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Getting (not so) personal with Faaria

Faaria was one of our first guests on Song Talk Radio (check out her first episode) and she joined us once again with new songs about relationships, where none of them are autobiographical (or so she claims).

Stuff we talked about:

writing from different point-of-views
relationship songs
how practicing songwriting can affect the enjoyment of listening to other songs
progressing the story or idea from verse to verse
spicing up chords using the Circle of Fifths
the value of collaboration and playing around with songwriting suggestions

Download the lyrics for Faaria’s songs.… Read the rest

Blair Packham packs emotional power

by Phil Emery

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

Exploring the blues with Son Roberts

by Phil Emery

Maple Blues Award Best New Artist nominee and harmonica player, Son Roberts stopped by the Song Talk Radio studios with guitarist John Crosbie and had a fun and wide ranging conversation about writing blues influenced tunes.

Here’s what we talked about:

The Maple Blues Awards
collaborating
Son Roberts Lyrics – Not Nuff NIght
Son Roberts Lyrics – Cold Black Chair
Listener’s question: Am I being too self-critical?

… Read the rest

How to write songs for other artists with Braeden Mitchell

by Phil Emery

The always brilliant Braeden Mitchell returns to Song Talk Radio to talk about co-writing, writing songs for other artists and getting back into the songwriting groove after taking a bit of a break.

Some stuff we talked about:

How to write songs for other artists
SAC Songwriters Challenge
Keeping a list of song titles
place the strongest words or keywords on strongest beats (so in 4/4, beats 2 & 4)
Madhatters Pub
Braeden’s first appearance on Song Talk Radio

… Read the rest

Getting inspiration from life & classical music: Kaleb Hikele

by Admin Bot

The very talented Kaleb Hikele stopped by during his tour and played some great tunes, even one written for a wedding.

Some stuff we talked about:

theSunHarmonic.com
working on pushing your limits
playing for weddings
strategies for lyric writing
passing chords

… Read the rest

Tony Burns on using double entendres in your songwriting

by Admin Bot

Singer-songwriter Tony Burns shares his fun but sensuous, blues-inspired tunes and talks about taking part in various singing communities.

Other great topics in this show include:

Double entendres
Toronto Song Circle
“Painting a picture” in songwriting
Twitter: @yontburns
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/tonyburnsca

Listen to the full Episode:

… Read the rest

Super girl with a heart of armor – Jules

by Admin Bot

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 of attending a music camp
The importance of getting lots of support from family
Jules says “Thanks Momager!”

… Read the rest

Melanie Peterson, aka Mary Poppins with a broken heart

by Neel Modi

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

… Read the rest