Song Talk Radio | Songwriting Tips | Lyrics | Arranging | Live Feedback

Song Talk Radio | Songwriting Tips | Lyrics | Arranging | Live Feedback episodes:

• 04.19.2024

  Writing Intuitively with Maddy Little

  Maddy Little is a Canadian Indie Artist, based out of Toronto, Canada. Maddy has spent her formative years immersed in indie-folk band We Wander. Maddy has been deeply influenced in her songwriting by artists like City and Colour, Dizzy, Phoebe...

  
• 04.10.2024

  Modern Country Songwriting with Amanda Keeles

  A captivating musical journey of empowerment, self-determination, and the pursuit of lifelong dreams, Country artist Amanda Keeles unveils her invigorating debut album, “Can’t Stop Me Now!“. Her rich, ribbon-like vocals come straight from her soul, sharing deeply personal narratives drawn...

  
• 04.02.2024

  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...

  
• 03.26.2024

  Jazz Collaborators Alex Bird & Ewan Farncombe

  Over the last few years, Alex Bird & Ewen Farncombe have become two of the biggest names on the Canadian Jazz scene. With praise from around the globe, this talented team has created timeless and heartfelt originals for a modern...

  
• 03.04.2024

  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...

  
• 02.27.2024

  How to Register Your Songs, with Allister Bradley

  Singer-songwriter, producer, and Song Studio maverick Allister Bradley joined us to talk us through song registrations (for Canadians). We talked about: Billy Joel’s new song and AI-driven video Turn the Lights Back On Collective Societies | Copyright Board of Canada...

  
• 02.19.2024

  Writing an all-Spanish language album with Flavia Abadia

  Flavia Abadía is an international DJ, MC, singer, and songwriter based in Toronto, Canada. Colombian and French-Canadian, born in France, Flavia seamlessly blends an array of musical genres, ranging from Latin and Moombahton to Hip Hop, House, Vogue, and other...

  
• 02.14.2024

  Chad Shank and two of his favourite songs

  This week we were joined again by Chad Shank to talk about two of his favourite songs and why they should be studied. Chad Shank is a Songwriter, Music Producer, and Songwriting Teacher. Chad is the founder of At-Home Songwriting,...

  
• 02.07.2024

  Writing a non-romantic love song with Darrin James

  Darrin James is a multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter, and producer known for his distinctive gravelly voice, thoughtful lyrics, and soulful musicianship. His eclectic production style encompasses a growing range of influences, often fusing gritty, bluesy guitar playing with rustic, acoustic elements of...

  
• 01.30.2024

  Writing a weird song that doesn’t sound weird with Sunny Zaman

  Sunny Zaman is a musician whose main passion is songwriting. He is also a singer and guitar and bass player who occasionally dabbles with keyboards and synths. He wrote his first song at the age of 14 and continues to...

  
• 01.21.2024

  Collaborating with others: Aphrose

  Fresh off the release of her sophomore album, “Roses”, Toronto R&B/Neo-Soul artist, Aphrose, is receiving exciting critical acclaim at home and across the globe. Black Entertainment Television premiered Aphrose’s video for “Roses” to millions of people across their televised channel,...

  
• 01.15.2024

  Happy New Year 2024!

  Happy New Year to our listeners! For this post-hangover episode, we kept it simple by catching up on our holiday shenanigans, music activities, and other stuff. We talked about: Phil’s Christmas miracle with his new neighbours Neel’s working on demo...

  
• 12.31.2023

  Glitterfox: Songwriting and life partners

  Last week Kill Rock Stars Indie/Pop/Rock/Americana recording artists Glitterfox have released their brilliant new single It’s Always Over (produced by Portland’s own Chris Funk of The Decemberists)! Glitterfox, lead by queer married couple Solange Igoa (They/Them) and Andrea Walker (They/Them),...

  
• 12.24.2023

  The business of songwriting with Garrett Neiles

  Garrett Neiles has just released his sophomore EP, “27”. His sound is a revival of the 2000’s era Alternative Pop-Rock concept, infused with refreshing lyrical depth of deep introspection. His unique and meticulous balance of old and new is rooted in the sonic...

  
• 12.17.2023

  You won’t regret listening to Delyn Grey

  Delyn Grey is Rock’s next fierce female. Her latest EP,Good Girls Die, gives you a fiery taste of the young artist’s unapologetic approach to pursuing a career in music through a unique and fresh sound— inspired by a diverse range...

  
• 12.11.2023

  Writing a holiday song with Steven Taetz

  Just in time for the holidays, “SNOW ANGELS“ Steven Taetz’s new original Christmas love song is available now on all platforms. A dreamy ballad made to conjure an idyllic winter wonderland where Steven Taetz sings about the wish to live...

  
• 11.25.2023

  The Music Movies and TV Draft Show

  For this special episode, we invited Song Studio organizers and pro singer-songwriters Blair Packham and Allister Bradley, to have a music movies and TV shows draft game show. We each named our favourite movies or TV shows about music, including...

  
• 11.13.2023

  Song Talk Radio’s 10-year Anniversary!

  To celebrate our 10-year anniversary doing this podcast (can you believe it, ’cause we can’t!) we gathered four other songwriters to engage in a songwriting roundtable discussion. We ask them to provide a question to pose to the group, and...

  
• 11.07.2023

  Songwriting Berklee-style with Mimika

  Fresh off the heels of her new release, ‘Love and What I Thought It Was’, Mimika is making the transition from songwriter to soul-baring artist. With over 2 million streams as a writer and a degree from Berklee College of...

  
• 10.29.2023

  Trying something other than a love song with Greg Wyard

  Best known for his heartfelt love songs, songwriter Greg Wyard is about to surprise his audience with “Guns and Money,” a song that delves into significant global issues with a guitar-heavy rock sound. “Guns and Money” takes a more serious...

  
• 10.23.2023

  Fixing the World with Carmen Toth

  Carmen Toth is a Toronto singer-songwriter with a power pop sound reminiscent of the 80s and 90s. Whether on acoustic guitar playing solo or on electric with a full band, her unique, childlike voice, relatable lyrics and catchy hooks have...

  
• 10.18.2023

  Collaborations with Maggie Andrew

  Creating music that journeys far beyond the confines of genre, Nova Scotia’s Maggie Andrew infuses her style of modern (s)alt-Pop with confident, relatable lyrics that often challenge stereotypical norms. Layered with Punk, R&B, Hip-Hop, and Rock, Andrew’s textured and edgy...

  
• 10.04.2023

  Writing and Arranging Funk and Soul with The Commotions

  Canadian Soul-Funk collective, The Commotions, are an all original 12-piece Motown-to-Disco era band that has brought the exquisite grooves from the famed Motor City all the way across the border. Celebrating their first decade as a band, founder Brian Asselin...

  
• 09.25.2023

  Songwriting Challenge 2023: Listener Songs Volume 2

  Our second batch of listener songs for our songwriting challenge 2023 to write in a mode included a song (mostly) in Phrygian, one definitely in Phrygian, and one with modal interchange. We talked about: The Song Talk Meetup Being sure...

  
• 09.18.2023

  Writing a multilingual song with Amanie Illfated

  Amanie Illfated (pronounced: ah-MAH-nee eel-fay-ted) is an award winning South Sudanese born international recording artist. Her music consists of thought-provoking multilingual mixed with a dynamic blend of R&B, Afropop, Reggae and Trap, all combined with her signature, clear-toned vocals. She...

  
• 09.13.2023

  Writing for radio with Kasia Livingston

  Few things are as exciting as being a teenager with talent and a dream!! Located in the heart of the entertainment industry, the Los Angeles College of Music faculty are currently touring and working with music’s top stars and can...

  
• 09.10.2023

  Serving the song with Desiree Dorion

  Desiree Dorion is an artist fluent in the language of relatable storytelling. With an inherent ability to deliver impactful lyrics that range from emotional to humorous, the decorated singer-songwriter effectively immerses her audiences in her expertly crafted songs with ease....

  
• 09.07.2023

  Songwriting Challenge 2023: Listener Songs Volume 1

  Our first batch of listener songs for our songwriting challenge 2023 to write in a mode included a song in Dorian and two songs in Lydian. Lynn Moe shared his song Clean Up Time in D Dorian. Download the lyrics...

  
• 08.28.2023

  Phil leans into Lydian for his songwriting challenge answer

  For our second host-answer episode for our Songwriting Challenge 2023, Phil shared the process behind his answer to the challenge to write a song in the Lydian mode. Our good friend Susan Cattaneo joined in. We talked about: How Phil...

  
• 08.18.2023

  Governor Tom is all about that Iambic Pentameter

  Governor Tom is a singer/songwriter whose indie style blends folk, blues, and jazz with pathos and humor. Sherry Jacoby filled in for Neel, who was busy visiting a galaxy far far away, but not too long ago. Thanks Sherry! Tom...

  
• 08.11.2023

  Neel gets all nostalgic for his songwriting challenge answer

  For our first host-answer episode for our Songwriting Challenge 2023, Neel shared the process behind his answer to the challenge to write a song in a mode. Our good friend Susan Cattaneo joined in – thanks Susan for your awesome...

  
• 08.02.2023

  Writing a “hit song” with Greg Wyard

  Toronto singer/songwriter Greg Wyard is thrilled to announce the release of his latest song, “Suddenly Everything’s All Right.” This track presents a refreshing blend of sounds, reminiscent of Phil Collins infused with the timeless charm of Motown. With its heartfelt...

  
• 07.26.2023

  Writing a hard rock song with VILIVANT

  VILIVANT is a Canadian hard rock artist who started music at the very young age of 3. First with the piano then picking up the guitar and developing her voice along the way, VILIVANT grew a strong liking to rock...

  
• 07.19.2023

  Writing a protest song with Ryan Hahn

  From the bourbon hills of Kentucky to the streets of Los Angeles, Americana/Rock N’ Roll band Ryan Hahn and the Believers craft honest, insightful stories rooted in Americana, roots, and southern rock and roll. With their dynamic sound, Ryan and...

  
• 06.27.2023

  Deep Dive: This Guy’s in Love by Burt Bacharach

  For this special episode, Phil dives deep on the Burt Bacharach / Hal David song This Guy’s in Love With You, made popular in 1968 by Herb Alpert. We talked about: Our Songwriting Challenge for 2023, and thank-you to everyone...

  
• 06.18.2023

  The Magic of Songwriting with Econoline Crush’s Trevor Hurst

  When The Devil Drives is the latest album from Canadian rock veterans Econoline Crush, formed some 30 years ago by frontman Trevor Hurst, now the sole original member. The band’s first full-length album in over a decade, and documentary film,...

  
• 06.11.2023

  Songs with odd time signatures

  For this special episode, Phil joined Neel in his studio to record our first in-person episode since early 2020! We dove deep into songs with odd time signatures and talked about: Our songwriting challenge for 2023 How time signatures work...

  
• 06.04.2023

  Conscious songwriting with Meris Gantt

  Meris Gantt is an Indie Folk singer and songwriter based out of the North Carolina mountains. Meris’ songwriting is honest and to the point; exploring life’s journeys with longing, regret and the silver linings that lie in between. Her songs tell...

  
• 06.01.2023

  Reflecting on the career of Tina Turner

  We talked about: Tina Turner’s start in the 60s with Ike Turner and her resurgence as a pop/rock star in the 80s List of songs written by Tina Turner – Wikipedia Nutbush City Limits – Wikipedia Singers who hit the...

  
• 05.22.2023

  Being open to new collaborations with Jeremy Voltz

  Burned-out mathematician turned indie-soul artist, Jeremy Voltz’s music is inspired by thinking deeply about the people in his life and what he’d love to have the courage to say to them. Reminiscent of Jeff Buckley, Hozier, and Stevie Wonder, he...

  
• 05.07.2023

  Revisiting a song ten years later with Neel Modi

  On this special episode, our very own Neel Modi shared his process of revisiting a song he first wrote over 10 years ago. We were privileged and happy to have singer-songwriter Jacob Moon join us for the conversation. Thanks Jacob!...

  
• 05.05.2023

  Pete Eastmure: Writing with Images

  Pete Eastmure is diving deeper into the Americana/Canadiana genre with his new album “Devil’s Taxi”. The album was created during the “Shutdown” and is a follow up to Pete’s acclaimed album, “Keep Your Love Steady” from 2019. The single “Devil’s...

  
• 05.01.2023

  Bringing a 17th Century artist to life with Tina Ross

  Tina Ross is a New York based Singer Songwriter making up for lost time. On her second act, she just released her debut album, “While I’m Here”. Her vocal delivery brims with the clarity and conviction of a stage actor...

  
• 04.27.2023

  Women of the 2000s Draft Show

  For our first draft game show since the “before times” we flashed back to the 2000s for our favourite songs with female artists. We invited Susan Cattaneo (check out her Instagram for awesome songwriting tips), Sherry Jacoby, and Vanessa Vreeland...

  
• 04.13.2023

  Authentic storytelling in song with Jenny Mallard

  Canadian Country/Folk – Pop artist Jenny Mallard is a celebrated musician and storyteller who is known for her authentic lyrics and impactful storytelling. Fresh off of the heels of releasing her debut album, “Into The Deep”, the St. John’s, NL...

  
• 04.09.2023

  Writing a traditional style song in modern times with Gravely James

  Gravely James, a.k.a Chris Madronich,  is an Americana and Folk singer-songwriter based in Niagara, ON. Growing up in Port Colborne, ON, Madronich spent a decade playing trumpet with a variety of jazz bands, which inspired him to incorporate blues, soul,...

  
• 04.02.2023

  Poetry meets songwriting with CALICO

  CALICO, an independent Folk/Americana band based in British Columbia, formed at the start of the pandemic by creatively negotiating the space between personal discovery and cooperative writing. Made up of a group of seasoned professional musicians {Tony Cecchetti (lead vocals...

  
• 03.13.2023

  Suburban Rock n’ Roll with Fake Magic

  Greg Markham and Bryan Paccagnella grew up in the suburbs of Richmond Hill playing a lot of basement rock. In 2005 they moved to Toronto to attend Humber College – Greg for jazz, Bryan for comedy. Greg went on to...

  
• 03.08.2023

  Exploring Dorian and Lydian Modes

  Our 2023 songwriting challenge is to write a song using an unusual mode, or a mode you don’t normally use. For our first episode on this subject, composer and songwriter Jeff Alan Greenway joined us to talk about two specific...

  
• 02.26.2023

  Co-writing Nashville style with Sarah Peterson

  Sarah Peterson is a Minnesota based songwriter and artist carving out her own unique space in the singer songwriter world. Her love of words has pulled her into many co-writes with other songwriters and artists from all around the world....