S6 E6: Adorning The Dark with Andrew Peterson

Andrew Peterson is an award-winning singer-songwriter and author. The second book in his Wingfeather Saga, North! Or Be Eaten won the Christy Award for Young Adult Fiction, and the fourth, The Warden and the Wolf King won World Magazine’s Children’s Book of the Year in 2015.

In 2008, Andrew founded a creative arts community called The Rabbit Room, which led to a yearly conference, countless concerts and symposiums, and Rabbit Room Press, which has published thirty books to date.

In this episode, Stephen sits down with Andrew to talk about his latest book, Adorning The Dark which is a collection of personal stories from his journey through the intersections of songwriting, storytelling, and vocation, along with offering a nuts-and-bolts exploration of the great mystery of creativity.

S6 E1: Chrysaline with Josh Garrels

In this opening episode, Stephen talks with singer-songwriter Josh Garrels about his latest release, Chrysaline. The two discuss the personally transformative experiences that informed the making of these songs and how collaboration and environment impacted Josh’s creative process. Josh shares openly about his experience of personal frustration that led him to place his music on the altar.

*Be sure to listen to the end as Josh addresses the latest trend of what feels like a mass exodus from the faith by so many people in our generation.

“This may be one of the more timely and important conversations we have had on the podcast. I look forward to discussing this further with our creative collective over the next few weeks.” – Stephen

Bonus Episode: Martin Smith

Earlier this year, I traveled to the beautiful country of England. While I was there, I had the opportunity to meet with singer/songwriter Martin Smith in his hometown of Brighton. We shared a breakfast together and afterwards I asked if he would be willing to answer a few questions I could share with our listeners. Martin was gracious and obliged, so I quickly pulled out my cell phone and captured our conversation.

**Disclaimer: Because the conversation was recorded on my iPhone, the production is a bit raw. But I felt the conversation was inspiring enough to share with you anyway.

Music, Singer-songwriter, Bonus Episode, WorshipStephen RoachMay 17, 2019sin, worship, Martin Smith, Delirious

S4 E11: Onward Like A Storm with Liz Vice

Liz Vice is a singer/songwriter based in Brooklyn, NY. She is best known for her Gospel, Soul and R&B roots. On her latest album titled, “Save Me,” Liz breaks the mold of any one particular genre and explores a wide range of musical territory.

In this episode, Stephen talks with Liz about her creative process and the vulnerability within her songs and personal story of overcoming fear.

Music, Singer-songwriterStephen RoachOctober 18, 2018Liz Vice, gospel, R&B, singer-songwwriter, singer/songwriter

S4 E4: Ring Of Fire with Moda Spira

Latifah Alattas is a singer/songwriter, producer, recording engineer and performer. Her project Moda Spira is a musical exploration of emotional honesty, characterized by intimate vocals and cinematic overtones.

In this episode, Stephen talks with Latifah about her upcoming album, her creative process and an in-depth look into her experience of journeying through grief.

Latifah has her own, companion podcast to the album which gives a song by song look into the themes and making of her record. You can listen and subscribe here.

Here is a link to Latifah's kickstarter campaign to support the making of her album.

Singer-songwriterStephen RoachJuly 11, 2018Latifah Alattas, Moda Spira, singer-songwwriter

S4 E3: Evergreen with Audrey Assad

Audrey Assad is a singer/songwriter from Nashville, Tennessee who has written and recorded ten albums to date, including her recent release, Evergreen. In this episode, Stephen talks with Audrey about the gut-wrenching deconstruction of her faith and the fertile ground of re-birth which fuels the concept behind Evergreen.

Patrons of the podcast can enjoy an additional interview with Audrey at Patreon.com/makersandmystics.

Season Premiere! S3 E1: Around The Table with Jason Upton

In this episode, Stephen talks with singer/songwriter, Jason Upton about linear versus circular creative processes. This episode features previously unreleased material from the artist.

S2 E11: On Vocation and Calling with Josh Garrels Part 2

This episode is Part 2 of a conversation with Josh Garrels. In this episode, Stephen Roach discusses Josh's honest lyricism, how our families and cultural environments inform the art we make.

Music, Process, Singer-songwriterStephen RoachJune 21, 2017Josh Garrels, music, Christian music, art, family

Season 2 E10: On Vocation and Calling with Josh Garrels Part 1

Josh Garrels is a Portland, Oregon-based singer/songwriter who combines elements of hip-hop, world music and folk in his songwriting. His lyrics are characterized by a raw honesty in exploring themes of faith, hope and compassion.

In this episode, Josh discusses his background in music and the pathway which led him to a vocation as a professional, independent musician. Josh talks with Stephen Roach about balancing family life and touring as well as how the choices of our personal lives inform the art we create. This episode is Part 1 of a two-part conversation.

Season 2 E9: An Ethos Of Amazement. Keynote with Sean Feucht

In this keynote, worship leader and founder of the Burn 24/7 prayer movement, Sean Feucht challenges artists to live and create from an "ethos of amazement." Drawing from his work among refugees in Iraq, Sean calls upon artists to have imaginations which will "challenge the dominant reality" and offer hope instead of despair. This keynote was given at the 2017 The Breath & The Clay Creative Arts gathering in Winston-Salem, NC.

Season 2 Episode 2: All Things Sacred: A Conversation w/ John Mark McMillan

Music, Faith and Art, Singer-songwriterStephen RoachFebruary 16, 2017John Mark McMillan, Josh Garrels, Revelators Tour, Makers and Mystics, Makers & Mystics, Christian music, art, faith, The Breath and the Clay