Beyond Sunday Worship

Worship Podcast

#142: Sleeping At Last On The Independent Artist, Lyric Writing, & Recording [Podcast]

THE INDEPENDENT MUSICIAN

The writing process is always hard, but if you keep pushing through it you get more adjusted to the difficulty of writing songs.” – Ryan O’Neal

If there’s anyone who knows how to write lyrics and melodies, it’s Ryan O’Neal from Sleeping at Last. For years I’ve been inspired by how Ryan approaches his craft – with discipline, hard work, joy, and purity. If you’ve never heard his music, you’re welcome. Now is the time.

Ryan isn’t your typical musician – rather than releasing an album every 3 years, he releases new songs every month. He’s done this for years now and it has worked incredibly well for him. In addition to all his albums and projects, his music has been featured on TV shows like Grey’s Anatomy, Ellen, So You Think You Can Dance, and commercials for Mercedes Benz, Budweiser, and more.

Trust me, his music will help you savor life more, persevere through hard times more, and help you see the beauty in all things.

Today we talk about creative process, lyric writing, software instruments, recording, production, movies, and more. Let me know what you think!

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The Fastest Way to Make a Difference With Your Life

THE FASTEST WAY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE WITH YOUR LIFE

I’m going to go out on a limb and say that everyone wants to make a difference with their life.

You want to matter. You want to use the breathe you’ve been given to speak encouragement. You want to use the time you have to make a dent in the universe. No one wakes up and says, “What’s the fastest way to waste my life? I think I’ll do that today.”

Of course not. But the truth is, many of us are wasting our lives. We might not be intentional about it, but that’s the point. Without a life of intention, you have a life at random. Without specific direction, you have no direction.

It’s as if we’re letting life happen to us rather than making life happen.

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9 Lessons Young Worship Leaders Need To Learn

9 truths young worship leaders need to hear

I remember the day like it was yesterday.

I remember my heart racing, tears flowing, and my life changing. It was the day I experienced the presence of God for the first time. Sure, I had been in church many times before. But this time was different. This time I felt the love of God sweep over me like never before. I could sense His presence. I caught a glimpse of His glory.

And I’m not one to get emotionally overwhelmed by things. I’m much more analytical. But this was different. This was the call of God. This was an awakening from death to life. When I think on that moment, it reminds me that those moments are happening all the time. Every song we choose, every word we speak, every service we lead, destinies can be altered.

These are the kinds of things I wish I was told when I started leading worship. Which is why I compiled this list. If you’d like, share this with the young worship leaders you’re working with.

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#141: Chris Greely On Producing Albums, Mixing, & Church Sound [Podcast]

PRODUCING ALBUMS

We find a sound and we’re like, ‘Wow, that’s nothing like what we want’ and we just screw it up until it sounds like something neat.” – Chris Greely

What happens on stage is only a fraction of what it takes to have great services at church. Without skilled, smart, and worshipful people running production, everything is a mess.

That’s why I wanted to bring Chris Greely on the podcast. Chris works for Bethel Music as a producer, live sound engineer, and mixer, working with a stellar team of guys like Gabriel Wilson, Bobby Strand, Garrett Viggers, Daniel Mackenzie, & Michael Pope. He has worked on the albums Without Words, We Will Not Be Shaken, You Make Me Brave, Have it All, the upcoming live album, and many others.

In this chat we talk about the ins and outs of church sound, producing albums, video games, how to get a great mix, gear, and more. Be sure to share this with your production team!

Enjoy!

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Is New Always Better? How to Balance Creativity & Simplicity in Worship

is-new-always

It’s the start of a new year. “New” is on everyone’s minds.

  • What new changes do I need to make?
  • What new disciplines do I need to start?
  • What new ideas should I implement?
  • What’s the new hit song?

Let me just say this. I’m a big fan of new ideas. They can revive what is stagnant. They can breathe life where momentum has been lacking. But worship leaders, you need to know something.

The value of what you bring to your local church isn’t constantly chasing what is new and novel. The latest and greatest isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be.

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