Myra Melford is an American avant-garde pianist, composer, educator, and improvisor. Her music is unique, exciting, and brave, evolving from an approach to the piano that is percussive, athletic, and uber-dynamic, and compositions that are exploratory, poetic, visual, and thought-provoking. 

Melford is an interdisciplinary artist of the highest order. Awarded the Alpert Award in the Arts for Music in 2012, plus the Guggenheim Fellowship and the Doris Duke Performing Artist Award in 2013, she has released over 30 albums in various configurations (solo, duo, trio, quartet, quintet), and has collaborated with some of the greatest talents in contemporary music. Her most recent release is entitled Splash (with bassist Michael Formanek and drummer/vibraphonist Ches Smith), and is inspired by the work of the post-abstract expressionist painter Cy Twombly. 

This interview was recorded in June, 2025 in Hamilton, ON, during the Something Else Festival. Thank you to Festival Director Cem Zafir (Our guest for Episode 60), plus Donna Akrey and the rest of the staff and volunteers. 

More about Myra Melford at myramelford.com

Music in this episode:

Myra Melford - “Park Mechanics”, live at the Something Else! Festival (June, 2025)  (Find that song on Melford’s solo album Life Carries Me This Way, 2013)

"Frank Lloyd Wright Goes West to Rest" - Myra Melford Trio (Jump, 1990)

"Chalk" - Myra Melford (Splash, 2025)

"Ekoneni" - Myra Melford and Trio M (The Guest House, 2012)

"Red Beach" - Myra Melford Solo Piano (Life Carries Me This Way, 2013)

Support the show

MUSIC BUDDY IS:
Jane Gowan (host, producer, editor) ; Tim Vesely (co-producer)

The show's theme song, "Human Stuff," is written by Jane Gowan and Tim Vesely, and performed by Jane and Tim, with additional vocals by Steve Wright and Connie Kostiuk

STAY IN TOUCH
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @musicbuddypodcast
Facebook: @musicbuddypodcast
Bluesky: @musicbuddy.bsky.social
TikTok: @musicbuddypod

This podcast is brought to you by Morning Run Productions.

Wyatt C. Louis is a Plains Cree singer-songwriter from Montana First Nation on Treaty 6 Territory, Alberta. Their songs are deeply rooted in story and place, and speak to universal themes of home, family, and love. Their much-celebrated debut album Chandler (2024) draws from multiple musical influences, but sits comfortably in the folk/roots genre. The album was long-listed for the 2025 Polaris Music Prize, and was a 2025 Juno Award nominee for "Album Artwork of the Year" (Erik M. Grice and Vanessa Heins). Learn more about Wyatt at wyattclouis.com. 

This conversation was taped at the University of British Columbia, on the  traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Musqueam people. 

Music in this episode (used with permission):

"In Emerald" - Wyatt C. Louis (Chandler, 2024)
"Carefree" - Wyatt C. Louis (Chandler, 2024)
"Bobtail Road" (Single) - Wyatt C. Louis (2023)

Support the show

MUSIC BUDDY IS:
Jane Gowan (host, producer, editor) ; Tim Vesely (co-producer)

The show's theme song, "Human Stuff," is written by Jane Gowan and Tim Vesely, and performed by Jane and Tim, with additional vocals by Steve Wright and Connie Kostiuk

STAY IN TOUCH
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @musicbuddypodcast
Facebook: @musicbuddypodcast
Bluesky: @musicbuddy.bsky.social
TikTok: @musicbuddypod

This podcast is brought to you by Morning Run Productions.

Since the early 2000s, Festival Director and musical curator Cem Zafir has been presenting diverse, exploratory, and engaging concerts via his non-profit organization, Zula Presents. After moving to Hamilton, Ontario in 2012, Cem seized on the opportunity to create an early summer music festival. Something Else! Festival began in 2014. Now in its 12th year, it brings to Hamilton some of the finest talents in creative, global, and improvised music. 

In this fun and compact catch up with Jane, Cem previews some of the highlights of the upcoming festival. From solo piano with Guggenheim Fellow and Alpert Award-winning pianist/educator Myra Melford, to the deep electronic vibes of Farida Amadou; from the "weird beauty" of The Cluttertones, to a nature walk with Pulitzer Prize recipient, percussionist and composer Susie Ibarra, the lineup is guaranteed to blow your mind, and open your ears. 

Tickets and passes are on sale now via Eventbrite or E-transfer (no fee) to [email protected]

Music in this episode:

"The Guest House" - Myra Melford and Trio M (The Guest House, 2012)

"The End Of" - Farida Amadou (When It Rains It Pours, 2024)

"Moveable Do (La-La Bémol) Feat. Matt Mitchell and John Hollenbeck" - Anna Webber (simpletrio2000, 2024)

"Pulse" - Susie Ibarra (Perception, 2017)

"Enero" - The Cluttertones (Ordinary Joy, 2015)

"Coastal Birds" - Susie Ibarra et al (Walking on Water, 2015)

"DESTEJER" - Ibelisse Guardia Ferragutti and Frank Rosaly (MESTIZX, 2024)

"One More Latch (Give It to 'ya) - Pantayo (Ang Pagdaloy, 2023)

"Ravenous Hound" - Peter Van Huffel's Callisto (Meandering Demons, 2024)

Support the show

MUSIC BUDDY IS:
Jane Gowan (host, producer, editor) ; Tim Vesely (co-producer)

The show's theme song, "Human Stuff," is written by Jane Gowan and Tim Vesely, and performed by Jane and Tim, with additional vocals by Steve Wright and Connie Kostiuk

STAY IN TOUCH
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @musicbuddypodcast
Facebook: @musicbuddypodcast
Bluesky: @musicbuddy.bsky.social
TikTok: @musicbuddypod

This podcast is brought to you by Morning Run Productions.

What, exactly, is mastering? Is it a potion? A spell? A hoax? The truth is, it's a subtle and precise art, and a key element of quality music production. It is music's "x-factor", its "special sauce". 

Despite often being perceived as some kind of magic, mastering is, in fact, very real, as are the people who do it for a living. Case in point, Grammy-nominated and Juno Award-winning mastering engineer João Carvalho. João is the founder of João Carvalho Mastering, and co-owner of Revolution Recording in Toronto, Canada. Designed by Martin Pilchner, João's mastering studio has been labelled "...the most acoustically perfect mastering room in Canada". 

Since the early 2000s, João has built a massive client list, working with much-loved artists such as Sloan, Rose Cousins, Skydiggers, City and Colour, Tanya Tagaq, Donovan Woods, Hayden, Monique Barry, Blue Rodeo, Metric, Serena Ryder, The Tragically Hip, Damhnait Doyle, and Rush...the list goes on and on... 

In this episode, João explains his craft, the building of his world class studio, working with the likes of Rose Cousins and Sloan, the utility of a great Weezer track, and why "Claire" by Rheostatics is one of the greatest songs of all time. 

Joining the conversation is Music Buddy co-producer Tim Vesely (Rheostatics, The Violet Archers), who has known João since the 90s, and worked with him on many projects over the years. 

Music in this episode:

"Music is The Message" - Rheostatics (Here Come the Wolves, 2019)
"Claire" - Rheostatics (Introducing Happiness, 1995)
"Chains" - Rose Cousins (Natural Conclusion, 2017)
"Beverly Hills" - Weezer (Make Believe, 2005)
"The Lines You Amend" - Sloan (One Chord to Another, Deluxe Reissue, 2016)

Support the show

MUSIC BUDDY IS:
Jane Gowan (host, producer, editor) ; Tim Vesely (co-producer)

The show's theme song, "Human Stuff," is written by Jane Gowan and Tim Vesely, and performed by Jane and Tim, with additional vocals by Steve Wright and Connie Kostiuk

STAY IN TOUCH
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @musicbuddypodcast
Facebook: @musicbuddypodcast
Bluesky: @musicbuddy.bsky.social
TikTok: @musicbuddypod

This podcast is brought to you by Morning Run Productions.

Multi-award-winning instrumentalist, singer, recording artist and composer, Anne Lindsay is celebrating many things this year: 60 years as a violinist, 50 years as a professional musician, and the launch of her brand new album, Soloworks 2. 

Described as "chamber folk music for solo violin and nyckelharpa", Soloworks 2 is dedicated to St Anne’s Anglican Church in Toronto where it was recorded in November 2021, during the global pandemic. In June 2024, St. Anne's suffered a devastating fire, and all that remains of this historic Canadian cultural gem are parts of the exterior walls. Learn more about St. Anne's Church at saintanne.ca.

Anne's epic career has taken her all over the world. She's been a featured performer and session player for numerous artists, such as Blue Rodeo, The Jim Cuddy Band, Skydiggers, John McDermott, Led Zeppelin, Roger Daltrey, The Chieftans, and James Taylor, to name a few.  She was also the resident fiddler for The Toronto Maple Leafs and The Lord of the Rings stage production. Needless to say, her career has taken her all over the world, and has nourished her appreciation for all types of music, from rock to folk, from classical to jazz to global music.  

THE MUSIC BUDDY SESSION: "CORNELL" by Anne Lindsay
Performed by Anne Lindsay, Tim Vesely, and Jane Gowan
Recorded and mixed by Tim Vesely at The Woodshed Studio, Toronto

More about Anne Lindsay at anne-lindsay.com

All the song samples used in this episode are from Anne Lindsay's album, Soloworks 2 (2024). Used with kind permission.

Songs in order of appearance:
"Votum Mane" 
"Xyz"
"Credo"
"The Auger's Tale"
"Carolina Parakeet"
"The Lord's Prayer"
"Down by the Noisy River"
"Forever and Always"
"The Sea in the Sky"

Support the show

MUSIC BUDDY IS:
Jane Gowan (host, producer, editor) ; Tim Vesely (co-producer)

The show's theme song, "Human Stuff," is written by Jane Gowan and Tim Vesely, and performed by Jane and Tim, with additional vocals by Steve Wright and Connie Kostiuk

STAY IN TOUCH
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @musicbuddypodcast
Facebook: @musicbuddypodcast
Bluesky: @musicbuddy.bsky.social
TikTok: @musicbuddypod

This podcast is brought to you by Morning Run Productions.

"Whatever I'm painting, I feel like there's music that finds its way in". — Stewart Jones

For artist, musician, and educator Stewart Jones, music is an integral part of his visual art practice. He's a self-proclaimed "uber fan" of the bands he loves. Not only are many of his works inspired by songs, but his drawings and paintings have also graced album covers and enhanced videos by some of Canada's most beloved musical artists, such as The Tragically Hip, Sarah Harmer, Cuff the Duke, K-os, Justin Rutledge, and The Sadies. 

Learn more about Stew at stewartjones.ca

Music in this episode:

"Vultures" - Annelise Noronha (In The Headlights, 2020)

"Cold Snap" - Weeping Tile (Cold Snap, 1995)

"Rearview" - Rheostatics (Here Come The Wolves, 2019)

"The City" - Sarah Harmer (Oh Little Fire, 2010)

"Tell Her What I Said" - The Sadies (Darker Circles, 2010)

"Montreal (Live)" - The Tragically Hip (Saskadelphia - EP, 2021)

"Jack of Diamonds" - Justin Rutledge (The Early Widows, 2010)

"Left and Leaving" - The Weakerthans (Left and Leaving, 2000)

Support the show

MUSIC BUDDY IS:
Jane Gowan (host, producer, editor) ; Tim Vesely (co-producer)

The show's theme song, "Human Stuff," is written by Jane Gowan and Tim Vesely, and performed by Jane and Tim, with additional vocals by Steve Wright and Connie Kostiuk

STAY IN TOUCH
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @musicbuddypodcast
Facebook: @musicbuddypodcast
Bluesky: @musicbuddy.bsky.social
TikTok: @musicbuddypod

This podcast is brought to you by Morning Run Productions.

Musician/composer/improvisors Ronley Teper and Tim Posgate have been making wildly creative music together for 15 years or more. Their partnership is based on trust, understanding, and the endless desire to push the boundaries of song and creativity. This is a colourful conversation with two extremely hard-working, enthusiastic, and unique musical talents. 

More about Ronley Teper:
ronleyteper.com
Ronley's YouTube (including "So Whatcha Doin?")
The Lyceum Gallery Show

More about Tim Posgate:
guildwoodrecords.com
So Long Seven

THE MUSIC BUDDY SESSION: "BYE BYE" by Ronley Teper
Performed by Ronley Teper, Tim Posgate, Jane Gowan and Tim Vesely
Recorded and mixed by Tim Vesely at The Woodshed Studio, Toronto

Music in this episode:

"Everyone Loves a Good Story" - Ronley Teper & The Lipliners (Everyone Loves a Good Story, 2021)

"The Game" - Ronley Teper (The Game, 2018)

"Muddy" - Tim Posgate Hornband (Tim Posgate Hornband Feat. Howard Johnson, 2006)

"So Whatcha Doin?" - Episode 1 with Tim Posgate

"Crazy" - Ronley Teper & The Lipliners (Everyone Loves a Good Story, 2021)

"Only Elephants Know Her Name" - So Long Seven (Only Elephants Know Her Name, 2022)

"Freedom" - Ronley Teper (The Game, 2018)

Support the show

MUSIC BUDDY IS:
Jane Gowan (host, producer, editor) ; Tim Vesely (co-producer)

The show's theme song, "Human Stuff," is written by Jane Gowan and Tim Vesely, and performed by Jane and Tim, with additional vocals by Steve Wright and Connie Kostiuk

STAY IN TOUCH
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @musicbuddypodcast
Facebook: @musicbuddypodcast
Bluesky: @musicbuddy.bsky.social
TikTok: @musicbuddypod

This podcast is brought to you by Morning Run Productions.

A very special literary romp to round off the year! This "bookish" episode features the well-read, candid, and occasionally irreverent members of "Buckner's Bookies", a ladies-only book club that meets every few weeks around a dinner table, to talk books, culture, food, politics, and—of course—trashy TV.

Sex, drugs, rock n' roll, hostages, immigration, crime, New York in the 70s, Saga Boys, opera, and accordions. Mix all that with some southern gothic blues, and you have yourself a rollicking-yet-thoughtful exploration into six hand-picked, music-themed books that will make you "Hot for Teacher", or perhaps dreaming of becoming a "Paperback Writer". Or, you might just find yourself craving some Buddy Holly or Lisa Loeb-style reading glasses to round off your festive holiday outfit.

The Books:
Scar Tissue (Anthony Kiedis) - reviewed by Dianne Buckner
Accordion Crimes (Annie Proulx) - reviewed by Tracie Tighe
Just Kids (Patti Smith) - reviewed by Gaelyne Leslie
Saga Boy (Antonio Michael Downing) - reviewed by Sue Burkhardt
Bel Canto (Ann Patchett) - reviewed by Helen Dewar
Don’t Tell Anybody The Secrets I Told You: A Memoir (Lucinda Williams) - reviewed by Jane Gowan

Notes from Our Friends:
Headlong Hearts
Crawford Street Skin Care (use the code "MUSICBUDDY" to get 20% off your first order!)
Guest appearance by Dave Ullrich of Zunior.com

Music in this episode:

"Higher Ground" - The Red Hot Chili Peppers (Greatest Hits, 2003)

"Crush Some Egg Nogs " - Annelise Noronha (Christmas in the County, 2018)

"Heaven on Earth" - Dave Clark & Friends  (Single, 2024; all proceeds to the Red Cross - purchase here)

"Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 2 "Moonlight": 1. Adagio sostenuto" - performed by Vladimir Ashkenazy (1983)

"Get Right!" - John Orpheus (Get Right!, 2024)

"I Like Christmas" - The Violet Archers (I Like Christmas, 2024)

"Metal Firecracker" - Lucinda Williams (Car Wheels On a Gravel Road, 1998)

Support the show

MUSIC BUDDY IS:
Jane Gowan (host, producer, editor) ; Tim Vesely (co-producer)

The show's theme song, "Human Stuff," is written by Jane Gowan and Tim Vesely, and performed by Jane and Tim, with additional vocals by Steve Wright and Connie Kostiuk

STAY IN TOUCH
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @musicbuddypodcast
Facebook: @musicbuddypodcast
Bluesky: @musicbuddy.bsky.social
TikTok: @musicbuddypod

This podcast is brought to you by Morning Run Productions.

After spending over 20 years writing, recording and performing his unique, lush and literate style of alt country Canadiana, Juno award-winning singer-songwriter Justin Rutledge is shifting his focus, every-so-slightly. He’s not moving away from music per se, but rather, walking peacefully alongside, with his young family in tow, and a home in the country to inspire and calm his poetic spirit.

Please enjoy this conversation with one of Canada’s most treasured craftsmen of song.

More about Justin at  justinrutledge.com

THE MUSIC BUDDY SESSION: "A PENNY FOR THE BAND" by Justin Rutledge
Performed by Justin Rutledge, Jane Gowan and Tim Vesely
Recorded and mixed by Tim Vesely at The Woodshed Studio, Toronto

Songs in this episode (all songs performed by Justin Rutledge, except “You and I” performed by The Violet Archers):
"Jellybean" (Islands, 2021)
"As It Was" (Single, 2023)
"Out of the Woods" (Valleyheart, 2013)
"You And I" (Sunshine At Night, 2008)
"Angry Young Man" (Something Easy, 2023)
"London" (Something Easy, 2023)
"Kapuskasing Coffee" (Valleyheart, 2013)
"Too Sober to Sleep" (No Never Alone, 2004)
"Courage (For Hugh McLennan)" (Daredevil, 2014)
"Head for the Hills" (Something Easy, 2023)

Support the show

MUSIC BUDDY IS:
Jane Gowan (host, producer, editor) ; Tim Vesely (co-producer)

The show's theme song, "Human Stuff," is written by Jane Gowan and Tim Vesely, and performed by Jane and Tim, with additional vocals by Steve Wright and Connie Kostiuk

STAY IN TOUCH
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @musicbuddypodcast
Facebook: @musicbuddypodcast
Bluesky: @musicbuddy.bsky.social
TikTok: @musicbuddypod

This podcast is brought to you by Morning Run Productions.

Guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer Tim Bovaconti knew he wanted to be a musician from a very young age. When he was just a mere lad, a fateful meeting with family friend Greg Keelor (Blue Rodeo) lit a spark that fuelled his musical passion. The flame continues to burn brightly today. 

Bovaconti has travelled the world as a working musician. He’s performed and recorded with artists such as Burton Cummings, Ron Sexsmith, Kim Stockwood, Jerry Leger, Julian Taylor, Andy Kim, Ray Davies, and Leonard Cohen. 

A seasoned sideman, Tim also fronts his own band, and has 3 albums to his name. His 4th album is called Again, and will be released at Hugh’s Room in Toronto on Sunday, Nov 17 (See below for ticket info.). 

Fresh off the bus from an extensive U.S. tour, a road-weary-but-still-energetic Tim joins host Jane Gowan at The Woodshed Studio to share some magical and memorable moments from his storied career to date. 

More about Tim
timbovaconti.com
Album Release Show for Again. Get tickets here

THE MUSIC BUDDY SESSION: "GROW" by Tim Bovaconti
Performed by Tim Bovaconti, Jane Gowan and Tim Vesely
Recorded and mixed by Tim Vesely at The Woodshed Studio, Toronto

Songs in this episode (in order of appearance)
"Again" - Tim Bovaconti (Again, 2024)
"Keep Moving" - Tim Bovaconti (Again, 2024)
"More" - Tim Bovaconti (Again, 2024)
"An Elephant Insect" - Shonen Knife (Heavy Songs, 2002)
"As It Was" - Tim Bovaconti (Again, 2024)
"Prove Your Love" - Tim Bovaconti (Again, 2024)

Support the show

MUSIC BUDDY IS:
Jane Gowan (host, producer, editor) ; Tim Vesely (co-producer)

The show's theme song, "Human Stuff," is written by Jane Gowan and Tim Vesely, and performed by Jane and Tim, with additional vocals by Steve Wright and Connie Kostiuk

STAY IN TOUCH
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @musicbuddypodcast
Facebook: @musicbuddypodcast
Bluesky: @musicbuddy.bsky.social
TikTok: @musicbuddypod

This podcast is brought to you by Morning Run Productions.