Christian Music Maker

For nearly 30 years, I've been getting paid to make music, and for the last 20 years, it's been my full-time work. In this solo episode, I share four myths I had to unlearn along the way—from creativity and productivity, to faith, identity, platform-building, and staying focused on mission when the methods keep changing. If you're an artist, songwriter, producer, worship leader, or creative trying to build something meaningful, these lessons were learned the hard way. In this episode: Why creativity and productivity aren't opposites The danger of waiting until you have the whole plan Why achievement can't give you identity How to build a platform that serves others Why your mission matters more than your methods Whether you're just getting started or you've been at it for years, I hope these lessons encourage you to keep showing up, keep growing, and keep creating. ----more---- Stay in the loop: ✅ Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christian.music.maker ✅ Sam Hart on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samhartmusic ✅ Sam Hart on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samhartlife

In this episode of Christian Music Maker, Sam sits down with Steele Croswhite and Caleb Yetton from The Rock Music in Utah for a conversation about worship culture, authenticity, theology, creativity, and why so many churches unintentionally end up sounding exactly the same. Steele shares his journey from rock-and-roll frontman to pastor and worship leader after addiction, loss, and a radical encounter with Jesus changed the trajectory of his life. Caleb shares how grace, discipleship, and authentic community reshaped his understanding of ministry and creativity. Together, they unpack: How churches can discover their own unique “sound” Why authenticity matters more than trends The tension between creativity and imitation in worship culture Theology, Scripture, and discipleship in worship ministry Why local church involvement matters for musicians Building team culture instead of personality-driven ministry What it looks like to create music that actually reflects your city and people This is a conversation for worship leaders, artists, pastors, songwriters, producers, and anyone wrestling with how to build something meaningful without simply copying what already exists. Follow / listen to The Rock Music: therockmusic.org Instagram: instagram.com/therockmusic TikTok: tiktok.com/@therockmusic Facebook: facebook.com/therockmusic   Christian Music maker: https://www.christianmusicmaker.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christian.music.maker

Christian hip hop artist Connor Flanagan joins Sam Hart for a practical and honest conversation about what it really looks like to build an artist career before the “big breakthrough.” Connor is a full-time indie artist, husband, dad of five, songwriter, performer, and self-described artistpreneur who has learned how to book his own shows, route tours, build a live experience, sell merch, and keep going without waiting for a label, manager, or booking agent to rescue him. In this episode, Connor shares how he went from playing small shows with CDs and moving lights to building a nimble live setup that fits in a minivan. He also opens up about fear, faith, comparison, anxiety, and what it takes to stay faithful in the middle season of the artist journey. If you’re a Christian artist, songwriter, producer, worship leader, or creative trying to figure out how to move forward without a full team behind you, this conversation is full of gold. Connect with Connor: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connorflanaganmusic Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/connor-flanagan/450791190 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5AhC3FXTAcCNMKXvVhGDZo?si=3erpY25US2yF0JaGq711yA Website: https://www.connorflanaganmusic.com Connect with Christian Music Maker: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christian.music.maker YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@christianmusicmakerpodcast Website: https://www.christianmusicmaker.com

What happens when a former skeptic and mocker of Christianity has a radical encounter with God in a hospital bed — and Christian music becomes part of his redemption story? In this solo episode (the first since Episode 0!), Sam reflects on a viral post from celebrity influencer Perez Hilton, who recently shared how a song by Rend Collective and Jervis Campbell moved him to tears on the way to school drop-off. It's a surprising, encouraging, and timely reminder of something every Christian music maker needs to hear: you never know who is going to hear your song and how God is going to use it. Sam also gets personal — sharing his own story of how Christian music met him in his own prodigal season, his convictions about Scripture and sexuality, and why staying "salty" matters more than chasing spins, streams, or awards. If you're tired, discouraged, or wondering if any of this is worth it — this episode is for you. In this episode: The Perez Hilton story and why it matters for Christian music makers Watch the clip Sam references: [Perez Hilton's Post — https://youtu.be/pmhAdGubNXI?si=yONpOv1byx8en6kz ] Rend Collective & Jervis Campbell — listen to Do It All Alone: SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/track/4r52cNLmKqWVMMyaHYXikF?si=29cd4d2261744b8f  |  APPLE MUSIC: https://music.apple.com/us/album/do-it-all-alone/1887355945?i=1887356036 Sam's personal story and convictions Matthew 5:13-16 — Stay salty, stay light A word of encouragement for the weary creative Join the conversation: 📲 Follow & DM us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christian.music.maker Supported by Worship Leader Media: https://worshipleader.com Enjoying the podcast? Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts — just scroll down on the show page, select your star rating, and tap "Write a Review." It takes 60 seconds and helps more Christian music makers find the show. ~1,000 downloads and counting — thank you to listeners across the US, Canada, Algeria, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Pakistan, Philippines, New Zealand, Mexico, Chile, Italy, and beyond!

What do you do when the calling you were certain about… goes quiet? In this episode, Jamie Jamgochian shares the real story behind a career that looked like it was over—Lyme disease, years of silence, and the wrestle of wondering if God was finished. We talk about surrender, identity, waiting seasons, and what it actually means to trust God when nothing is moving. If you’re an artist, songwriter, or producer navigating a slow season—or questioning your next step—this one will hit close to home.   00:00 — Intro 02:00 — From jazz pianist to Jesus encounter 05:00 — How faith reshaped her music and calling 09:00 — Early days with Centricity Music + “Hear My Worship” 13:30 — Worship vs CCM: does the distinction even matter? 21:30 — When everything stopped: illness, silence, and doubt 24:30 — “I thought it was over…” — hearing God in the lowest moment 27:00 — Identity: who you are when the music stops 32:00 — Advice for single artists in ministry 38:30 — The importance of mentorship and being teachable 43:00 — Stop waiting for industry permission 46:30 — New music, book, and creative direction 49:00 — How to wait well when nothing is happening 🔑 What You’ll Take Away Why your identity can’t be tied to your career How to navigate seasons where nothing is moving What surrender actually looks like in real life (not just songs) Why mentorship and community matter more than you think The difference between calling, timing, and control 📌 Connect with Jamie Music, book, and more from https://www.jaimejam.com https://www.christianmusicmaker.com