John McKivergan is a lyricist specializing in Christian and social consciousness themes, seamlessly blending his words with both rock and Christian music genres. His collaborative approach extends to working closely with composers and production companies, ensuring the music created harmonizes seamlessly with his poignant lyrics. With a passion for crafting meaningful narratives, John is dedicated to contributing soul-stirring content to the realms of both rock and Christian music.
Was there something (an experience) or someone in your life that was the "catalyst" for you to start writing or performing music? Tell us about it
I had started writing lyrics back in the mid 2000s and gave up on it. At the time I was spending a good deal of time assisting my elderly father. After his passing in 2013 I was looking for something charitable to do with my extra time. It's hard to explain but I felt like the Good Lord tapped me on the shoulder and said try again so I did and released my first song in 2016.
Let's get this out of the way. What is the CRAZIEST thing that has ever happened to you in your music career?
I am not sure this qualifies as crazy but one thing that sticks with me was an email I got from a fan one time. The email stated that the fan had given up on drugs because of one of my songs. God is definitely good.
What has been the high point of your music path?
The high point of my musical / writing path has been continuing to be in the top 5 rankings in two of the music websites I publish on.
So, how do you approach songwriting or what is your creative process like?
My creative process starts with an idea popping into my head about something to write about. Being that I write faith based lyrics I believe these ideas are divinely inspired. Once I have an idea about what to write about, I start outlining general ideas about the topic for verses, chorus, and bridge of the song. I then usually try to get the chorus written first, then each verse and the bridge. I usually go back and write and rewrite multiple times until I am satisfied. For a period of time, I was working with a songwriting coach, so he was in the middle helping me organize my ideas and suggesting edits. Once the lyrics are done, I contract with an online studio to get the music and vocals created to work with my lyrics. I provide the studio with the lyrics, a reference track of what I would like the song to sound like in general, and a spec sheet of what I am trying to accomplish with the song. Next, I have a conference call with the producer from the studio in order to review my input and make sure we are on the same page before he begins creating the music. Once he has completed the music along with the vocal tracks, I get the song file for review. Once I sign off on the song I then go into distribute and promote mode.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing Indie Artists today? Or, if you could ask the music industry to change one thing, what would it be?
I am just trying my best to do what I can do in order put songs out into the world. That is really my focus.
If you could share the stage with one other artist or band, who would it be and why?
While I am just the lyricist/songwriter so I will not be sharing the stage with anyone, being able to collaborate with U2 one of my favorite all time bands would be awesome!!!
Pick one song that was your greatest challenge to write. Tell us about it!
One of the most challenging songs I have written is called "Why Can't You See". The song is centered around abortion and the overturning of the Roe vs. Wade case. The purpose of the song was not to take a side or win an argument. The purpose was to present each side and try to get people to listen to each other. I was trying to have the song stay in the middle between the two sides which was difficult as I have strong feelings about this issue.
For fans who have never heard your music, can you pick three words to describe it?! If three words just aren't enough..then tell us more!!
Hopefully my songs are faith filled / ear catching / the words blending seamlessly with the music.
What is your favorite part about being an artist? Is it songwriting, performing, recording, something else? Tell us why
Since I am a lyricist/songwriter my favorite part is when I get a song back from the studio. I get to hear my words come to life.
Okay, this a fun question. When you are not doing music, what else do you enjoy doing?
I am retired from my full-time career as well as being a lyricist/songwriter, so I enjoy spending quality time with my wife of over forty years. I also am an avid pickleball player.
What's coming up in the future for you?
Working on my next writing project which is titled "Unite or Divide" https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=john+mckivergan+-+topic https://www.reverbnation.com/johnmckivergan