Christian Music Mentor

In this episode of the Christian Music Mentor podcast, host Brad interviews cinematic artist and social media influencer Matt Macleod. Matt shares his journey from learning drums before he could walk, to producing cinematic worship music, and building a thriving online community with over 150,000 followers. Rooted in faith and mentorship, Matt's story highlights the power of authenticity, creativity, and service in music ministry. They discuss his early influences growing up in a worship household, his passion for reimagining worship songs with cinematic soundscapes, and how he uses TikTok not just as a platform for promotion but as an art form to build genuine connections. Matt also shares insights on mentoring artists, building community beyond social media, and how faith fuels his creativity. Whether you're an artist, worship leader, or simply seeking inspiration, this episode offers practical wisdom and encouragement to create with purpose and passion. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 01:00 Matt Macleod's Early Love for Drums and Music 03:15 Growing Up in a Worship Household 05:30 Discovering Music Production and Mentorship 07:45 Reimagining Worship Songs with Cinematic Sounds 10:45 The Awe of Soundtracks and Hans Zimmer's Influence 13:00 Crafting Cinematic Worship with Limited Resources 14:30 Starting Out on TikTok and Social Media Journey 17:30 Mindset Shifts: Treating Social Media as Art 20:15 Authenticity, Passion, and Sharing What You Love 22:45 Building Community Beyond Platforms (Discord & Email) 25:30 Soundtracks that Inspired Him (Dune, The Wild Robot) 28:15 Advice for Artists: Have Fun Helping People 29:45 Closing Thoughts and Encouragement Follow Matt Macleod: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattmacleodmusic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattmacleodmusic/ Website: https://mattmacleodmusic.com/ Free Skool Community for Christian Artists & Songwriters: https://www.skool.com/christianmusic

In this inspiring conversation, Brad sits down with Wes & Callie Strunk of Nonah—the husband-and-wife duo blending worship and pop sounds with millions of streams worldwide. They share the heartfelt story behind their name, the journey of moving to Nashville with young kids, and the lessons they've learned about songwriting, discipline, and waiting on God's timing. From their 40-hour first song to releasing a full album and seeing God open unexpected doors, Wes & Callie offer powerful encouragement for artists who feel delayed or discouraged. This episode is full of wisdom on purity in the music industry, balancing family and ministry, and trusting God to breathe on your creativity. If you've ever wondered how to steward your calling while navigating real life, this one will fill you with hope. Get NONAH's new music 48 hours before it goes to the public: https://nonahmusic.com/ Join our free community for Christian artists and songwriters: https://www.skool.com/christianmusic/about

In this powerful episode, Brad sits down with Kevin Winebarger — a singer, producer, music marketing coach, and worship leader whose testimony of healing and purpose will encourage any Christian artist. Kevin shares his journey from battling Graves' disease to experiencing full remission. He explains why he stepped away from releasing music for years and what shifted to reignite his purpose. You'll hear about the $850 strategy that helped his first single reach 100,000 streams, along with practical marketing and playlist pitching advice for indie artists. He also unpacks how to build a sustainable income from your music without burning out, and offers encouragement to trust God and stay faithful in the hidden seasons. Whether you want to grow your audience, steward your songs well, or make music your ministry and income, Kevin's story is packed with hope and hands-on wisdom. Links and Resources: Listen to Miracles by Kevin Winebarger: https://open.spotify.com/track/4nGKyM4fDvnZb43mbGJAI0 Book a free call: https://www.couragemusicmarketing.com Connect with Brad: https://www.christianmusicmentor.com If you enjoyed this conversation, please rate, review, and share the show to help other Christian artists and songwriters grow in their calling!

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, worship leader, songwriter, and pastor Rheva Henry shares her journey of overcoming fear, breaking free from comparison, and embracing her full identity as a creative in the Kingdom. From growing up in a gospel church in Houston to leading worship at Bethel, Rheva opens up about the internal battles she faced—even while standing on big stages—and the breakthrough moment that changed everything. Whether you're leading worship in a megachurch or writing songs from your bedroom, this conversation will remind you that you don't have to choose between the different parts of your story. God wants to use it all. You'll walk away inspired to stop shrinking back, take up space, and bring the fullness of who you are to every room you step into. Connect with Rheva: https://rheva.com/

In this episode of the Christian Music Mentor podcast, host Brad interviews worship leader and YouTube personality Sam Reed. Sam shares his journey from growing up in a musical household to becoming a well-known worship leader online. Despite challenges like losing his voice and going through personal struggles, Sam's heart for worship and his commitment to authentic ministry shine through. They discuss the importance of being authentic in worship, practical tips for creating impactful worship videos, and Sam's vision for future ministry. Whether you're an aspiring worship leader or simply looking to deepen your worship experience, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration. Worship With Sam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9i8XeiR6rEQ&list=PLyGA0c7HBFMNzgGQA3CqPPKDsL1RPPI5c Sam's Full Testimony: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqlyEKe7nu8&t=4s 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 01:30 Sam Reed's Musical Beginnings 04:17 Growing Up in a Christian Home 05:15 Musical Development and Challenges 08:35 Early Aspirations and Voice Issues 13:45 Journey to YouTube and Worship Leading 18:49 COVID-19 and Musical Growth 20:27 Consistency and Motivation in Content Creation 26:17 Technical Aspects of Music Production 28:25 The Gift of Conviction 29:16 The Role of Worship Leaders 30:44 Community and Honest Feedback 34:34 Cultivating the Anointing 36:20 Practical Aspects of Worship 43:13 Future Vision and Ministry 51:24 The Power of Testimony 55:37 Closing Thoughts and Prayer

In this episode of the Christian Music Mentor Podcast, Brad sits down with the incredibly talented Elenee Young, a Canadian Christian gospel artist, songwriter, and producer. Elenee shares her journey of navigating the music industry as an independent artist, touching on her unique blend of pop, contemporary, and jazz influences, as well as the challenges of self-managing her career. She opens up about her recent Juno nomination, the highs and lows of touring, and the importance of finding opportunities, even in less bustling locations. Elenee also shares valuable tips for independent artists on funding their music projects, building trust with an audience, and creating albums that reflect personal healing. Follow Elenee Young: Website: https://elenee.ca/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eleneemyoung/   For more Christian music resources and coaching go to http://www.christianmusicmentor.com

Today's guest on the Christian Music Mentor Podcast is singer-songwriter Jaime Jamgochian.  Listen in as Jaime shares how she continues to build on her passion and drive as a Christian singer-songwriter day by day and keeps the faith in spite of the many challenges that present themselves on such a path.

Learn how to stay focused, energized, inspired and healthy as a kingdom creative in this mentoring session.

Mitch Wong is an artist, worship leader, and songwriter whose songs have been recorded by Dante Bowe, Cece Winans, Chris Tomlin, Brandon Lake, David & Nicole Binion, Steffany Gretzinger, Chandler Moore, Lincoln Brewster, Planetshakers, BJ Putnam, Chris McClarney and Neon Feather among others. These include "Voice of God," "'Hunger", "God Of The Impossible," "Love Like Fire," "This Is Our Time," "At The Mention" and "City Lights."

In this session from one of our recent challenges Meredith Andrews shared with us about the power in the process. How do you live and relate to God and others while we are waiting for God's promises to come to pass in our lives? How do we handle seasons of hiddenness? A must listen to episode for Christian worship leaders, artists and songwriters.

Today's guest on the Christian Music Mentor Podcast is Kevin Winebarger, a worship leader, artist, songwriter and producer from Charlotte, NC. He operates Courage Studios that helps artists grow through songwriting, production and promotion.   

Today's guest on the Christian Music Mentor Podcast is Gina Boe, a Dove-award winning songwriter, author, singer, speaker, publisher, and teacher. In our conversation we talk about Gina's most memorable experiences as a songwriter, tips for co-writing, how to manage being a mother and professional songwriter and the difference between being an independent songwriter and being with a publisher.  

Today's guest on the Christian Music Mentor Podcast is Gilbert Nanlohy, who works in the A&R division of Integrity Music. This role involves him "pastoring, being a friend to, and counseling" up-and-coming artists. Listen in as Gilbert shares his journey from growing up listening to the powerful worship artists of Integrity music to being a part of shaping their projects.

Today's guest on the Christian Music Mentor Podcast is Robby Valderrama, owner of Praise Hands. Robby Valderrama is the owner of Praise Hands, a ministry that is all about creative, cross-cultural Christianity. The Praise Hands Podcast was created alongside the ministry, which examines the American intersection of church, race, music, and economics. Listen in as Robby shares his vision-mission for Praise Hands, as well as the United States' troubling history around race relations which served as the impetus for the founding of the ministry.

In this episode I talk to Sophie Shear who is one of the industry's top vocal coaches on developing as a vocalist, recording in the studio vs. performing live, dealing with insecurity as a singer and much more! Check out Sophie's vocal resources at https://sophieshear.com/.

In this episode we talk to award winning Christian artist Jordan St. Cyr about how God can use difficult times to shape us and how we can channel those trials into our creativity and see God work them for good. We also talk about develop relationships with people in the music industry and how to stand out by being someone who gives more than they take. 

Hannah Kerr has a lot of experience touring with some of the top artists in Christian music.  In this episode we talk about how she stays healthy and grounded on tour, got married during quarantine, writing a top 5 hit, highs and lows, how everyone has their own artistic journey and much more!

Clay Finnesand is a worship leader / singer / songwriter who is part of North Point Worship and also has his own unique brand of singer / songwriter music that blends multiple styles and genres together. Clay's album "Springside" is an exceptional record and on today's podcast we learn how he went about writing, recording and releasing this album as well as how to handle social media, insecurity and anxiety as an artist. 

On today's podcast we talk to Cade Thompson about his journey from being an indie artist in high school to getting signed to a major record label just after graduation.  Want more mentoring? Follow us on Instagram @christianmusicmentor, like us on Facebook or go to www.christianmusicmentor.com.