More Cowbell Please: CCM Stories

Ainslie Grosser
  • 5.0 (11)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Grammy Winning CCM Mix Engineer Ainslie Grosser dives into Christian music with More Cowbell Please! Hear CCM stars and industry pros like Luke Smallbone, Paul Mabury, Jordan Mohilowski, John Mays share real faith-driven stories of humor, heartbreak, career highlights and losses. The people who wrote, produced and signed some of the greats like Lauren Daigle, Mercy Me, Toby Mac, The Afters, Skillet, Hillsong United and for King and Country . Subscribe for inspiring interviews! #ChristianMusic

  1. JAN 4

    Jess Cates Part 2: The Lawsuit, Losing Everything & God’s “Eagle” Promise

    The lawsuit nightmare.Running out of money.Almost homeless with a young family.And the miraculous “eagle” vision that carried him through.Jess shares how God turned the darkest season into a comeback—writing worship anthems for Chris Tomlin, Passion, John Reddick, TobyMac w Forrest Frank, and more.From pop highs (Backstreet Boys, David Archuleta) to Nashville heartbreak and redemption—this is raw faith in the music business.Next episodes coming:Stu G (Delirious? guitarist – worship music legend)Stacey Willbur (veteran CCM song plugger)Hit subscribe—you don’t want to miss these! 🔥#JessCates #ChristianSongwriter #WorshipMusic #ComebackStory #morecowbellplease 00:00 Intro 00:57 Out of Money & Almost Homeless 01:30 A Vision & God’s Word 02:59 Settling the Lawsuit 03:50 Lawsuit Aftermath04:46 Life Lessons from the Lawsuit 05:15 Lawsuit Outcome 05:41 Selling the Catalog 06:00 Nashville Deals & Humbling Moments 07:18 Forming In Paradise 07:35 Signing with TIM Publishing 08:14 Getting Back on His Feet 08:42 Random Success Stories 09:41 Jess’s Journey Through Genres 10:10 TobyMac, Forrest Frank & Jon Reddick 11:09 “Jeff Cates” & Alt IDs11:41 AI in Songwriting 15:12 10,000 Hours & 3 Guys in a Room 16:10 Career Advice for New Writers 17:50 Embarrassing Songwriting Stories 18:33 Lessons from Hard Sessions 19:38 Fear vs Faith in the Room 21:14 Changing Priorities 22:25 Finding & Living Your Purpose 24:30 Jonas Brothers Session 25:02 Martina McBride “Just Call You Mine” 26:44 Passion “The Lord Will Provide” 27:36 Song Impacts on Listeners 29:28 Goodbye & Thanks 29:35 Outro 🎧ALL EPISODES:.https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBt6FZ88v_g64fr3KfLjQgPIM0vUYRZy9PODCAST:Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/0v9dEeIH0OeP1chxSfQ7gj?si=d0HmJihHTjGhiEuwP8cYewListen on Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-cowbell-please/id1796605641Get vidIQ to grow your channel faster! 🚀https://vidiq.com/morecowbell

    30 min

  2. 12/06/2025

    Hit Songwriter Goes From Backstreet Boys to Nearly Homeless | Jess Cates

    Hit songwriter, Jess Cates takes us into the realities of the craft in both LA and Nashville. From mega hits with Backstreet Boys and American Idols, to worship hits with Elevation, Passion, Matt Redman, and the who's who of CCM Christian Music. From millions in sales and billions in streams, to being broke and almost homelessAt one point finding himself needing to sue his non paying publisher. The highs and lows and song backstories you wont believe!Part 2 next week.Credits include songs withMainstream Pop:Back Street BoysNick LacheyJonas BrothersNew Kids on the BlockVertigoCliff RichardAmerican Idol ALUMS:David ArchuletaScotty McCreeryClay AikenDavid CookCountry:LeAnnRimesMartina McBrideCCM:Mercy MeTobyMacForrest FrankLeelandRebecca St JamesMandisaAvalonBebo NormanPoint of GraceSonicFloodJump5The AftersBritt NicoleBen RectorWorship:Matt RedmanChris TomlinPassion MusicElevationJon ReddickJesus CultureMatt MaherChapters00:00 Intro – Season 2 Premiere! 02:13 Welcome Jess Cates 02:27 Nashville Roots & Preacher’s Kid Life 03:19 Growing Up in Franklin Schools 04:01 First Song Ever Written (Age 15!) 04:26 Early Gigs & Talent Shows 04:46 Meeting Michael W. Smith 06:05 One Year at Belmont… Then Quitting 06:17 Writing Worship with Friends 06:54 First Publishing Deal – Brentwood-Benson07:50 How Publishing Deals Actually Work 09:45 Leading Worship on the Side 10:07 First Major Cuts (Avalon, Plus One) 11:01 Signing a Pop Deal in LA 11:27 Moving to Los Angeles12:10 Worship Leading in the Desert 12:40 Finding Family at an LA Church 13:33 Success vs Faith Tension in Hollywood 14:19 Praying in the Bathroom Between Sessions 14:58 Inviting God into Secular Writing Rooms 15:59 Real Faith Conversations with Pop Stars 16:56 The Joshua Tree Surrender Story 17:10 Jonas & the Holy Spirit Lights 18:26 “Incomplete” – Writing for Backstreet Boys 19:51 How the Song Leaked & Exploded 20:19 God’s Joshua Tree Confirmation 23:07 The Mystery of Songwriting 25:01 More LA Hits (David Archuleta, Nick Lachey) 25:14 “Crush” – From Prayer Closet to #1 27:00 The Chris Tomlin “Even So Come” Miracle 30:19 Passion Release & Life-Changing Impact 30:44 Partnering with TIM Publishing 31:37 Why Jess Left LA 31:48 The Lawsuit That Changed Everything 32:00 Running Out of Money 32:20 Landing Back in Nashville 32:50 Spiritual Breakthrough in Hardship 33:41 Almost Homeless with a Young Family 34:28 Outro – Part 2 Next Week!🎧ALL EPISODES:.https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBt6FZ88v_g64fr3KfLjQgPIM0vUYRZy9PODCAST:Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/0v9dEeIH0OeP1chxSfQ7gj?si=d0HmJihHTjGhiEuwP8cYewListen on Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-cowbell-please/id1796605641Get vidIQ to grow your channel faster! 🚀https://vidiq.com/morecowbell

    35 min

  3. 11/28/2025

    The TOP 5 Radical Christian Artists Who UP-ENDED the BUSINESS

    I name the top 5 the most radical Christian music artists in the recorded music era and what they did that shocked the business. And the church. Were they right? Did they go too far? Forrest Frank has posted radical stands lately - Dropping out of the Doves, slamming AI music, refusing to listen to non christian music. It reminded me of those in the past that have done even more radical things, Sadly all but one have passed away, but each lived controversially - and i speculate they may have moderated with time and grace. Follow along as i detail the stands of Carman, Keith Green, Larry Norman, Rich Mullins and of course mr Forrest Frank. 🎧ALL EPISODES:.https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBt6FZ88v_g64fr3KfLjQgPIM0vUYRZy9PODCAST:Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/0v9dEeIH0OeP1chxSfQ7gj?si=d0HmJihHTjGhiEuwP8cYewListen on Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-cowbell-please/id1796605641Get vidIQ to grow your channel faster! 🚀https://vidiq.com/morecowbell

    18 min

  4. 09/28/2025

    Ainslie Grosser: Why I Quit Posting Podcasts (The Real Reasons)

    Join Me as I share a personal life update. And LEGAL issues!. I'm also taking to opportunity to give a life story of my journey from Australia to India, opening a Christian music venue, to mixing Grammy-winning tracks for For King & Country and Matt Redman! Discover the heart behind the podcast, inspired by faith, struggles, and stories from CCM legends like Danny Duncan, John Mays and Jackie Patillo, as well as CCM's most well known producers, writers, and Artists like for King and Country's own Joel and Luke Smallbone, Matt Hammit and Aaron Shust. The historic -time following of Charlie Kirks assassination has refocused me on the gospel’s power in music. The GREAT NEWS there's MORE COMING. But not for a couple weeks. Stay tuned. Subscribe! #MoreCowbellPlease If you've seen the cowbells recent reels showing Charlie Kirk praising Forrest Franks influence, The effect on Lauren Daigle, and Jenny McCarthy you'll have sensed a change. Watch for the upcoming stories and observations in conversation with my guests - we're on a mission! Chapters:0:00 Intro0:09 Welcome to More Cowbell Please0:17 Channel Stats: 1M Views, 1,400 Subs1:10 Guest Highlights: CCM Legends1:15 Producers: Chris Stevens & More2:04 Songwriters: Matt Armstrong & Ian Eskelin2:11 Executives: Jackie Patillo & John Mays2:27 Skillet’s Manager Zach Kelm2:37 Artists: For King & Country & More2:58 Engineers: Danny Duncan & Others3:06 Concert Promoter Gary Smith3:14 Media: Jessica Morris on Newsboys3:24 Thanks to Our Guests3:28 The CCM Industry Pyramid3:38 Why I Paused the Podcast4:41 Legal Hold on Special Episode5:01 My Australian Roots5:26 India Missionary Life5:58 Outback & Boarding School Adventures6:53 Piano Tuning Apprenticeship7:37 Starting a Christian Music Venue8:09 Bible College & Theological Training8:45 Promoting with David Smallbone9:37 Unsung Hero: Amy Grant Connection10:08 Producing Local Acts11:03 Moving to the USA11:37 Working at a Worship Label12:05 Becoming a Full-Time Mixer13:16 Podcast Inception Story13:56 Charlie Kirk Impact14:28 What’s Next for More Cowbell Please🎧ALL EPISODES:.https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBt6FZ88v_g64fr3KfLjQgPIM0vUYRZy9 PODCAST:Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/0v9dEeIH0OeP1chxSfQ7gj?si=d0HmJihHTjGhiEuwP8cYewListen on Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-cowbell-please/id1796605641

    15 min

  5. 08/29/2025

    Prince Mulla: Bollywood Meets Faith in India! 🕊️🎹

    Prince Mulla is a Christ follower working in the Bollywood movie industry as a producer and musician. From leading 500,000 in worship to crafting Bollywood hits, Prince shares his journey as a pastor’s son, navigating faith in a 1.4 Billion people nation where conversion is illegal. Hear stories of his viral song “Zinda” impacting Pakistan persecution, and “Gal” healing loneliness. He's producing homegrown authentic modern worship that the Indian population can relate to - and I frankly find fascinating!. In this podcast we learn about how he's blending traditional instruments like tablas, harmoniums and sitar with western musical influences in this new wave of worship music sweeping thru the Church there.Chapters: 0:00 Intro to More Cowbell Please1:07 Meet Prince Mulla: Bollywood & Faith1:36 Prince’s Christian Roots in India2:03 Music Journey: Harmonium to Keyboard2:26 Studying Music in Chennai2:51 Bollywood Beginnings as Keyboardist3:35 Leading Worship for 500,0005:05 Navigating Bollywood’s Music Scene5:55 Faith in Bollywood: Staying True6:28 Producing Ads & Jingles7:16 Viral Christian Songwriting Begins8:10 Personal Worship Through Music9:05 India’s 26 Languages & Hindi Worship9:45 Christianity in India: 2% & Growing11:13 Conversion Laws in India13:26 Christ Follower, Not Christian14:30 Church Growth Amid Persecution16:47 Indian Worship Meets Western Sound18:07 Western Music’s Impact on India18:36 India’s Wealth Divide Explained19:38 Breaking India’s Caste System21:45 First Impressions of America22:56 Zinda’s Impact After Church Bombing24:36 Gal: A Song for God’s Hug26:41 India’s Got Talent & Guinness Record27:33 Nations of Worship Ministry28:10 Keeping Worship Pure, Not Paid29:12 Rich Mullins’ Money Philosophy29:58 Choosing Ministry Over Money30:27 Christian Music Scene in India31:21 Outro & Duncan Phillips Tease🎧ALL EPISODES:.https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBt6FZ88v_g64fr3KfLjQgPIM0vUYRZy9 PODCAST:Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/0v9dEeIH0OeP1chxSfQ7gj?si=d0HmJihHTjGhiEuwP8cYewListen on Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-cowbell-please/id1796605641

    32 min

  6. 08/21/2025

    Nathan Nockels: Crafting Passion’s Biggest Hits! 🕊️🎹

    Nathan Nockels. Producer. A master class in how to make a record. Picking great songs, being an authentic creative. After 18 years producing for Passion including Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, Crowder, Laura Story and annual conference records, he tells us about his current work - some of his most sucessful yet. But not for the reasons you may think! He's produced hits like the ICONIC 10000 Reasons (Matt Redman), Better is One Day (Passion), Blessings (Laura Story) making the worship sound track of the late 90's and 2000's.Chapters: 0:00 Intro1:53 Welcome to Nathan Nockels2:25 Oklahoma Roots2:55 Early Days with Charlie Hall4:02 First Studio Adventures5:24 Forming Sons and Daughters6:22 Christy’s Game-Changing Vocals7:21 Passion’s Beginnings with Louie Giglio8:10 Nathan’s Producer Awakening9:17 Passion’s First Spark13:24 Matt Redman’s Songs at Passion ‘9914:47 Bringing in Chris Tomlin15:32 Keith Smith’s Loop Legacy17:23 Starting Passion City Church18:27 Writing for Passion Conferences20:03 10,000 Reasons: Disney Robin Hood Roots22:28 10,000 Reasons’ Global Impact25:22 AI & Authentic Music Creation28:01 Keeping Creativity Alive29:52 Snare Sound Evolution31:38 First Massive Crowd Moment32:52 Meditative Music Lessons33:58 Overwhelming Georgia Dome Experience35:09 Leaving Passion37:58 Nockels’ Lullaby & Christmas Success39:33 Authentic Creativity’s Power42:12 Experience Shapes Artistry48:08 Recapturing Youthful Creativity48:57 Challenging the Status Quo51:17 Songs Touching Lives53:27 Hilarious Mixing Mishap55:33 Music Education Journey58:27 Theological Training Insights61:57 Embarrassing Matt Redman Moment62:31 Goodbyes & Thanks62:38 Outro🎧ALL EPISODES:.https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBt6FZ88v_g64fr3KfLjQgPIM0vUYRZy9 PODCAST:Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/0v9dEeIH0OeP1chxSfQ7gj?si=d0HmJihHTjGhiEuwP8cYewListen on Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-cowbell-please/id1796605641

    1h 3m

  7. 08/14/2025

    Matt Armstrong’s Songwriting Secrets: Tomlin, Casting Crowns & More! 🕊️🎸

    Matt Armstrong is a songwriter behind hits like Chris Tomlin’s “At the Cross” and Casting Crowns’ “Always Enough”! From his Buffalo roots to Nashville’s CCM scene, Matt shares wild stories—spilling Dr. Pepper with Ashley Judd, surviving a dog funeral saga, and finding faith through music. Now an A&R pro at Story House Collective, he mentors new talent like Cade Thompson. Next up: Nathan Nockles & Prince Mulla! Subscribe on YouTube to help us hit our first 1000 - almost there! #MoreCowbellPlease Chapters0:00 Intro1:36 Welcome to Matt Armstrong2:08 Buffalo Roots3:32 Discovering Christian Music6:30 Full Sail Journey7:10 Darkhorse Internship8:13 Working with Ed Cash10:32 Reigniting Songwriting12:03 First Cuts: Always Enough14:06 Ashley Judd & Dr. Pepper16:04 Awkward Protest Song16:34 Three Dog Saga20:47 Song Stories: At the Cross21:11 Watoto Choir Miracle24:22 Songs as Ministry26:56 Making a Living Songwriting28:03 Ups and Downs in Music32:37 A&R at Story House33:59 Dog Sitting for Matthew West34:31 Building Story House Talent38:05 Avoiding Bitterness39:41 Magnificent Defeats43:28 Meeting His Wife44:51 Goodbyes & Thanks44:59 Outro🎧ALL EPISODES:.https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBt6FZ88v_g64fr3KfLjQgPIM0vUYRZy9 PODCAST:Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/0v9dEeIH0OeP1chxSfQ7gj?si=d0HmJihHTjGhiEuwP8cYewListen on Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-cowbell-please/id1796605641

    46 min

  8. 08/07/2025

    Gary Smith: Tales Behind the scenes Touring Europe w/ Rebecca St. James and Skillet

    Our epic chat with Gary Smith, a veteran Christian music promoter in Europe! Behind the scenes stories of booking Rebecca St. James’ first UK tour to Skillet’s loud shows and for KING & COUNTRY’s international debut, Gary shares wild stories—like a whale-chasing crowd in the Faroe Islands and a 900-ticket sellout in an Austrian village. Hear how faith and ministry drove his work with, Thrid Day, DC Talk, Newsboys, and many more. 🕊️ Subscribe for more inspiring stories, and don’t miss Matt Armstrong next week! #MoreCowbellPlease Chapters 0:00 Intro 1:06 Welcome 2:02 Early Life Stories 2:40 Boys’ Brigade Memories 4:08 Discovering Music Festivals 4:46 First Bookings: Firm Foundations 6:59 Label Showcase Moments 8:26 Hiring the Right Team 9:21 Landing U.S. Label Gigs 9:39 DC Talk Show Highlights 10:49 GMA Experiences 11:06 David Smallbone’s Impact 11:48 Organizing RSJ’s First Tour 13:45 RSJ Tour Locations 14:57 Planning Show Dates 15:46 Core Touring Values 16:31 Supporting Promoters 17:40 Making Tours Work for All 19:00 Austrian Tour Story 22:10 Translator Tales 23:47 Faroe Islands Adventure 26:06 Japan Tour Insights 28:20 for KING & COUNTRY’s First International Dates 28:59 Keyboard Player Anecdotes 30:27 Acts Promoted 32:41 To Tour Europe or Not? 34:52 Skillet’s Big Date 36:13 Investing in European Tours 37:42 Europe’s Openness to the Gospel 39:38 Crossing Over to Mainstream 40:11 U2’s Influence 40:57 Life After Promoting 42:10 Brazil Tour Story 43:56 Rich Mullins’ Legacy 45:44 Goodbyes & Thanks 45:59 Outro 🎧ALL EPISODES:.https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBt6FZ88v_g64fr3KfLjQgPIM0vUYRZy9 PODCAST: Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/0v9dEeIH0OeP1chxSfQ7gj?si=d0HmJihHTjGhiEuwP8cYew Listen on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-cowbell-please/id1796605641

    46 min
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11 Ratings

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Grammy Winning CCM Mix Engineer Ainslie Grosser dives into Christian music with More Cowbell Please! Hear CCM stars and industry pros like Luke Smallbone, Paul Mabury, Jordan Mohilowski, John Mays share real faith-driven stories of humor, heartbreak, career highlights and losses. The people who wrote, produced and signed some of the greats like Lauren Daigle, Mercy Me, Toby Mac, The Afters, Skillet, Hillsong United and for King and Country . Subscribe for inspiring interviews! #ChristianMusic

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