The Secret Chord

Nick talks with worship artist Andy Cherry about his journey into the world of Christian music, walking away, and God leading him back again. The two discuss Andy's new record "Invocation," Andy's pursuit of personal and family health, and the redemption of dreams through Andy's journey of worship. You may or may not be able to find Andy on MySpace. ANDY CHERRY Listen to Andy's new record "Invocation" on Spotify & Apple Follow Andy on Instagram @andycherry THE SECRET CHORD For new episode info follow TSC on Instagram @thesecretchordpodcast Follow The Secret Chord Season 1 playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0aaO0vKdZOy4RJ9ueaD5vg?si=b2df25097e824a46 Theme music by Mountaintops: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7d4GxDYKKKb6wzu3tQIBrW?si=vCCkGo1KS3yuZTZuG-fe2Q --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-secret-chord-podcast/support

Join The Secret Club here! Hit the “Support” button! Send Nick a message on Instagram (or email at mountaintopsmusic@gmail.com) to be added to the WhatsApp group! High five emoji! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-secret-chord-podcast/support

Nick talks with Eric and Krissy Nordhoff about their decades of experience in the Christian music industry. The three talk about dealing with the constant rejection that comes in the music business, maintaining core values as Christians, and what it looks like to empower others along the way. The two share stories from their own journey and the philosophies that sit behind their longevity and success. Eric and Krissy Nordhoff have been involved in Christian music since the 90's. Eric has worked any number of jobs at Christian labels, started lots of businesses, and has more stories that you could shake a stick at. Krissy is a n award-winning songwriting who's hits include “Your Great Name” (recorded by Natalie Grant) and “Famous For” (recorded by Tauren Wells and Jenn Johnson.) Together the Nordhoffs started the Writing Worship organization to help train the next generation of Kingdom songwriters. Ask Eric and he might reveal his Michael W. Smith impersonation to you. WRITING WORSHIP & NORDHOFFS Follow Writing Worship on Instagram @writingworship.co / Follow Krissy on Instagram @krissy_nordhoff / Take the Songwriter Personality Test / Watch the “How to Craft Heartfelt Songs” webinar / Take the Songwriting Administration Course / Visit WritingWorship.co / Join the Writing Worship Songwriting Mentorship / THE SECRET CHORD For new episode info follow TSC on Instagram @thesecretchordpodcast / Follow The Secret Chord Season 1 playlist on Spotify / Theme music by Mountaintops / --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-secret-chord-podcast/support

Nick talks with Jillian Edwards about growing up in a musical family, the winding journey of being a songwriter who's also a Christian, and how having a family has focused her as an artist. Jillian shares about what it was like to fight through her stage fright, and how she's learned to own her personality as a performer. Jillian Edwards is a singer/songwriter who's been releasing albums since her teenage years. She's been surrounded by musical family her entire life, and is an artist who represents a slow and consistent climb in their career. Her albums have charted on all sorts of Billboard charts over the years. Her new EP “Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled” blends her songwriter roots with songs about her faith. You may or may not be able to find her on MySpace. JILLIAN EDWARDS Follow Jillian on Instagram @jillian_edwards Listen to the new EP “Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled” on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6ctgu4FFlnNhMgrKiIzCxp?si=86oUpcFVRhqeg6r_vPHJuA THE SECRET CHORD For new episode info follow TSC on Instagram @thesecretchordpodcast Follow The Secret Chord Season 1 playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0aaO0vKdZOy4RJ9ueaD5vg?si=b2df25097e824a46 Theme music by Mountaintops: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7d4GxDYKKKb6wzu3tQIBrW?si=vCCkGo1KS3yuZTZuG-fe2Q --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-secret-chord-podcast/support

Nick talks with Christian music marketing guru Drew Small about the ins and outs of how Christians can effectively - and ethically - promote their music. The two talk about how marketing philosophy meets discipleship, how labels effectively market major label artists, and practical tips that independent musicians can use immediately. Grab a pen and take notes! Drew Small is a marketing director who's worked with some of the biggest names in Christian music. Drew's worked for Bethel Music, Capital Records, and now for Tooth and Nail / BEC Records. Drew's had the opportunity to work on tons of huge projects, and oversee the marketing after the music gets made. DREW SMALL Follow Drew on Instagram @not__drew Check out Drew's marketing website: drewsmall.com THE SECRET CHORD For new episode info follow TSC on Instagram @thesecretchordpodcast Follow The Secret Chord Season 1 playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0aaO0vKdZOy4RJ9ueaD5vg?si=b2df25097e824a46 Theme music by Mountaintops: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7d4GxDYKKKb6wzu3tQIBrW?si=vCCkGo1KS3yuZTZuG-fe2Q --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-secret-chord-podcast/support

Nick talks with John Mark McMillan about his long history as an artist, creative philosophies, and what it means to write music that truly connects with people. The two discuss John Mark's years as an independent artist versus working with a record label, the pros and cons of the industry, and how both the industry and artists change over the years. John Mark McMillan is a platinum-selling artist best known for his songs like “How He Loves,” “Death in His Grave,” and “King of My Heart” written with his wife Sarah. His reputation for blending genres, authentic songs, and exploring the mysteries of faith has garnered a rabid fanbase. McMillan's influence on the past 20 years of Christian music is hard to overstate…and he also might know the code to unlock MTV on your parents' television. JOHN MARK McMILLAN Follow JMM on Instagram @johnmarkmcmillan: https://www.instagram.com/johnmarkmcmillan/ Support JMM on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/johnmarkmcmillan Listen songs JMM's latest music on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0T1KC0OHfbRO0O5bNH2tek?si=abowIWppRmSHnyf2jaB92g&dl_branch=1 THE SECRET CHORD For new episode info follow TSC on Instagram @thesecretchordpodcast Follow The Secret Chord Season 1 playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0aaO0vKdZOy4RJ9ueaD5vg?si=b2df25097e824a46 Theme music by Mountaintops: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7d4GxDYKKKb6wzu3tQIBrW?si=vCCkGo1KS3yuZTZuG-fe2Q --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-secret-chord-podcast/support

Nick talks with Tony Wood about his decades of experience as a Christian songwriter. Tony shares stories and lessons from his own journey, cowriting tips and advice for young songwriters, and wisdom that's sustained his career for 30+ years. They touch on the importance of finding your people, leveraging your strengths and weaknesses, and what it takes to succeed in the Christian music industry. Tony Wood has become a mainstay in the Christian songwriting world. The artists who have recorded Tony's songs includes folks like Michael W. Smith, Reba McEntire, Matt Redman, and Stephen Curtis Chapman. Tony's had 33 #1 songs(!) and he's won/been nominated for so many awards even he's probably lost track. Tony has worked for a variety of publishers in Nashville and has a reputation as a go-to lyricist in Christian music. TONY WOOD Follow Tony on Instagram @tonywood_exit71 Visit Tony's website at tonywoodonline.com Listen songs Tony's written on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1EFO25W7gC1Ut4?si=c6d84a8437c54ad4 THE SECRET CHORD For new episode info follow TSC on Instagram @thesecretchordpodcast Follow The Secret Chord Season 1 playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0aaO0vKdZOy4RJ9ueaD5vg?si=b2df25097e824a46 Theme music by Mountaintops: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7d4GxDYKKKb6wzu3tQIBrW?si=vCCkGo1KS3yuZTZuG-fe2Q --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-secret-chord-podcast/support

Nick talks with Andrew Osenga about his long career in Christian music, how his philosophies have matured over time, and the discerning questions he uses when measuring the music he's responsible for (“Is it true? Is it useful? Is it kind?”) The two talk about how songs influence the way people think, Andrew's role working with artists for Integrity Music, and the responsibility of Christian music-makers. Andrew Osenga has played nearly every role in the music industry: songwriter, artist, studio musician, producer, label executive. His career started at the age of nineteen with his band the Normals, who toured and released albums during his college age years. Andrew went on to join the band Caedmon's Call, and has produced and toured with many well known Christian artists. He's released his own albums for over twenty years, and has become a voice of influence in the Christian industry. Andrew works A&R for Integrity Records, helping to guide and lead the next generation of artists. ANDREW OSENGA Follow Andrew on Instagram @andrewosenga Check out Andrew's music, production, studio work, and podcast at www.andrewosenga.com Listen & follow Andrew on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1lJC5MbTUW5ld4yXzNB0H4?si=9z_TcXcNRoO7JFB4YwKpVA Andrew's albums can be heard wherever you listen to music. INTEGRITY MUSIC Follow Integrity Music on Instagram @integitymusic THE SECRET CHORD For new episode info follow TSC on Instagram @thesecretchordpodcast The Secret Chord Season 1 playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0aaO0vKdZOy4RJ9ueaD5vg?si=7xlGspYmSNeoWrEXef-aDg Theme music by Mountaintops: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7d4GxDYKKKb6wzu3tQIBrW?si=vCCkGo1KS3yuZTZuG-fe2Q --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-secret-chord-podcast/support

Nick talks with Andrew Blooms about life as a full-time artist, producer, and songwriter. Andrew shares about his songwriting process, how to succeed working with other artists in the studio, and his journey toward creative contentment. The two discuss how to synthesize the life of faith with life as a full time musician. Andrew Blooms is a singer/songwriter, artist, and producer from Atlanta. While he's not making records for other artists, he keeps busy releasing a prolific string of albums and singles. He's released three albums in the last four years that tackle various themes of life and faith from an angle that's interesting and uncommon. Andrew's also part of the Common Hymnal collective, a group of “spiritual underground” Christians who create from fringe spaces and make music that sounds markedly different than typical CCM. Andrew also functions as the personal assistant to legendary producer Chef Bloomyardee. ANDREW BLOOMS Follow Andrew on Instagram @andrew.blooms Listen & follow Andrew on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5o17ihVicRuwiD54GBZpt1?si=GZyVZiGxS6i0m_1tNIeyGQ Andrew's latest album “987” can be heard wherever you listen to music. THE SECRET CHORD For new episode info follow TSC on Instagram @thesecretchordpodcast The Secret Chord Season 1 playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0aaO0vKdZOy4RJ9ueaD5vg?si=7xlGspYmSNeoWrEXef-aDg Theme music by Mountaintops: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7d4GxDYKKKb6wzu3tQIBrW?si=vCCkGo1KS3yuZTZuG-fe2Q --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-secret-chord-podcast/support

Nick Talks with Matt Stinton about the craft of writing songs, removing barriers to creativity, and pursuing emotional & relational health as worship leaders. Matt shares from his own journey about redefining success & his huge heart for teaching others through The Songwriter's Advocate online school. Matt Stinton is a pastor & songwriter based out of Portland, Maine. His well-known worship songs include “Give Me Jesus” and “Who Can Compare to You.” Matt founded the online school The Songwriter's Advocate and wrote the book by the same name. MATT STINTON Follow Matt on Instagram @mttstntn Follow The Songwriter's Advocate on Instagram @thesongwritersadvocate Listen & follow Matt on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7hpcX3zORb79qaPYgwkXbi?si=zi82_7-iRaqXhvw7v9IQkw Learn more about the Songwriter's Advocate online school: www.thesongwritersadvocate.com MUSIC Matt's latest EP “Son of the Sea” can be heard wherever you listen to music. THE SECRET CHORD For new episode info follow TSC on Instagram @thesecretchordpodcast The Secret Chord Season 1 playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0aaO0vKdZOy4RJ9ueaD5vg?si=7xlGspYmSNeoWrEXef-aDg Theme music by Mountaintops: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7d4GxDYKKKb6wzu3tQIBrW?si=vCCkGo1KS3yuZTZuG-fe2Q --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-secret-chord-podcast/support

Nick talks with Temitope about the struggles of being in the “middle space” as an artist, his new “Meji” EP, and the beauty of embracing ourselves as God made us to be. Temitope shares about the peculiarities of growing up in America as a non-African American black man, approaching conversations with a heart truly bent toward Gospel reconciliation, and what it looks like to trust Jesus when we're tempted to be envious. Temitope Peters a songwriter, artist, worship leader, and social activist. He's released several projects including his recent “Meji” EP. He describes his music as “horizontal worship” in hopes that it mobilizes the Church to love well, especially those that are different than us. Born to Nigerian and British immigrants and raised in San Diego, Temitope is a living embodiment of the idea of multiculturalism. TEMITOPE Follow Temitope on Instagram @iamtemitope Listen & follow Temitope on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2YrmP8ksRyeEVkzYp5to25?si=1cUu3_LgTtGnpPO_9AHy9A Watch “The Reconciler's Guide” series: iamtemitope.com/projects/ Follow the Lumpy Couch (formerly “Join the Family”) on Instagram @thelumpycouch MUSIC Temitope's new EP “Meji” can be heard wherever you listen to music. THE SECRET CHORD For new episode info follow TSC on Instagram @thesecretchordpodcast Theme music by Mountaintops: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7d4GxDYKKKb6wzu3tQIBrW?si=vCCkGo1KS3yuZTZuG-fe2Q --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-secret-chord-podcast/support

Nick talks with Andy Squyres about his new record “Poet Priest,” creative sustainability, and “respecting the listener.” The two talk about Andy's lyrical and musical influences for the new record, pursuing music as a family man, and what it looks like to have faith in a culture increasingly critical of evangelical Christianity. Andy Squyres is a pastor and songwriter from North Carolina. In 2015 he released his first record, “Cherry Blossoms,” which was written and released after the murder of a friend, and the emotional and spiritual wrestling that took place in the wake of his friend's death. His brand new album “Poet Priest” was released on February 25th to critical acclaim. Andy might be the “Christian songwriters' favorite songwriter,” and he may or may not like Garth Brooks. ANDY SQUYRES Follow Andy on Instagram @andysquyres Listen & follow Andy on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1zs56l8qWxeDZ5aBAulSJU?si=PFBOPvSXSveSPwGsDg-rJw MUSIC Andy's new album “Poet Priest” can be heard wherever you listen to music. THE SECRET CHORD For new episode info follow TSC on Instagram @thesecretchordpodcast Theme music by Mountaintops: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7d4GxDYKKKb6wzu3tQIBrW?si=vCCkGo1KS3yuZTZuG-fe2Q --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-secret-chord-podcast/support

Nick talks with Jon Guerra about mining unique influences for worship music, illuminating God through creativity, and the honesty that comes from embracing creative “failure.” The two talk about Jon's new record “Keeper of Days,” the peculiarities of growing up in the Christian subculture, leaving the traditional Christian songwriter path, and the philosophies of making sacred music. Leave your favorite takeaway from this episode in the comments on Instagram @thesecretchordpodcast ———————— Jon Guerra is a singer, songwriter, composer, and musical jack-of-all-trades. Jon began his career as a member of Vertical Worship, released an album on a major Christian label, and then left the label to pursue a career as an independent artist. He makes music with his wife Valerie in a band called Praytell, and recently collaborated with Judah Akers (Judah and the Lion) for a new worship project. Jon also composed music for the recent Terrence Malick film “A Hidden Life.” Jon may or may not be an expert on MxPx and Blink 182. Jon and his family live in Austin, TX. ———————— JON GUERRA Follow Jon on Instagram @iamjonguerra Listen & follow Jon on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0T5EH22oyMja9UmN0Rz95o?si=1w4yan4QStORC8ujjNJXPg Listen to Praytell on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/20QoRE4MEXGJpQwRktZ0LJ?si=gN7f6LmGSQKDTDoxWUVNEw Listen to the soundtrack to “A Hidden Life” on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/1JyFpFS3gUIS5F5NCZRsk7?si=BSIol6dXTFa87d2p2NOovw THE SECRET CHORD For new episode info follow TSC on Instagram @thesecretchordpodcast Theme music by Mountaintops: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7d4GxDYKKKb6wzu3tQIBrW?si=vCCkGo1KS3yuZTZuG-fe2Q --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-secret-chord-podcast/support

Nick talks with Maryanne J. George about her journey in music including Maverick City Music and her upcoming solo album. Maryanne shares about how her family shaped her pursuit of worship music, the heart behind Mav City, how to pursue healthy cowriting dynamics, and what it's like to be a woman in a male-dominated industry like the music industry. Maryanne J. George is a worship leader, songwriter, and vocalist best known for her work with Maverick City Music. You've likely heard her songwriting and worship leading on songs like “Such An Awesome God,” “Hymn of the Ages,” and “To You.” Maryanne recently led worship for Passion 2021, and is set to release a solo album in 2021. Maryanne lives with her husband in St. Louis, MO. Leave your favorite takeaway from Episode 3 in the comments @thesecretchordpodcast on Instagram. ———————— MARYANNE J GEORGE Follow Maryanne on Instagram @maryannejgeorge Follow Maverick City Music on Instagram @maverickcitymusic Listen & follow Maryanne on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3tvZTPy MUSIC Maryanne's songs can be heard on “Maverick City Vol. 3 Parts 1 & 2,” “You Hold It All Together” & “Move Your Heart” (Maverick City Music & Upperroom), and “Housefires & Friends” wherever you listen to music. Listen to all the artists featured on Season 1 of The Secret Chord on our Spotify playlist: https://spoti.fi/3cHiq5z THE SECRET CHORD For new episode info follow TSC on Instagram @thesecretchordpodcast Theme music by Mountaintops: https://spoti.fi/3tDEvbs --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-secret-chord-podcast/support

Nick talks with David Leonard about the journey of his career including All Sons & Daughters, NEEDTOBREATHE, producing albums with The Creak Music, and his new venture as a solo artist. David shares some interesting memories of writing “Great Are You Lord,” what it's like to bring an artist's vision to life in the studio, and importance of not giving up in the music industry. Leave your favorite takeaway from this episode in the comments on Instagram @thesecretchordpodcast ———————— David Leonard is a songwriter, solo artist, and producer best known for his songs “Great Are You Lord,” “All the Poor and Powerless,” and “I Will Wait.” As a producer with The Creak Music he's worked with artists like Brandon Lake, Maverick City Music, Cody Carnes, and NEEDTOBREATHE. He's recently released the albums “The Wait” & the “Open House Sessions EP” as a solo artist. David's been nominated for Dove and Grammy awards, and may or may not have missed his calling as a manager at The Buckle. David and his family live in Franklin, TN. ———————— DAVID LEONARD Follow David on Instagram @davidleonardmusic Follow The Creak Music on Instagram @thecreakmusic Listen & follow David on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2r9qoFx4EhGP8RYFQ4eMIE?si=KSeMnPc2QNuFjnOS8bp_Lg / MUSIC David's solo albums “The Wait” and “Open House Sessions EP” out now wherever you listen to music THE SECRET CHORD For new episode info follow TSC on Instagram @thesecretchordpodcast Theme music by Mountaintops: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7d4GxDYKKKb6wzu3tQIBrW?si=vCCkGo1KS3yuZTZuG-fe2Q --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-secret-chord-podcast/support

Nick talks with Josh Baldwin about navigating the world of worship, radio, artistry, and a love for country music. Josh shares the story about recording the “radio version” of “Stand In Your Love,” the gift of being your authentic self as an artist, and how his artistic choices have become more pastoral and pragmatic over the years. Leave your favorite takeaway from this episode in the comments on Instagram @thesecretchordpodcast ———————— Josh Baldwin is a songwriter and artist with Bethel Music best known for his songs “Stand in Your Love,” “Let the Redeemed,” and “Evidence.” He's toured with acts like Zach Williams, For King and Country, and as a part of the Bethel Music collective. He's been nominated for multiple Dove and K Love awards, and has a super power for looking cool in nearly every photo he's ever taken. Josh and his family have lived in Redding, CA for the past several years and recently moved to Nashville, TN. ———————— JOSH BALDWIN Follow Josh on Instagram @joshbaldwin Follow Bethel Music on Instagram @bethelmusic Listen & follow Josh on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2cB6hX2LI14KUTAevpaYn2?si=w1ud5q3LST2jZFL30KOPVQ / MUSIC Josh's new albums “Evidence” and “Live at Church” out now wherever you listen to music THE SECRET CHORD For new episode info follow TSC on Instagram @thesecretchordpodcast Theme music by Mountaintops: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7d4GxDYKKKb6wzu3tQIBrW?si=vCCkGo1KS3yuZTZuG-fe2Q --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-secret-chord-podcast/support

A new podcast about finding the harmony between faith, music, and industry. New episodes every two weeks. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and follow us on Instagram @thesecretchord for new episode drops! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-secret-chord-podcast/support