Andrew Ripp on Addiction, Authenticity, and Artistry

"Throughout our process we've learned what it feels like when friends carry the weight with you. And the only way to get there is to be vulnerable and let other people into your struggle. If they don't know, they can't lift it."   This week on The Song Revolution Podcast, John Chisum talks about authenticity with singer-songwriter Andrew Ripp. Andrew recently released The Heart, the first half of a new album, The Heart & The Soul. His music is full of strong hooks, and is written in a very lyric forward manner. While he is an extremely talented artist, this interview is full of wisdom about family, forgiveness, vulnerability, and being more than a conqueror!   "If I want God's dream over my life rather than mine, I have to be willing to let go of everything I know. Learning how to rest and quiet the noise has done wonders in my life. We have to learn how to get quiet."   Andrew feels passionately about the importance of vulnerability. He and John talk about Andrew's journey to overcome alcoholism, and how he triumphed over this addiction and gained greater strength and perspective. His thoughts regarding the strength found in the midst of surrender are challenging and truly inspiring. There are times when we surrender is necessary to make space for something new. Andrew's surrender led the way to freedom, and new opportunity. Listen in to hear more about Andrew's life, lessons he has learned as a husband and artist, and how he and his wife abruptly entered the realm of parenthood just a couple of months ago!   "WIth themes in songs, I don't really think about it while I'm writing them. Sometimes songwriters try to write the song, instead of waiting for the song to reveal itself. The best songs come when they unfold, and you just get out of the way."   Some topics we talk about in this episode:   Introduction // Guest Name - 1:26 Andrew's Story - 6:02 Marriage, Family, and Forgiveness. - 12:17 The Freedom of Surrender - 29:23 Andrew's Journey to Find Freedom From Alcoholism - 33:12 Andrew's new EP The Heart - 41:22 Wrap Up - 48:13 How to get involved Join the Successful Christian Songwriters Group on Facebook and continue the discussion! https://www.facebook.com/groups/SuccessfulChristianSongwriters/ Check out all of the resources for you to become the songwriter you were meant to be at www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com   If you liked this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a quick review on iTunes. It would mean the world to hear your feedback and we'd love for you to help us spread the word!