Frank dropped by Song Talk Radio again, this time with songs from his recent release, Strange Machine. We talked about:
- using wikiloops for free backing tracks
- unconventional time signatures, and unusual uses of 4/4
- the differences between art songs and pop songs
- a modern twist on the protest song
- Frank’s experimental writing process using Logic
Listen to the show:
About Frank Horvat
With a Broken Social Scene-like attitude, Toronto’s ambient-edged art rock band, The Frank Horvat Band, uses a colourful canvas to create songs for a dynamic and intoxicating aural experience.…
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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
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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 concert
- How open mics are a great way to get instant feedback on your songs
- Puppets who kill
Stop by the Tranzac Club on their Monday night open mics and you might hear and see John there!…
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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 means when you’re writing to a 1-3-5 chord pattern for his first song with the Parkdale Hookers.…
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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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Its a special Collaborating Show as Northwood Records artist Patrick Ballantyne stops by and we get into all the details about collaborating: how to share the royalties (evenly) and general best practices for successful experiences.
Patrick has co-written with lots of folks and has tracks by artist’s like Big Sugar, Merideth Shaw and a ton more.…
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Sonja talks about her arguably turbulent past with regard to the Canadian Art Song. The guys comment on her strong melodies, powerful imagery, and beautiful songs.…
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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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Neel and Peter talk about their collaborative approach of jamming out songs, Neel on piano/keys and Peter with either pre-written or spontaneous lyrics. Neel’s funky and evocative keyboard parts and thoughtful arrangements combined with Peter’s compelling, intense lyrics and unique singing style has resulted in some eclectic music.…
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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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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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Song Talk Radio co-host Neel Modi releases his first album, Counterfeit Lampshades, on the show. He presents three songs from the album, with an electronic industrial rock attitude.…
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Blair shares the very first song he ever wrote, and talks about the difference between writing from the heart and writing from the head. And the Monster Mash.
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Helene talks about her journey as a songwriter for children promoting the French language in schools across Canada. She performs “Moi j’m’aime de meme”, “Quand je serai grand je serai petit” and “Still a Kid” live at Song Talk Radio with her guitarist Gady.…
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Dan’s songs are an investigation into location and memory. Listen and find out more!…
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Sound Poet Dan Trapper came in and we explored making music with found sound and talked about his really interesting approach to writing lyrics.
Dan Tapper Sound Design
MagneticSignals.com
VisualCodePoems.com
The North American Sound Diaries
Dan’s SoundCloud Page…
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Song Talk co-host Neel talks about his sci-fi epic song “Telepathic Androids” and his use of unusual time signatures.…
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The Song Talk Action Team writes the beginning of a song live on the air, in a “no-free” zone!…
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Song Talk co-host Bruce talks about unusual chords, the inspiration for his lyrics, and tension and release within his song “Nipigon.”…
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Kash appears and plays his song “Live Out in this Moment” live on the show.…
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