Episodes

If you’re uncertain about your creative future, you’re not alone. The entire music and entertainment industry has been turned upside down, and even creatives who are strong in their faith are questioning their next move. When life seems uncertain, we artists and creatives have to take stock of things that are certain - our purpose, our ability to serve others, and our need for connection. Key Topics covered in this episode Why connection is so important to creatives who need direction and enc...

It’s a pointed question, but it must be asked... Who are you as a creative, and who are you doing all of this for? As we complete this series on the SERVICE steps in the God and Gigs book in this anniversary month, we reveal why investing in yourself, challenging yourself, and evangelizing via our creativity is just as necessary - if not more so - for faith-focused artists in 2020 as it was four years ago. As you explore these concepts in the light of a brand-new reality for artists, you’ll d...

When things go sideways in life...can you keep your cool and keep moving forward? The drastic changes that can alter our lives as creatives have never been more apparent. Cultural shifts, technological innovations and industry shake-ups are now commonplace. In order to stay relevant, we have to look past the temporary problems and find some solid principles that allow us to adjust our sails while still pressing forward with our creative goals and strengthening our most precious relationships. ...

Believe it or not, the value of your creative life can be determined by just one factor - the strength and quality of your relationships. Now that connections are fragile and social distancing has interfered with our ability to see people in person, it’s more important than ever to prioritize healthy relationships. In this refreshing episode, we look at four extremely important relationships that every faith-focused creative must pay close attention to… your relationship with God, your family,...

It’s fun to switch things up once in a while. For over 70 shows, we’ve interviewed top musicians, artists and creatives, but our host has never been on the hot seat himself to answer questions about his creative routines. In this special episode, singer, host and vivacious personality LaVie (lavie-music.com) takes over The God and Gigs Show in a conversation with Allen on the creative process, marketing your business, productivity and self-care, among other things all relating to the inner wor...

If you didn’t think maintaining your website was important before...you’ve probably experienced a rude awakening in the past few months. As creatives the world over adapt to the new realities of post-pandemic life, we’ve seen more than ever how much we depend on our brands and online platforms. While social media takes a major role, there’s nothing more effective than owning your own space on the internet. No matter what happens on social media platforms, having control of a well-functioning w...

It's not always easy to keep your head up, creative. Especially now. In the face of continuous negative news, uncertain economic realities, and confusion in the culture, Christ-centered creatives are in between a rock and a hard place. On one hand, we want to be wise and protect our loved ones from any possibility of harm. On the other hand, we are called to serve and push forward to help encourage and bless our communities and congregations. How do we navigate these troubling issues withou...

Can you get mad without going mad? In the proper context, anger can motivate us to react, to change things, to move in new directions. As creatives, our emotions are often the main catalyst behind our inspiration. But what about unhealthy anger? Can creatives harness this feeling and express it without harming ourselves emotionally? In this passionate discussion, we pinpoint the delicate balance between authentic anger and an unhealthy bitterness that eats away at the soul of the artist, and ...

Can God use the darkest moments of an artist’s life to guide him toward the path to true creative freedom and success? R&B artist Nate Setto, a rising young independent performer hailing from Detroit, has learned that letting God direct his career choices is the best route to finding his place in the vast entertainment industry. As a Michigan native, he grew up with a passion for music. He began writing songs when he was 7 years old and pursued a music career at the age of 20. His hard work an...

With a career that has spanned over 30 years working with the greatest entertainers and musicians in every genre, legendary musician and producer Kern Brantley is a walking and talking musical history lesson. From stepping into a studio with the legendary Aretha Franklin, to touring with iconic gospel legends such as the Winans family and Thomas Whitfield, to working with the most influential voices in pop and R&B over the last three decades, Kern has maintained the same approach that he had wh...

Got 99 problems? We won’t finish that sentence...but we think there’s one problem that plagues every creative. It’s the artist in the mirror. In this passionate discussion from one of our Creative Checkups, we dig deep into the mindset shift that can bring external problems into perspective - by making ourselves the focus of our problem-solving process. No matter how the industry changes, or how the culture responds to new challenges, we creatives have the power to change our circumstances b...

How does an independent artist go from finding her way in a new city, to performing with not one, but TWO of the biggest stars in the world? Singer, actor and songwriter Naärai Jacobs’ incredible story reveals the possibilities when you maintain your faith in God, prioritize your goals and work hard to pursue your dreams as a creative. Born into a musical family in Sarasota, FL, Naärai grew up surrounded by artists, and watched intently as her father ran a successful regional musical theater t...

As they say, the only constant in life is change. And for the artist and musician, change is something we’re experiencing more every single day. The big issue for most musicians, artists and creatives is the fear of how to handle the transitions that show up on our doorstep. Sometimes we feel the need to shift jobs, change creative approaches, or start new relationships. Other times, that choice is made for us. In either case, how we respond to transition makes all the difference in whether w...

Is it possible to maintain a healthy self-image and your artistic integrity in the entertainment business – and still make a living doing what you love? In an industry that often feels stacked against the independent artist, singer, songwriter and creative entrepreneur Maria Z has proven that you don’t have to sacrifice your authenticity or your emotional health in order to have a successful career. As an early adopter of the power of video during social media’s early days, Maria blazed a trai...

Can you become a respected leader in your field without sacrificing your closest relationships? As the world grows smaller, and each of us as creatives are granted more and more influence, the answer to that question becomes more and more important. Some would argue that that to be truly exceptional, you must push yourself - and others - regardless of feelings or emotions. This “win-at-all-costs” mentality is popular to those who feel commercial and vocational success is their ultimate goal. ...

The celebrated musician and producer reveals the process that shaped his career in gospel music industry and the lessons every Christian creative must apply to survive and thrive in an uncertain and constantly changing culture.

How do you move to the front of the stage when you’ve spent a lifetime being in the background? This is the question many talented musicians and vocalists are asking. As the entire world continues to struggle to recover from the impact of COVID-19, singers and background musicians are no longer able to work consistently behind touring artists. This has forced many of us to rethink how to use our gifts and become more visible in the public eye. Thankfully, you don’t have to have a outgoing pers...

Is it possible to sing on big stages with legendary artists like The Clark Sisters - yet have equal respect for the work that very few people will see? Worship leader, minister, vocalist and author Kelli Kinney Brownlee would say the answer is yes - and she has proven it by navigating her roles as a background vocalist and a leader in ministry with equal passion and dedication. Starting from her early days growing up in a small town in West Virginia, the priority of ministry and authentic wors...

This discussion could get us in trouble. As the Covid-19 situation has enveloped our cultural and social world, philanthropy and charitable giving have become a huge part of the response. Scores of artists and creatives have been forced to rely on the goodwill of others to survive. Don't be mistaken - we’re all thankful for the generosity of those who give willingly to help artists. But...what about the long-term? Is this something that could hurt musicians later on? In this passionate discu...

In an industry that often seems to reward ‘overnight success’, is it worth it to perfect your craft, maintain professional principles, and learn from the best mentors you can find? According to creative entrepreneur, background vocalist and vocal producer Rachel James of Bridge Hooks & Stuff Entertainment, it's more than worth it - it’s the most valuable thing you could do to ensure you maintain a spot in the rough and tumble role of being a backing vocalist. Rachel James began her musical car...

Is it really possible to protect your hard earned creative income.. ... to confidently run and maintain an artistically focused business… ... and keep accurate financial records all year around… ...all while remaining compliant and current with ever-changing tax laws? You might say that’s impossible - because you've seen so many prominent artist careers destroyed due to financial mismanagement and poor (or non-existent) tax planning. Every year we hear stories of high-profile celebrities tha...

How do you keep your career together when the world seems to be falling apart? This is the question so many musicians, creatives and artists are asking as we endure one of the most unbelievable situations in modern history. While there have been many other crises that have rocked the arts and entertainment industries, it’s safe to say there has never been a situation quite like what happened in March 2020 as the entire world was paralyzed by the coronavirus pandemic. Instead of dwelling on the...

What would it feel like to wake up every day, knowing you would spend your day doing the work you were created to do - and doing it at an exceptional level? Almost every creative dreams of finding ultimate fulfillment and personal satisfaction as they pursue their goals - only to find themselves stuck in the mud of indecision, mediocrity, and confusion when it comes to mastering their craft. This is the problem serial entrepreneur, best-selling author, podcaster and thought leader Jordan Rayno...

Name any major gospel or R&B project in the past 25 years - whether from Janet Jackson, ‪Beyoncé‬, ‪Paula Abdul‬, Donald Lawrence, Karen Clark-Sheard, Carl Thomas, the Winans, Fred Hammond, the list goes on and on - and there's a good chance Daniel Weatherspoon was a major player in bringing it to pass. Daniel Weatherspoon is a Grammy, Stellar and Dove Award-winning producer, composer, musician and musical director. This dynamic artist proved to be the pivotal force behind some of the most icon...