Erin Ford graced the Song Talk Radio studio to play some tunes from the upcoming release of her CD Natural Progression, a project 8 years in the making. We also chatted about: how her 10-piece band brings a collaborative element to her music seriously cool chord changes the use of vivid imagery in lyric writing …
Read more
With her unique voice, inventive phrasing, and heart-centred lyrics, Christine Gaidies filled our little studio with music and conversation about “love and life”. From endings (My Hear is in the West) to sexy middles (Love 101) and the frustrations of searching for love (All I Ever Really Wanted).her songs weave a spell. Listen to the sweet …
Read more
Frank dropped by Song Talk Radio again, this time with songs from his recent release, Strange Machine. We talked about: using wikiloops for free backing tracks unconventional time signatures, and unusual uses of 4/4 the differences between art songs and pop songs a modern twist on the protest song Frank’s experimental writing process using Logic Listen to …
Read more
Incredible guitarist and singer / songwriter David Dino White stopped by and played us some songs with original approaches to lyrics, melody and song structure. Kinda of a Violent Femms vibe. Some stuff we talked about BandCamp.com Producer Ben Leggett Power Tab Software: sending tabs to a band before practice to speed up the process …
Read more
Jeff Alan Greenway, backed by Cheryl Beatty on guitar and vocals, rocked our little studio with some powerful piano chops and heartfelt sounds. With a background in piano, jazz improvisation, cover and original bands, Jeff draws on his relationships to inspire his song writing. Whether it’s a call for closeness (Open These Doors), an on-again, off-again affair …
Read more
The uber-talented duo of Talyor & Bryn impress the team with their fusion of styles and great sense of humour with 3 live performances, including an improvised lyric and melody by Taylor for their final song. We discussed: Taylor’s songwriting workshop Bryn’s harmonica workshop The IMSTA Songwriting Contest lyric progressions the effectiveness of stops in …
Read more
The very talented Kaleb Hikele stopped by during his tour and played some great tunes, even one written for a wedding. Some stuff we talked about: theSunHarmonic.com working on pushing your limits playing for weddings strategies for lyric writing passing chords
Read more
Michael Cooper, raised in Stony Plain, Alberta, now living in Toronto, calls his music “country re-defined” and we agree. He’s been writing heart-felt tunes for over 20 years! His goal is to make the mundane extra-ordinary. His influences include Hank Snow.
Read more
Script writer, puppeteer and occasional singer-songwriter John Pattison joined us, without puppets, to perform and talk about three of his songs. Together we discussed: the difference between abstract and narrative songs John’s journey from script writer to song writer How John wrote a song in the men’s room at Massey Hall after a Paul Simon …
Read more
Singer-songwriter Tony Burns shares his fun but sensuous, blues-inspired tunes and talks about taking part in various singing communities. Other great topics in this show include: Double entendres Toronto Song Circle “Painting a picture” in songwriting Twitter: @yontburns Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/tonyburnsca Listen to the full Episode:
Read more
Singer songwriter Jules delivers three powerful tunes live in the studio. She’s just 14 and yet is well on her way along the road as a professional. Jules has been writing songs since she was 10. Some stuff we talked about: Robyn Dell’Unto her songwriting coach Karen Kosowski Her new EP Heart of Armor The benefits …
Read more
She not only tweets for Songtalk Radio, she’s an awesome singer/songwriter too! Have a listen to three of her sensitively written and beautifully performed songs. We talked about: chord substitution music or lyrics first? melody and lyric connections gambling addiction vocal collaborations “your heart’s a ghost town”
Read more
Singer songwriter Davie Taylor talks about starting later on in life and discovering that making music is what he’d rather be doing. Some stuff we talked about Producer Kevin Zarnett lyrics in the present tense will engage the listener and create more drama. Pre chorus variations Wheelhouse 4
Read more
Pop singer and songwriter Jade Naraine talks about taking her career into her own hands by finding her own producer and how to make sure its the right fit. www.jadenaraine.com
Read more
Melanie treats the team to two live performances, talks about duality and contradictions in her songs, and asks the ultimate Facebook quiz question, “Is your guy good on paper?” We also talked about: Pat Pattison’s songwriting seminar on youTube writing from a title crowdfunding for your album on indiegogo
Read more
Film composer Luciano Lombardi stops by and we find out all what you need to know when creating music for films.
Read more
Bruce, Neel, and Phil overcome many obstacles to present a song each, and then glorify each other with mountainous heaps of unqualified praise. Neel presents a song inspired by a songwriting webinar held by songwriting coach Alex Forbes, Bruce plays his classic hit “Survivor” live in the studio, and Phil talks about writing on bass and what it …
Read more
Old friend of the show Dokter Nomi came by and we talked about his unique way of writing songs, working with producers and amassing over 42,000 twitter followers! Some stuff we talked about: Writing music with a global flare Working with producers including our own Neel Modi Mikey Dorje Loopsy Dazy Richard Citroen Lola Dutronic Mason …
Read more
Brian was outstanding as he demonstrated his song writing and vocal virtuosity. He throat sang, he yodelled, and he entertained with songs about pigeons on windowsills and the man in the moon. A hint of Jimmy Rogers, Tom Lehrer, and Rahsaan Roland Kirk! Check them out!
Read more
The God No!s bandmembers Peter, Sandy, Alon, Subhayu, and Rachel talk about their collaborative approach to songwriting, where each member brings a song to the band and together they refine and finish it off, in a “no-free” zone. See, democracy works after all.
Read more
James talks about the use of metaphor and subtext in his songs, and performs “Devil’s Punchbowl” live in the studio. Be sure to check out his band the James Clark Institute!
Read more
Its a special Collaborating Show as Northwood Records artist Patrick Ballantyne stops by and we get into all the details about collaborating: how to share the royalties (evenly) and general best practices for successful experiences. Patrick has co-written with lots of folks and has tracks by artist’s like Big Sugar, Merideth Shaw and a ton more. …
Read more
Two sisters combine a love of traditional folk and olde time country and create songs that sound far older than their young authors.
Read more
Sonja talks about her arguably turbulent past with regard to the Canadian Art Song. The guys comment on her strong melodies, powerful imagery, and beautiful songs.
Read more