The Worship Keys Podcast

Watch On YouTubeAerospace AudioFor this episode, we have a returning guest, Marcus Wiles to discuss the Nord Stage 4, including whether it’s worth upgrading from the Stage 3, keybed improvements like triple-sensor action, new faders and workflow, and faster preset building across piano/organ/synth sections. Marcus highlights major value in Stage 4’s dedicated per-layer effects, including new Cathedral reverb (with modulated “choral” variation) and a sidechain-style pump effect, plus extensive MIDI CC automation with Ableton for live touring. He shares go-to Nord piano choices (White Grand, Pearl Upright), explains why some think Nords don’t cut through a mix, and demonstrates tools like dynamic compression, EQ, and noise layering for realism. The episode also covers organ, Rhodes, synth/sample-based sound design, touring stories, and advice on practicing, learning gear, and staying versatile.Marcus WilesAerospace AudioSupport the showThanks for listening! Subscribe here to the podcast, as well as on YouTube and other social media platforms. If you have any questions or suggestions for who you want as a featured guest in the future or a topic you want to hear, email carson@theworshipkeys.com. New episodes release every Wednesday!

Watch On YouTubeThis episode focuses on synthesizers with a deep dive on Marcus Wiles’ Sequential Prophet-6, while also thanking sponsor Aerospace Audio and highlighting their Arrow Pads app and Atmosphere Pads pedal features, sound packs, pricing, and routing ideas with Ableton. Marcus explains why he chose the Prophet-6, how its simplicity and poly mod section shaped his synth programming, and why hardware can feel more like an instrument. He demonstrates practical sound-design concepts that translate to any synth or Omni sphere, including using unison and stereo spread versus chorus, preparing patches for mono or stereo systems, shaping sounds with envelopes to turn a basic patch into bass, plucks, brass, and an 808-style sound, adding texture with audio-rate modulation and effects (including distortion after reverb), and using the Prophet-6 sequencer for writing inspiration. The episode ends with a call for viewers to submit their own key rigs and a teaser for the next episode on the Nord Stage 4.Marcus Wiles Support the showThanks for listening! Subscribe here to the podcast, as well as on YouTube and other social media platforms. If you have any questions or suggestions for who you want as a featured guest in the future or a topic you want to hear, email carson@theworshipkeys.com. New episodes release every Wednesday!

Watch on YouTube Aerospace AudioMichael shares his first Winter Jam experience playing keys and organ for Kayden Nicole, discusses the demands of navigating shared keyboard setups, and recounts how he joined The Choir Room shortly after moving to Nashville in 2022. They talk through worship-leading pressures versus being a keys player, the importance of reading the room, leaving space in services, and avoiding over-manufactured transitions. Michael reflects on church staff life, volunteer leadership challenges, rehearsals, burnout, and using tools like Planning Center, emphasizing the need for ear training, the Nashville Number System, and continual growth and creativity. They close with Easter song ideas and thoughts on “flashy” versus musical playing. Michael WalterSupport the showThanks for listening! Subscribe here to the podcast, as well as on YouTube and other social media platforms. If you have any questions or suggestions for who you want as a featured guest in the future or a topic you want to hear, email carson@theworshipkeys.com. New episodes release every Wednesday!

Watch On YouTubeCarson Bruce sits down with Tyler Richardson to discuss navigating challenging dynamics in church leadership. Tyler shares insights from his ministry experience and his book How to Survive Working for God, offering practical wisdom on handling burnout, difficult leadership situations, and supporting a vision that may not always be your own. This conversation encourages worship leaders, church staff, and ministry volunteers to approach leadership with wisdom, resilience, and hope while building healthy relationships and sustaining a long-term calling in ministry. Don’t miss this honest and encouraging conversation. Tyler RichardsonSupport the showThanks for listening! Subscribe here to the podcast, as well as on YouTube and other social media platforms. If you have any questions or suggestions for who you want as a featured guest in the future or a topic you want to hear, email carson@theworshipkeys.com. New episodes release every Wednesday!

Watch On YouTubeThank You to Our Sponsor: Aerospace Audio for Atmospheric Worship PadsRecorded live in Nashville during pre-production for DOE’s upcoming recording, this episode of the Worship Keys Podcast features Carson Bruce with Leonard Ray Jarman Jr. and Marlon Roberson sharing honest insights on worship, ministry, and musicianship. They talk stewardship, preparation, holiness, and keeping intimacy with God first, along with their Nord, Ableton, and multi keyboard setups and lessons from working with Eddie James, Maverick City, Kirk Franklin, and Matt Redman. If you are a worship leader or creative who wants to grow without losing your heart for God, this is for you. Don’t miss out.Marlon RobersonLeonard Ray JarmanLeonard's soundsWTRWAY MinistriesSupport the showThanks for listening! Subscribe here to the podcast, as well as on YouTube and other social media platforms. If you have any questions or suggestions for who you want as a featured guest in the future or a topic you want to hear, email carson@theworshipkeys.com. New episodes release every Wednesday!

Watch On YouTube In this episode, we sit down with Isaac Andrade, a worship keys player and musical director based in Orlando, Florida, as he walks through his worship keys rig and the mindset behind building a setup that truly serves the room. Isaac shares how consistency, simplicity, and musical sensitivity shape his sound, from his Nord Stage 3 Compact to the way he layers pianos, pads, and organs. He also breaks down his MainStage workflow, pad design, and practical touring tips to help worship musicians build a reliable, flexible rig without overcomplicating things. If you want to serve well and sound consistent wherever you play, you won’t want to miss this.Isaac AndradeSupport the showThanks for listening! Subscribe here to the podcast, as well as on YouTube and other social media platforms. If you have any questions or suggestions for who you want as a featured guest in the future or a topic you want to hear, email carson@theworshipkeys.com. New episodes release every Wednesday!

Watch On YouTubeWelcome to a new episode of The Worship Key Podcast featuring Spencer Ratkovich. Spencer takes us inside his worship keys rig at Christ Church of the Valley in Phoenix and breaks down how he builds consistent sounds across multiple campuses. He shares his full keyboard setup, how he uses software to stay dialed in week after week, his audio interface and computer workflow, and a walkthrough of his favorite patches and go-to sounds. If you are a church musician or worship keys player looking to level up your setup and create inspiring, flexible sounds for worship, this episode is for you.Spencer RatkovishSupport the showThanks for listening! Subscribe here to the podcast, as well as on YouTube and other social media platforms. If you have any questions or suggestions for who you want as a featured guest in the future or a topic you want to hear, email carson@theworshipkeys.com. New episodes release every Wednesday!

Watch On YouTubeCelebrate Episode 100 of the Worship Keys channel with a special conversation featuring Brazilian worship keyboardist, producer, and pastor Filipe Martins. Filmed backstage at Vessel Conference in Atlanta, this episode explores Filipe’s journey from growing up in church in Brazil to serving in ministry in the US, along with the influences that shaped his sound. You will get a clear look at his Nord Stage 4 rig, including his custom sound pack and how he uses synths, pads, leads, and organs in a live worship setting. Filipe also shares practical insight on musicianship, flexibility with gear, and serving the church with excellence. If you play worship keys and want fresh inspiration and real world takeaways, you won’t want to miss this.Filipe Martins Support the showThanks for listening! Subscribe here to the podcast, as well as on YouTube and other social media platforms. If you have any questions or suggestions for who you want as a featured guest in the future or a topic you want to hear, email carson@theworshipkeys.com. New episodes release every Wednesday!

Watch On YouTubeHang out with keyboardist and organist Caleb Marte in an episode that feels more like a backstage chat than an interview. Carson Bruce joins Caleb as he shares growing up in church, being a PK, and how he went from hating piano lessons to loving worship keys. They talk gear, Nord boards, real B3 organs, keeping things simple, and staying humble while you grow. If you play keys or want to get better at worship music, this one’s for you. Don’t miss out.Caleb MarteThe Worship Keys WebsiteSupport the showThanks for listening! Subscribe here to the podcast, as well as on YouTube and other social media platforms. If you have any questions or suggestions for who you want as a featured guest in the future or a topic you want to hear, email carson@theworshipkeys.com. New episodes release every Wednesday!

Watch on YouTube Joshua Zacharia from Fort Wayne, Indiana, jumps into The Worship Keys to break down his aux world setup from the gear he trusts to the way he programs and layers sounds. He walks through how he uses stock sounds, MIDI controls, keyboard splits, and why Logic and Ableton both have a place in his workflow. From Omnisphere and Keyscape to Valhalla Reverb, Joshua shares how he builds worship sounds that are clean, creative, and intentional. If you love keys, sound design, and practical tips you can actually use, this one’s for you. Tune in now and let us know what setup tip stood out most.Joshua ZacariusSupport the showThanks for listening! Subscribe here to the podcast, as well as on YouTube and other social media platforms. If you have any questions or suggestions for who you want as a featured guest in the future or a topic you want to hear, email carson@theworshipkeys.com. New episodes release every Wednesday!