Being Authentic as an Artist, Songwriter, and Individual with Rhett Walker

"My biggest thing, since I was a kid, has been authenticity. I think you can write a song that means something to just you, and that, most of the time, will end up relating to most people. They might not have lived that story, but they can relate it to something in their own life. " In this episode, John sits down with Grammy-nominated artist, Rhett Walker. Rhett is a down-to-earth family man, who grew up as a preacher's kid in South Carolina. While he was raised in church, Rhett shares about his personal journey of recognizing the need to find Jesus for himself. With experience as a worship leader, songwriter, and touring artist, Rhett has a well-rounded experience in music. "So many times with music... we spend a lot of time adding things, and not sharing the space that a song actually needs... It's important to be authentic in how we play the songs." Rhett formed the Rhett Walker Band in 2011, after moving to Nashville to pursue his passion for music. In 2012 his song, "When Mercy Found Me," was nominated for Best Contemporary Christian Music Song. Throughout this episode, Rhett gives practical and profound advice in regards to songwriting and musicianship. The underlying message is authenticity, being true to who you are, and letting that resonate in the music that you create. "Don't just try to write pretty words... Don't say something cliche just because it sounds cool... It might be just one song out of a hundred that has success, but that one out of a hundred will be the most 'you' song, that only you could write." Some topics we talk about in this episode: Introduction // Rhett Walker - 0:39 Rhett's Early Influences- 3:36 Rhett's Start with Music- 7:53 "When Mercy Found Me"- 15:28 Upcoming Music Release- 22:12 Rhett's Songwriting Process- 26:30 Rhett's Music Team- 31:00 Advice for Aspiring Songwriters- 36:40 How to Connect with Rhett- 39:02 Wrap Up - 40:14 How to get involved Join the Successful Christian Songwriters Group on Facebook and continue the discussion! https://www.facebook.com/groups/SuccessfulChristianSongwriters/ Check out all of the resources for you to become the songwriter you were meant to be at www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com If you liked this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a quick review on iTunes. It would mean the world to hear your feedback and we'd love for you to help us spread the word!