approval and from people in order to step into her God-given assignment.
- How she balances time between her business and personal music
- We talk about her new upcoming project “Undefeated” and what God has been teaching her through it
- And she shares about some people who have been an influence to her and how to find inspiration in other people.
Connect With Us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesongwritergospel/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesongwritergospel
Website: https://thesongwritergospel.com
Connect with Beverly:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beverly_song_burton
Website: https://gotobbsm.com
Listen to her music:
Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/beverly-song-burton/1455541001
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/55OMbcNtOvk0L8VIx0WyqD?si=aTHHfDP7R8qSz554f00wyQ
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkBzh0yZaH_ZUe7F6f_lDsg
Listen to our collab:
I Am Enough - Darnell Peters feat. Beverly Song Burton & Mike O. : https://open.spotify.com/track/0vttNZwT6GF3Y1iSaDOcMt?si=6a448a43c00646e8
In today’s episode I speak with music industry vet John Chisum about how to be a successful songwriter in today’s music industry. John is a veteran songwriter and was a music industry executive with Star Song Media & Integrity music. He’s now the founder and president of Nashville Christian Songwriters where he coaches and empowers Christian songwriters worldwide and is host of the Song Revolution Podcast.
In this episode we talk about:
- How John got Started and Found His Way into the Christian Music industry.
- The Importance of Having a Mission as a Songwriter.
- Steps to Define Your Mission and Message.
- How to Shift the Way You Think About Your Music to Create a Greater Impact.
- His Heart Behind Nashville Christian Songwriters.
- How To Get Your Songs Heard In Today's Music Industry.
Connect With Us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesongwritergospel/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesongwritergospel
Website: https://thesongwritergospel.com
Join the "Getting Your Songs Published " Live Workshop here: https://ncssongwriters.kartra.com/page/publishing-workshop
Connect with John here:
Website: https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nashvillechristiansongwriters/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nashvillechristiansongwriters
Listen to Song Revolution Podcast w/ John Chisum:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/song-revolution-with-john-chisum/id1220274942
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AEfKwqoeRVUN4jQgs6Rjm?si=d09ef008c92f40be
Affiliate Resources:
Buy "The Go-Giver" by Bob Burg & John David Mann: https://amzn.to/3s9mdA6
In today’s episode I'm joined by Batsirai Chada as he shares his journey from searching for fame and accolades to discovering His heart for worship and learning how to write and lead from His altar. Batsirai is a worship leader and songwriter who has been blessed to work and share the stage with many well known Christian artists. He also is part of the Maverick City Family and plays some behind the scenes roles with them.
In this episode we talk about:
- How God lead him from desiring fame and accolades for himself, to finding his altar leading other’s to worship Christ.
- Dealing with the desire for validation learning how to seek it from the right places.
- Developing a heart of giving and service as a worship leader and songwriter.
- He also shares some stories and lessons he’s learned from working behind the scenes with Maverick City Music.
Connect With Us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesongwritergospel/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesongwritergospel
Website: https://thesongwritergospel.com
You can listen to Batsirai's music here:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4Lm4Yc59M7v0qXP77AucZD?si=_jF5uTV8SKSZI6H3An3R5w
Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/batsirai/883882297
You can connect with him here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/batsirai/
Website: https://batsirai.com/
In today’s episode, I had a powerful conversation with vocalist and worship leader Kirosha Sidelca about her recent big leap of faith she took of quitting her job and going into music full time.
Kirosha is a wife, a mom, a Christian artist, and founder of Kirosha Voice & Music where she coaches singers and songwriters and helps them become recording artists. As an artist, Kirosha has many years of experience, and has made dozens of national appearances, and opened up for artists such as Mary Mary, Tamela Mann, & Whitney Phipps.
In this episode we talk about:
- Her faith journey that lead her to discovering and accepting her purpose.
- What it was like to quit her job and start doing music full time.
- How she bounced back from constant setbacks and disappointments.
- Some practical tips she took to help her find the courage, and build her faith in order to be able to walk in obedience to God’s calling.
- The power of practicing obedience in order to take a big leap.
- We also talk about KVM and how she serves the Christian music community.
Connect With Us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesongwritergospel/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesongwritergospel
Website: https://thesongwritergospel.com
If you're interested in KVM (Kirosha Voice & Music) see link here:
https://www.kirosha.com
Listen to Kirosha's music here:
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/kirosha-c-huggan/447208333
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/33JTm5g0nqoE1hcusJkpHg?si=3l-FfP2QRzi7mYpIJ2zz5Q
Watch "Grace" Music Video: https://youtu.be/3iV1oN5oX7I
On today’s episode, we speak with Damara Melissa, a Canadian Christian pop artist and singer/songwriter who just started her artist journey a little over a year ago. In just this short time, she was able to have a very successful crowdfunding campaign and release 6 songs, with an EP on its way. Damara has amassed over 3,000 monthly listeners on Spotify and had over 70,000 Spotify streams in just her first year.
In this episode she shares:
- How she found the faith to walk in obedience and start putting her music and message out there.
- What it was like to put out her first single and the mindset changes she had to make in order to take that leap.
- The steps she took to becoming an independent Christian artist.
- How she manages her time as both a wife and mother of two and a game-changer mindset shift about time that’s allowed her to become more productive as a songwriter and artist.
- She also shares some resources that helped her accomplish all the things she’s done up to this point.
You can listen to Damara’s music here. To connect with her and follow her journey you can follow her on Instagram @damaramelissamusic or find her on her website https://damaramelissa.com/.
Connect With Us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesongwritergospel/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesongwritergospel
Website: https://thesongwritergospel.com
If you found this episode inspiring and helpful, please leave us a rating and review, it goes a long way to help more people hear these powerful interviews.
Hey I'm Darnell Peters and I'm here to help inspire, encourage, and empower Christian songwriters, artists, and musicians, like you, to share your music and message with the world. In this episode, I share a little about the why behind this platform, how we plan to serve and help you along your musical journey, and how you can be a part.
Connect with us @thesongwritergospel on Instagram and Facebook, and find out more at our website www.thesongwritergospel.com.
Are you struggling to with your calling as a Christian songwriter, artist, or musician? Have you been putting off sharing your music because of fear, comparison, or imposter syndrome? Do you question if your music matters or how to get it heard?
Welcome to the Songwriter Gospel Podcast. We exist to inspire, elevate, and empower Christian songwriters, artists, and musicians, just like you, to share your music and message with the world.
Listen as we speak with everyday Christian songwriters, artists, musicians, and music industry pros about their story and how they deal with the struggles and internal roadblocks that come with being a Christian creative in music. Discover tips and resources on how to find your voice, find your message, and get your music heard.
Come join the community @thesongwritergospel on Instagram and Facebook and check out our website www.thesongwritergospel.com for more tips and resources to help you share you music and message with the world.