The Christian Indie Artists & Songwriters Podcast

In this episode of the CIAS Podcast, I sit down with worship leader and songwriter Charlie Hall.Charlie has been writing worship songs for over 35 years, starting at age 17 when he first found God. He shares how his music has always reflected the rawness of his journey, through depression, aggression, and sin, and how he's stayed connected to his local church community throughout. We dive into his time with 6 Step Records, writing for Passion, and the heart of worship leadership. Charlie also opens up about the power of patience and joy in the in-between moments of life.This one is truly inspiring and I pray that God speaks to you through it as the did to me.To connect with Charlie Hall:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charliehallband/YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&feature=youtu.be&v=2q9fyoJ5fRM&src=Linkfire&lId=28579758-aa8e-4604-9102-38c90095d96b&cId=d3d58fd7-4c47-11e6-9fd0-066c3e7a8751Frontline Music on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/2uxYp5lsPE9t297UIoxAJz?si=ZxPudrpDRAGSXPtRC2N0NQ

In this video, I'm breaking down some of my favorite chord shapes for worship—G, C, D, and a few others that really help fill out your sound. These shapes make it super easy to transition between chords and keep things smooth during worship. Whether you're leading in a small group or on a bigger stage, these will definitely help you out!Make sure to hit like, subscribe, and join my Facebook group for Christian Indie Artists, Songwriters and Worship Leaders—it's a great place to connect with others and share your journey. https://www.facebook.com/groups/684796875715831And if you haven't already, grab my free Nashville Numbers Chart to help you level up your worship playing!https://www.bryanbolivermusic.com/nns

In this episode, I'll show you the 3 best chord shapes for leading worship on acoustic guitar—G, C, and D. These simple shapes will help you make smooth transitions between songs, free you from technical distractions, and allow you to focus on worshiping. I'll also share tips on using a capo to compliment different keys and how growing as a musician can enhance your worship leading. Whether you're playing behind the pastor or transitioning between songs, these shapes are a game changer! Grab your guitar, play along, and see the difference it makes.

In this episode, I share 5 actionable ways to break through creative blocks and find fresh inspiration in your worship songwriting. From changing your environment, to drawing from Scripture, and collaborating with others, these some of the things I talk about that will help you write songs that glorify God and resonate with your congregation.Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments!Join the Christian Indie Artists & Songwriters Facebook group for support and encouragement on your songwriting journey:https://www.facebook.com/groups/christianindieartistsandsongwriters

Do you ever feel short on time but still want your worship songs to resonate deeply with your congregation? In this episode, I'm sharing 5 quick yet powerful tips to make every writing session count. By the end of this episode, you'll have key essentials to create impactful, spirit-filled worship songs that truly connect with your audience.

In this episode, I sit down with Jake Gosselin, founder of Churchfront, to hear about his incredible journey from playing bass in a high school band, to leading worship, and eventually becoming a successful entrepreneur. Jake shares how he navigated the world of worship leading, pursued music as a career, and even went to seminary with dreams of pastoral ministry. But his story didn't stop there, Jake leaned into the entrepreneurial world to solve problems he faced early on, and it's led him to amazing opportunities.We discuss how hard work and dedication open doors, the importance of character and integrity, and Jake's belief in YouTube as the king of content. He also offers insights into balancing creative pursuits with building systems that maximize your energy and help you achieve your goals.If you're passionate about worship, content creation, or simply looking to take your next step, this episode is packed with valuable tips and inspiration.Don't miss Jake's advice on the importance of focusing on what's within your control and his breakdown of Alex Hormozi's content strategy:1.Do cool stuff.2.Show people how you did it.Website: https://churchfront.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/churchfrontCheck out the Churchfront Conference for more resources to elevate your worship ministry: www.churchfront.com/conference.

On this episode of the CIAS Podcast, we're diving into 10 FREE and effective strategies to help you market your worship music, without breaking the bank. Whether you're an indie artist, worship leader, or songwriter, these tips will help you get your music heard by the right audience and make a real impact.

On this episode, I hang out with producer, brand strategist, professional YouTuber, award winning creative marketing specialist, and the founder of SellMusic.com Adam Ivy, who talks about some REAL truths for indie artists and songwriters. Adam has grown his YouTube channel to over 300K subscribers by helping independent musicians, artists and brands make impact with their music. He shares a wealth of knowledge on how to navigate the music scene, while staying true to yourself and what you love.Key Takeaways: Be Yourself: You're not for everyone, and that's totally fine. Surround yourself with people who lift you up. Look for Opportunities: God's got opportunities lined up for you; you just need to spot them. Keep the Passion: Don't let making music feel like a chore. Remember why you started and keep that excitement alive. Work Smarter: Use your time wisely. Focus on real productivity, not just being busy. “So many times we step over dollars to pick up dimes.” Make Use of What You Have: Use what you've got until it helps you get what you want. Build Your Reputation: Keep putting in the work to get better and make an impact. "Your repetition builds your reputation!" Protect Your Time: Focus on what's really moving your family, business, and life forward. Don't chase too many goals at once. Enjoy the Ride: The journey is the fun part, so make sure you enjoy it!And so much more!I have personally learned so much from Adam on my own music journey and it was an honor to get to sit down and talk.I know you will get so much from this conversation that you will help you on your own journey. To connect with Adam Ivy: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adamivy/ •  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adamivy •  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamivy•  Website: https://www.sellmusicmasterclass.com/enrollnow

On episode #101 of the CIAS Podcast I sat down with my friend Chase Wagner. Chase is a prominent artist, songwriter, and the Worship Pastor of Grace City Church in Lakeland, FL. From beginning to know The Lord through music as a teen in Seattle, to moving across the country to found SEU Worship, as well as Grace City Music/Church, he has found encouragement to keep going through His strong faith in God.  Over the last five years Chase has been writing for worship artists such as Leeland, Jesus Culture, Evan Craft, Mack Brock, Sarah Kroger and more. Chase is about to release his second full length album, as well as a collection of songs for an Acoustic worship 90's throwback project through Grace City Music.Chase has a heart to see other creatives pursue after their true creative callings. I know you'll be encouraged by this episode and Chase's story and all the wisdom and insight he shares!Connect with Chase:Website: https://chasewagnermusic.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasejwagner/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chasejwagnerPre Save "Song In The Room" releasing June 28th, 2024: https://presave.to/m895743

On this celebration episode #100 of the CIAS Podcast I sat down with my friend Chris Lawson Jones from the Wings Distribution Group. Chris has been working professionally in the Christian music industry for over 20 years and shares so much insight and wisdom.We talk through the state of the independent artist and how using a boutique distribution platform like Wings can help set any artist up for success, whether a veteran or just getting started.I know you will be blessed by this episode. If you are looking for a great music distribution service I highly recommend Wings Access (which I personally use myself)Use my link to save 15% on Wings Access here:https://www.wingsaccess.com?fpr=bryan53To connect with Chris and Wings head to:Website: https://www.wingsaccess.com/Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/wingsaccess/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083855919690

On this episode of the CIAS Podcast Ross King and I talk about the 4th ingredient in his formula for music industry success- raw talent. Ross says that we are not able to do anything about the amount of raw talent we are given, however we can lean on the other ingredients (work ethic, suck meter, and how are you in a room) to cultivate the raw talent we have.The bad news is that we can't do anything to gain more “raw talent” but the great news is that raw talent is not enough on its own to make a real impact in music.  This means, within reason, no matter the amount of talent you start with, you can continue to work and develop yourself to do great things in music. Ross's merchandise: https://rosskingmusicstore.bigcartel.com/Join our CIAS Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/christianindieartistsandsongwriters

On this episode of the CIAS podcast Ross King and I talk about the work ethic it takes to go pro. You might be thinking we talk about things like working 100 hour weeks and do whatever you need to to make it happen, but we don't! We wanted to give you a practical look at how we manage and schedule our time as a professional in the music industry.   So much of being a pro has to do with preparation and intentionality, more than even with talent. When your calendar has specific events dedicated to your music journey, it shows that you are truly working.  I know you are going to get so much out of this episode, and if you are not already, click the link below and join the CIAS Facebook group so we can continue the conversation!Join our CIAS Facebook Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/groups/christianindieartistsandsongwriters

On this episode of the CIAS podcast, Ross King and I dive deep into the importance of how you are in a room. In a music career we will be in MANY different kinds of rooms, so having an understanding of how to be at our best in each situation is critical. We discuss many practical tips on what to do (and what not to do)  Whether you are just getting started, or have been chasing your music dream for years, I know you will find a ton of inspiration and encouragement in this conversation.Join our CIAS Facebook group here! https://www.facebook.com/groups/christianindieartistsandsongwritersCheck my website for free resources and to connect further:https://www.bryanbolivermusic.com/Instagram:CIAS: https://www.instagram.com/officialcias/Bryan Boliver: https://www.instagram.com/bryanboliver/

On the latest episode of the CIAS Podcast I sat down with my good friend and 30 year music industry vet Ross King to discuss developing our personal quality control measure, a.k.a. our "Suck Meter" Knowing what is good, for the target you are aiming for, is critical for success in music. We develop our "suck meter" over time, but there are a few elements to help with that process. Join our Facebook Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/groups/christianindieartistsandsongwritersCheck out our websitehttps://www.bryanbolivermusic.com/CIASFollow us on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/officialcias/

On this episode I had a great conversation with my friend Kevin Winebarger of Courage Studios. Kevin is a marketer, artist, songwriter, producer and an all around guru in social media and making big impact in the music industry. Kevin has been working in the industry for nearly a decade and has been serving many artists along the way.Kevin took a deep dive into many of his marketing principals on things like Spotify and YouTube marketing, as well as insights on how to make real impact on your music journey.  If you are looking to go further and reach more people with your music, you are going to need to grab a note pad and get ready to listen to this episode a few times, as there is a lot of wisdom and knowledge to take in!To connect with Kevin:https://www.couragestudiosonline.com/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/couragestudios/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/CourageMusicStudiosTikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@couragestudios?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

  Plugins are one of the most talked about aspects of recording music. There are so many to choose from and SO many companies who make them. Which ones do you need to make pro music? The questions and possibilities are truly endless.  I wanted to walk through the top plugins I use on a daily basis. These are helpful tools and are also versatile and can be used in many different ways. These 23 plugins will make your music sound better, faster, with some honorable mentions at the end!Check out Waves plugins here:https://www.waves.com/r/cby5lqLearn to produce music from home with our Logic pro X course:https://www.bryanbolivermusic.com/logicproxforartistsandsongwritersOur website:https://www.bryanbolivermusic.com/Join our active and encouraging Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/christianindieartistsandsongwriters

  Have you ever got a troll comment?  There are so many positive parts about the internet. It helps us stay connected, share our lives and even create new relationships. But of course there are many negative sides to it as well.  Whether virtually or in "real life" there are going to be people out there who may try to discourage us from chasing after our dreams.   How we let it effect us, is up to us. We can let it keep us from moving forward, or we can turn it into the fuel that pushes us further than we could ever imagine. The good news is that it's not very hard to spin negativity to a positive space. On this latest episode I want to talk about a troll comment I recently received, and my thoughts on it to hopefully encourage you on your journey. Join our active and encouraging Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/christianindieartistsandsongwritersLearn how to produce music from home here:https://www.bryanbolivermusic.com/logicproxforartistsandsongwritersWebsite:https://www.bryanbolivermusic.com/

    There is so much noise and everyone seems to be trying to capture our attention these days. Social media is an incredible tool, but it can be difficult to figure out how to reach people with our music. Between endless scrolling and short attention spans, what is the secret sauce to finding people who are actually interested in being a part of your music journey?   On this latest episode I discuss what I believe will help you grow, and walk through 4 steps to help build it and make it last! Join our active and encouraging CIAS Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/684796875715831Let's connect further! Website:https://www.bryanbolivermusic.com/Learn how to produce music from home here:https://www.bryanbolivermusic.com/logicproxforartistsandsongwriters

What if all of your imperfections, insecurities, pain, trials and weaknesses are where your BEST songs come from?On this episode of the CIAS Podcast I discuss why I believe our weaknesses actually make us stronger and our music better, and share a little of my testimony too (which is something I have never shared on the podcast before)Would love to hear your thoughts on this! To connect further: Join our active and encouraging Facebook group here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/christianindieartistsandsongwritersWebsite:https://www.bryanbolivermusic.com/

On the latest episode of the CIAS Podcast I had the privilege of interviewing Nashville based artist, singer, and songwriter Grace Graber.I felt called to reach out to Grace after hearing about her mission to bring attention to mental health issues in the Church and the Christian music industry. After experiencing both physical and verbal bullying in her childhood, a song saved her during a defining moment in her life. After that experience she realized the power of music and has dedicated herself to sharing that with others. Grace has an important story to tell, about redemption and hope. Grace released her debut EP in 2021 which led to her building a team of A&R management, music producer, and recently signed with Wings Music Group for her upcoming sophomore EP. She has an edgy-pop vibe, with authentic and sincere lyrics. Grace is bold in her songs and sharing her story,  and I know this episode will encourage you on your journey. To connect with Grace head to:https://www.gracegraber.com/Instagram:https://instagram.com/gracegrabermusic?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/5zKLAqfSLwj61spd5ereRK?si=KUULcGIBQVO-sdAVzwVbkAYoutube:https://www.youtube.com/c/GraceGraber

Have you written an incredible song but every time you share it with people you don't get the response you were hoping for? I think this might be why…The best way to give your song a chance to make impact starts with a great demo. True, a great song is a great song no matter the quality of the demo, BUT a better sounding recording is always going to increase its chances of being used.  Whether pitching to a publisher, artist, or for your own artistry, taking the time to produce a high quality demo is key.  There are many approaches to recording demos, but on this video I wanted to talk through the 4 steps I believe will make any demo stand out.Learn to produce from home with our "Logic Pro X For Artists and Songwriters Course"https://www.bryanbolivermusic.com/logicproxforartistsandsongwritersJoin our active and encouraging Facebook community here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/684796875715831Let's connect further! Bryan Boliver Music Website:https://www.bryanbolivermusic.com/

Have you ever felt like you are stuck on your music journey? Like you can't get the ball rolling because it feels too heavy? Well, I think I've got something to help you with that… On this video I discuss 5 ways to keep going on your music journey.Get our music production course "Logic Pro X for Artists and Songwriters" here:https://www.bryanbolivermusic.com/logicproxforartistsandsongwritersJoin our active and encouraging Facebook group here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/christianindieartistsandsongwritersOur website:https://www.bryanbolivermusic.com/

In the music industry there are not many sure things. It can take a long time to achieve anything great and there are so many unknowns. Every story of success you hear will be unique to the person telling it. But what if there are some general steps you could take to set you up for success in music?  I wanted to share 6 steps I took on my music journey that got me to being full-time. These may come in different orders, timelines, and even categories, but I believe these 6 things can help you go full time in music too.Join our active and encouraging Facebook group here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/christianindieartistsandsongwritersOur website:https://www.bryanbolivermusic.comGet our music production course to learn how to produce from home! "Logic Pro X for Artists and Songwriters"https://www.bryanbolivermusic.com/logicproxforartistsandsongwriters

One of the most important pieces on our music journey is the relationships we have. Without relationships, success may not only be tough, but it's basically impossible. We need people to serve, and we need others to serve us to make impact. But how do we meet people? How do we build lasting relationships?Networking is a great way to build relationships.  Attending events, joining groups, and being a part of communities are all great ways to meet and network with others. As with everything, there is a right and wrong way to network.  I wanted to highlight 3 DONT'S of networking to help you make (and keep) good relationships on your music journey. When you learn the art of networking it will literally change everything and allow you to grow in ways you may never had before.Join our active and encouraging Facebook group here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/christianindieartistsandsongwritersOur website:https://www.bryanbolivermusic.com/Grab our music production course "Logic Pro X for Artists and Songwriters" here:https://www.bryanbolivermusic.com/logicproxforartistsandsongwriters

Do you want to know the specific personality traits and habits that can help you go pro as a songwriter? I have had the privilege of collaborating with professional songwriters in my career. Outside of sheer talent I have noticed some common personality traits and habits of the pros. Yes, skill and craft is the key element that will get you in the door to work with pros, but I believe these 10 traits are what will get you the call to come back to write again.If it is your desire to be professional songwriter (or at least operate professionally) then these 10 things will help you hone your craft.Join our active and encouraging CIAS Facebook group here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/christianindieartistsandsongwritersGet our music production course "Logic Pro x for Artists and Songwriters" https://www.bryanbolivermusic.com/logicproxforartistsandsongwriters

Is it possible to stand out and is it even worth it if you can? What does it take to make your own space in the music industry?  I wanted to talk through 3 points of why and how I believe you DO have a place in the music industry. Especially as a Christian indie artist, this is a calling, so not only should we work towards making impact with our music, but I believe we HAVE to do so. Check out our Logic Pro X for Artists and Songwriters Course here:https://www.bryanbolivermusic.com/logicproxforartistsandsongwritersWebsite:https://www.bryanbolivermusic.com/Join our active and encouraging Facebook community:https://www.facebook.com/groups/christianindieartistsandsongwriters

One of the most popular ways to write songs is toplining. Toplining is writing lyrics and melodies to a track at its core. Whether working with a producer in session, or building from a pre-made track, top lining is common in today's songwriting culture.I wanted to walk through 3 tips for toplining that will help you write the best songs possible. Whether you have top lined for years or have not done it yet, these 3 things will bring clarity and foundation to your next session.Get Our Logic Pro X For Artists and Songwriters Course:https://www.bryanbolivermusic.com/logicproxforartistsandsongwritersGet Record Your Vocal Like a Pro free module here:https://www.bryanbolivermusic.com/recordyourvocalslikeaproWebsite:https://www.bryanbolivermusic.com/

On this episode I walk through 8 categories of gear you need to get started in your home studio, with different options depending on your budget and need.  The term "home studio" can feel intimidating, but with just a few basic pieces of gear you can be making high quality, release-ready music in no time.It can be overwhelming and you may think you need everything, right away to get started, but the truth is you can get started with a fairly minimal investment. You just have to be willing to take the time and put in the work.This list is in no way comprehensive because there are TONS of options, but my hope is to give you a road map in getting started to creating music in your home studio.  Get the "Home Studio Gear Guide" here https://www.bryanbolivermusic.com/gearguideLogic Pro X for Artists and Songwriters production course:https://www.bryanbolivermusic.com/logicproxforartistsandsongwritersWebsite:https://www.bryanbolivermusic.com/

 On this episode I had a great conversation with my good friend Chris Clayton. Chris is a Nashville based, producer, songwriter and worship leader. He has a passion to help serve artists to equip them and their churches with impactful music glorifying the name of Jesus.   I met Chris in 2017 at a Kingdom Songs event and he has been a personal champion and encourager to me along the journey. Whether in the studio, leading worship, or in the writing room he is always looking to serve people the best way he can.   Chris walked though his process of producing live records and everything that goes into it. He shared how he wears many hats including producer, writer, worship leader and Pastor all while working with churches and artist's on their worship projects. He said it goes so much deeper than just making records and that there is a ton of heart and care involved in every step of the process. I know that you will be encouraged by this episode and to connect with Christ head to:Website: https://www.chrisclaytonmusic.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrismclayton/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chrismclayton78

On this episode I wanted to talk through 5 things that you should NOT do as an indie artist. You'll want to stick around for #5! I believe by avoiding these things it will help you go further, faster on your journey. And within each point I will also say what you CAN do in place of these common mistakes artists make along the way. For more helpful tips and resources head to:https://www.bryanbolivermusic.com/Join our active and encouraging CIAS Facebook group here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/684796875715831Get FREE mini course "Record Your Vocals Like a Pro" so you can start recording the best vocals you ever in your home studio:https://www.bryanbolivermusic.com/recordyourvocalslikeapro

  One of the most important parts of being a musician is having a community. Without a community we are working and creating with no real concept of reality. As a musician we are the sum of all of our influences and this is an ongoing process. A true community incapsulates all of the people we work with and the people who love our music.   With the internet it has never been easier to build a community. The ultimate goal is to find people who actually love what we do, not just another random follower. But how do you do that? Where do we find our true tribe?  I wanted to walk through 4 important aspects of having a community and throughout it how we can actually find these people. With community anything is possible, so knowing the "why" behind it, is crucial. Join our Facebook Community:https://www.facebook.com/groups/christianindieartistsandsongwritersOur Website:https://www.bryanbolivermusic.com/

  The way we promote our music is crucial to how many people it can impact. If you do a google or YouTube search on music marketing you will find thousands of videos and many may have conflicting, or even contradictory information. So, how do we understand the best way to market our music with so many options?Although there are many sub categories I think the main categories of music marketing can be broken down to paid and free strategies. Even within these two there are so many methods in marketing of our music. Understanding some of the options is the best way to know what is the best fit for you right now. A key to this is being flexible and understanding that what may be a good strategy for you today, most likely, and probably should evolve over time as you go further on your music journey.  This by no means is every option, but these are all things that I have personally done to promote my music and have suggested and helped others do as well. My hope is that you can get a grasp of what is possible both with paid and free options.Get the Free Spotify Curator Inquiry Guidehttps://www.bryanbolivermusic.com/27-guideswebsite:https://www.bryanbolivermusic.com/Join our active CIAS Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/684796875715831

  On this episode of the CIAS podcast I had a great conversation with my friend Daniel Doss. Daniel is a Nashville-based artist, songwriter and producer and has accomplished so much on his journey so far. From being a signed artist with Sparrow records, having a publishing deal with Word Publishing, leading worship at several churches, and having  success as an independent producer and songwriter.  Through all of his achievements Daniel has never lost sight that God is in control of every season. He has always tried to remember that we are living in the 'good old days' right now and how important it is to be present and thankful for every opportunity and experience we have.  The end of 2021 Daniel started releasing music building towards a full-length record that is set to release on digital and even on vinyl later this year. His first single "Speaking Terms" is an honest look at having an authentic relationship with God and is already resonating with so many.   I know you are going to be encouraged and enjoy this conversation. To connect with Daniel Doss head to:Websitehttps://www.danieldossband.com/Instagramhttps://www.danieldossband.com/InstagramFacebookhttps://www.facebook.com/danieldossmusicSpotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/artist/5KUNK8C0taPJnUD0xvPQaC?si=KvymPtoPS4uEl6_1h8a6QQ

Happy new year! Over the last couple of weeks we have been reflecting and assessing everything that happened in 2021. I hope that you were able to celebrate the wins and find areas of growth for the new year.   With all of that information in our minds I now wanted to look to the year ahead. We have just begun 2022 and we can bring everything we've learned and make this the best year yet. On our music journey there is so much to think about to figure out how to move the needle ,and for this week I wanted to focus on how to release music in 2022.  There are 4 key areas that are crucial to having a successful year of releases that I will discuss in this video. We don't have to do all of these things on our own, but figuring out how to do all of them (well) is important. We all have strengths and weaknesses to understanding which areas we need help in, which is just as valuable as excelling in things on our own.Get "Record Your Vocals Like A Pro" https://www.bryanbolivermusic.com/recordyourvocalslikeaproJoin our CIAS Facebook group here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/684796875715831Our website:https://www.bryanbolivermusic.com/

  One of the most important things we can do as artists and songwriters is reflect. Not only is this a great source of creativity and inspiration, but it's a great way to evaluate where we've been. It's that time of year again where we all are working on our goals for the new year. I love setting goals and looking back on the goals from the previous year to see how it went.  I am looking forward to reflecting on what I can do better. Instead of creating new streams, it's my plan to make the streams I currently have go deeper and wider. Creating new things is always great and may be necessary at times, but innovating within existing creation is also key to making the most out of what is already working.  I wanted to share a simple acronym to help you on your music journey in the new year. "Assess, Consider, Execute" (ACE) are key when planning and dreaming about the year ahead. What is a goal for you in the new year?For more resources head to our website:https://www.bryanbolivermusic.comJoin our Facebook group here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/christianindieartistsandsongwriters

 There are a lot of twists and turns on our music journey. Within the same day there can be a wide range of triumphs and trials. The key is consistency, but how do we keep things exciting, how do we stay inspired and how do we keep it fun?  One of the best ways to accomplish this is by never losing the wonder of it all. There is a certain quality to creating music that has a bit of magic to it. It's hard to explain or quantify, but it's a powerful and mysterious part of making music. So how do we preserve the wonder, how do we keep creating music that moves us and others?We can break it down to 4 basic categories: constantly expanding our comfort zones, creating creative deadlines, being excited about every song, and sharing the wonder with others. Hope this episode encourages you! For more helpful resources head to:www.bryanbolivermusic.comJoin our active CIAS Facebook group for artists and songwriters here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/christianindieartistsandsongwriters

  On this weeks episode of the CIAS Podcast I had an incredible conversation with my friend Temitope.  Temitope is a Nashville based singer, songwriter, artist who has been on a mission to unite the Church across all races and backgrounds, through his honest approach, and in a conversation we should all be having right now.   We discussed many of the things Temitope is working on and why he feels called to spread the Gospel with vulnerability and authenticity to who he is, and who God has called him to be. He is driven to share the message that everyone has a unique color, culture and creed combination and we are meant to embrace it.  His music is a tool he is using to create a movement vital to the future of Christian music. We also discussed how God did not create boxes for us, so why should our music fit into a specific lane?  I know this interview will inspire, encourage and challenge you as it did me and I'm excited for you to hear it!To connect with Temitope head to:Website: https://iamtemitope.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamtemitope/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2YrmP8ksRyeEVkzYp5to25?si=rW7F2_FjR7O-woNq-vyASw

There are many traits that make for a successful career in music, but I believe the most important is being consistent. The ability to show up over and over AND OVER again will set you apart and help you build a long-lasting career.  I have heard it said that most people give up after their first failure, and nearly 95% give up after a second, but if you can push through and be consistent it's only a matter of time till you reach your goal. Putting the work in every day will add up to so much more than you could imagine, but taking the steps every day is the most important piece of it.  I wanted to talk through a few important parts of why I think consistency is so important. I am a firm believer that slow and steady wins the race.. and consistency is the key to slow and steady.Join our CIAS Facebook grouphttps://www.facebook.com/groups/christianindieartistsandsongwritersWebsitehttps://www.bryanbolivermusic.com

The yearly Spotify Wrapped numbers came out this week and if you've been on social media, you've seen everyone sharing their results. This is an exciting time for some and there is so much to be gained from it.  Just in case you don't know, every year Spotify releases a cool, animated video showing all the stats over the past year on your Spotify for Artists page. They cover a wide range of numbers including countries listened, total hours spent listened, and overall stream count. This is a great feature that Spotify gives to its artists for free.   I wanted to talk through a few points on what we can do with the numbers we see on our yearly wrap. It can be easy to get excited about big wins or defeated about dismal numbers, but I believe there is so much to learn and take from these stats.Our website:www.bryanbolivermusic.comOur CIAS Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/christianindieartistsandsongwriters

TOP 5 Hidden Waves Plugins  Happy Black Friday! Today is the best day of the year to pick up plugins. The deals are insane and if you are anything like me, you patiently wait to see all the new deals.  I wanted to cover my top 5 favorite hidden gems from Waves. I use Waves plugins every day in the studio and love them. I have talked about many of my favorites before, but I wanted to cover some lesser-known tools that I use a ton and know will help you on your production journey.  Remember, having every plugin will not make our music better by themselves. It all starts with a song. Knowing what tools are best is key to creating great music.Check out Waves plugins here:https://www.waves.com/r/cby5lqCheck our Logic Pro X for Artists and Songwriters Coursebryanbolivermusic.com/logicproxforartistsandsongwriters

There are many layers to a music journey. Many of us get caught up in not knowing how to set aside time in a healthy way for each area. The main parts are songwriting, music production, promotion and brand building. Yes, there is more to it, but I think these 4 cover the most commonly disguised aspects.  Identifying each part is important. I wanted to take a minute to break down a few ideas on budgeting your time and energy to each category to hopefully help you make the most of your efforts.   Breaking these categories down into small segments is a healthy way to budget your time and energy. It all comes down to doing all of these things on a consistent basis. By making it a part of your routine it will become a priority in your life and will help you take the steps you need to get there.Websitewww.bryanbolivermusic.comGet our music production coursewww.bryanbolivermusic.com/logicproxforartistsandsongwriters

On this episode of the CIAS Podcast I had a great conversation with my friend Tailah. I met Tailah through my good friend Jerricho Scroggins and my wife and I attended their wedding this August in Nashville! Tailah is doing big things. Tailah is an artist who has been writing and releasing songs for most of her life in Nashville. The combination of a degree in marketing from the prestigious Belmonte University, and her experience in songwriting and social media, has set her up for great things on her music journey.   While attending college Tailah also interned at some of Nashville's best labels and music companies, continuing to develop her skills and experience as a digital marketer, designer and artist. Tailah broke down some key elements to successfully marketing on our music journeys.  Tailah has just crossed over 200K followers on TikTok and explained how she has put her heart and soul into building real relationships with her followers.   There is so much great wisdom on this episode and I know you will get so much from our conversation. To follow Tailah head to:TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@officialtailah?Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/tailahj/

On this episode of the CIAS podcast I sit with Suzy and we discuss the hacks and scams that are affecting so many of us. My Facebook was almost lost to a very sophisticated hack last week. We were able to get it back but we are still uneasy and taking steps now to be more prepared going forward. On the show we talk about:*Our hack and how we were able to resolve it *Different types of hacks and scams*Focusing your content/artistry on more than one platform*Your mailing list is your MOST important asset *How to protect your platforms*Organic growth is always better than "pay to play"and SO much more! We hope this episode and our experience will help you on your journey, and give you some guidance on how to avoid getting hacked. Would love to hear from you in the comments below! For more helpful tips and resources head to:www.bryanbolivermusic.comJoin our CIAS Facebook groupwww.faceboook.com/groups/christianindieartistsandsongwriters

On this episode of the CIAS podcast I wanted to discuss 5 things that have helped me produce better music. These are more mind-set than technical and I believe will help you in whatever stage you are in.I have been producing music since 2010 and have learned so much along the way.  In the beginning it was an outlet with no rules, and just a way to finally realize the music I was hearing in my head. Over time I started to pick up techniques and tips that helped my music to start sounding better.  I hope you enjoy this episode. To connect with us more head to:WEBSITEwww.bryanbolivermusic.comLogic Pro X for Artists and Songwriters Coursewww.bryanbolivermusic.com/logicproxforartistsandsongwriters

On this episode of the CIAS podcast I had the privilege and honor to have a conversation with one of my hero's and mentors Todd Fields. Todd has been writing, recording and releasing music as an artist for many years and has made real impact with his music.  Todd not only has been writing and releasing music, but he was on staff at North Point church as the worship leader for over 23 years. He has been a part of many national and international ministries including 702 in Atlanta, and even lead worship as part of the Billy Graham crusades team.  Todd's humility and heart for the Lord and people has taken him all over the world.  In 2014 Todd founded and launched Worship Circle. Worship Circle is an online small group community to gives worship leaders all over the world a place to come and build each other up through real, authentic relationships. I was a part of Worship Circle in 2019 where I met Todd, it was truly life-changing and have been honored to call him friend ever since.  Todd shares such incredible wisdom on this episode: from songwriting, to worship leading, to just being a follower of Christ. I know you will be encouraged from our conversation! Worship Circlewww.worshipcircle.comInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/toddfields1/Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/todd.fields.775Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/artist/1BaJsQPKazXb0yXPHLvTO0?si=P9SMTzQQTN6qwNKiClvBOA

Back in 2017 I started to focus on songwriting in a serious way. I had written hundreds of songs for myself and various bands I was in, but 2017 is when I became most focused on becoming a professional in the music industry. In the process I began to produce the songs I was writing to help bring out the best version of the work tapes I had.  On this episode I wanted to talk through a few points about why I believe production is a part of songwriting. Whether you are a producer or working with one (or writing songs you hope to have produced one day) production is a vital part of the songwriting process.   I hope you enjoy this episode and for more helpful tips and resources head to:Websitewww.bryanbolivermusic.comGet our music production coursewww.bryanbolivermusic.com/logicproxforartistsandsongwritersGet Record Your Vocals Like a Pro for free!www.bryanbolivermusic.com/recordyourvocalslikeapro

On this episode of the CIAS Podcast I had the privilege of talking with my friend Dave Taylor. Dave has many years of experience working professionally in the music industry, with 10 of those years spent with Integrity Music. Dave has a passion to help indie artists get their music heard through promotion strategies and consulting. I personally feel this is one of the most helpful podcasts I have done so far to help artists on their journey. Dave walked through the 80/20 principal along with SO MUCH value on being a successful indie artist, especially through streaming and streaming platforms. You don't want to miss this great interview!   If you would like to connect with Dave check out these links, including a link to his Music Streaming Course !https://krissynordhoff.teachable.com/p/music-streaming-and-promotion-for-artistsShoot Dave an email if you're looking for consulting, promotion or just help on your music journey! dave@8020music.comJoin our CIAS Facebook Group!https://www.facebook.com/groups/christianindieartistsandsongwriters

On this episode of the CIAS podcast I wanted to first celebrate our 1 year anniversary! It has been truly incredible to be on this journey with you over the last year. God has accomplished so much more than we ever could have imagined. In our first year we had nearly 8,000 downloads!   The vision of this podcast is to help Christian Indie Artists and Songwriters get songs heard. To see all the hours that have been spent listening and learning from this podcast is such a blessing. Whether this is the first time you've listened or you've been here since the beginning, THANK YOU and we hope these episodes have helped you on your journey.  We have so many incredible interviews and episodes coming soon and we can't wait to share them.  So excited to see all the God is going to do in our second year. We are grateful to have you here with us! Join our CIAS Facebook groupFor more helpful resources head to our website:www.bryanbolivermusic.com

  Co-writing is the BEST way to write songs. I know, I know, you may disagree but I say it because there are so many more benefits than just writing a great song when it comes to co-writing. Yes, writing a great song is the goal, but the relationship building is the key difference and benefit, opposed to solo writing.   The collaborative aspect is so important to co-writing and there are a few tools that help keep things streamlined. You may already use these things, but if not, I wanted to share the tools I personally use during every co-write to help make sure the session is as productive and efficient as possible.Get Record Your Vocals Like a Pro FOR FREEHead to our websiteJoin our CIAS Facebook Group!