Songtalk Radio welcomed multi-talented artist The Sun Harmonic (aka Kaleb Hikele) back to the studio for a second sharing of his song writing skills. “Born (I Have Awakened)” is a stream-of-consciousness, spiritual/traditional style a capella song that captures the losses we all endure as we grow up. “When the Well Runs Dry” switching from 4/4 to 2/4 and …
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Young singer-songwriter Callie Deacon shared her exceptional songwriting talent, impressing the guys with her ability to spin familiar phrases and ideas into original ones. Callie takes strong cues from Taylor Swift and Shawn Mendes. We talked about: why writing on the guitar is more fun than the piano (please note: this is the sole opinion of …
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Mark Martyre is a Canadian writer and musician. His prolific song writing has produced 3 full-length studio albums since 2012: Down, Record (2012), London (2013), and Red Letters (2014), as well as several live records, and bootlegs. His music and lyrics have garnered critical acclaim and attention both nationally and internationally. Mark is currently working …
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Drummer, App writer, UX designer, guitarist and songwriter Gary Duke returns to our show (he was one of our first way back when!) and talked about exploring micro-tunings and pushing himself to try new approaches to songwriting. Gary on Facebook VIZIKLIK: visual metronome Gary’s Lyrics Good Luck, Baby I feel the walls are closin’ …
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We celebrate our 2nd Anniversary with quizzes, cake and a couple of tunes from guitarist extraordinaire Gary Woods. We even had noise-makers so you know it’s serious stuff!
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Jenny Ritter and her very cool guitarist Tyler Belluz entertained us with a rich variety of tunes all beautifully sung. She started writing in her early 20’s. Her first band – The Gruff – played for 10 years. Jenny currently leads two rock choirs in Victoria, BC. A History of Happiness was written in crisis. …
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Singer-songwriter and occasional co-host of Song Talk Radio, Eric Sorenson, returned to the show to showcase tunes from his upcoming EP, Directions Home, and a crowd-pleaser from his live shows. Eric was joined by his bandmates Liz Jaremyn and Andrew Ages. Stuff we talked about: International Songwriting Competition (deadline extended to November 5) IMSTA Festa Event – …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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.
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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 …
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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 …
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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
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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 …
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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!
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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.
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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!
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Tim Stead with his band The Scenic Sound talks about how melody drives his songs, and how repetition of the lyrics helps to get their message across to their young audience. Download 5 of their songs for free.
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Producer extraordinaire (Sinead O’Connor, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Alison Moyet, Dexys Midnight Runners, Talking Heads, The Pogues, Bob Geldof, Mel Brooks, Siedah Garrett, Steve Earle, Ali Amran, Alain Chamfort, René Lacaille, Talitha Mac Kenzie, etc) and songwriter guitarist Chris Birkett talks about his searching for the ins and outs of the creative process.
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Our very own Janice Ho (and social media person) plays some great tunes and gives some great tips on collaborating remotely with different songwriters and how to map out a lyric so that you hit all the emotional bits.
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Guitar/ songwriting duo, Ivan & Wilson stopped by and we talked about collaborating and song structures. They performed A Day’s Tale, Live Another Day, and It’s All A Mystery live in the studio.
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Ana Morales returns to Song Talk with some new songs. We talk about how she got that amazing acoustic guitar sound in her recordings, honesty in songwriting and keeping lyrics general enough for multiple interpretations.
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The guys are impressed with Braeden’s talent for performance and writing song where every detail is considered in his process. He also shares a surprise he saves for live performances. http://youtu.be/g7qwuaB4Mog
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