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Writing a medieval folk song with Raivo Jackson

Saska Lammila joined us all the way from Helsinki, Finland, to talk about his medieval-style folk song Suspended, for his band Ravio Jackson. Download the lyrics and chords to follow along.

We talked about:

Taking inspiration from a years-ago spiritual experience, through a poem, and into a finished song
How Saska wrote a poem in Finnish several years ago, and translated it into English for the song
Having a 3-verse and coda structure with a blooming, intense ending
Writing songs with parts for his bandmates in mind, but that also work for a solo singer-songwriter show

About Ravio Jackson

Raivo Jackson is a versatile Americana band hailing from Helsinki, Finland.… Read the rest

Writing a layered song with Rogan Mei

by Neel Modi

Rogan Mei is an indie folk singer-songwriter based in Barrie, Ontario. His music blends northern storytelling, raw emotion, and a deep connection to nature, shaped by his background as a wildland firefighter and smokejumper. Earlier this year, he recorded his upcoming EP Dickies Green Plaid Jacket in the house he grew up in, capturing themes of nostalgia, longing, and northern living.… Read the rest

Intentional songwriting with Natalie Reis

by Neel Modi

Natalie Reis is an independent folk singer/songwriter whose music is caught between bittersweet narratives and soaring melodies. Following her debut EP ‘Bones on Fire’ in 2020, Natalie has released six singles that have evolved her storytelling-lyricism and solidified her sound as a distinctive emerging artist.… Read the rest

All about the post-chorus

by Neel Modi

For this special episodes, we talked about songs with a post-chorus.

Our songwriting challenge for 2024 to write a holiday song. Please send us your answers to the challenge by November 18!
What is a post-chorus?
The Post-Chorus, And It’s Unsung Place In Pop Music – Vinyl Me, Please (vinylmeplease.com)

… Read the rest

Writing a non-romantic love song with Darrin James

by Neel Modi

Darrin James is a multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter, and producer known for his distinctive gravelly voice, thoughtful lyrics, and soulful musicianship. His eclectic production style encompasses a growing range of influences, often fusing gritty, bluesy guitar playing with rustic, acoustic elements of Americana and soul-style Hammond organ and horns.… Read the rest

Writing a weird song that doesn’t sound weird with Sunny Zaman

by Neel Modi

Sunny Zaman is a musician whose main passion is songwriting. He is also a singer and guitar and bass player who occasionally dabbles with keyboards and synths. He wrote his first song at the age of 14 and continues to follow his passion many decades later.… Read the rest

Glitterfox: Songwriting and life partners

by Neel Modi

Last week Kill Rock Stars Indie/Pop/Rock/Americana recording artists Glitterfox have released their brilliant new single It’s Always Over (produced by Portland’s own Chris Funk of The Decemberists)!

Glitterfox, lead by queer married couple Solange Igoa (They/Them) and Andrea Walker (They/Them), were named one of Portland’s “Best New Bands” by the Willamette Week in 2022 and came away from Oregon Country Fair as one of the festival’s most buzzed about new groups.… Read the rest

You won’t regret listening to Delyn Grey

by Neel Modi

Delyn Grey is Rock’s next fierce female. Her latest EP,Good Girls Die, gives you a fiery taste of the young artist’s unapologetic approach to pursuing a career in music through a unique and fresh sound— inspired by a diverse range of artists like Kurt Cobain, Annie Lennox, Trent Reznor, and Joan Jett.… Read the rest