Why You Need Killer Cover Art For Your Music

My passion is helping artists like you CRUSH it at serving your audience. Here are a few reasons you should consider getting custom cover art made for your next song, EP, or album:

  1. By the time your music is written, recorded, produced, and mixed you've invested so much time and resources. Make sure the quality of your artwork matches the quality of your new music!

  2. It’s a fact that high-quality artwork will attract new listeners and help establish your brand as innovative, modern, and credible. Don't let your brand suffer from mediocre or home-made artwork!

  3. It takes a skilled designer to design something compelling and yet minimal enough since most people will only see a small thumbnail version of your cover art on Spotify, Apple Music, etc.


If you need help getting your next cover designed, let me know! My team and I help artists with great art all the time! Visit this page for more info.

Blessings to you!
- Sam

5 Ways to save money on getting your music made...

  1. Produce yourself and then get songs mixed and mastered by a pro

  2. Save higher-calibur, pricier producer for best songs or singles from album

  3. Crowd-fund - inspire and invite your audience to partner with your mission

  4. Hire a producer who can also mix or even master your songs

  5. Hire a producer who can play/sing ALL the parts

  6. BONUS: Ask your producer if you can get a discount if you record your vocals remotely.

Feel free to share graphic…

5 KEYS TO MAKING MUSIC THAT IS CHRISTIAN (PART 5)

(PART 5/5) PEOPLE OF THE WORD

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” (Colossians 3:16)

I took some time to pray about Part 5. Honestly, I was hoping to come up with something more on the profound side. But as I prayed over the last week or two about it, I just sensed God leading me to go back to basics.

I can sense eye-rolls at this moment. Let’s be real: More and more Christians these days don’t believe the Bible is “God-breathed.” BUT…the fact that Jesus Himself quoted the Old Testament writings as divine revelation - and that His immediate apprentices not only did the same but referred to each-other’s writings as “God-inspired scripture” - makes a case that the Bible is more than just good wisdom-literature.

Christ-followers have made the study of scripture an essential practice for millennia. If the Bible IS (or at least contains the Word Of God) then wouldn’t it make sense to consider time in the scriptures a crucial part of “abiding” in Christ? Many legendary songwriters - that I either know of or know personally- cite the Scriptures as their primary source of inspiration.

I could be crazy but it seems plain to me that in an era of literally billons of voices (yes…including this post), oceans of information and misinformation, there’s never been a more important time to be consuming God’s truth. (As Jesus was quoted to have said in a conversation with God the Father: “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth”)

Christian Music Makers, let’s create music drawn from the Source of Truth. Truth which alone holds the secrets to an abundant and everlasting life.

5 KEYS TO MAKING MUSIC THAT IS CHRISTIAN (PART 4)

(PART 4/5) MAKE WORTHY MUSIC

I often hear critical remarks from people about Christian Music. This always piques my curiosity as someone who, at one time, tried to distance myself from Christian Music. After all, it was embarrassing to me. I especially avoided being associated with what is known as “CCM” (basically Christian pop radio). And then one day God called me out on that. He gave me the sense that even as a child I was being shaped to eventually serve in Christian Music. One of the things I heard in my heart was, “If you don’t like something about the music, change it.” I’ve been focusing my writing and producing efforts toward Christian Music ever since.

Circling back: Why is Christian music so often criticized by many of the very people it is aimed at? I've observed multiple reasons but I'll share one: Misplaced expectations. What is it that we are expecting "Christian Music" to do? It seems that nine times out of ten, criticism comes in the form of comparison to other genres of music. Comparing Christian Music to mainstream Pop, Rock, Country, etc., completely misses the point, IMHO. Christian music in American culture has never merely functioned as a genre of musical entertainment…at least not primarily. Much of its mission has essentially been aimed at connecting people with God and processing life through the lens of God's truth. It has always contained devotion, evangelism, and disciple-making as essential elements. I would argue that these are important and needed pieces.

Honestly, this topic is much bigger than this post and we can barely skim the surface here. But consider this helpful perspective from God's Word:

“…We have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” (Col. 1:9-10)

What if the criteria for what makes Christian music good was less about how it compares to mainstream music and more about whether or not it’s worthy of Christ? What if we made music in a "manner worthy of the Lord?"

5 Keys To Making Music That is Christian (PART 3)

(PART 3/5) STAY CONNECTED

"No branch can bear fruit by itself...I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." (Jesus)

My default mindset is "I can crush it because of my skill set, experience, and work ethic alone." Jesus' claim calls my mindset delusional.

According to John 15, the rub happens when we trust Jesus and then tell Him "I'll take it from here." Jesus’ point is that no branch contains the ability to “push out” fruit. A branch is completely dependent upon the root system which supplies it with the water and other nutrients to create life. Simply: Connection to Jesus = Production of fruit.

Jesus reveals that one of our primary purposes is producing "fruit." How do we know this? Because Jesus is implying "usefulness." Jesus is being brutally honest: "If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.” (John 15:6) Uncomfortable right? But Jesus is giving us a glimpse into God's mind. It seems that while God redeems our fallen nature, we're not merely saved FROM something but also TO something. We are redeemed into a purpose - His purpose. Why "His purpose?" Because it's not the branches that determine the fruit, it's the TREE that determines the type of fruit produced. We don't call it an "Apple Branch" but an "Apple Tree."

As a full-time music producer/business owner, I deal with this daily. I'm constantly choosing between worry and wonder, fear and faith, pessimism and purpose, and countless other opportunities to trust God over myself.

How about you? Maybe today you're feeling "dried out." Creativity fading? Exhausted by the hustle? Discouraged by constant rejection? Tired of trying to win an audience, label executives, or social media engagement? Worried about money? Feeling alone trying to stand out among millions of songs released per year? Maybe you're trying to "produce" fruit on your own. Jesus' invitation today is to connect with Him and HIS strength and power. Then you can be filled with His vision and purpose for your creativity and work.

5 Keys To Making Music That is Christian (PART 2)

(Part 2/5) FREEDOM FROM F.O.M.O.


If you’re like me, it can be easy to compare yourself to others and measure your worth against their “perceived” success. I’ve done this with just about everything imaginable - down to pure jealousy that some people can consume massive amounts of fast food and still look great. Hahaha. (Insert confession about frequent Taco Bell and Wienerschnitzel daydreams) Now that I’ve completely lost your respect, let’s move on.


But seriously, have you noticed that comparison/envy/jealousy are always close by? F.O.M.O. is ready to pop up at any moment. I’ve seen this - both in the broader Christian Music community and also in myself - that subtle fear that we’re part of a “less cool” genre. Or that you’ll have to make music you don’t like to be accepted. The potential problem for Christian Music Makers arises when we are driven by a fear of missing out: Missing out on respect, accolades, or awards. Or maybe it's a "fear of missing out" on making the music of your dreams because of the pressure to appease labels, radio, etc.


But "F.O.M.O." literally has the word “FEAR” in it! Scripture shows us that "God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity but of power, love, and self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:7) Is dope music made by comparing/competing with other songs, artists, or genres? All the time! (I.e. the famous Beatles/Beach Boys album competition.) But let’s be real: often what is understood as “good” is based on acceptance by people, achievement measurements, or consensus about what "good music" sounds like in whatever particular decade we find ourselves in. But as Christian Music Makers, what if “good music” involves factors outside of typical measures of successful music?


Yeah, we gotta make sales and get streams and all that. But I’m talking more about our “why” not necessarily our “how.” The truth is, we CAN’T "miss out" on anything because we’re God's. We have unlimited access to the Source of all good things. "Missing out" for God's people is not a thing. We can make music with ZERO fear. We're free to make music our world NEEDS, rather than just music the world wants.


So create boldly, my friends.


In the meantime, here are some wisdom-gems from God’s Word to consider on this topic:


“Everything that belongs to the world - what the sinful self desires, what people see and want, and everything in this world that people are so proud of - none of this comes from the Father; it all comes from the world.” (1 John 2:15-16)


“Where there is jealousy and selfishness, there is also disorder and every kind of evil.” (James 3:16)

5 Keys To Making Christian Music That Is “Christian” (PART 1)

In an era where the term “Christian” means SO many different things, how do artists and songwriters who subscribe to the historical, orthodox Christian Faith make music that connects people to the God revealed in Scripture? Here are a few keys from the pages of God’s Word to guide Christian Music Makers as they endeavor to make music with eternal spiritual impact

(PART 1/5) KEEP BELIEVING

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Hebrews 11)

We find ourselves living in a time where Christianity has been pitted against science, naturalism, moral relativity, logic, social norms, and much more. It’s treated by many as on par with greek mythology, Santa Clause, or fairy tales. For some, Christianity is a dangerous lie used to subjugate, oppress, and control. The pressure to abandon belief in God at this point in history is constant and unrelenting and can be discouraging, disorienting, and even unbearable for Christian Music Makers who choose to follow the Jesus of the Bible. I've experienced this journey firsthand.

About 10 years ago I began deconstructing my faith. My doubts and questions led me to the edges of unbelief. What was really awkward about that season for me is that I was in full-time ministry the whole time. I was ready to accept the outcome - wherever the truth led. Fortunately, I had resources and mentors around me to help process my thoughts, as well as offer a balance to the atheistic information I was consuming. At the end of the day, historical, orthodox, Biblical Christianity made the most sense to me. Have I still wrestled with doubts from time to time? Of course…that’s part of faith. (And let’s be real: How can a person go through the last couple of years and NOT question God?) But ultimately, I made the choice to dive into the deep end and haven’t looked back.

My encouragement to you is: Don’t be afraid to deconstruct your faith. I believe that there are things about modern Christianity that SHOULD be dismantled. If God is God, then God is big enough to carry you to the other end. But be cautious not to throw the “baby out with the bath-water” so to speak. If we are going to believe in God, then doesn’t it make sense to let God define reality? If we are going to accept Christianity, then let’s not create a version that’s more preferable or tolerable to us or the God-dismissing culture around us. Let’s accept God’s version of God. We find God’s version in God’s Word.

5 Ways Worship Songs Are Produced Differently Than CCM Songs

In the radio and playist world Worship and CCM songs are merging more than ever. For a long time the two styles of Christian Music had separate functions and infrastructures, but recently there have been quite a bit of cross-over. Although the following points are generalities, for those of you who are Christian Music Creators there are still some distinctions worth noting...

  1. Drums

    Drums in worship songs are typically either played or programmed to capture a more "live," "dynamic," and "human" feel. While CCM songs are often programmed (think snaps, claps, and boom-bap) to follow a more mainstream pop feel. Currently, however CCM drums are increasingly being played and programmed to feel a little more live and soulful.

  2. Vocals

    Lead Vocals on Worship recordings typically have more emphasis on being “singable” for church settings, while CCM vocals will focus more on pop hooks and vibes. Also, worship vocals will often be blended with live or simulated crowds to capture a sense of "congregational" participation. While CCM songs are focused more on the artist and the vocal performance. Either way, the artist's vocal tone and uniqueness will still be an important factor.

  3. Lyrical Content

    Lyrics used in worship tend to be more vertically focused. CCM lyrics tend to be more focused on offering a meaningful “take-away” or encouragement for the listener.

  4. Instruments In General

    While I would say the following is less true than in previous times, it's still the common practice. Worship songs are more likely produced with instruments and parts you’d find church volunteers are able to play. CCM songs more closely follow the trends of mainstream music and are often played by more proficient players without as much consideration for who will be replicating the parts in volunteer settings.

  5. Dynamics & Length

    In general, the dynamics of worship songs are more free-flow-y than CCM, and space is often approached differently between two styles. For example, worship songs will often approach "space" as rich, atmospheric pads building in intensity over the course of the song. While CCM songs often approach "space" by the use of "dead space" between rhythmic phrases and will have more pop-informed, explosive choruses and hooks. Worship songs are often longer than 4 or 5 minutes. While CCM tends to still follow the traditional radio length of under 3 to 3 1/2 minutes.

5 Things To Consider Before Hiring A Producer To Record Your Songs

If the “build it and they will come” approach worked, then all 60,000 songs uploaded to Spotify PER DAY would be successful. Here are 5 things you need to have BEFORE getting your song recorded and produced…

  1. Know Who You Are

    You have a unique calling (maybe not even in music). Not everyone is supposed to be a massive commercial success, and not every artists is supposed to be a vibe-y indie thing. Do you…better than anyone else can.

  2. Build Your Tribe

    Out of nearly 8 billion people on earth, you only need 1,000 people to pay you $100 per year in order to make six figures. Where your uniqueness meets their need for music is how you find your tribe. Make music that serves them.

  3. Have A Content Plan

    If you’re going to spend thousands of dollars on one song, make sure you are able to make multiple pieces of shareable content form that one song. And then have a long-term plan to continue a steady drop of songs over time. A music career is a marathon, not a sprint.

  4. Raise Your Song-Bar

    Please don’t, by default, record the latest song you wrote. Co-write a batch of songs and choose the obvious diamond of the bunch. Everything in music rises and falls on great songs. Make sure you only record remarkable songs worth sharing.

  5. Know Your Marketing Strategy

    Whether you do it yourself, or hire a marketing firm (i.e. my bro Wisdom’s company, Marketing With Wisdom), you need to know how other people will find out about your new music. Is anyone sitting around waiting for it?