Shows

Back row: Michael, Blair, Linda, Neel, and Phil. Front row: Ritah and Micah

This Is Spinal Tap: 35 Years Later

This week SongTalk Radio has a special episode celebrating the 35th anniversary of the classic film, “This Is Spinal Tap”. And joining us in our trip down memory lane is one of our favourite guests on the show Blair Packham. We talk about where and when we first encountered this classic cult comedy and how …

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Back row: Gerrod, Mike, Cecil, Christian, Linda, and Phil. Middle row: Ritah and Micah. Front row: Michael, Neel, and Vanessa. Whew!

One in the Chamber on their debut EP

Indie rockers One in the Chamber joined us following the release of their first studio EP, I’ve Got Something To Say…. We talked about: One in the Chamber’s first appearance on Song Talk Radio difference between their demo EP and their studio EP (hint: pre-production) writing as a band collaboration thwarting conventions around song structure …

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Social Media Tips for Songwriters: How to get the most out of social media with Emmanuel Lopez, the Social Media Wingman

Emmanuel Lopez, the Social Media Wingman, stopped by to share tips on how songwriters can use Social Media to boost their brand and build their career. Stuff we talked about: What channel to focus on Jeff Lynne’s ELO on instagram The Fostex 280 Recorder Defining what we think “Success” is Songs_IN-THE-FILM_Emmanuel-Lopez lyrics Songs_RAIN-OF-ANGELS_Emmanuel-Lopez lyrics www.instagram.com/motivatorman1/ …

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Phil, Michael, Patrick, Vanessa, Linda, and Neel

Patrick Ballantyne: An album of longing

This week Song Talk welcomed Patrick Ballantyne back to our studio. Patrick is a veteran songwriter and musician who has worked with many top-selling artists such as The Trews, Meredith Shaw and Big Sugar. On this episode, Patrick brought in a few songs from his upcoming new release so our Song Talk audience got to …

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Bruce, Neel, Blair, Vanessa, Linda, and Phil

Blair Packham: From song inception to development

One of our favourite guests and friend of the show Blair Packham returned to the show to share his song ideas, from titles to bits of songs, and how he develops them into full-fledged songs. We talked about: Song Studio Hugh’s Room in Toronto Songwriting Apps: OnSong, Rhyme Genie, Tunesmith, and Music Memos Writing the …

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Michael, Bruce, Angela, and Linda

Angela Saini: Writing and collaborating on her new album

Angela Saini returned to Song Talk Radio with a new album and a fresh bunch of earnest and optimistic songs. We talked about: Structured vs. casual collaborations When should an artist make a trip to Nashville? Making a personal connections to songs you’re performing, even if you didn’t write them totally by yourself Live performance …

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Neel, Bruce, Clem, Linda and Phil

The organized chaos that could only be White Cowbell Oklahoma

BEHOLD! The triumphant latest release – Seven Seas of Sleaze – from Canada’s legendary rock armada White Cowbell Oklahoma – now in it’s 20th glorious year! WITNESSETH! The 70s-inspired boogie-prog army’s seventh full-length release, featuring seven blistering tracks, brought to you by seven heavily-perspiring musicians. CRY OUT WITH JUBILATION! Two brand new studio tracks – “Into …

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Linda Lavender on song development

Singer/songwriter Linda Lavender shares the story of her song They Won’t Catch Me Again. Follow her journey from it’s birth on a five-hour road trip to its studio recording. We talked about: Linda’s album The Rosseau Sessions with Often Running Bluegrass music Influencers like Lyle Lovett, Lucinda Williams, Alison Krauss People on the run, rebels, a …

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looping for songwriting Phil, Bruce, Jordana, Neel, Vanessa, and Linda

Tips on using Looper Pedals for songwriting with Jordana Talsky

Indie jazz pop singer-songwriter Jordana Talsky stopped by and shared tips on using looper pedals for songwriting and shared two original songs. Listen to the show Stuff we talked about: BOSS 505 Loop Station looper pedal RUN lyrics Bitter-sweet-heart Lyrics Instagram: @jzt123 facebook: @Jordana.T.Music twitter: @JordanaZT youtube: @JordanaTalskyMusic website: jordanatalsky.com How to write songs with a looper …

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Michael, Bruce, Neel, Vanessa, and Phil

Bohemian Rhapsody, the movie review

Did you love the new movie Bohemian Rhapsody? Hate it? Something in between? Listen as Bruce, Neel, Phil, Michael, and Vanessa let loose! Hear their takes on the Bryan Singer helmed Queen/Freddie Mercury biopic released in late 2018. While they found much to criticize, they had a few raves too. Listen to the whole show!

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Vanessa, Bruce, Frank, Phil, and Michael

Frank Horvat and music for Human Rights Defenders

Award-winning and critically-acclaimed composer, songwriter, pianist, music educator and frequent Song Talk Radio guest, Frank Horvat returned to the show to talk about his latest project, The Thailand HRDs. Frank wrote 35 two-minute compositions for string quartet, where each movement was written for a Human Rights Defender in Thailand as part of photographer Luke Duggleby’s compelling …

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The 1st Annual Holiday Gift Guide: Great Gifts for Songwriters

With the holiday season just around the corner, we decided to help you out with some great gift ideas for songwriters and musicians in your life. We put them into four categories: Stocking Stuffers ( 0 – $15) Small Gifts ($15 – $100) Good Gifts ($100 – $300) WOW! Gifts ($300+) (the, gee if I …

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Steven Taetz sharing jazz songwriting tips

Writing Jazz Standards: Songwriting Tips with Steven Taetz

Jazz songwriter Steven Taetz returns to talk about creating new “Jazz Standards”. Listen to the show: Stuff we talked about: Steven’s first appearance StevenTaetz.com @steventaetz  on Instagram , Facebook, Twitter Steven on YouTube The Great American Songbook (Wikipedia) More shows about Jazz Jazz Safaris Get your suggestions in for The First Song Talk Radio Gift …

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Making the most of a three-chord song

On this program Bruce, Neel, and Phil, (and Linda) each brought a three-chord song to share. We looked at what each song needed to do (if anything) to compensate for the lack of chord diversity. We talked about: Now You’re Leaving by Bruce Harrott The Joker by The Steve Miller Band BBC by Ming Tea Street Spirit …

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