What can you say about the exceptionally talented poet, novelist, and prolific singer/songwriter Leonard Cohen.that hasn’t already been said? Well, the Song Talk Radio action team didn’t worry about that. Bruce, Neel, and Phil simply dove into their memories and had a close look at three of his many, many songs.… Read the rest
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Indie rock band Beige Shelter stopped by to talk about forming the band, producing their first album, and performed two songs. Our very own Neel Modi took the co-guest seat as producer, drummer, and co-writer. A good friend of Song Talk Radio, Patrick Ballantyne filled in for Neel’s host spot.… Read the rest
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The Song Talk Team had the distinct pleasure of spending an hour with the very talented and original singer/songwriter Dan Edmonds. His fresh takes on music and how it’s made were both illuminating and engaging. He played two of his intriguing recordings – “Love Can Be a Tunnel” and “To Be That Needle”.… Read the rest
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Pro songwriter Allister Bradley joined us for an hour to talk about two of his catchy, thoughtful songs and his process for getting them done. Stuff we talked out:
- Toronto’s Song Studio
- Making it in the music industry
- Writing with your secondary instrument
- Using session musicians
- Why you should whistle your melody
- Chord progression tip: make each chord in your progression a perfect fifth above the previous one
Download the lyrics for the songs.… Read the rest
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Bruce, Neel and Phil were all happy to have Patrick Ballantyne back in the Song Talk Radio studio for the third time. He always brings great songs (listen to “Make Believe” and “Sky” for proof) and lots of experience to share about the songwriting process for our listeners.… Read the rest
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Having been immersed in the wonderful world of singer-songwriters during my time at Song Talk Radio, I’ve attended quite a number of gigs and open mics over the past year.
Everyone I’ve seen perform has great talent in singing, playing an instrument and writing music.… Read the rest
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From the moment Blair Packham started to speak, we knew we were in for some great lessons from a master songwriter and experienced teacher. If You Were Mine featured a great bridge and instrumental break. In Her Dreams started out as a story of a woman in a call centre and moved to a daughter caring for an ailing mother. … Read the rest
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Bruce, Neel, Phil and Janice spent most of an hour on the subject of song structures with 4 different examples. We talked about:
- the prologue verse (I Left my Heart in San Francisco)
- writing for musical theatre (My Funny Valentine)
- the connection between segment style and lyrical content (Band on the Run)
- Sloan’s song with its many sections and its Beatles influence (Fading into Obscurity)
All in all, a fun and informative show.… Read the rest
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