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Neel, Phil, and Elena

Intentional Songwriting with Elena Erin

Recognized for her vibrant, creative flair, Canadian Alternative Pop sensation Elena Erin crafts a striking fusion of Alternative, Electronic, and Dance influences, underscored by her emotionally resonant storytelling. Her breakout single, “Build A Ship,” soared to #2 on the CBC Top 20, propelling her onto the international stage and inviting over four million streams across her repertoire.Read the rest

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Neel and Phil

Songwriting Challenge 2024: Listener and Guest Songs Volume 4

The fourth and final batch of listener and guest songs for our songwriting challenge 2024 to write a holiday song.

Nico Rizzuto shared his song Shooting Star. Download the lyrics to follow along.

  • Writing a clear hooky chorus complete with a melismatic melody
  • Sometimes a one-line bridge is enough
  • Writing a song about loss, but from the point of view of the deceased person

Paul Gallagher shared his song December Lights.… Read the rest

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Nelson and Neel

Positive songwriting with Nelson Little

Nelson Little is a celebrated storyteller from Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, who brought home his third award from the Manitoba Country Music Awards this winter for “Best Roots Artist”, and has also received an Aboriginal People’s Choice Award. Little has opened for Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Charlie Major, The Sheepdogs, and Fred Eaglesmith.Read the rest

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Neel, Phil, Nadia, and Jason

Collaborating as a duo with Burnstick

Built on emotion-stirring storytelling and unmistakable vocal harmonies accompanied by a century-old instrument, Burnstick, a JUNO nominated husband and wife Folk duo, are intent on creating affecting music that inspires listeners to feel. The Manitoba-based duo features Nadia and Jason Burnstick, esteemed independent artists who united over a decade ago to create deeply moving, cinematic Folk music using their trademark vocal pairing, and Jason’s mastery of the lap slide Weissenborn guitar.Read the rest

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