John Cooper of Skillet Shares the Secrets of Their Worldwide Success - MIIM 101

John Cooper is the lead singer of the band Skillet (Grammy nominated, Dove Award winning). Today, Skillet is one of the largest rock music touring acts in the world. Hit songs include “Monster,” “Hero,” “Whispers In The Dark,” “Feel Invincible,” and “Stars.” At the time of this episode’s release, their current radio single is “Lions.”
Seth has been working with John and his wife (and fellow Skillet member) Korey, writing songs for their upcoming LP release. In this episode, John and Seth discuss the new record, Skillet’s success, and the difficulties of navigating the politics of the music industry, especially from the perspective of a new, Christian band.
Throughout the story of Skillet’s origin, John explains how it used to be a part of pop culture to see new bands on the weekend. This gave Skillet a great touring opportunity early on, and they found themselves with a passionate following. However, they had a lot of trouble with labels, who despite massive interest, couldn’t get past the fact that they were a Christian band.
Of course, they overcame these challenges and now have several gold and platinum records under their belt.
Want to know the best instrument to pursue if you want to be in a band? Want to know the best way to handle a radio station that won’t play your song without other demands? Want to know how to navigate changes in the industry and stay fresh?
John Cooper is here to share his story about how he made it in music, and he’s here to help you do the same.
For tons of free interviews with chart-topping music makers and artists (who you need to be emulating if you want to make it in music), visit:
madeitinmusic.com
Visit our website to learn more about our Production Company, Songwriting, Publishing Company, Academy, and Record Label at:
fullcirclemusic.com
#Season1 #MadeItInMusicPodcast #Skillet

[@abbycadabbie]

I was lost for so many years, and so much stuff has went on. I felt alone and as if God had forgotten about me. Little did I know... God was reaching out to me through Skillets music. I had turned to their music anytime I felt lonely, or scared, or when I was in a bad place in my life. Though I was mad at God, He still stayed with me. Skillets music is life changing. Because of their music, I am still alive today. Because of Skillets music, I beat my drug addiction, and I still continue to turn to their music when urges are coming from left to right. Skillet is the reason why I gave my life back to Jesus Christ on New Years this year. Because of their music, I found the courage to change my life for the better. Music is a very powerful thing, and no words can express how thankful I am for Skillets music.

[@OfficialFCMusic]

Thanks for listening and writing. Happy to read

[@cavanalfishing2056]

That is a beautiful testimony praise God!

[@mariamustermann6796]

Wow

[@tripletimeace609]

Amazing story, man

[@tomtremper103]

Wow... this is what a strong Christian should be. Love the music and so glad to see that there's a good Christian behind it. Awesome, just freaking awesome.

[@OfficialFCMusic]

Much appreciated tom! -Seth

[@brojoe3909]

No, this is what a strong Christian should strive to be. 1 John 2:15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.

[@sadbutfunni]

I think John cooper is one of the only people I listen to that, like, if he talks, you KNOW that he's the lead singer you just know.

[@joerobinson2538]

It doesn’t get any more REAL than this! The music business perspective & advice John is giving here is priceless and kudos to him for putting his faith first!

[@scottmeador4291]

Not just a great musician, but a great person and role model. So proud that me and my 13 year old can share a love for the same band and that I never have to worry about the message she gets from the songs. Saw Skillet live for the first time in March and we are going back to see them again in April. Great father/daughter experience and memories sharing a love of Christ and music together.

[@OfficialFCMusic]

That's awesome! Love seeing how music (and Skillet specifically) is bringing people together.

[@DezChilds]

I LOVE this video. Thank you John Cooper for speaking the truth. So refreshing.

[@juno8713]

...yes, and he snorts and he swallows his mucus,... I like this guy

[@dennissmith6845]

I have nothing but mad respect for Skillet. Keep doing what you are doing.....PLEASE!!!

[@jazzdad24]

John you will be Rewarded greatly in Heaven for your stand for Christ in a secular world!! Thank you!!

[@czntrm]

John Cooper is a man after my own heart; music and ministry! 🎶📖💖 I grew up on Skillet and I'll be staying with them to the end! I was too young to jump on the Petra train when they started, but I've been following them from the early 90's till the end! 😍

[@timjordan6551]

John you're awesome for sticking firm to your faith! Love the music, can't wait to see what you have next!

[@OfficialFCMusic]

Thanks for listening!

[@sadbutfunni]

And not only is he amazing in the way he sings, he's an amazing person.

[@zoomvroomm]

I just watched Jens overcoming doubt and now I'm watching this and I noticed that they both have no dislikes because they're the best and they're going to stay the best and believe in God and themselves and everyone else for forever

[@OfficialFCMusic]

Thank you so much. Really thankful for you watching and giving it a like. Hope you’re doing amazing. -Seth

[@cherie85okc]

I really love that my 9 year old can totally follow this guy and I have no concern True Godly just great guy

[@nitsuamisriki8373]

Skillet helped me get through my grandmas death last year.

[@joshstarr6400]

Great video! I'm 16, but I have a passion for Christian EDM, rock, rap, and really any other style I can get my hands on (except pop! I don't like pop). I'm currently operating on a little Synthesizer. Currently only have instrumental songs because I'm not a great lyric writer. Yet. I'm gettin' there. This was very inspiring! Now I'm excited to be releasing my new single in a week or two!

[@OfficialFCMusic]

Awesome! Keep at it! Thanks for watching!

[@kosrules1884]

I love skillet!!!

[@luke7488]

I want his voice so much

[@twiceborn_by_grace]

That story was awesome. I actually got saved at that church in 2003 during an Easter play.

[@VihanDamaris]

This series is soooo perfect for me! Thanks so much. I have to really dig to find out this information and you Seth ask the exact questions I want to know. God bless.

[@OfficialFCMusic]

We're here to help! Glad you are enjoying our podcast! You can find all the latest episodes and notes at madeitinmusic.com/!

[@logancrockett6001]

So inspiring!

[@timbowen5267]

Thanks for these interviews Seth...Only my third one and loving it..

[@OfficialJ6Music]

This dude is just awesome. Wow. What a shot of adrenaline to my music. John might be my new musical hero. LoL

[@OfficialFCMusic]

Thanks for listening!

[@johnnyb3245]

Great interview. Thanks for not giving up John

[@joerobinson2538]

Seth! This was an awesome interview and superb questions!

[@sman2000ifly]

Man I'm so pumped for this new album always excited to see what skillet gas to offer

[@OfficialFCMusic]

It’s so good! We are biased but it’s the best one yet. :) Seth

[@icadrums]

Amazing Testimony! 💜

[@LucyOwl]

Love Skillet, Love John Cooper! :)

[@OfficialFCMusic]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@randymaestas9429]

John is an awesome man of God!

[@OfficialFCMusic]

Amen.

[@lindsfavorite7111]

I love skillet

[@kaitlynmercer5630]

Been a fan since hey you I love your soul and collide was the best thing when it came out.. But ive never heard the stories he has told and the origins and drama of the band. Wow I would like a john cooper biography

[@truthwisdom]

God bless them!

[@thejandjchannel5016]

Listening to john is helping me grow in my faith through his honesty and staying true to who he is...got a high five from him at winter jam, fan boyed out. Lol

[@OfficialFCMusic]

Thanks for sharing!! Glad this interview could inspire you! Seth

[@thejandjchannel5016]

Grow is the wrong word but it certainly is inspiring, helps but things in more of a clearer perspective

[@danielmaldonado5979]

If you need a guitarist or a bassist, Im your guy. Loved this interview.

[@MannyHubbardMusic]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="2377">39:37</a> LIKE A BEAST!

[@rgu808]

Great questions brother!

[@OfficialFCMusic]

Thanks!! Appreciate you watching! Seth

[@lillyvba7635]

PETRA is in fact THE ALL TIME BAND. Love Skillet ❤👏👏

[@maggiethompson4943]

wow had no clue thats how you came up with skillet also in history class we are reading the star wars speech

[@OfficialFCMusic]

Band names come from the most interesting places... if you started a band what would your band name be? -Seth

[@charlesirwin5126]

I love skillets new album and John coppers interview it made me think about things like pressure it get from people because I'm a Christian and now I'm 60 years still a virgin never slept with a woman waiting for the right lady people make fun of me all the time skillets songs had help me so much in my faith as I live my life for Jesus christ thank you John copper for all you do your new book is awesome still reading it keep rocking for Jesus christ brother God bless

[@scottsanderson7705]

For five months 205 likes and 0 dislikes that’s impressive for a video on youtube. It makes sense though because there’s nothing to dislike this about this video.

[@OfficialFCMusic]

Thanks Scott! We do our best to put our amazing content. Thanks for checking it out. -Seth

[@dwightrawley]

My very first SKILLET album I ever bought was "COLLIDE!!!"

[@jona8279]

It’s August 7 2021 as I’m watching this video. I ran away and ended up choosing to head toward Columbus. A lot going on. I’m in a hotel in grove city right now for the night absolutely broken and beaten down from my sin life taking over. Always wanted to get a hotel and spend time with Jesus and get direction. I listened to a skillet song and saw this video under it and you guys mention Grove City Ohio. I’m here right now. It’s <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="475">7:55</a>pm. I’ll take a long drive tomorrow back home where I may not have a place to stay when I get back. I’m saddened that all the doors are closing in my life. I’m broke except for a few hundred dollars. My car is damaged and might not make the drive back. I ask for prayers. I’m crying out to Jesus and need help. All the walls are closing in back where I’m from 7hrs away. I’m scared for my future. Im in a pit. And I want out.

[@sleeping.helper]

How u doing man?

[@Jaysen6740]

Love Skillet. Favorite band. Fan since 97....but "God doesn't judge"? Hmmmm. Let's think about this. Still love Skillet though!

[@BluePiggy97]

Right...God is the only one who does and will ultimately judge everyone. I wonder if John just misspoke there; he seems way too educated in his faith to say and believe something so basic.

[@krispykr33m2]

What's this radio you speak of? 🤔

[@myers73737]

does anyone know what artist he is talking about for Hillsong?

[@jamestom5056]

i was thinking the same thing. I can't imagine he was talking about Brooke Fraser. But maybe it is.

[@juniuspimentel4494]

he was talking about justin bieber.. he performed at hill song a couple of times...

[@Eruviluieth_]

I thought he was talking about Selena Gomez. She's been more vocal about it lately, sang with Hillsong, and has one album on which it is very doubtful she's wearing a bra.

[@juniuspimentel4494]

@@Eruviluieth_ he might be as well...

[@MannyHubbardMusic]

That's what i said

[@kaitlynmercer5630]

Skillet was my youth pastor lol

[@scottlally4030]

IT WOULD BE COOL IF JOHN COOPER DID A SONG WITH TRACE CYRUS AND TRAVIS BARKER.

[@maggiethompson4943]

also love green day

[@maggiethompson4943]

you keep naming bands i love just like skillet

[@maggiethompson4943]

not marylyn manson tho

[@maggiethompson4943]

i love colton tooooooooo

[@maggiethompson4943]

i spotify it

[@ThierryRocksTV]

He looks like Keemstar now

[@zeenuf00]

They write catchy songs. Seriously, the songs always come first, and they know how to write catchy songs. Without that, they're zero. They can write hit songs.

[@Y-Ronicks]

why do i think that korey is gonna destroy him, lmao <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="82">1:22</a>

[@XroguevisionaryX]

When he said his favorite book was by A.W. Pink, the theology nerd in me began to rejoice. Then he said, "harshly Calvinistic". Well...don't worry John, we harsh Calvinists will bring you to the dark side ;) :P

[@OfficialFCMusic]

hahaha, love it!

[@XroguevisionaryX]

#predestinedtobeapanhead

[@jeremyseaton3314]

John, I absolutely love you, but did you just say God doesn't judge? Then why did Jesus die on the cross?

[@Aurora-FX]

Jeremy Seaton he said that god loves you the way you are, and that he doesn’t judge. Which means he doesn’t judge you for being gay, lesbian, transgender, black, white, Jew, Muslim, etc..

[@jeremyseaton3314]

I'm pretty sure that's not what the Bible teaches. But I'll leave it at that. Please read it for yourself, and have a nice day.

[@Ninthsignmusic]

I think people forget the verse right after John 3:16

[@thejandjchannel5016]

Its possible he misspoke. that's the problem within the Christian community. Correcting every little mistake ever...enjoy the interview

[@KingMonkeygreen1]

John, You have claimed in interviews throughout your career, that you are a big fan of hair-metal bands and classic rock. The hair metal bands and all classic rock bands were full of drugs, hedonism, hedonism, and more hedonism.

[@sleeping.helper]

And???

[@THE-WAY_THE-TRUTH_THE-LIFE.]

Secret number 1: Don't mention Christ in your songs

[@sleeping.helper]

Secret number 2: let your acts speak for itself. Secret number 3: harvest the lost souls.