More Cowbell Please: CCM Stories

The lawsuit nightmare.Running out of money.Almost homeless with a young family.And the miraculous “eagle” vision that carried him through.Jess shares how God turned the darkest season into a comeback—writing worship anthems for Chris Tomlin, Passion, John Reddick, TobyMac w Forrest Frank, and more.From pop highs (Backstreet Boys, David Archuleta) to Nashville heartbreak and redemption—this is raw faith in the music business.Next episodes coming:Stu G (Delirious? guitarist – worship music legend)Stacey Willbur (veteran CCM song plugger)Hit subscribe—you don’t want to miss these! 🔥#JessCates #ChristianSongwriter #WorshipMusic #ComebackStory #morecowbellplease 00:00 Intro00:57 Out of Money & Almost Homeless01:30 A Vision & God’s Word02:59 Settling the Lawsuit03:50 Lawsuit Aftermath04:46 Life Lessons from the Lawsuit05:15 Lawsuit Outcome05:41 Selling the Catalog06:00 Nashville Deals & Humbling Moments07:18 Forming In Paradise07:35 Signing with TIM Publishing08:14 Getting Back on His Feet08:42 Random Success Stories09:41 Jess’s Journey Through Genres10:10 TobyMac, Forrest Frank & Jon Reddick11:09 “Jeff Cates” & Alt IDs11:41 AI in Songwriting15:12 10,000 Hours & 3 Guys in a Room16:10 Career Advice for New Writers17:50 Embarrassing Songwriting Stories18:33 Lessons from Hard Sessions19:38 Fear vs Faith in the Room21:14 Changing Priorities22:25 Finding & Living Your Purpose24:30 Jonas Brothers Session25:02 Martina McBride “Just Call You Mine”26:44 Passion “The Lord Will Provide”27:36 Song Impacts on Listeners29:28 Goodbye & Thanks29:35 Outro🎧ALL EPISODES:.https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBt6FZ88v_g64fr3KfLjQgPIM0vUYRZy9PODCAST:Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/0v9dEeIH0OeP1chxSfQ7gj?si=d0HmJihHTjGhiEuwP8cYewListen on Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-cowbell-please/id1796605641Get vidIQ to grow your channel faster! 🚀https://vidiq.com/morecowbell

Hit songwriter, Jess Cates takes us into the realities of the craft in both LA and Nashville. From mega hits with Backstreet Boys and American Idols, to worship hits with Elevation, Passion, Matt Redman, and the who's who of CCM Christian Music. From millions in sales and billions in streams, to being broke and almost homelessAt one point finding himself needing to sue his non paying publisher. The highs and lows and song backstories you wont believe!Part 2 next week.Credits include songs withMainstream Pop:Back Street BoysNick LacheyJonas BrothersNew Kids on the BlockVertigoCliff RichardAmerican Idol ALUMS:David ArchuletaScotty McCreeryClay AikenDavid CookCountry:LeAnnRimesMartina McBrideCCM:Mercy MeTobyMacForrest FrankLeelandRebecca St JamesMandisaAvalonBebo NormanPoint of GraceSonicFloodJump5The AftersBritt NicoleBen RectorWorship:Matt RedmanChris TomlinPassion MusicElevationJon ReddickJesus CultureMatt MaherChapters00:00 Intro – Season 2 Premiere!02:13 Welcome Jess Cates02:27 Nashville Roots & Preacher’s Kid Life03:19 Growing Up in Franklin Schools04:01 First Song Ever Written (Age 15!)04:26 Early Gigs & Talent Shows04:46 Meeting Michael W. Smith06:05 One Year at Belmont… Then Quitting06:17 Writing Worship with Friends06:54 First Publishing Deal – Brentwood-Benson07:50 How Publishing Deals Actually Work09:45 Leading Worship on the Side10:07 First Major Cuts (Avalon, Plus One)11:01 Signing a Pop Deal in LA11:27 Moving to Los Angeles12:10 Worship Leading in the Desert12:40 Finding Family at an LA Church13:33 Success vs Faith Tension in Hollywood14:19 Praying in the Bathroom Between Sessions14:58 Inviting God into Secular Writing Rooms15:59 Real Faith Conversations with Pop Stars16:56 The Joshua Tree Surrender Story17:10 Jonas & the Holy Spirit Lights18:26 “Incomplete” – Writing for Backstreet Boys19:51 How the Song Leaked & Exploded20:19 God’s Joshua Tree Confirmation23:07 The Mystery of Songwriting25:01 More LA Hits (David Archuleta, Nick Lachey)25:14 “Crush” – From Prayer Closet to #127:00 The Chris Tomlin “Even So Come” Miracle30:19 Passion Release & Life-Changing Impact30:44 Partnering with TIM Publishing31:37 Why Jess Left LA31:48 The Lawsuit That Changed Everything32:00 Running Out of Money32:20 Landing Back in Nashville32:50 Spiritual Breakthrough in Hardship33:41 Almost Homeless with a Young Family34:28 Outro – Part 2 Next Week!🎧ALL EPISODES:.https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBt6FZ88v_g64fr3KfLjQgPIM0vUYRZy9PODCAST:Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/0v9dEeIH0OeP1chxSfQ7gj?si=d0HmJihHTjGhiEuwP8cYewListen on Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-cowbell-please/id1796605641Get vidIQ to grow your channel faster! 🚀https://vidiq.com/morecowbell

I name the top 5 the most radical Christian music artists in the recorded music era and what they did that shocked the business. And the church. Were they right? Did they go too far? Forrest Frank has posted radical stands lately - Dropping out of the Doves, slamming AI music, refusing to listen to non christian music. It reminded me of those in the past that have done even more radical things, Sadly all but one have passed away, but each lived controversially - and i speculate they may have moderated with time and grace. Follow along as i detail the stands of Carman, Keith Green, Larry Norman, Rich Mullins and of course mr Forrest Frank.🎧ALL EPISODES:.https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBt6FZ88v_g64fr3KfLjQgPIM0vUYRZy9PODCAST:Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/0v9dEeIH0OeP1chxSfQ7gj?si=d0HmJihHTjGhiEuwP8cYewListen on Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-cowbell-please/id1796605641Get vidIQ to grow your channel faster! 🚀https://vidiq.com/morecowbell

Join Me as I share a personal life update. And LEGAL issues!. I'm also taking to opportunity to give a life story of my journey from Australia to India, opening a Christian music venue, to mixing Grammy-winning tracks for For King & Country and Matt Redman! Discover the heart behind the podcast, inspired by faith, struggles, and stories from CCM legends like Danny Duncan, John Mays and Jackie Patillo, as well as CCM's most well known producers, writers, and Artists like for King and Country's own Joel and Luke Smallbone, Matt Hammit and Aaron Shust. The historic -time following of Charlie Kirks assassination has refocused me on the gospel’s power in music. The GREAT NEWS there's MORE COMING. But not for a couple weeks. Stay tuned. Subscribe! #MoreCowbellPleaseIf you've seen the cowbells recent reels showing Charlie Kirk praising Forrest Franks influence, The effect on Lauren Daigle, and Jenny McCarthy you'll have sensed a change. Watch for the upcoming stories and observations in conversation with my guests - we're on a mission!Chapters:0:00 Intro0:09 Welcome to More Cowbell Please0:17 Channel Stats: 1M Views, 1,400 Subs1:10 Guest Highlights: CCM Legends1:15 Producers: Chris Stevens & More2:04 Songwriters: Matt Armstrong & Ian Eskelin2:11 Executives: Jackie Patillo & John Mays2:27 Skillet’s Manager Zach Kelm2:37 Artists: For King & Country & More2:58 Engineers: Danny Duncan & Others3:06 Concert Promoter Gary Smith3:14 Media: Jessica Morris on Newsboys3:24 Thanks to Our Guests3:28 The CCM Industry Pyramid3:38 Why I Paused the Podcast4:41 Legal Hold on Special Episode5:01 My Australian Roots5:26 India Missionary Life5:58 Outback & Boarding School Adventures6:53 Piano Tuning Apprenticeship7:37 Starting a Christian Music Venue8:09 Bible College & Theological Training8:45 Promoting with David Smallbone9:37 Unsung Hero: Amy Grant Connection10:08 Producing Local Acts11:03 Moving to the USA11:37 Working at a Worship Label12:05 Becoming a Full-Time Mixer13:16 Podcast Inception Story13:56 Charlie Kirk Impact14:28 What’s Next for More Cowbell Please🎧ALL EPISODES:.https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBt6FZ88v_g64fr3KfLjQgPIM0vUYRZy9 PODCAST:Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/0v9dEeIH0OeP1chxSfQ7gj?si=d0HmJihHTjGhiEuwP8cYewListen on Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-cowbell-please/id1796605641

Prince Mulla is a Christ follower working in the Bollywood movie industry as a producer and musician. From leading 500,000 in worship to crafting Bollywood hits, Prince shares his journey as a pastor’s son, navigating faith in a 1.4 Billion people nation where conversion is illegal. Hear stories of his viral song “Zinda” impacting Pakistan persecution, and “Gal” healing loneliness. He's producing homegrown authentic modern worship that the Indian population can relate to - and I frankly find fascinating!. In this podcast we learn about how he's blending traditional instruments like tablas, harmoniums and sitar with western musical influences in this new wave of worship music sweeping thru the Church there.Chapters: 0:00 Intro to More Cowbell Please1:07 Meet Prince Mulla: Bollywood & Faith1:36 Prince’s Christian Roots in India2:03 Music Journey: Harmonium to Keyboard2:26 Studying Music in Chennai2:51 Bollywood Beginnings as Keyboardist3:35 Leading Worship for 500,0005:05 Navigating Bollywood’s Music Scene5:55 Faith in Bollywood: Staying True6:28 Producing Ads & Jingles7:16 Viral Christian Songwriting Begins8:10 Personal Worship Through Music9:05 India’s 26 Languages & Hindi Worship9:45 Christianity in India: 2% & Growing11:13 Conversion Laws in India13:26 Christ Follower, Not Christian14:30 Church Growth Amid Persecution16:47 Indian Worship Meets Western Sound18:07 Western Music’s Impact on India18:36 India’s Wealth Divide Explained19:38 Breaking India’s Caste System21:45 First Impressions of America22:56 Zinda’s Impact After Church Bombing24:36 Gal: A Song for God’s Hug26:41 India’s Got Talent & Guinness Record27:33 Nations of Worship Ministry28:10 Keeping Worship Pure, Not Paid29:12 Rich Mullins’ Money Philosophy29:58 Choosing Ministry Over Money30:27 Christian Music Scene in India31:21 Outro & Duncan Phillips Tease🎧ALL EPISODES:.https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBt6FZ88v_g64fr3KfLjQgPIM0vUYRZy9 PODCAST:Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/0v9dEeIH0OeP1chxSfQ7gj?si=d0HmJihHTjGhiEuwP8cYewListen on Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-cowbell-please/id1796605641

Nathan Nockels. Producer. A master class in how to make a record. Picking great songs, being an authentic creative. After 18 years producing for Passion including Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, Crowder, Laura Story and annual conference records, he tells us about his current work - some of his most sucessful yet. But not for the reasons you may think! He's produced hits like the ICONIC 10000 Reasons (Matt Redman), Better is One Day (Passion), Blessings (Laura Story) making the worship sound track of the late 90's and 2000's.Chapters: 0:00 Intro1:53 Welcome to Nathan Nockels2:25 Oklahoma Roots2:55 Early Days with Charlie Hall4:02 First Studio Adventures5:24 Forming Sons and Daughters6:22 Christy’s Game-Changing Vocals7:21 Passion’s Beginnings with Louie Giglio8:10 Nathan’s Producer Awakening9:17 Passion’s First Spark13:24 Matt Redman’s Songs at Passion ‘9914:47 Bringing in Chris Tomlin15:32 Keith Smith’s Loop Legacy17:23 Starting Passion City Church18:27 Writing for Passion Conferences20:03 10,000 Reasons: Disney Robin Hood Roots22:28 10,000 Reasons’ Global Impact25:22 AI & Authentic Music Creation28:01 Keeping Creativity Alive29:52 Snare Sound Evolution31:38 First Massive Crowd Moment32:52 Meditative Music Lessons33:58 Overwhelming Georgia Dome Experience35:09 Leaving Passion37:58 Nockels’ Lullaby & Christmas Success39:33 Authentic Creativity’s Power42:12 Experience Shapes Artistry48:08 Recapturing Youthful Creativity48:57 Challenging the Status Quo51:17 Songs Touching Lives53:27 Hilarious Mixing Mishap55:33 Music Education Journey58:27 Theological Training Insights61:57 Embarrassing Matt Redman Moment62:31 Goodbyes & Thanks62:38 Outro🎧ALL EPISODES:.https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBt6FZ88v_g64fr3KfLjQgPIM0vUYRZy9 PODCAST:Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/0v9dEeIH0OeP1chxSfQ7gj?si=d0HmJihHTjGhiEuwP8cYewListen on Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-cowbell-please/id1796605641

Matt Armstrong is a songwriter behind hits like Chris Tomlin’s “At the Cross” and Casting Crowns’ “Always Enough”! From his Buffalo roots to Nashville’s CCM scene, Matt shares wild stories—spilling Dr. Pepper with Ashley Judd, surviving a dog funeral saga, and finding faith through music. Now an A&R pro at Story House Collective, he mentors new talent like Cade Thompson. Next up: Nathan Nockles & Prince Mulla! Subscribe on YouTube to help us hit our first 1000 - almost there! #MoreCowbellPleaseChapters0:00 Intro1:36 Welcome to Matt Armstrong2:08 Buffalo Roots3:32 Discovering Christian Music6:30 Full Sail Journey7:10 Darkhorse Internship8:13 Working with Ed Cash10:32 Reigniting Songwriting12:03 First Cuts: Always Enough14:06 Ashley Judd & Dr. Pepper16:04 Awkward Protest Song16:34 Three Dog Saga20:47 Song Stories: At the Cross21:11 Watoto Choir Miracle24:22 Songs as Ministry26:56 Making a Living Songwriting28:03 Ups and Downs in Music32:37 A&R at Story House33:59 Dog Sitting for Matthew West34:31 Building Story House Talent38:05 Avoiding Bitterness39:41 Magnificent Defeats43:28 Meeting His Wife44:51 Goodbyes & Thanks44:59 Outro🎧ALL EPISODES:.https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBt6FZ88v_g64fr3KfLjQgPIM0vUYRZy9 PODCAST:Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/0v9dEeIH0OeP1chxSfQ7gj?si=d0HmJihHTjGhiEuwP8cYewListen on Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-cowbell-please/id1796605641

Our epic chat with Gary Smith, a veteran Christian music promoter in Europe! Behind the scenes stories of booking Rebecca St. James’ first UK tour to Skillet’s loud shows and for KING & COUNTRY’s international debut, Gary shares wild stories—like a whale-chasing crowd in the Faroe Islands and a 900-ticket sellout in an Austrian village. Hear how faith and ministry drove his work with, Thrid Day, DC Talk, Newsboys, and many more. 🕊️ Subscribe for more inspiring stories, and don’t miss Matt Armstrong next week! #MoreCowbellPleaseChapters0:00 Intro1:06 Welcome2:02 Early Life Stories2:40 Boys’ Brigade Memories4:08 Discovering Music Festivals4:46 First Bookings: Firm Foundations6:59 Label Showcase Moments8:26 Hiring the Right Team9:21 Landing U.S. Label Gigs9:39 DC Talk Show Highlights10:49 GMA Experiences11:06 David Smallbone’s Impact11:48 Organizing RSJ’s First Tour13:45 RSJ Tour Locations14:57 Planning Show Dates15:46 Core Touring Values16:31 Supporting Promoters17:40 Making Tours Work for All19:00 Austrian Tour Story22:10 Translator Tales23:47 Faroe Islands Adventure26:06 Japan Tour Insights28:20 for KING & COUNTRY’s First International Dates28:59 Keyboard Player Anecdotes30:27 Acts Promoted32:41 To Tour Europe or Not?34:52 Skillet’s Big Date36:13 Investing in European Tours37:42 Europe’s Openness to the Gospel39:38 Crossing Over to Mainstream40:11 U2’s Influence40:57 Life After Promoting42:10 Brazil Tour Story43:56 Rich Mullins’ Legacy45:44 Goodbyes & Thanks45:59 Outro🎧ALL EPISODES:.https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBt6FZ88v_g64fr3KfLjQgPIM0vUYRZy9 PODCAST:Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/0v9dEeIH0OeP1chxSfQ7gj?si=d0HmJihHTjGhiEuwP8cYewListen on Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-cowbell-please/id1796605641

This week I chat with veteran CCM podcasters, the brothers Jacob and Jesse Priddy of the 'Christian Music Guys' podcast, a heartfelt music conversation, with music insights from the fans perspective. As lifelong fans as well as being pastors and worship leaders, they dive into the songs and stories that shaped their faith, from nostalgic CCM classics to today’s emerging artists. With over 200 episodes, they’ve interviewed icons like Steven Curtis Chapman, Matthew West, and former Newsboys frontman John James, sharing their music journey that inspire millions. I wante to get their takes on some topics - so i invited them on for a chat. Great guys and true fans!Visit them : https://christianmusicguys.com/🎧ALL EPISODES:.https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBt6FZ88v_g64fr3KfLjQgPIM0vUYRZy9 PODCAST:Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/0v9dEeIH0OeP1chxSfQ7gj?si=d0HmJihHTjGhiEuwP8cYewListen on Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-cowbell-please/id1796605641

Ainslie Grosser dives deeper with Aaron Shust on his indie artist journey, balancing family with his son Michael’s special needs, and learning to “be still” in faith. From tour pranks to biblical truths, this episode inspires! Aaron talks about the power of his song ZION, His journey as a parent of a special needs boy with Downs Syndrome, Autism Subscribe for more! #MoreCowbellPlease #aaronshust #songwriter Chapters : 0:00 Intro1:01 Changing Labels1:22 Centricity1:55 Independence3:38 Touring and Marriage6:34 Family10:02 Michael11:28 Lessons of Special Needs Parenting15:10 Michael's Birth and the Blog17:21 How a Diagnosis Changes Your Life18:51 Magnificent Defeats19:39 Losing the Band21:07 End of the Centricity Deal23:42 Handling Tough Stuff24:46 Israel Inspirations27:23 Song 'ZION'29:58 Funnies33:02 Goodbyes33:10 Outro🎧ALL EPISODES:.https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBt6FZ88v_g64fr3KfLjQgPIM0vUYRZy9 PODCAST:Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/0v9dEeIH0OeP1chxSfQ7gj?si=d0HmJihHTjGhiEuwP8cYewListen on Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-cowbell-please/id1796605641

Aaron Shust shares his life and music career story. From being a worship pastor in an Atlanta Mega Church, to having #1 hit songs in CCM Christian Music. The challenges of being a christian artist on a secular label. He trace shis journey from a small Pennsylvania church to CCM stardom with “My Savior My God.” Hear how childhood piano struggles, a hymn discovery, and faith shaped his #1 hit. Part 2 coming soon! Subscribe! #MoreCowbellPlease #AaronShust

Its Matt Hammitt, former Sanctus Real frontman, on his journey from Grammy-nominated hits like “Lead Me” to prioritizing family after his son Bowen’s heart condition. Matt shares raw stories of faith, fatherhood, and songwriting, plus his bold take on the Michael Tait allegations. Survivors, you’re seen. Subscribe for Aaron Shust’s story next! #MoreCowbellPlease #MattHammittThe documentary : BowensHeart.comChapters00:00:00 - Intro: Welcome to Matt’s Story00:01:26 - AI Bio: Matt’s Sanctus Real Journey00:04:39 - Origins: Ohio Roots & Music Passion00:06:49 - Forming Sanctus Real: High School Beginnings00:07:55 - Early Encouragement: Finding His Voice00:08:52 - Faith & Songwriting: A Biblical Lens00:11:27 - Sanctus Real vs. Fatherhood: Life-Changing Tension00:17:02 - “I’m Not Alright”: Raw Songwriting Story00:21:17 - Embarrassing Moment: Australia’s Zipper Chant00:24:21 - Songwriting for Others: For King & Country00:27:34 - Speaking for Faith: Marriage & Pro-Life00:28:52 - Bowen’s Heart: A Miracle Through Trials00:31:34 - Marriage & Grief: Navigating Pain Together00:37:35 - Impactful Stories: “Lead Me” Saves Marriages00:40:02 - Addressing Tait: Defending CCM’s Heart00:50:45 - CCM Reform: See Something, Say Something00:54:54 - What’s Next: New Music & Advocacy00:57:13 - Outro: Hope and Handshakes🎧ALL EPISODES:.https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBt6FZ88v_g64fr3KfLjQgPIM0vUYRZy9 PODCAST:Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/0v9dEeIH0OeP1chxSfQ7gj?si=d0HmJihHTjGhiEuwP8cYewListen on Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-cowbell-please/id1796605641

Jessica Morris, the journalist behind the Roys Report’s explosive Michael Tait exposé. From her Australian roots to shaking the CCM world, Jessica shares her journey, faith, and 2.5-year investigation into Newsboys’ and DC Talk former frontman. We unpack the allegations, the industry’s response, and hope for reform. Read the articles linked below first! Survivors, you are seen. Subscribe for Matt Hammitt’s healing take next week! #MoreCowbellPlease #JessicaMorris #CCMJessicas First Julie Roys Articlehttps://julieroys.com/former-newsboys-frontman-michael-tait-accused-sexual-assault-grooming-substance-abuse-dating-back-to-2004/Jessicas Second Julie Roys Articlehttps://julieroys.com/woman-accuses-michael-tait-drugging-her-watching-newsboys-tour-manager-covered-up/🎧ALL EPISODES:.https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBt6FZ88v_g64fr3KfLjQgPIM0vUYRZy9 PODCAST:Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/0v9dEeIH0OeP1chxSfQ7gj?si=d0HmJihHTjGhiEuwP8cYewListen on Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-cowbell-please/id1796605641

Chris gets honest about career challenges. We talk Carrie Underwood hit, Gloria Gaynor producing, Shakira writing, RV'ing, His  @moodyproducer  Identity on Instagram and TikTok. He also talks about what Christian Music is. #chrisstevens #ccm #christianmusic Chris won 5 Grammy Awards and 15 Doves!🎧ALL EPISODES:.https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBt6FZ88v_g64fr3KfLjQgPIM0vUYRZy9 PODCAST:Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/0v9dEeIH0OeP1chxSfQ7gj?si=d0HmJihHTjGhiEuwP8cYewListen on Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-cowbell-please/id1796605641If you love stories and the music business, this podcast is for you. I interview professional music creators hearing their origins, song and production stories, experiences and embarrassing stories. Not to be taken too seriously!

5x Grammy-winner Chris Stevens joins More Cowbell Please to share his wild journey from crafting gaming sounds to producing hits for TobyMac, Sanctus Real, and Mandisa! 🎹✨ Hear about his early days with a Moog synthesizer, the making of I’m Not Alright, and heartfelt Grammy moments. And bonus - an early CCM fail with Audio Adrenaline Subscribe 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@MoreCowbellPleasePodcast?sub_confirmation=1 for Part 2 next week! #ChrisStevens #TobyMac #SanctusReal #ccm Chapters00:00 Intro: Welcome to Chris Stevens’ Story!01:08 Greetings: Studio Vibes with Chris02:12 Early Life: Music in My Blood03:17 Sibling Influence: 70s & 80s Music Magic04:20 High School: Rock Band Dreams04:45 College: Electronics to Music Pivot04:59 Game Sound Job: PC Beeps Begin06:28 Making Game Sounds: From Bleeps to Tracks08:16 First Synth: Moog MG1 Madness09:39 Forming Own Company: Game Audio Hustle10:29 Moving to Producing: Chasing Real Music10:51 Moved to Nashville: CCM Calling11:09 Paul Wright & Shawn Macdonald: Early Breaks11:47 Starting with TobyMac: Creative Sparks12:20 First Success: TobyMac’s “Gone” Hits13:32 Audio Adrenaline Fail: Nashville Lessons15:41 Sanctus Real: “I’m Not Alright” Triumph17:17 Grammys: From Loss to Victory20:01 Mandisa: Heartfelt “Overcomer” Memories21:37 Outro: Part 2 Tease!🎧ALL EPISODES:.https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBt6FZ88v_g64fr3KfLjQgPIM0vUYRZy9 PODCAST:Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/0v9dEeIH0OeP1chxSfQ7gj?si=d0HmJihHTjGhiEuwP8cYewListen on Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-cowbell-please/id1796605641If you love stories and the music business, this podcast is for you. I interview professional music creators hearing their origins, song and production stories, experiences and embarrassing stories. Not to be taken too seriously!

Keith Everette Smith blows us away! Grammy-contributing trumpeter, TobyMac’s live music director, and producer for Tasha Layton’s #1 CCM hits. From Elvis with Baz Luhrmann to arenas with TobyMac, Session stories with Phil Ramone, Dolly Parton, Jack White Subscribe for Chris Stevens in Ep. 15! #KeithEveretteSmith #TobyMac #TashaLayton #ccmChapters00:00 Welcome to Keith Everette Smith!01:24 Greetings and Studio Vibes01:48 Keith’s AI-Generated Bio Reveal05:39 From Pastor’s Kid to Music07:14 First Gear and Recording Hacks08:02 College Days and Music Passion08:36 Liberty Scholarship Surprise09:37 Saddleback Church Journey09:46 Forming Anthem Lights10:23 Nashville Move and Hustle11:42 Session Horn Player Life11:47 Jack White Studio Stories12:41 Inside Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis16:17 TobyMac Tour Adventures18:14 More Jack White Sessions19:51 Phil Ramone, Dolly, Chicago22:30 Michael Narada Walden Encounter24:46 Phil Ramone’s Mixing Lesson25:59 What Defines Christian Music?27:43 Life-Changing CCM Testimonials29:46 Facing Magnificent Defeats32:51 Bravado in Music Careers33:37 Secrets of Great Engineering37:27 Tasha Layton’s Love Story38:16 Advice for Aspiring Musicians41:29 Producing with Wife Tasha44:56 Career and Family Balance47:01 Farewell and Handshake🎧ALL EPISODES:.https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBt6FZ88v_g64fr3KfLjQgPIM0vUYRZy9 PODCAST:Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/0v9dEeIH0OeP1chxSfQ7gj?si=d0HmJihHTjGhiEuwP8cYewListen on Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-cowbell-please/id1796605641If you love stories and the music business, this podcast is for you. I interview professional music creators hearing their origins, song and production stories, experiences and embarrassing stories. Not to be taken too seriously!

Joel Smallbone of for KING & COUNTRY bares all in More Cowbell Please Ep. 13, Part 2! 🙏 🇺🇸 From wrestling criticism to a faith crisis over Christian music, the Unsung Hero movie’s emotional premiere, and hilarious “Two Pair” undies gaffe, Joel’s journey inspires.#JoelSmallbone #forKINGandCOUNTRY #CCM #USA🎧ALL EPISODES:.https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBt6FZ88v_g64fr3KfLjQgPIM0vUYRZy9 PODCAST:Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/0v9dEeIH0OeP1chxSfQ7gj?si=d0HmJihHTjGhiEuwP8cYewListen on Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-cowbell-please/id1796605641If you love stories and the music business, this podcast is for you. I interview professional music creators hearing their origins, song and production stories, experiences and embarrassing stories. Not to be taken too seriously!

Joel Smallbone wanted to be a solo artist. He did the hard work for it, but for King and Country was his life's path. How did that happen? Hear an exclusive unreleased demo of one of the first songs he wrote at age 16, his early songwriting fears, and a hilarious take on 1990s America as a seven-year-old Aussie—think Wild West chaos! Also some inside stories about the movie 'Unsung Hero'. This is Part 1 of a multi-part episode, with more to come next week. Don’t miss Episode 12 with Sean Moffitt #christianmusic #forkingandcountry #unsunghero #podcast🎧ALL EPISODES:.https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBt6FZ88v_g64fr3KfLjQgPIM0vUYRZy9 PODCAST:Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/0v9dEeIH0OeP1chxSfQ7gj?si=d0HmJihHTjGhiEuwP8cYewListen on Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-cowbell-please/id1796605641If you love stories and the music business, this podcast is for you. I interview professional music creators hearing their origins, song and production stories, experiences and embarrassing stories. Not to be taken too seriously!

Join us for Episode 12 of More Cowbell Please with Sean Moffitt, a three-time Grammy-winning mix engineer behind hits for Keith Urban, Lauren Daigle, TobyMac, and more! From his roots as a drummer to mixing 'How Can It Be' and surviving stage-four cancer, Sean shares untold stories of faith, burnout, and the CCM industry. Host Ainslie, dives deep into Sean's journey and nerdy mixing tips. Subscribe for more inspiring CCM stories!

Discover untold stories from Christian Music music icons like Luke Smallbone & Paul Mabury! Subscribe to More Cowbell Please for exclusive CCM insights that inspire. 🎙️✨ Interviews with well credited Producers, Writers, A&R, Engineers, Artists and Executives. The people behind such artists as Lauren Daigle, Hillsong United, for King and Country, Skillet, Mercy Me, Toby Mac, Colton Dixon, The Afters and many more! Subscribe - new episodes every Thursday.