C. J. Murray Podcast

Episode #36 For me, this conversation felt extremely informative and gave me more than enough to think about. I want to strive to educate my conscience to what honors God. Thank you so much for listening, and I hope you enjoy listening to Matt and I'd conversation!  CHAPTERS 0:00-Intro / mutual history 1:00-Background 2:40-What a music philosophy isn't / separating music and worship 8:45-Revering...

Episode #35 Joy is the lead singer for Catapult City, an Indie band based in Central Virginia. Hearing how the band came together and her role in it was such an honor to hear directly from her, and I'm so glad it could be captured in this conversation. I'm also thankful to her for the opportunity to be able to share pieces of my own story and share pieces of wisdom I've learned on my o...

Episode #34 Hey! Check out created.creators on Instagram! This was an awesome conversation with Christina on starting new ventures we known we're called to. I hope it was as much a blessing to you as much as it was to me. CHAPTERS 0:00-Intro / her podcast 3:50-Her intro to art 8:15-Specializing vs. dreaming / God's plan 13:30-Critical commentators / know your lane 15:30-Why she started her podcast...

Episode #33 Daniel is a powerhouse multi-instrumentalist composer and it was a fantastic episode of him giving valuable tips and advice to music students looking to network and market their music. I hope you enjoy this episode! CHAPTERS 0:00-Intro / tips / networking 5:00-Relationships leading to opportunities 6:15-To students figuring out their niche/brand 10:40-Networking well 16:00-Premiering m...

Episode #32 Alyssa's story of trusting God with her shoulder and carrying on with violin is absolutely incredible, and I hope you're as inspired as I was. Also I go into a rare condition I have, which I've never shared publicly. Please enjoy this episode! CHAPTERS 0:00-Intro 0:43-Getting into music 3:33-Violin over piano 4:13-Career trajectory 6:20-Challenges with violin 9:10-Performing variations...

Episode #31 Thank you so much for listening to this episode with Keith! I've enjoyed mixing his music, and I hope that you can glean some good insights out of this episode. Thanks! CHAPTERS 0:00-Intro / his testimony 7:10-Involvement of Scripture 8:15-My personal salvation testimony 11:42-How he got into music 15:02-"Flirting" with Christianity 16:40-Summer at Ellerslie 18:50-My Grandpa Murray's t...

Episode #30 Mark is an amazing friend and musician, and connecting with him over electronic music has been nothing but a blessing. Especially in the second half of this video, we wrangle with the tension between the possibilities of EDM and the tradition of Conservative Christian music philosophy. I've felt the tension of the debate and I hope that this episode is yet another step in the right dir...

Episode #28 Isaiah is a young, powerhouse, prolific violinist and composer who has high standards and deep thoughts. This was a lengthy episode, so for your context, the first hour breaks down his work, and the second hour dives into some broader philosophy, so you can do with that what you will. Please enjoy! CHAPTERS 0:00-Intro 1:23-Since the last episode (concerts/opportunities) 2:33-Composer s...

Episode #27 Megan's passion for singing and acting is contagious. She's got a ton of life and joy in what she does and this conversation talking through Sound of Music, Sight and Sound, and her story as a whole was so enjoyable to have. I hope you enjoy as well! Thank you for listening! CHAPTERS 0:00-Intro 0:45-Sound of Music (story of getting into music) 6:22-Receiving confidence from oth...

Episode #26 Paul is a phenomenal operatic singer who came to America when he was 12. His thoughts of the genre as a whole and his transition between styles was a fascinating conversation and I hope you enjoy it as well! CHAPTERS 0:00-Intro 0:30-How we met / acting 3:28-His story 13:40-Embassy to America 17:30-Getting serious about music 25:10-Transition from pop/emo/rap to classical 27:45-Listenin...

Episode #25 The controversy of this topic can be felt among many circles regardless of which side you land on. I felt this conversation was an immense blessing with a fantastic end goal of how the church can still rally around the Gospel and Jesus Christ. I couldn't have spoken with anyone better than Serge as a friend, as a musician, and as a representative of certain lines of thought. I hope...

Episode #24 I loved digging into Josiah's experience and getting to know his perspective on vocal technique. I hope you enjoy this episode! CHAPTERS 0:00-Intro 0:34-Story of getting into music 7:48-Switching major nuances 9:40-Growing in music / singing technique 14:05-The value of specializing 17:20-Becoming a tenor 19:20-Nitty gritty of singing technique 21:03-Singers are athletes (in a sens...

Episode #23 Ethan is one of my best friends and this conversation was a long time coming. In this episode, there are many memories and points I hope to never forget, and I'm grateful our words can be immortalized here. :) Thank you, and enjoy! CHAPTERS 0:00-Intro 0:20-Ethan’s story seeking God 8:15-Music philosophy connections 10:50-Shared history 14:40-Prayer memory 16:55-Other memories 18:55...

Episode #22 Enjoy this conversation with Estevão Gonçalves! 10/10 convo. His perspective on growth in skill and having a correct mindset toward God is incredible and I hope it is a blessing to you. CHAPTERS 0:00-Intro 0:15-The level it takes to be happy with an instrument 1:15-Getting serious about singing 4:50-Fulfillment in doing music 10:07-Music style distinctions in church services 14:45-On t...

Episode #21 Christian and I talk about how he got into music, using our gifts for God, and his health journey. I hope you enjoy this episode, and if you're a musician and want to come on this podcast to share your story, feel free to email me at cjmurraymusic@gmail.com. CHAPTERS 0:00-Intro 0:22-Getting into music 3:10-Going into speech therapy 10:35-Peak music moments 14:35-On opening gifts fr...

Episode #20 Ben Everson is an evangelist/musician whose purpose is to encourage God's people via music and preaching. This conversation felt very real, genuine, and insightful into another way of looking at music as a whole and our approach to it. I'm very grateful he was willing to be a guest on this podcast and I look forward to having him on again in the future. LINKS Please check out h...

Episode #19 Marshall Teague has an extremely diverse portfolio in his acting career from Roadhouse, to Walker Texas Ranger, to other familiar action movies, as well sci-fi and meaningful dramas. It was a privilege to dive into his mind and experiences to glean from his wealth of knowledge. CHAPTERS 0:00 - Intro 0:37 - History 4:23 - Becoming characters and going home 8:06 - Actors as co-workers an...

Episode #18 Dave Russell is the lead graphic at OtterBox and has served exclusive graphics to clients such as Target, AT&T, Verizon, Real Tree, NFL, Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Lucas Film. He also has a passion project on YouTube and Instagram as a custom toy creator. This was an inspiring conversation and the bottom line is to know your gifts and calling from God, work really hard at them, and...

Episode #17 Rachel Williams is a film/video game composer who loves the Lord, and I hope this episode encourages you to keep seeking Him as you pursue your dreams!

Episode #16 An incredible testimony! Please check out her music by looking up Eliana Shannon. CHAPTERS 0:00 - Intro 1:00 - OCD vs. misconceptions, having OCD as a Christian 7:20 - When God’s answer is no 10:03 - Overcoming through music 14:23 - Letting friends in on the struggle 17:10 - Spiritual warfare while creating music 19:30 - Commentary on her release music 23:00 - The only solution is the...

Episode #15 Jonathan Ivey is a man of many hats that spins many plates, but deeper than that he is a man that wants to serve God and serve others. As he grows he helps others to grow with him. We talk about entrepreneurship, leadership, writing Biblical music, and ultimately, help answer the question, "How do we maximize our effectiveness in serving God?" LINKS https://www.instagram.com/...

Episode #14 Olivia and I met when during college I heard her performing a song she wrote called, "The Love of Christ." I found her afterwards and mentioned I'd love to produce that song! It's now out on Spotify under Olivia Wentworth. This conversation was such a blessing as it felt relatable personally, as well as encouraging for anyone who does music as a hobby but hopes to eve...

Episode #13 Anna Overton is an incredible singer with a really fun personality, and in this conversation we cover from music philosophy to worship and serving God with our gifts. There's so many gold nuggets in this episode and I'm excited to share it with you guys! Topics: Worship, Music Origins, CCM Industry, Serving Using God's GiftsA few clarifications:Selmer - *24:40* - as of the...

Episode #12 10,000 hours is what it’s said it takes to master any skill. My dad did it. After documenting a six year commitment at the age of 55, he executed and reached his life cumulative total goal of practicing guitar 10,000 hours. In this episode we explore the story, the challenges, and the results of setting out to achieve this goal, and I could not be more humbled by the example my dad has...

Episode #11 Thomas Molina is a high school band teacher who absolutely loves his students, and one of the best ways to summarize this episode is with his band room creed: We encourage, we laugh, we pray, we edify, we're a family. Music is about connection and I admire people like Thomas that use it to invest in people and to love them. Topics: Teaching high-school band, loving through music, inves...