conventions

Vanessa, Bruce, Rachel, Phil and Neel

How to write songs with a looper pedal with Rachel Raditz

The very talented singer-songwriter and improvisational artist Rachel Raditz brought one song to Song Talk Radio that she had written previously. The other she made up on the spot in the middle of the program. “Back in Hali” about a friendship that might be more set in Halifax had an unconventional  structure and a melody …

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Phil, Bruce, Bob, Vanessa and Neel

Bob Wiseman on pushing your songwriting envelope

Producer, composer and Blue Rodeo founder, Bob Wiseman stopped by to share tips on pushing your songwriting approach to get out of a songwriting rut. Listen to the episode here: Some stuff we talked about: Working with songwriters Blue Rodeo BobWiseman.com Bob Wiseman on Wikipedia Download lyrics for “The Reform Party at Burning Man Download the …

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Phil, Neel, Vanessa, Dave, Bruce, and Etain

Complexity in songwriting: When is it too much? with David St. Bernard

Singer / songwriter Davis St. Bernard stopped by and we explored the issue on complexity in one’s songwriting. What we talked about: How to Write Songs on Guitar: 2nd Edition, Expanded and Updated SongStudio Songwriting workshop Non-traditional song structures modulations Finding your vocal range Jimmy Web gets snubbed by the Grammy’s Listen to the full show: …

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1972 revisited with Kirk Felix and friends

Kirk Felix arrived at our little studio with a whole band; bass, violin (fiddle), and cajon. As we did our sound check the Song Talk crew all savoured the gentle, soothing and heart-warming sounds of a folk ensemble. Patrick Ballantyne sat in for Neel Modi who was on assignment. In addition to two very authentic folk songs (Dusty …

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Neel, Bruce, Etain, Jordan, Phil, and Vanessa

Jordan Paul on Writing Trippy Tunes

Singer/Songwriter Jordan Paul stopped by with a couple of brilliant songs. His sound has been described as “if Queen, Mimicking Birds, Radiohead, and Led Zeppelin all had a beautiful love-child.” A clever songwriter at only 24–his writing and musicality is well beyond his years and his voice is otherworldly. Paul’s new single ‘Rain’ is coming out …

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