The True Tunes Podcast

Buddy Miller is a true master. He has spent his award-winning career as an artist, guitarist, songwriter, and producer, transcending trends, honoring history, pointing out beauty, and serving others well. On this episode, we visit Miller in his legendary home studio- the very space that has captured musical moments crafted by not only Buddy and Julie Miller, but Emmylou Harris, Jim Lauderdale, Rob...

Why is it that some of the most compelling art is the dark stuff? Likewise – why is it that when it gets too dark, it becomes less interesting, and not more? And why is it so difficult for spiritually anchored music to get this right? We’re diving into the deep end on this episode of the podcast, with a look at pain and darkness and just how important they can be to genuinely redemptive art. Join...

We wrap up our wide-ranging conversation with veteran artists, songwriters, and producers, Don and Lori Chaffer, with a look at their latest Waterdeep album, Tandem, and some practical and inspirational words for young artists and producers looking for a path in these challenging days. The Chaffers have confronted all manners of challenges in their 25+ years as artists and have re-defined "success...

In this conversation we explore the unique challenges and opportunities of "adult music" as we catch up with Don and Lori Chaffer of Waterdeep and reflect upon all three albums by Buddy & Julie Miller on the Jukebox. Independent artists and aspiring songwriters and producers take note, the Chaffers are a thriving creative cottage industry unto themselves and they offer a fascinating example of wha...

What about when you don't feel like singing? Is "Worship Music" exciting to you, frustrating, both? We’re “Singing a New Song” on this episode, with songwriter, artist, worship pastor and fountain of wisdom and grace, Sandra McCracken, including some sneak peeks into her not yet released album Patient Kingdom. We also re-visit one of the most important “modern worship” albums ever – 1991's At The...

In Part Two of our discussion with songwriter, musician, and theological philosopher Michael Gungor we wrap up our exploration of the idea of the re-embodiment of our spirituality and what the implications of that might be for our music and the role artists might play in these disconnected and divided days. We also take deep dives into Bob Dylan’s stunning new Rough and Rowdy Ways LP and Daniel Am...

In his first musical release since the disbanding of his acclaimed Alternative Worship band Gungor, singer, songwriter, author, and spiritual philosopher Michael Gungor visits the podcast to talk about “the flow,” mindfulness, re-embodying our faith and art, and his new experimental solo release under the creative moniker Weiwu: Are You Perfect Yet? We also spin the new EP Miami by veteran indie b...

In this episode we visit with songwriter, singer, artist, and worship leader, Liz Vice who gets real with us about the challenges, joys, discouragement, and hope she has experienced since the 37-year old Portland native launched a full-time music career, almost by accident, five years ago. She offers her unique perspective and wisdom as a woman of color in these challenging days and we take a list...

On this Special Edition of the True Tunes Podcast we continued the "Enchantment" theme from Episode Nine by looking at four albums that had that effect, in very different ways, on our host, John J. Thompson. It's an all music episode - the first of its kind - an original of the species. (Make sure to listen to the conversation with Producer and Songwriter Ian Fitchuk on Episode Nine if this is you...

On this episode of the podcast, we talk with Grammy, CMA, and ACM Award-winning songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Ian Fitchuk (Kacey Musgraves, Maren Morris, Mindy Smith, Amy Grant, Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors, etc) about his journey in music, serving artists, and pursuing musical "enchantment." We also take a listen to Madison Cunningham's Who Are You Now on the Jukebox.  Check out...

Join us for this wide-ranging conversation with singer, songwriter, producer, and artist Daniel Smith of Danielson / Danielson Famile / Brother Danielson “fame,” with Jukebox reflections on the 1986 debut album by Adam Again and the surprise new murder ballad by Bob Dylan. We also pay tribute to John Prine and Bill Withers in this reflection on the power, and beauty, of music by, and for, outsider...

SPECIAL EDITION #1: Happy Birthday, Phil Keaggy! – Listen to the uncut conversation between Phil Keaggy, Rex Paul, and host John J. Thompson, conducted shortly before the release of their blistering rock project, Illumination, last year. How did a piece of long-lost tape and 20 seconds of audio from fifty years ago become a whole new song? How does an artist as accomplished as Keaggy approach life...

On this episode we visit with artist, songwriter, producer, film-maker, and now teacher Steve Taylor to talk about telling better stories, and telling stories better. Plus we take a look at The Lost Dogs' classic 1993 album Little Red Riding Hood and The Innocence Mission's brand new release See You Tomorrow on the Jukebox. We also get an advance listen to a brand new cut from Terry Scott Taylor's...

On this episode of the True Tunes Podcast host, John J. Thompson visits with pioneering artist and music industry leader Eddie DeGarmo for a wide-ranging conversation. We also take a look back at some of the best albums of 2019 and give a toast to our good friend, the late, great Brian Healy of Dead Artist Syndrome.   Full Show Notes Available Here or here: https://truetunes.com/episode-six-eddie-...

In Part Two of our "live" True Tunes 30-Year Reunion we listen in on JJT’s conversation with singer-songwriter Michael McDermott, and Jeff Elbel’s interview of JJT, plus we get After The Fire and Avett brothers on the Jukebox. Check out the FULL SHOW NOTES HERE , or here: https://truetunes.com/podcast-ep-5-michael-mcdermott-jjt-after-the-fire-avett-brothers/ If you would like to support the show,...

The original True Tunes opened in June of 1989, and in the summer of 2019 a group of friends – including Glenn Kaiser, Michael McDermott, Jeff Elbel, Josiah Viland, and The Wayside, gathered in the Chicago area to celebrate that 30 Year Anniversary and to talk about new all-new True Tunes as well. On Episode Four of the True Tunes Podcast, we re-visit that gathering with excerpts from the conversa...

Host John J. Thompson talks with independent singer, songwriter Christa Wells and reflects on the latest album by Sam Phillips (World On Sticks) and the 1979 classic, Straight On, by DeGarmo and Key on the True Tunes Jukebox. Listeners also get a sneak peek at a song from the film Electric Jesus and a listen to a song from the very first performance by The 77s in 1979 (as The Scratch Band) in hono...

Tommee Profitt may not be a "household name," but you've heard his music. As the producer and co-writer of hit rapper NF's music, and as the composer and producer behind some of the most successful film and TV music out there, Profitt has been quietly - and not so quietly - finding a new way to be successful in today's music scene. And it all started by giving up on a dream. This episode also look...

Grammy Award winning producer, songwriter, and artist Charlie Peacock has worked with artists like Civil Wars, Switchfoot, Ruby Amanfu, and others, and his songs have been recorded by Amy Grant, dc Talk, Bela Fleck and more, but back when True Tunes' founder John J Thompson was just getting his idea out of the blocks Charlie was one of his favorite artists and deepest inspirations. One night, at t...