Gravely James, a.k.a Chris Madronich, is an Americana and Folk singer-songwriter based in Niagara, ON. Growing up in Port Colborne, ON, Madronich spent a decade playing trumpet with a variety of jazz bands, which inspired him to incorporate blues, soul, and rock into his art. Through these experiences, along with teaching himself guitar, he developed …
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Suburban Rock n’ Roll with Fake Magic
Greg Markham and Bryan Paccagnella grew up in the suburbs of Richmond Hill playing a lot of basement rock. In 2005 they moved to Toronto to attend Humber College – Greg for jazz, Bryan for comedy. Greg went on to play with WhosArmy, The Mohrs (now Jackie) & Keegan Powell. Bryan spent years as a …
Exploring Dorian and Lydian Modes
Our 2023 songwriting challenge is to write a song using an unusual mode, or a mode you don’t normally use. For our first episode on this subject, composer and songwriter Jeff Alan Greenway joined us to talk about two specific modes – Dorian and Lydian. Jeff Alan Greenway is a film composer, singer-songwriter, and pianist …
Organic songwriting with Bill Bartholomew
Bill Bartholomew is a singer/songwriter, musician, podcast and radio host and television journalist based in Providence, RI. He cut his teeth in Brooklyn’s DIY scene, NYC clubs like Mercury Lounge and The Knitting Factory and touring internationally as a solo artist and member of the band silverteeth, before relocating to Providence, RI. It is there that …
Writing in a blues band with Bywater Call
Filled with incredible vocals and musicianship often compared to the Tedeschi Trucks Band, Canadian Americana/Roots band Bywater Call has made their unprecedented mark on the Canadian and international Blues/Roots scene with their brand-new album, “Remain”. From explosive television performances to radio play across the country, their distinctive sound blending Rock, Americana, and Soul is highlighted …
Jerry Sereda on collaborating with Nashville songwriters
Canadian musician Jerry Sereda is a decorated Country artist who can’t help but capture music fans everywhere he goes. With his gripping and energetic live performances, Jerry celebrates his Indigenous heritage by weaving personal stories and experiences into his delightfully catchy songs. Beginning his music career as the winner of a local music contest who …
Angela Saini on developing songs past their initial ideas
Indian-Austrian Canadian country folk-pop artist Angela Saini is all about second chances and empowering others. She uplifts and inspires audiences with sing-alongs and storytelling about courage and finding joy in surprising places. BBC Radio has called the positive and upbeat songstress “massively talented”. Angela is most known for her sunshine-soaked song “Living on the Bright …
Chord Progression Tips with Matt Zaddy
With a sound that seamlessly blends folk-rock and modern soul, there’s something for every music fan to love about singer/songwriter Matt Zaddy. A storyteller at heart, his music is filled with tales of life, love, hardship and redemption. As someone who has shared stages with a diverse array of artists including K’Naan, Francesco Yates, and …