The Sower Project

Christian music has a bigger problem than bad songs. It may be built on the wrong incentives.Clifford, creator of I’m Clifford Today and the indie rock project Sherwood Forest, joins Eric Tuffendsam for an honest conversation about the state of Christian music: the good, the bad, and the ugly.From the rise of the CCM industry to the tension between ministry, money, popularity, and discipleship, they ask a difficult question: Is the system serving the mission, or has the mission started serving the system?They discuss the purpose CCM originally served, the difference between mainstream Christian music and the indie “gray space,” how fame and streams can distort a calling, the need for local church accountability, and why smaller, bivocational artists and communities may offer a healthier path forward.Eric also shares the thinking behind the Sower Project and its emphasis on collaboration, biblical faithfulness, and church-rooted creativity. Clifford talks about why he joined the collective, lessons learned through Sherwood Forest, and why spiritual grounding matters more than ever.If you care about Christian music, indie rock, church accountability, or how artists can pursue creativity without getting swallowed by the machine, this conversation is for you.LINKSI’m Clifford Today:https://www.youtube.com/ImCliffordTodaySherwood Forest:https://sherwoodforest.bandcamp.comSower Project / Biblical Indie Rock:https://biblicalindierock.com

In this conversation, Eric talks with indie artist Branden Cate, who spent years touring adjacent to the CCM scene before walking away from his faith. While many would call his story “deconstruction,” this term often softens what Scripture calls falling away from Christ. Looking back, he doesn’t blame God—he takes responsibility for his own sin, selfishness, and doubt. Now restored to Christ, Branden is writing synth-driven indie rock for God’s glory. Together they discuss repentance, restoration, and the grace of God that brings prodigals home.🎧 Listen to Branden Cate: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3kKyrCDVp12UOp5G40xohI?si=6iYrP2O7SqWCBsUGPJrmLw&utm_source=copy-link🌿 More great music: https://biblicalindierock.com🌾 Follow Sower: https://sowerproject.com

In this in-depth conversation, Chase Tremaine and Eric Tuffendsam explore the impact of passivity and AI on modern music, creativity, and the church. They discuss how technological and cultural shifts influence human engagement, the ethical considerations of AI in Christian art, and practical ways to stay active and discerning in a passive culture.Chasetremaine.combiblicalindierock.comsowerproject.com

In this engaging conversation, Eric Tuffendsam and Mark Hudson from the Campfire Apologetics Podcast explore how music points beyond itself to the existence and nature of God, discussing its mathematical order, emotional power, and theological significance. Mark shares his personal journey from secular music to Christian apologetics, emphasizing how music reveals God's creative order and serves as a tool for evangelism and worship.Mark's Music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4GTZqgVie0nBy9BD8oYbfy?si=fxqAgy3fSfym_ksJKyJM8wMark's Old Band, Onward To Olympas: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6L8qlm6sN9urvDB5ol7t5A?si=HHzt8GUPSUiPTxzGcyY0QACheck out biblicalindierock.com and sowerproject.com

In this solo episode, Eric explains the direction of Sower and what's new about "Sower Project." Follow the Biblical Indie Rock Collective on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7g8gVWD6CwM1gWFtDIwzfj?si=CT6fRxVjQPmV2wlA7-eBlgbiblicalindierock.comsowerproject.com

In this conversation, Eric Tuffendsam interviews Alex Zimmermann, co-founder of Near Kingdom Records, discussing his journey in the Christian music industry, the challenges faced by indie artists, and the importance of community and collaboration in music. They explore the evolution of Christian music, the impact of major labels, and the need for a new approach to support emerging artists. Alex shares valuable insights and advice for aspiring musicians, emphasizing the significance of social media presence, consistent music releases, and the importance of documenting the impact of their work.About Alex: https://nearkingdomrecords.com/https://www.instagram.com/circlebackeg/?hl=enLISTEN TO GREAT MUSIC:biblicalindierock.comsowerproject.comSupport Sower ProjectPatreon.com/sowerproject

In this solo episode, Eric tells the story of how he came to faith in Christ and some of the pivotal growth points he's had since then. May Christ encourage you through it!For biblical indie rock music, visit:biblicalindierock.comsowerproject.com

In this conversation, Eric Tuffendsam and Zac discuss the challenges of self-promotion for Christian entrepreneurs, particularly in the context of Zac's card game, Escape Master. They explore the fears associated with promoting one's work, the importance of community feedback, and the balance between creativity and marketing. The discussion emphasizes trusting God throughout the process and learning from failures, ultimately encouraging listeners to embrace their gifts and promote their work confidently.FIND OUT MORE: https://www.zilycreativeworks.com/For Biblical Indie Rock Music: biblicalindierock.com and sowerproject.com

Artificial intelligence is reshaping music creation, but should Christians embrace it without discernment?In this short episode, Eric examines AI music through a biblical lens. Is AI just another tool, or is it fundamentally different? We discuss conscience, honesty, disclosure, human creativity, and whether outsourcing music to AI undermines the Christian calling to create with wisdom and integrity.This conversation calls Christian musicians and listeners to slow down, think biblically, and approach AI with discernment rather than novelty or fear.Support the ministry of sower: patreon.com/sowerprojectListen: sowerproject.comMore: biblicalindierock.com

In this episode, Eric sits down with DJ Collier, a leader with BLOC Ministries in Cincinnati, Ohio — an urban ministry devoted to serving neighbors in need with both compassion and truth. We dive into the realities of ministry in one of Cincinnati’s most underserved communities and explore the delicate balance between meeting physical needs and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.DJ walks us through the heart of their work: how they respond to crisis first, offering tangible help like meals, basic care, and safe space, and how they ensure their efforts build holistic growth rather than enable dependency. We talk about how BLOC prioritizes crisis intervention, while also creating pathways toward healing, dignity, and spiritual transformation.This isn’t just charity — it’s intentional, long-term relationship building in the name of Christ. DJ shares insights on walking alongside people in real struggle, how ministry leaders can avoid reinforcing systems of dependency, and what it looks like to invite people into a life transformed by hope and relationship with Jesus.BLOC Ministries is a faith-based organization focused on building relationships with neighbors and sharing hope in brokenness in the Price Hill area of Cincinnati. They serve through multiple programs, including food assistance, emergency care, job skills training, youth mentoring, transitional homes, and holistic support aimed at long-term growth and restoration.  Learn more & get involved:🔗 Official Website: https://www.onebloc.org/  🔗 Contact & Volunteer: https://www.onebloc.org/contact-us  🔗 Mission Trips & Group Engagement: https://www.onebloc.org/missions  🔗 Weightless Anchor (Crisis Care): https://www.onebloc.org/weightless-anchor  🔗 Redeemed Home (Residential Recovery): https://www.onebloc.org/redeemedhome  Hear Sower at sowerproject.com and more music at biblicalindierock.com