Podcasts about true tunes

Chris Taylor is a lifer. His first bands, (Windows and Love Coma,) were covered by True Tunes when we were just getting started back in the early 90s. While his bandmate Matt Slocum went on to form the alternative pop group Sixpence None The Richer, Taylor continued to release projects as Love Coma and as a solo artist. He also became an accomplished painter along the way. Now, almost 35 years later, Taylor continues to break new artistic ground. His most recent Love Coma project (which included contributions by Slocum) was a stunner, and his brand new solo project - "I Carry The Flame" may be his best work yet. You may have heard Taylor when he appeared on our Bruce Cockburn episode, but this time it's all about him, his longevity, and how he keeps the flame burning after all these years. PLUS we spin the new EP "Rosemary Hill" by Sixpence None The Richer on the Jukebox!  For more info visit the full show notes page at TrueTunes.com/TaylorFlame.  If you want to support the show, please join our Patreon community or drop us a one-time tip and check out our MERCH!

There's nothing like a relaxed, sit-down conversation – especially when discussing complicated things like faith, love, and art. True Tunes is committed to long-form dialogue in a world that is increasingly (and tragically) defined and governed by social media metrics and pithy one-liners. This conversation with Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Jennifer Knapp may be our longest yet – but we wouldn't have it any other way.   Knapp has come a long way since her debut LP, Kansas, was certified Gold 25 years ago. She followed that with two more critically acclaimed and commercially successful LPs in the Christian music market and earned increased respect and opportunities to share her craft on mainstream stages. She gathered two Grammy nominations and sold a million albums in three years, but things were not well behind the scenes. In 2002, after fulfilling her contractual obligations, Jennifer dropped out of the scene, disconnected from the industry, and moved to Australia. After an eight-year hiatus and coming out as gay, Knapp returned in 2010.   Jennifer recently revisited her debut, re-recording Kansas with producer Steve Hindalong to celebrate its 25th anniversary. On this episode of the podcast, Knapp visits John and Michelle Thompson in their East Nashville home to talk about her journey, her faith, and what it has been like to go back to Kansas. We'll also hear a bit from Hindalong about how the project came together.   Find the full song list and more at TrueTunes.com/Knapp   If you want to support the show, please join our Patreon community or drop us a one-time tip and check out our NEW MERCH!    

Randy Layton has been a tireless advocate of some of our favorite artists since the 1980s. He was also an early influence and encourager of all things True Tunes. His "Alternative Records" imprint helped to define the indie / DIY approach long before it was common, and his current campaign to reissue yet another incredible (and obscure) album by Robert Vaughn and The Shadows is one more example of his undying passion and love. Now, as Randy faces a devastating turn in the battle he has been waging with cancer, he is handing the reigns over to his son Matthias. On this episode, we hear from father and son, about this forty-year legacy, what it all meant, and where it goes when the road seems to end.  For a full list of all of the music heard on this episode, and links to our previous conversations with Randy, visit the Show Notes page at TrueTunes.com/HelloMatthias. (Patreon members will receive an EXCLUSIVE download "Best Of Alternative Records Mix" courtesy of Randy Layton!)  If you want to support the show, please join our Patreon community or drop us a one-time tip and check out our MERCH!

In this bonus episode Leah and Andrew interview Jim Cooper, the composer who wrote and recorded the original score for Rock That Doesn't Roll. He talks about growing up in the DC area, getting obsessed with Fugazi and Dischord Records, then throwing away all his secular music. The full hour-long interview is at our Patreon. The conversation goes on to talk about abandoning a theology major at Wheaton College for music, getting support from John J Thompson and True Tunes, performing at Cornerstone and eating humble pie after opening for Wilco. Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RTDR Some of Jim's music: https://infomercialusa.bandcamp.com/ https://detholz.bandcamp.com/ https://tyme.bandcamp.com/album/someday-in-the-ancient-future Andrew references Ian MacKaye's Episcopalian upbringing in the discussion. Read more about that here: https://wamu.org/story/14/10/17/the_unlikely_bond_between_a_dc_church_and_the_punk_music_scene/

Welcome to the True Tunes Microdose, an impossibly short version of the ongoing conversation you'll find at TrueTunes.com. As we look back on our first 100 episodes we have gathered some of these "greatest hits" - never more than 5 minutes long - to remind long-time listeners of where we've been and give new folks a chance to check us out.  Amy Grant's music may be a bit more "mainstream" than most of the stuff True Tunes was known for back in the day, but her commitment to honesty, integrity, and transparency made her one of our heroes. We featured her in our pages, back in the print mag days, and were thrilled for her to join us here on the podcast. All these years later she stands apart as a ringing example of grace, compassion, and warmth.  To hear the original show CLICK HERE. For the full show notes page head to TrueTunes.com/MDAmy If you want to support the show, please join our Patreon community or drop us a one-time tip and check out our NEW MERCH!

Welcome to the True Tunes Microdose, an impossibly short version of the ongoing conversation you'll find at TrueTunes.com. As we look back on our first 100 episodes we have gathered some of these "greatest hits" - never more than 5 minutes long - to remind long-time listeners of where we've been and give new folks a chance to check us out.  Charlie Peacock is one of the hearts, minds, and voices who inspired the True Tunes story when it first launched in the mid-80s! He was our first guest when we launched this show as well.  To hear the original show CLICK HERE. For the full show notes page head to TrueTunes.com/MDCharlie If you want to support the show, please join our Patreon community or drop us a one-time tip and check out our NEW MERCH!

Mylon LeFevre was an award-winning, genre-defining, trailblazing artist and songwriter who had a song cut by Elvis when he was just a teen, got kicked out of his family's legendary Souther Gospel band for wearing his sideburns too long, and released on the earliest and most significant Gospel Rock albums ever ("We Believe" circa 1970.) He went on to work with a Golden Rolodex full of mainstream rock royalty in the 70s, including George Harrison, Eric Clapton, The Who, and many others, before turning his life around in 1980 and channeling all of his creativity and passion into the production of Christian rock and pop music.  Mylon passed away on September 8th, 2023. True Tunes' John J Thompson spoke to him a couple of years ago, and now, for the first time, that conversation is being made available. For the full list of music used on this episode, visit TrueTunes.com/mylon   If you want to support the show, please join our Patreon community or drop us a one-time tip and check out our NEW MERCH!

The 77s' 1987 self-titled album was not only that band's first real shot at the "big-time" success their fans knew they deserved. It was also the climax of a creative explosion from a unique Sacramento community that had been cooking up spiritually driven, culturally engaged, artistically excellent music for about a decade. On this special "From The Vault" episode of the podcast, we unveil previously unheard tape culled from frontman Michael Roe's conversation with True Tunes and with The Electric Jesus Podcast to finally answer one of the most fascinating questions of all time: Did U2's breakthrough album The Joshua Tree inadvertently KILL one of our other favorite LPs?    If you dig this, don't miss our previous 2-part deep dive with Michael Roe, our recent @45RPM reflection on U2's Achtung Baby, our conversation with 77s and Exit Records advocate Randy Layton, or our discussions in the vault with fellow Exit artists Steve Scott, Jimmy Abegg, and Charlie Peacock.    For this show's FULL SHOW NOTES - including a list of ALL the music used in this episode and more - visit TrueTunes.com/RoeRedux.   If you want to support the show, please join our Patreon community or drop us a one-time tip and check out our NEW MERCH!

The very first episode of this podcast - which premiered back in 2019 - featured a conversation with award-winning producer, songwriter, and artist Charlie Peacock. Charlie, one of the artists who inspired the launch of the original True Tunes in the 80s with his progressive, genre-bending, standard-setting music, was later associated with artists like Switchfoot, Civil Wars, and others. He is currently experiencing one of his most prolific phases as both a musical artist and as a visual artist.  When we first launched this show, we didn't know exactly what the format would be. As a result, a lot of this fantastic conversation got left on the cutting room floor. So for this special "From The Vault" episode, we have found some previously unheard "tape" and framed it with some of Charlie's recent jazz music to highlight even more of his important insights and observations.    Full Show Notes available at TrueTunes.com/CPVault   If you want to support the show, please join our Patreon community or drop us a one-time tip and check out our NEW MERCH!

John J Thompson has been celebrating faith fueled artists ever since he was a kid. Ever since music saved his soul, he has done everything from running the True Tunes club in downtown Wheaton, Illinois, working for a major record label, curating the True Tunes Podcast and teaching at Lipscomb University's Music Industry Studies program. Hear how God used music to break through to John's young, fragile soul and transformed him. Be blessed by Blind Tony's sendoff inspired by John's life. Links to John's books, the movie he's in and things he mentions on the show:True Tunes Podcast, SpotifyThe weekly Spotify playlist John curates:True Tunes Gallery Stage Mixtape Spotify PlaylistTrue Tunes Now on FacebookJohn's books:Raised by Wolves: The Story of Christian Rock & RollJesus, Bread and Chocolate: Crafting a Handmade Faith in a Mass-Market WorldThe Christian music movie that features John:The Jesus Music Movie, TrailerLipscomb UniversityLipscomb's Music Industry Studies ProgramArtists mentioned on the show, songs you should know:DeGarmo & Key, Every Moment, 1986DeGarmo & Key, No Turning Back, the live album that changed John's life, 1982Rich Mullins, If I Stand, You gotta hear this one!! 1998Peter Furler, Newsboys, Entertaining Angels, 199877s, Do it For Love, 1982Resurrection Band, Can't Get You Out of My Mind, 1981Bob Dylan, Slow Train Coming, album, 1979Bruce Cockburn, Dancing in the Dragon's Jaws, album, 1979Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Forgive Me Lord and Try Me One More Time, 1956 Follow One80 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website. Never miss a One80. Join our email list. Follow us on Instagram.

True Tunes host John J. Thompson recently traveled to Cleveland, TN, to speak at a festival in honor of Rev. Howard Finster – the enigmatic painter, pastor, and musician who first came to international prominence when his art was used on album covers by Talking Heads, R.E.M., and Adam Again, and is considered by some to be the father of contemporary folk art. Painter and woodcut printmaker Kreg Yingst, whose art has graced recent album projects by Vigilantes of Love and others, presented at the festival as well and joined John for a conversation. Plus, we crank up the Jukebox to check out one of the most prolific and accomplished outsider musicians of the last three decades; John Darnielle and his band, The Mountain Goats.   The full music list, our special Spotify Mix and more for this episode are available on the SHOW NOTES page at TrueTunes.com/Outsiders2   If you would like to support the show, please consider joining our Patreon community or dropping us a one-time tip and check out our NEW MERCH!

Drew Holcomb is one of the most successful – and innovative – independent singer-songwriters working today. His rootsy, unadorned style has filled theaters and halls around the country, driven several singles up the Americana chart, seen some major placements in prominent films, television shows, and ad campaigns, and earned him a devoted fan base. Moon River, the festival he originally founded in Memphis, now draws tens of thousands of fans to Chattanooga, Tennessee, each September and has hosted Brandi Carlile, The National, Wilco, Dawes, Leon Bridges, Lord Huron, Allison Russell, Jason Isbell, The Avett Brothers, and so many more. So when True Tunes' John J. Thompson was trying to choose a special guest to speak to the final gathering of his first class as a teacher at Lipscomb University's School of Music, he thought of Drew. Fortunately for him, his co-teacher (and boss) Platinum selling and Grammy Award-winning producer Brown Bannister happens to be Drew's father-in-law.   On this extraordinary episode of the podcast, Drew Holcomb comes to class! JJT is joined by eight students as guest interviewers, each bringing one excellent question, and Mr. Holcomb offers a world of wisdom, wit, humor, and inspiration. We hear about everything from his earliest days as a struggling artist to last fall's disastrous Moon River rain-out. We hear about making music with a spouse, managing a band with friends, learning how (and when) to co-write, his biggest mistake, and much more. Throughout the conversation, we also hear clips from a slew of rare tracks by Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, and other friends and comrades.   Says the host: "I am thrilled to be kicking off my new position as the Director of Music Industry Studies at Lipscomb University's College of Entertainment and the Arts with this special glimpse into the creative and strategic conversations we are having with the next generation of artists, songwriters, and industry leaders. Drew was an amazing guest; this show is a gold mine of artist development wisdom. Thanks, Drew - and Brown - and to the students for bringing such excellent questions!" (JJT)    If you would like to support the show, please consider joining our Patreon community or dropping us a one-time tip and check out our NEW MERCH!  

If you think True Tunes host and founder John J. Thompson is objective about music - merely a dispassionate observer or fact-gathering journalist... think again. "Before I wrote about music," he admits, "before I worked in the industry at all - before I promoted concerts or started True Tunes back in the 80s - I was a kid with a guitar, bad hair, and way more confidence than talent. Inspired by heroes like T Bone Burnett, Steve Taylor, Bob Dylan, Bono, Mark Heard, Bruce Cockburn, The 77s, and all of the bands Terry Scott Taylor was in, I knew I had to make music. Everything I have done since then has flowed from this original inspiration. I am definitely biased about this stuff."  And despite how busy he has been helping other people with their projects, It's been a long time since Thompson has released new music of his own. With the release of a new double single: "Ghost In The Needle" / "Not OK At All"  that time has come and he is ready to show his hand. In this special "extended" 45RPM episode, JJT is joined by his wife - and longsuffering Wayside bandmate - Michelle Lynn Thompson to discuss their new songs in particular and their somewhat complicated creative relationship in general. Elsewhere in the show, he sits down with producer Matt Goldman, famous for his work with Underoath, The Chariot, Luxury, and others, to talk about the production process.  Full Show Notes are available at TrueTunes.com/Wayside45 and all of the band's available music can be found at TheWaysideStore.com.    If you would like to support the show, please consider joining our Patreon community or dropping us a one-time tip and check out our NEW MERCH!    

The Prayer Chain is the only band that ever appeared on the cover of the old print version of the True Tunes magazine twice! Though their original run lasted only six years, the band has reunited a few times since breaking up in 1996. One of those was a 2018 show in Anaheim, and JJT was there – in a backstage freight container at a "secret show" at a club called The Wayfarer the night before they rocked the House of Blues. This podcast didn't even exist yet! But here we have a glimpse of these four friends looking back on twenty years of friendship and music – and the persistent questions about labels, limitations, and purpose.   Full Show Notes, and photos, available at TrueTunes.com/PrayerChain18   The True Tunes Podcast is sponsored by VisionTrust.org. Help us change the world one child at a time by sponsoring a child today. Visit VisionTrust.org/TrueTunes for more information. If you would like to support the show, please consider joining our Patreon community or dropping us a one-time tip and check out our NEW MERCH!

The musical highways and byways of this great land are littered with the bedazzled corpses of countless, failed, one-shot rock bands. How many of them, though, would be able to enlist the support of thousands of fans three decades after their demise and raise over $140,000 to mix and master a long-lost live recording – and – release a new studio album – and – celebrate it all with a blistering live show at none other than Music City's hallowed Ryman Auditorium? That's what Nashville's Chagall Guevara just did. True Tunes' John J. Thompson was invited to the band's secret Music City rehearsal lair for an extended conversation about everything from their origin in the late 80s to their unlikely resurrection during a global pandemic. Steve Taylor, Dave Perkins, Mike Mead, and Lynn Nichols are our guests on this episode of the True Tunes Podcast as we contemplate Halcyon Days, memory, and just how amazing “failure” can sound in the right hands. On the Jukebox, we take a listen to Taylor's long-lost Squint Entertainment label and how he channeled his artistic frustration and lessons learned into an artist development story that launched one of the biggest global hits of the 90s; (Sixpence None The Richer's “Kiss Me,”) as well as Burlap To Cashmere, LA Symphony, Chevelle, and more. (Full music list and more can be found on the SHOW NOTES PAGE at TrueTunes.com/halcyon.)  The True Tunes Podcast is sponsored by VisionTrust.org. Help us change the world one child at a time by sponsoring a child today. Visit VisionTrust.org/TrueTunes for more information. If you would like to support the show, please consider joining our Patreon community or dropping us a one-time tip and check out our NEW MERCH!

The original Woodstock Festival happened once. The Cornerstone Festival, however, gathered an unlikely and diverse group of rock and rollers from around the world to two different pieces of land 29 years in a row. Even as the so-called “Jesus Movement,” of the late 60s, and its' fascinating musical soundtrack, transformed throughout the 80s into more of a subculture than a counterculture, and "Contemporary Christian Music" became more mainstream, Cornerstone kept the fire of revolution burning. With a radical lineup – both musically and educationally – this event was unique in the world. It was responsible for launching several artists not only into the thriving underground, but to mainstream rock, alternative, and metal success as well.   The final Cornerstone Festival happened in July of 2012 and on this special edition of the True Tunes Podcast we revisit the event both through archival interviews and performance audio, and newly recorded interviews with some of the festival's founders. We hear from some of our listeners about the ways Cornerstone impacted them, and co-producer Bruce A. Brown even interviews our host, John J. Thompson, for his perspective. True Tunes traces its roots directly to this incendiary event – when John was just a 13-year-old kid watching The 77s, Rez Band, and others in a field outside of Chicago. We'll hear that story and a lot more.   If you were ever at Cornerstone, you know. If not – take a listen and hear about one of the most unlikely, insane, wonderful, and influential events few people have ever heard of. We'll also ponder what we miss most about it ten years later – and what, if anything, we might do about that.   Music list and more are available on the Show Notes Page for this episode at TrueTunes.com/CstoneRemembered   The True Tunes Podcast is sponsored by VisionTrust.org. Help us change the world for one child at a time by sponsoring a child today. Visit VisionTrust.org/TrueTunes for more information. If you would like to support the show, please consider joining our Patreon community or dropping us a one-time tip and check out our SWAG STORE.  

True Tunes is excited to come alongside our friends at Old Bear Records and UTR Media as they pay loving homage to the songs of Rich Mullins with a brand new, analog recording made in a house Rich owned outside of Nashville. On this special 45RPM episode of the podcast, we check in with Old Bear owner and member of The Brothers McClurg, Chris Hoisington, who – along with others – conceived of this special conceptual tribute album. Chris also got us some rare audio so that we could offer you, our listeners, an early glimpse at this very special project.   The Kickstarter campaign has already blown way past its first goal and just announced a new Rich Mullins project as well. Click HERE to read about – AND BACK this incredible project while you can.   "Bellsburg" will include contributions by True Tunes Podcast alums Amy Grant, Kevin Max, Jimmy Abegg, and Taylor Leonhardt, and Mitch McVicker, Derek Webb, and Andrew Peterson, (who were all featured on our two-part Rich Mullins feature,) as well as Ashley Cleveland,  Sara Groves,  Cindy Morgan, Brothers McClurg,  Stephen McWhirter, Jason Clayborn, Ron Block, Ian Zumback, Andy Gullahorn, Carolyn Arends,  David Mullins, Jonathan Mullins, Andrew Greer, Steve Cudworth, Ben Shive, Tommy Sims, Audrey Assad, & Andrew Osenga (all of whom we hope to feature at some point in the future.)    The True Tunes Podcast is sponsored by VisionTrust.org. Help us change the world for one child at a time by sponsoring today. Visit VisionTrust.org/TrueTunes for more information. You can support this show by joining our group of patrons at Patreon.com/truetunes or dropping us a tip via PayPal.  

Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 467 The Jesus Music with John J. Thompson On this episode I'm joined by John J Thompson, former Associate Dean of Trevecca Nazarene University's School of Music in Nashville, Tennessee. He's a speaker, producer, author, artist, and the founder of the podcast “True Tunes.” He is an expert on all things Contemporary Christian Music (CCM). As a consultant and historian he was interviewed for the new documentary “The Jesus Music Film”, which is now steaming on Hulu. “The Jesus Music” interviews some of Christian music's most recognizable stars, including Amy Grant, TobyMac, Kirk Franklin, Michael W. Smith, Michael Tait, Lauren Daigle and more. The film retells a nostalgic history of “Jesus music” — which would later be called contemporary Christian music.  “The Jesus Music” offers an insight to the lives and careers of some of Christian music's most talented creators while legitimately criticizing churches for their lack of support and discussing the problem of racial segregation in Christian music.  I invited John to have a visit on the podcast today to dive deeper into the conversation that Film initiates. Web Links for John J Thompson: Bio: https://truetunes.com/john-j-thompson-bio/ True Tunes: https://truetunes.com/ Books: https://amzn.to/3jzKp9L The Jesus Music Film: https://www.lionsgate.com/movies/the-jesus-music Ukraine Relief Below are some trusted organizations that you can partner with to meet needs of refugees from Ukraine and around the world. Fred Heumann's Article in Christianity Today: https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2022/february-web-only/ukrainian-christians-church-worship-songs-war-and-peace.html Serve Ukraine Web Link: https://actintl.givingfuel.com/serveukraine Nazarene Compassion FB: https://www.facebook.com/nazcompassion Caritas does great work in Crisis: https://www.caritas.org/2022/02/carit... Mercy Corps is fantastic: https://www.mercycorps.org/blog/human... A local Ukrainian non profit that has been serving traumatized children for years: https://voices.org.ua/en/ Alliance for a New Immigration Consensus Tell your Senators you support meaningful bipartisan immigration reform  Urge President Biden Not to Leave Behind Persecuted Afghans  Project Alpha  Afghan Advocacy Resources  Protecting Ukrainian Refugees  https://alinoorani.org/ Rick Lee James Official Web Site https://www.RickLeeJames.com Shine A Light In The Darkness - The Latest Single From Rick Lee James  Get The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/shine-a-light-in-the-darkness Music Video: Rick Lee James Playlist on Spotify: https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa Just for fun Sign Petition For Weird Al Yankovic Super Bowl Halftime Show  https://chng.it/FgrK2kFZ

Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 467 The Jesus Music with John J. ThompsonOn this episode I'm joined by John J Thompson, former Associate Dean of Trevecca Nazarene University's School of Music in Nashville, Tennessee. He's a speaker, producer, author, artist, and the founder of the podcast “True Tunes.” He is an expert on all things Contemporary Christian Music (CCM). As a consultant and historian he was interviewed for the new documentary “The Jesus Music Film”, which is now steaming on Hulu.“The Jesus Music” interviews some of Christian music's most recognizable stars, including Amy Grant, TobyMac, Kirk Franklin, Michael W. Smith, Michael Tait, Lauren Daigle and more. The film retells a nostalgic history of “Jesus music” — which would later be called contemporary Christian music. “The Jesus Music” offers an insight to the lives and careers of some of Christian music's most talented creators while legitimately criticizing churches for their lack of support and discussing the problem of racial segregation in Christian music. I invited John to have a visit on the podcast today to dive deeper into the conversation that Film initiates.Web Links for John J Thompson:Bio: https://truetunes.com/john-j-thompson-bio/True Tunes: https://truetunes.com/Books: https://amzn.to/3jzKp9LThe Jesus Music Film: https://www.lionsgate.com/movies/the-jesus-musicUkraine ReliefBelow are some trusted organizations that you can partner with to meet needs of refugees from Ukraine and around the world.Fred Heumann's Article in Christianity Today: https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2022/february-web-only/ukrainian-christians-church-worship-songs-war-and-peace.htmlServe Ukraine Web Link: https://actintl.givingfuel.com/serveukraineNazarene Compassion FB: https://www.facebook.com/nazcompassionCaritas does great work in Crisis: https://www.caritas.org/2022/02/carit...Mercy Corps is fantastic: https://www.mercycorps.org/blog/human...A local Ukrainian non profit that has been serving traumatized children for years: https://voices.org.ua/en/Alliance for a New Immigration ConsensusTell your Senators you support meaningful bipartisan immigration reform Urge President Biden Not to Leave Behind Persecuted Afghans Project Alpha Afghan Advocacy Resources Protecting Ukrainian Refugees https://alinoorani.org/Rick Lee James Official Web Sitehttps://www.RickLeeJames.comShine A Light In The Darkness - The Latest Single From Rick Lee James Get The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/shine-a-light-in-the-darknessMusic Video:Rick Lee James Playlist on Spotify:https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqaJust for funSign Petition For Weird Al Yankovic Super Bowl Halftime Show https://chng.it/FgrK2kFZ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

On this special @45RPM episode we talk about the importance of festivals as we connect with Audiofeed's head booker, Luke Welchel to hear about the roots, purpose, and plans for one of the midwest's coolest events. We also announce the full lineup for the 2022 event for the very first time! Audiofeed happens June 30 through July 3 and is one of the funkiest, grittiest, and most unique festivals in the country. Rock, metal, rap, alternative, spoken word, Americana, and some just plain weird stuff, all flow together with conversations, food, and friends. True Tunes is proud to be in the house for the 8th annual Audiofeed Festival featuring live performances by one of the most eclectic line-ups in rock… including: Listener, Rosie Thomas, Flatfoot 56, Propaganda, Pedro the Lion, Randy Stonehill, David Eugene Edwards of Woven Hand, Eric Clayton of Saviour Machine, Undercover, Jeff Elbel and Ping, Glenn Kaiser Band, The Wayside, 6'10,  Spoken Nerd, Moral DK, The Huntingtons, Threnodian, Rusty Shipp Jay Joseph, Dan Smith (solo), Revisionist, Narrow/Arrow, V8 Vast Change, Ami Moss, Levi The Poet, The Cedar Shakes, Wind Words, Idle Threat, Egypt Speaks, Pray for Sleep, SPACESHIPS, All Hallowed, Benjamin Daniel, Jericho Harlot, Side Walk Slam, 720=-74s, Words, Adjy, Heather Hammers, Bad Ghost, Saint of Pine Hills, Max Simmons, and more to come...   And in addition to the music, we'll be bringing the True Tunes Live event to the fairgrounds AND will host some on-stage interviews that just might make it onto the podcast. Propaganda will be doing a reading from his new book Terraform, Listener will be hosting a writing workshop – and who knows WHAT else might happen...   It all starts the evening of June 30 with a special pre-fest celebration and concert and then continues through July 3rd   Head over to AudiofeedFestival.com, get your tickets, and make plans to hang out with True Tunes and some of your favorite artists at a festival you'll never forget.

Artist, author, poet, and pastor, Steve Scott, delivers a critical challenge to the question: “Why should art matter to everyone?” Scott has been producing rich, soulful art in a variety of media for over 50 years. He is an international speaker on the subject of Sacred Art and even served as the “Arts Editor” during the print magazine days of True Tunes in the 90s. This short episode delivers a soul-thumping vision of the missional purpose of art. In Part 2 we'll hear about Scott's growing conviction that the Gospel of John is itself both an example of, and a promotion of, cultural critique from a theological perspective.   This episode features a clip of Scott's 80s new wave song “Love In The Western World.” Full show notes are available at TrueTunes.com/SteveScott1 and more information about Steve can be found on his blog site: Crying For A Vision.   The True Tunes Podcast is sponsored by VisionTrust.org. Help us change the world for one child at a time by sponsoring today. Visit VisionTrust.org/TrueTunes for more information. You can support this show by joining our group of patrons at Patreon.com/truetunes or dropping us a tip via PayPal.

On this episode we are joined by singer-songwriter Andy Zipf on the eve of the release of his latest single, “Did You Know I Was A Ghost?” and in anticipation of his upcoming album, How To Make A Paper Airplane. Zipf, a 20-year veteran artist, has worked with labels and functioned as an indie. He has been in bands and has been a solo artist. His latest album, however, takes his work to a whole new place. Drummer and percussionist Jay Bellerose, bassist Jennifer Condos, keyboardist Tyler Chester, and upright bassist Dennis Crouch, have played with T Bone Burnett, Robert Plant, Over The Rhine, Madison Cunningham, and too many others to list. As Zipf's band, they bring sparkle and depth to his excellent songs about loss, doubt, mystery, and beauty. And speaking of sparkle and depth, we cue up U2's Achtung Baby on the True Tunes Jukebox and take a careful listen 30 years on. Artist manager and certified geek Nick Barre joins JJT to examine the lingering legacy of this postmodern classic. Don't miss Andy's exclusive acoustic performance of "Did You Know I Was A Ghost?" on True Tunes at 45RPM. The True Tunes Podcast is sponsored by VisionTrust.org. Help us change the world for one child at a time by sponsoring today. Visit VisionTrust.org/TrueTunes for more information. If you would like to support the show, please consider joining our Patreon community or dropping us a one-time tip and check out our SWAG STORE. As always, THANKS to our Patreon supporters and to the amazing staff and volunteers at VisionTrust.org. Andy Zipf's Official Website:  https://www.thecowardschoir.com/  

As we crack open the True Tunes Vault once more, we unveil a previously unheard 1994 interview with Michael Been of The Call – one of the most under-rated and under-appreciated bands of the 80s. Peter Gabriel once called them “The Future of American Music” and The Chicago Tribune said they “may well be the closest thing America has ever had to its own U2.” Their urgent, inspiring, blood-and-guts rock and roll may have never gotten the attention it deserved, but those fortunate enough to have heard their music – either on record or in concert – were impacted for life. True Tunes' John J. Thompson interviewed Been, The Call's chief songwriter, vocalist, and bassist, around the time of the release of his solo album On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakthrough. This long-lost cassette has been found, restored, and presented here, contextualized with a career—wide exploration of the band's music and legacy.   Full Show Notes, including links to videos, a new book about The Call, and information about our amazing sponsor, VisionTrust, are available at TrueTunes.com/TheCall. And make sure to SUBSCRIBE to the show so you don't miss our upcoming episode which features a brand-new interview with none other than Bruce Cockburn.

On this ground-breaking episode of the True Tunes Podcast, we explore fascinating corners of the current - and quite compelling - world of indie music being made by artists determined to use their work for spiritual purposes. Many are crafting tunes specifically for worship, while others are using their voices to shine a light on issues related to justice, theology, or life in general. Adam Lamah (Beach Chapel,) Stephen Lufkin, (aka Lovkn,) and Troy Culbreth (Cross Worship,) act as tour guides into this growing scene. We hear about their unique stories – and the emerging community of young artists blazing these trails without the support of traditional music business infrastructure. And when we roll out the True Tunes Jukebox, we let our guests load her up with records by Young Oceans, Lovelight, Taylor Armstrong, Them Parents, Antoine Bradford, Worship Mob, Paul Zach & Liz Vice, Andy Squyers, Wade Walker, John Mark Pantana, and then JJT tops it off with a classic track by The Violet Burning.   Beach Chapel came to our attention a few weeks ago when we got a message through the contact form at TrueTunes.com. Adam Lamah heard about True Tunes via an Instagram post by our previous guest, Natalie Bergman. He and his friends have been cultivating a vibrant indie community, both online and in-person, and the resulting music is often spectacular. After he attended the True Tunes Live events in both San Diego (where he shared a couple of songs) and Newport Beach, CA (where he interfaced with second-wave artists Mike Stand of The Altar Boys, Chris Brigandi of The Lifters and Wild Blue Yonder, and others,) we decided that we needed to get Adam on the show to tell us about his impressions of today's sacred indie underground.  He quickly asked if he could bring a "plus one." Stephen Lufkin, aka Lovkn, has been a lynchpin in this scene for years. We talked with both, as well as Troy Culbreth, a visionary pastor, artist, community leader and songwriter from Cincinnati who is using his indie Gospel/Worship collective Cross Worship to bring people together across all kinds of divides. Together we created a 100-song corresponding playlist as well!   Young, fresh, exciting, idealistic, creatively uninhibited, and passionate, this generation of artists - many of whom are working way under the radar of today's music industry, might be changing the way people think about art, community, and worship. One of the main jobs True Tunes had 'back in the day' was to introduce our friends to excellent new sounds. We are wearing that hat once again - and it still fits!   See the SHOW NOTES page for a complete list of all of the music used on this episode, and remember to check out the amazing work being done by VisionTrust as they come alongside local heroes around the world to lift children out of poverty and give them a bright future. Click HERE to support the True Tunes Podcast with a secure donation of any size. 

The Jesus Movement rocked a generation 50 years ago, and its influence on the faith community continues today. John J. Thompson shares about his lifelong passion for music, faith, and community and how you can join him this weekend at Passion Church for a conversation on “Jesus Music” with something called "records", guitars, and some friends. John also served as the featured historian in the Lionsgate film The Jesus Music and creator and host of the acclaimed new True Tunes Podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today I'm joined by John Thompson, Associate Dean of Trevecca Nazarene University's School of Music in Nashville, Tennessee. He's a speaker, producer, author, artist, and the founder of the podcast “True Tunes.” He is an expert on all things Contemporary Christian Music (CCM). He was a consultant and was interviewed for the new film “The…

Today I'm joined by John Thompson, Associate Dean of Trevecca Nazarene University's School of Music in Nashville, Tennessee. He's a speaker, producer, author, artist, and the founder of the podcast “True Tunes.” He is an expert on all things Contemporary Christian Music (CCM). He was a consultant and was interviewed for the new film “The…

I'm honored to welcome John J. Thompson to the podcast. John is the founder and curator of True Tunes and host of the new True Tunes Podcast. He is also a music industry veteran, musician, publishing executive, author, promoter, retailer, pastor… well, he's worn a lot of hats over the years. He is a major music fan and has a desire to see all of us "Listen to better music and listen better to music."  John J. Thompson: Website, TrueTunes, Facebook, and Twitter. And of course, on our page: Christian Music Archive. Christian Music Archive Links: Website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. The podcast and our website are made possible through the generous support of listeners like you. Click here to donate. **** Please be sure to check out Mercy, inc. and see how you can support them today! ****

In this episode we return to the countdown and talk to Sherri Youngward about her debut album, "Faces, Memories, Places." We are also joined by special guest, John J Thompson of the True Tunes podcast to talk about the "Jesus Music Movie" and the upcoming amazing comedy, "Electric Jesus."https://www.facebook.com/groups/legacyccmsgreatestalbumshttps://legacyccmsgreatestalbums.wordpress.com/https://truetunes.com/the-true-tunes-podcast-is-here/http://www.sherriyoungward.com/

Lately, it seems Jesus not only rocks, but He's also a movie star too. The Jesus Music, a documentary written, directed, and produced by The Erwin Brothers (“I Can Only Imagine,” “I Still Believe,” “Woodlawn,”) traces the roots of Contemporary Christian Music back to the Jesus Movement of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s via archival footage and new interviews with Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Kirk Franklin, Michael Sweet, Toby Mac, and scores of other Christian artists and insiders. Electric Jesus is the fictional story of a Christian heavy metal band and the young ingenue that stows away on their RV and manages to steal the show. Starring Brian Baumgartner (Kevin Malone of NBC's The Office) and Judd Nelson of The Breakfast Club, Electric Jesus has billed itself as “the 80s Hair Band Music-Comedy You've Been Saving Yourself For,” as it has crisscrossed the US on a tour of film festivals. (True Tunes featured the cast on an earlier episode and produced an entire special podcast series on the film as well.)   True Tunes' founder and host John J. Thompson is featured in The Jesus Music as an interview subject and historian and served Electric Jesus as Music Supervisor and as a historical consultant. On this episode of the podcast, Thompson brings Andy Erwin (Director of The Jesus Music) and Chris White (Writer and Director of Electric Jesus) together for a wide-ranging conversation about their films in particular, the subject of Jesus Music in general, and the challenges surrounding faithful art-making in the marketplace today.   And on the Jukebox, we contemplate a slew of Jesus Music that did not come from the Evangelical underground and did not stay put in the Christian marketplace. This look at “Jesus On The Mainline” seeks to expand the conversation about just how influential Jesus has been in popular culture over the last fifty years – especially as far as music is concerned. Was CCM music the only, or even most obvious path for people of faith to take?   (Don't miss the companion article for this episode: Jesus Music Rediscovered? A Reflection by John J. Thompson at TrueTunes.com)   Full Show Notes available at TrueTunes.com/JesusMusicMovies

Listen to better music, and listen to music better.   After a twenty-year break – True Tunes is back! The tools are different this time. There's no store, no venue, and no sponsored stages at a major festival. What we have now are lots of stories to tell about lessons learned, visions caught, questions articulated, and community embraced. Join host John J. Thompson and his wide range of guests as we dig for the good stuff. And whether you were a part of the journey with us the first time around, or you're brand new to this conversation, if you're ready to dive into the deep end of the musical pool – where the sounds resonate in ways that defy our labels, then this conversation is for you.   Join us as we converse with musicians, songwriters, producers, and music industry leaders – from legends and obscure geniuses of the past to some of the freshest new voices emerging today. Some examples of the voices you've heard so far include Buddy Miller, Amy Grant, Steve Taylor, Charlie Peacock, Ian Fitchuk, Natalie Bergman, The Choir, Kevin Max, Waterdeep, Gungor, Liz Vice, Sandra McCracken, Eddie DeGarmo, Taylor Leonhardt, Jimmy Abegg, Michael McDermott, Christa Wells, Ella Mine, and rare archive interviews with Larry Norman and Rich Mullins. We also crank up our trusty Jukebox and listen carefully to some amazing music along the way. And we are truly just getting started.   So get yourself something to drink, pull up a chair, and make yourself comfortable, or maybe get your favorite headphones and head outside for a nice walk with us - as we listen to better music, and listen to music better, together.   On the True Tunes Podcast   Produced by John J. Thompson and Bruce A. Brown for Gyroscope Productions. Available on all podcast platforms. Full show notes and episode list available at TrueTunes.com/podcast-show-notes/

On Juneteeth weekend, Darius West shared the @micdropthemovie premiere in #dallas, igniting an overdue celebration of many CHH Pioneers. It was an incredible weekend allowing artists to reconnect, fans to gain a deeper appreciation of the genre, and for all to take in their stories through the documentary. During this interview, the Dynamic Twins share their background, pursuing their calling amid naysayers and standing firm in their beliefs. Did you they had an opportunity to blow up in Hollywood but said “no” to famous producer Mel Brooks when he asked them to compromise their values? About the Dynamic Twins The Dynamic Twins are a Bronx-born Christian rap group composed of identical twins Noel and Robbie Arthurton. The twins moved to California in 1989. They began to make guest appearances on albums by other Christian rap artists, including J.C. and the Boyz' and S.F.C. The group's first album Word 2 the Wize released in 1991 through Broken/Brainstorm Artists International and was distributed to mainstream record stores through Epic Records. S.F.C.'s Chris Cooper helped with production chores and fellow S.F.C.'er The Dove added scratching. Also guesting was Crystal Lewis, whose album Simply the Best had included a song penned by Noel Arthurton. The Twins' second album, No Room 2 Breathe, garnered praise from True Tunes magazine as a "landmark in the Christian rap industry" for basing itself musically around live instruments instead of programmed samples and beats. The third album on B.A.I. was 40 Days in the Wilderness. As with all Dynamic Twins releases, it features many guest appearances, including Ayeesha, who was introduced into the scene on this album. Grapetree Records signed Ayeesha as their first female rapper. The group received 3 Dove Awards nominations for their music and has appeared with well-known artists such as: Westside Connection, Fred Hammond, BeBe, and CeCe Winans, and Audio Adrenaline. #CHH #ChristianRap #ChristianHipHop #ArtistInterview #KingdomBuildingConversation #gospelrap #christfocused #wisdomfromtheword #christianliving #christianrapandhiphop

Justin and Stephen continue their discussion about their own experiences of deconstruction of faith, including how the process of dismantling elements of their Christianity has helped them to start to see Jesus more clearly. They discuss their own experiences of doubt and hope.Justin and Stephen also discuss the murders in Georgia and the sometimes very unhelpful ways that people like them have responded to crises.We have show notes for you at profsinrooms.com and bonus material on Patreon!To donate to production costs, visit profsinrooms.com or become a patron. Find Profs in Rooms mugs and more here. Resources from this episode:True Tunes podcast: Rich Mullins episodeA recent Twitter discussion on deconstructionMore about JustinMore about Stephen Credits: Regular Theme Music by Josiah Enns. This episode was recorded on the land of the Wahpekute, Anishinabewaki, and the Očeti Šakówiŋ (Sioux).We may receive commission from Amazon or Bookshop.org for purchases made through some of our links. Thank you for your support.

In Part 2 of this special episode we hear from our late friend, mentor, and guide, Rich Mullins via a long-lost interview conducted at the old True Tunes record store in Wheaton Illinois in 1995. We also check in with Mitch McVicker, Phil Madeira, and Derek Webb, and we listen to Andrew Peterson on the Jukebox. Rich’s Ragamuffin bandmates Jimmy Abegg, Aaron Smith, and Mark Robertson come back to close things out as well. It’s our longest and fullest episode yet and we are excited for everyone to hear it.   This newly restored interview is 25 years old, but as we hear host John J. Thompson and Mullins talk about the struggle to pursue honest artistry and personal spiritual growth amidst evangelical fundamentalism and the benefits and beauty of exposing ourselves to challenging ideas and people, it seems like it could have been recorded yesterday.  Visit TrueTunes.com for the full show notes and please spread the word. (And don't miss Part 1, where the Ragamuffins set the stage so beautifully.) 

To many, singer and songwriter Rich Mullins was a favorite artist; the man behind songs like “Awesome God,” “Creed,” and “Hold Me Jesus.” To others, he was an enigma—a beautifully inscrutable amalgam of passion, authenticity, vulnerability, and transcendence. To some, he was a friend, a benefactor, or even a brother. On this special two-part episode of the True Tunes Podcast we will revisit the legacy of this unlikely pilgrim through conversations with some of his closest compatriots, and by hearing from the man himself – in the form of a previously unheard, and recently unearthed interview conducted in the old True Tunes record store in 1995. In Part 1 John J. Thompson visits with Rich’s Ragamuffin Band members, Jimmy Abegg, Aaron Smith, and Mark Robertson to help put it all in perspective. On Part 2 (coming soon) he sits down with Mitch McVicker and Phil Madeira, and talks with singer-songwriter Derek Webb who, though he has moved away from Christian music, recently released a cover of Mullins’ “We Are Not As Strong As We Think We Are.” On the Jukebox, we dive into the obviously Mullins-haunted career of Andrew Peterson.   24 years since his passing, might we find some guidance from Rich about navigating the complexities of faith, doubt, and mystery by asking better questions and listening more carefully to the sounds around us?  

In another life, John (JJT) and I crashed an exclusive Nashville party or 3. Today, we celebrate his birthday by bringing the party to Your Neighbourhood. The Founder of True Tunes is one of several hats that John wears, and he shares many of the lessons he learned in spite of himself. Part of his mission is to encourage us all to "Listen to better music and listen to music better." A noble mission, indeed. Making it easy to find the stuff we cover: True Tunes True Tunes Podcast True Tunes Gallery Stage Mixtape - Spotify The Wayside - Bandcamp The Wayside - Spotify Jesus, Bread & Chocolate - Book Raised By Wolves - Book Electric Jesus - Film Liz Vice - Spotify Vision Trust Trevecca Nazarene University JJT Introducing LSU at Cornerstone Festival '93 Live Lounge Allstars - Foo Fighters - Times Like These (BBC Radio 1 Stay Home Live Lounge) Songs featured: The Wayside - Long Time and So Long Once again, composer Lp dazzles us with our mood-setting, chocolate-love embracing theme song. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/PIYN/message

In this special "crossover" episode between True Tunes and Trevecca University's "Music City Colloquies" series, we talk with Grammy, CMA, and ACM Award winning songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Ian Fitchuk (Kacey Musgraves, Maren Morris, Mindy Smith, Amy Grant, Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors, etc) about his journey in music, serving artists, and pursuing musical "enchantment." We also take a listen to Madison Cunningham's Who Are You Now on the Jukebox. (Full show notes at TrueTunes.com) 

In Part Two of our True Tunes 30 Year Reunion coverage we listen in on JJT’s conversation with singer songwriter Michael McDermott, and Jeff Elbel’s interview of JJT, plus we get After The Fire and Avett brothers on the Jukebox. 

The original True Tunes opened in June of 1989, and in the summer of 2019 a group of friends – including Glenn Kaiser, Michael McDermott, Jeff Elbel, Josiah Viland, and The Wayside, gathered in the Chicago area to celebrate that 30 Year Anniversary and to talk about new all-new True Tunes as well. On Episode Four of the True Tunes Podcast we re-visit that gathering with excerpts from the conversations with Jesus Music pioneer, Glenn Kaiser, and rock journalist for the Illinois Entertainer and the Chicago Sun Times, Jeff Elbel. (Don’t worry, the rest will be included in Part 2, coming soon!) In the Jukebox we take a listen to Threads, the brand new album by Sheryl Crow, and the 1976 classic Welcome To Paradiseby Randy Stonehill.

Welcome to the TRUE TUNES PODCAST! True Tunes is a newly re-started conversation about the search for, and celebration of, the good, the true, and the beautiful in music and culture, wherever it can be found. Listen in as founder, author, and music industry vet John J. Thompson stirs the pot with artists, producers, songwriters, and music industry leaders, in search of fresh vision and helpful information for artists and fans. This “Pilot Episode” unveils the scope and vision of this new venture, offers a sneak peek of several interviews in store for Season One, and includes examples of the music, reviews, and content that will be featured in every forthcoming episode. You’ll hear clips of interviews with Allan Aguirre of Scaterd Few and Spyglass Blue, singer-songwriters Christa Wells and Hannah Miller, Artist, filmmaker, and professor, Steve Taylor, Artist, songwriter, and Grammy award winning producer, Charlie Peacock, multi-platinum rock band POD’s Sonny Sandoval, veteran artist Randy Stonehill, and from the True Tunes vaults – never heard audio from Larry Norman and Rich Mullins. There is also a clip of the upcoming conversation with guitar legend Phil Keaggy and a slew of Keaggy song clips throughout the show. Each episode of the True Tunes Podcast will feature the following featuresDancing About Architecture (Conversations)True Tunes News (News and Industry Developments)True Tunes Jukebox (Exploring One Classic Album and One New Album)JJT’s Soapbox (Commentary / Editorial) MUSIC FEATURED IN THE PILOT EPISODE: The following songs are featured in this pilot episode: Full Circle (2019 version) - Phil Keaggy and Rex Paul (Illumination)Phil’s On - Keaggy / Levin / Marotta (The Bucket List)I Love You #19 - Daniel Amos (Horrendous Disc Deluxe Reissue)Good Stuff - Keaggy / Levin / Marotta (The Bucket List)Joyphil - Phil Keaggy (Jammed!)Cayenne Loop - Phil Keaggy (Roundabout)Sometimes 11 - Keaggy / Levin / Marotta (The Bucket List)Whatever Life Demands - Phil Keaggy (Zion)Steely Funk - Keaggy / Levin / Marotta (The Bucket List)Sometimes We Up - Keaggy / Levin / Marotta (The Bucket List)Just Where It’s At Tonight - Moral SupportHow the Kids Are Feelin’ - Moral SupportSin - Moral SupportTo Know You - Moral SupportCyan City - Moral SupportRejoice - Phil Keaggy (What a Day)J-Loop - Phil Keaggy (Roundabout)Watt Ever - Phil Keaggy (Zion)Time (new version) - Phil Keaggy and Rex PaulI Believe - Phil Keaggy and Rex PaulStigotit - Phil Keaggy (Backroom Trax Vol. 3)Altar Boys - When You’re a Rebel (When You’re a Rebel)Kegworth Speaks - Phil Keaggy (Jammed!)Is It Going - Phil Keaggy (Roundabout)Ruach - Phil Keaggy & Kyle Jones (Numen)Ziggurat - Phil Keaggy & Kyle Jones (Numen)Noah’s Shuffle - Phil Keaggy (The Song Within) All songs are used by permission and / or under fair use provisions when used in context (reviews, news, etc.) Thanks to the artists and songwriters who have allowed us to use their music! Please support the music and musicians you love! Phil Keaggy’s music is available at PhilKeaggy.comDaniel Amos’ music is available at DanielAmos.com Follow John J. Thompson on Spotify  Follow the True Tunes Spotify Mixtape on Spotify Follow JJT on Twitter @JohnJThompson Subscribe to the True Tunes email list at TrueTunes.com Contact us at TrueTunesMusic@Gmail.com  

In this episode, I talk with John J. Thompson. Though we met less than 10 years ago, John and I share a rather parallel life that was exciting to explore in this conversation about our shared Central Illinois roots and about signing his own adoption papers, how forgiveness is actually connected to understanding, the unique community that was Cornerstone Festival, his book called Jesus Bread & Chocolate: Crafting a Handmade Faith in a Mass Market World, and so much more. Topics Covered: 0:02:02 Our parallel life 0:12:10 Living in and out of hiding with a con-man father 0:15:28 The making of a con-man father 0:17:59 The forgiveness process 0:21:52 Counting native Nashvillians 0:22:43 Moving to Music City 0:23:48 The beginnings of a music library 0:26:35 Tales from the late great Cornerstone Festival 0:31:43 The rise and fall of True Tunes 0:35:54 "I'm cool with Africa, just don't send me to Nashville" 0:44:42 Grand ideals dashed upon the rocks 0:53:43 About Jesus, Bread, and Chocolate book 1:07:38 John's upcoming projects 1:08:17 Deep admiration for Phil Keaggy 1:10:03 Non-Profit Spotlight: Compassion International 01:10:18 How to connect with John online Follow Along: Follow Collected Clan at these online destinations to never miss an episode. It's free to listen: Official Website Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Podcasts Stitcher YouTube Facebook.com/CollectedClan Twitter.com/CollectedClan Instagram.com/CollectedClan Feedback: Your thoughts, comments, and questions are welcome. Here's how: Email: collectedclan@gmail.com Voice: 615.592.5017 Support: If you find value in what we’re doing on Collected Clan, please support the show financially: PATREON to learn how you can financially support this show for as little as $5 a month, or PAYPAL to make a donation, either one-time or monthly  

  John J Thompson of True Tunes News wraps up the story of the magazine- began in episode 125- picking up at the publication’s zenith, it’s collapse and what’s become of the tribe since those final days. To hear this on iTunes, click here!

Back in the late 1980’s, a little magazine began to be passed around by discouraged and disenfranchised music loving, truth seeking believers on the back pews of churches. The mag was called True Tunes and what it did was send up flare to those folks who were looking for music with meaning and integrity, both of which unfortunately for many did not exist in the mainstream Christian music industry of the times. The visionary of the publication was a kid-at-the-time by the name of John J Thompson who joins us to tell us of the rise, the fall and possible resurrection of True Tunes.   To hear this on iTunes, click here!

John J. Thompson is a 30-year music industry veteran, author, songwriter, artist, producer and teacher who currently serves as Associate Dean of the Trevecca School of Music and Worship Arts and as Director of Publishing for E One Nashville. Until recently he was Creative Director at Capitol CMG Publishing. His abiding passions for authentic, spiritually alive art, transformative community, innovative business practices, artisanal living, and home roasted coffee are explored in his new book. Jesus, Bread, and Chocolate; Crafting a Hand Made Faith in a Mass Market World (Zondervan / Harper Collins 2015) and can be found throughout his professional, creative and ministry-oriented career. “It’s been an amazing journey so far,” Thompson says. “I’m thrilled when I am able to speak into a community, a business, or a project in a way that is inspiring and helpful.”In 1989, at the age of 19, Thompson founded True Tunes Etc, in Wheaton Illinois, a music store, magazine and concert venue, while simultaneously cultivating his songwriting, performing and worship-leading skills in his band, The Wayside. After leaving True Tunes in 2000 he accepted a position with the Cornerstone Festival, scored a ballet for a local dance school, produced several records and wrote the book Raised By Wolves; The Story of Christian Rock and Roll (ECW Press, 2000) – all while serving as a pastor at Warehouse Church, an inner-city ministry in Aurora, Illinois. “For me everything bled into one,” he explains of his varied resume. “Whether it was leading worship or preaching at church, speaking at a college, writing, or working with big music companies, or playing with my band in a pub, I thrive wherever faith, art, and people intersect and nothing gives me more satisfaction than connecting folks and unleashing vision.”Throughout his sojourn in the music business Thompson built a solid reputation as a music critic and feature writer for many publications including CCM Magazine, HM Magazine, Christianity Today and Christian Musician. He joined Capitol Christian Music Publishing in early 2007 (then known as EMI Christian Music Group) where he managed a roster of CCM and Gospel songwriters (Andrae Crouch, Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp, Aaron Lindsey, John P. Kee, Fred Hammond, Anita Wilson, VaShawn Mitchell, etc) and provided Music Supervision services for films, (including the 2013 Lionsgate movie Grace Unplugged.) He is currently a contributor of music and film reviews for www.ThinkChristian.net and is a regular speaker at colleges, churches, songwriting events and festivals on behalf of Compassion International.Although still a Chicagoan at heart Thompson loves the creative, independent spirit he has found in East Nashville, TN where he has lived with his wife (Michelle Lynn Thompson) and four children since 2007.Blog: www.JohnJThompson.com – Twitter: @JohnJThompson – Instagram: TheOnlyJJT

John J. Thompson is a 30-year music industry veteran, author, songwriter, artist, producer and teacher who currently serves as Associate Dean of the Trevecca School of Music and Worship Arts and as Director of Publishing for E One Nashville. Until recently he was Creative Director at Capitol CMG Publishing. His abiding passions for authentic, spiritually alive art, transformative community, innovative business practices, artisanal living, and home roasted coffee are explored in his new book. Jesus, Bread, and Chocolate; Crafting a Hand Made Faith in a Mass Market World (Zondervan / Harper Collins 2015) and can be found throughout his professional, creative and ministry-oriented career. “It’s been an amazing journey so far,” Thompson says. “I’m thrilled when I am able to speak into a community, a business, or a project in a way that is inspiring and helpful.”In 1989, at the age of 19, Thompson founded True Tunes Etc, in Wheaton Illinois, a music store, magazine and concert venue, while simultaneously cultivating his songwriting, performing and worship-leading skills in his band, The Wayside. After leaving True Tunes in 2000 he accepted a position with the Cornerstone Festival, scored a ballet for a local dance school, produced several records and wrote the book Raised By Wolves; The Story of Christian Rock and Roll (ECW Press, 2000) – all while serving as a pastor at Warehouse Church, an inner-city ministry in Aurora, Illinois. “For me everything bled into one,” he explains of his varied resume. “Whether it was leading worship or preaching at church, speaking at a college, writing, or working with big music companies, or playing with my band in a pub, I thrive wherever faith, art, and people intersect and nothing gives me more satisfaction than connecting folks and unleashing vision.”Throughout his sojourn in the music business Thompson built a solid reputation as a music critic and feature writer for many publications including CCM Magazine, HM Magazine, Christianity Today and Christian Musician. He joined Capitol Christian Music Publishing in early 2007 (then known as EMI Christian Music Group) where he managed a roster of CCM and Gospel songwriters (Andrae Crouch, Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp, Aaron Lindsey, John P. Kee, Fred Hammond, Anita Wilson, VaShawn Mitchell, etc) and provided Music Supervision services for films, (including the 2013 Lionsgate movie Grace Unplugged.) He is currently a contributor of music and film reviews for www.ThinkChristian.net and is a regular speaker at colleges, churches, songwriting events and festivals on behalf of Compassion International.Although still a Chicagoan at heart Thompson loves the creative, independent spirit he has found in East Nashville, TN where he has lived with his wife (Michelle Lynn Thompson) and four children since 2007.Blog: www.JohnJThompson.com - Twitter: @JohnJThompson - Instagram: TheOnlyJJT

1980's artists fogotten, neglected or never heard in the first place. This time John J. Thompson of True Tunes fame helps us remember The Alarm, After the Fire and Steve Taylor! To hear this on iTunes, click here!

Welcome to another dig through the often overlooked music of the 1980s! This time around journalist and author John J Thompson of True Tunes fame joins us to talk about the quiet but pure impact of artists The 77's, The Call, Ideola and Tonio K, of whom were within the personal and professional circles of such giants U2, Simple Minds, Peter Gabriel and many other 80's icons. Lots of great history and personal stories shared! To hear on iTunes, click here!