Songwriters From Here And Away

By Songwriters From Here And Away // Robert CampbellMusic Music Commentary Music Interviews

Songwriters From Here And Away episodes

October 2414 Fabulous Canadian Songwriters
14 Fabulous Canadian Songwriters. www.SFHAA.ca
New Releases and a re-release too...
John Donovan – “All Of Me.” PEI
Caroline Marie Brooks – “The Pool.” Toronto, ON
INNERSPEAR – “GreenerGrass.” Calgary, Alberta
Big Fancy & The Shiddy Cowboys – “Falling Down.” Fort Fraser, BC
Easy Pieces – “Life Goes On.”, Toronto, ON
Shirley Jackson and her Good Rockin’ Daddys – “Shut Up And Drive.” Halifax, Nova Scotia
Professional Help – “I Just Watched Love Drive Away.”, Vancouver, BC
Shawn Pallister – “Vertigo.” Manitoba
Sophia Bel – “Postcard.”Montreal, PQ
Dudsymil – “Rise Again.” Toronto, ON (Jamaica)
The New Hires – “Personal.” Ottawa, ON
Tusket (Ivan Boudreau / Greg Stuart) – “The Old Tusket River.” Vancouver, BC
Dougless Dollars – “Fake Love, Fake News.” Toronto, ON
Wallgrin – “IDK (I Don’t Know).” Vancouver, BC
57 min
October 17Three Songwriters, One Chapel: Live at Deep Roots - Ken Whitely, Lily Gunn, Mat Hughes
Songwriters From Here and Away: Roots & Branches, Live from Deep Roots 20 (Part 1)
This week we’re in Wolfville for the 20th anniversary of the Deep Roots Music Festival (September 24–27), which takes over the town each year with a mix of world-touring and regional artists. I was asked to emcee, co-produce and handle the audio for two one-hour songwriter concerts at the Manning Memorial Chapel at Acadia University. This is the first of those, our “Roots & Branches” song circle.
Your songwriters:
Lily Gunn is a Wolfville singer-songwriter and Acadia student. Her stripped-back, narrative-driven folk and alt-country caught attention at Nova Scotia Music Week, and her debut single “Bad Things” has been followed by more new releases. She’s one to watch.
Ken Whiteley is a multi-award-winning singer and multi-instrumentalist who’s played folk, blues and gospel around the world for more than fifty years. He has seven Juno nominations, a Genie Award for best song in a Canadian film, and lifetime achievement honours from Mariposa, the Maple Blues Awards and Folk Music Ontario. He’s written over 400 songs and plays more than 20 instruments.
Mat Hughes is a piano-driven Halifax songwriter, back from BC’s Sunshine Coast, whose songs are funny and a little devastating, often in the same verse.
Part two of the concert is coming soon. Video is on the way too, so follow along at SFHAA.ca and on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.
#SongwritersFromHereAndAway #SFHAA #RootsAndBranches #DeepRoots20 #DeepRootsMusicFestival
57 min
October 10 Sometimes Chicken, Sometimes Feathers: A Conversation & Songs with Graham Nicholas
From the archives this week on Songwriters From Here and Away: Graham Nicholas, recorded live at Alderney Landing, with trains rumbling by (I’d like to say that was planned).
Graham is a Toronto songwriter who tells stories about flawed, funny, lovable people, and he does it with a wink. If you like John Prine, you’ll like him. We talked about Black Creek, which had just come out, and he played some songs.
A lot has happened since: a live album called Blotto In Toronto, and a Maritime tour with Birdie Whyte in the fall of 2024. Go find his music and buy a record. https://www.instagram.com/graham_nicholas_music/
Tune in or online, or catch the podcast anywhere you get your podcasts or tright here at: SFHAA.ca
#SongwritersFromHereAndAway #GrahamNicholas #CanadianMusic #FolkMusic #RootsMusic #Songwriter #Americana #CountryFolk #Podcast #SupportLiveMusic
55 min
October 03 Fresh Tracks From Here & Away — New Songs from Across Canada
This Week's Artists & Songs on Songwriters From Here And Away
All Canadian! more @ SFHAA.ca
Logan Staats — “Medicine Wheel”
Six Nations of the Grand River, Ontario
Logan Staats is an Indigenous singer-songwriter whose music draws on roots, rock and Americana. “Medicine Wheel” is a powerful, socially conscious song reflecting on Indigenous land, culture, environmental damage and the ongoing impact of colonization.
Recording lineup: Logan Staats — vocals/guitar; Kyler Tapscott — guitar; Johnny Dymond — bass; Gary Craig — drums; Aaron Goldstein — pedal steel; Layla Staats — background vocals; Miles Evans-Branagh — piano.
Little White Lies — “String Me Along”
Canada — A new release from Little White Lies. “String Me Along”
Carleton Stone — “Fences”
Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
Cape Breton-born singer-songwriter Carleton Stone returns with his album Midnight Rose, blending Americana, country-rock and lush pop. “Fences,” the album opener, is a sweeping, symphonic-pop song about a monumental romance stretching across years and multiple cities.
Recording musicians: Carleton Stone — vocals/guitar; Neil Quin — guitar/vocals; Todd Lumley — piano/synth; Carlin Nicholson — bass/vocals; Darren McGill — drums/percussion; Kevin Fox — cello; Melanie Stone — vocals; Kayleigh O’Connor — additional songwriting.
Sam Wilson — “Rosedale”
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Award-winning guitarist, composer and educator Sam Wilson creates instrumental music inspired by landscape and place. “Rosedale” comes from her upcoming album Sowing Spring and was inspired by the Magaguadavic River in New Brunswick during a week-long residency.
Album lineup: Sam Wilson — guitar; Hayley Ryerson — fiddle; Nicola Miller — alto saxophone/bass clarinet; Kyle Tully — bass; Caito Macdonald — drums.
Clever Hopes — “If It’s On”
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
Clever Hopes is the songwriting project of Dartmouth's Andrew Shaver, whose music combines cinematic folk with heartfelt storytelling. “If It’s On” is his latest single
Pillow Fite — “Lucky”
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Pillow Fite is the alt-folk/indie-rock duo of Art Ross and Aaron Green. Their music mixes sweet melodies with sharper, emotionally direct songwriting, exploring themes including queer love, relationships and mental health. “Lucky” .
Members: Art Ross — vocals; Aaron Green — guitar/production.
The live recording of “Lucky” also features Pat Murphy — drums; Maya Márquez — bass/backing vocals; Seth Voliere — electric guitar; Alanna Matty — acoustic guitar/synth/backing vocals.
Evan Cooper — “Out of Love”
Fredericton, New Brunswick
Evan Cooper is a young singer-songwriter whose acoustic-driven pop songs turn the highs and lows of teenage life into catchy, relatable stories. “Out Of Love” was his second single and became a Music NB Song of the Week and a radio success across Canada.
Solo artist.
Shane Pendergast — “Jack Pine”
Tracadie Cross, Prince Edward Island
Shane Pendergast is a PEI folksinger with four generations of connection to Maritime music and Island folklore. “Jack Pine” uses the hardy, resilient tree as a metaphor for life, uncertainty and hanging on through the storms.
Recording lineup: Shane Pendergast — vocals/guitar; Ray Knorr — fiddle; Mark “Lefty” Geddes — bass; Catherine MacLellan — backing vocals; Logan Richard — guitar; Connor Nabuurs — drums.
Dayblooms — “Swim”
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Dayblooms are a Charlottetown dream-pop band making their debut with “Swim,” a dreamy, summery introduction to their sound.
Members: Shayla Steinhoff — vocals; Evan Ceretti — guitar; Aaron Turner — drums. The group expands to a full band for live performances.
Cabot Power — “Reason to Smile”
St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador
Cabot Power is an 11-piece funk and soul powerhouse performing classic funk and neo-funk grooves. “Reason to Smile” is an upbeat, infectious original from the band's debut album Funk the System.
Members: Jody Lear — lead vocals; Matt Aylward — keys; Chuck Bucket — drums; Matthew Roome — baritone & alto sax; Christian Berglander — trumpet; Ryan Sheaves — guitar/vocals; Rory Graham — lead vocals/guitar; Josh Chancey — saxophone; Hunter Madden — bass; Serhii Tsymbal — trombone; Kenneth Pasher — guitar.
Evan AuCoin — “Build It Strong”
St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador
Newfoundland-born singer-songwriter Evan AuCoin is known for storytelling that crosses folk-rock, country, blues and traditional Newfoundland music. A member of the St. John’s music scene for more than a decade, he performs solo as well as with Rugged Shores and Midnight Watch.
Solo artist / songwriter.
Big Little Lions — “No One Is Mad At You”
Royston, British Columbia / Cincinnati, Ohio
Big Little Lions are the songwriting duo of Helen Austin and Paul Otten. Their music combines new-school folk, catchy melodies and upbeat rhythms. “No One Is Mad At You” is a warm, reassuring song built around the simple idea that sometimes we're harder on ourselves than anyone else is.
Members: Helen Austin and Paul Otten.
ORRA — “Panic Garden”
Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver duo ORRA combine airy vocals, hypnotic synths and electronic/indie-pop textures. “Panic Garden” explores anxiety, self-protection, fear and the struggle to find a way through it.
Members: Sarah Orr — vocals/keys; Cameron McGregor — guitar/percussion.
Shirley Jackson & Her Good Rockin’ Daddys — “Imagine A New World”
Nova Scotia
Shirley Jackson is a veteran Nova Scotia blues and roots artist, songwriter, arranger and producer with more than 35 years in the music scene. Her six-piece Good Rockin’ Daddys bring a horn-powered blend of blues, swing and roots music. “Imagine A New World” is their newest release.
Members: Shirley Jackson — vocals/tenor sax; Dave “Hot Lips” Harrison — trumpet/flugelhorn; Dawn Hatfield — baritone sax; JF Lafleche — guitar; Jef Wirchenko — bass; Tom Bona — drums.
Jason Andrew Griffith featuring Melyssa Lee — “Stay Another Day”
Calgary, Alberta
Jason Andrew Griffith is a Calgary singer-songwriter working in prairie Americana and alt-country. “Stay Another Day” is a duet with Calgary singer-songwriter Melyssa Lee — a warm country-folk song about two road-weary people meeting and falling in love.
Artists: Jason Andrew Griffith and Melyssa Lee. Produced/co-written with Paul Zacharias.
Jed & The Valentine — “Mercury Below”
Alberta
Jed & the Valentine are the indie-folk duo of Maria Khaner and Jonah Morris. Their sound features soaring harmonies, banjo, guitar and richly melodic songwriting, with songs that move between tenderness, humour and emotional vulnerability.
Members: Maria Khaner and Jonah Morris.
1 hr 5 min
September 21 Loop de Loop: Live with Ian Sherwood
This week on Songwriters From Here And Away, we're going LIVE with one of Nova Scotia's most entertaining and hardest-to-categorize performers — Ian Sherwood.
Ian shows up with a guitar, a saxophone, a loop pedal, and apparently no fear of using all three at once. He's a two-time Music Nova Scotia Musician of the Year, a Canadian Folk Music Award winner, and — according to at least one radio host — a guy who "entertains as much with his wit and stories as with his songs." We'd add: he also has a habit of building entire arrangements out of thin air, loop by loop, while cracking jokes in between.
This one was recorded live, front-row-seat style, so sit back and enjoy!
Guitar. Sax. Loops. Laughs. It's Ian Sherwood, live and beautiful.
And he's playing Saturday night, Oct 3rd @ The Pink Piano in Lower Sackville, NS
www.sfhaa.ca
#SongwritersFromHereAndAway #IanSherwood #NovaScotiaMusic #LiveMusic #LoopPedal #FolkPop #EastCoastMusic #Podcast #SupportCanadianMusic
58 min
September 12Fresh Canadian Air | 15 Songwriters To Improve Your Mood!
We've got a fresh batch of Canadian songs for you this week — mostly brand new releases, with two live recordings thrown into the mix just to keep us honest. 😉
From folk and roots to rock, pop, Americana and a few places in between, we're showcasing 15 Canadian artists and some seriously good new music.
🎵 Featuring:
Andre Pettipas ft. Morgan Toney — Wipers
Big Little Lions — Until We Touch Down
Carrie Graham — Pull Over
Corey Isenor & The Cash Outs — Backyard for the Balladeer
Evan Cooper — Run Away With Me
Hazen Sage – Sadly So Sadly
Jason Andrew Griffith featuring Melissa Lee — Stay Another Day
Jed & The Valentine — Carry Me
Joce Reyome — Alligator (Live)
John Hewitt & the New Americans — Won't Let You Down This Time (Live)
KINLEY — One By One (The Snake)
Shane Pendergast — She Could Be Waiting for You
Shel Prince — Devil in My Pocket
Turning Lines — The Long Goodbye
Veronica Raine — Moonlight
No nostalgia trip this week — we're looking ahead and hearing what Canadian songwriters are creating right now. Turn it up and discover somebody new!
🎧 Listen on your favourite podcast platform or tune in to Songwriters From Here And Away on one of our broadcast stations. All on www.SFHAA.ca
#SongwritersFromHereAndAway #FreshCanadianAir #CanadianMusic #NewCanadianMusic #CanadianSongwriters #NewMusic #NovaScotiaMusic #EastCoastMusic #IndieMusic #FolkMusic #RootsMusic #MusicDiscovery #SupportCanadianMusic
57 min
September 06 Blues, Roots & a Whole Lotta Groove — Live with Manitoba Hal & Geoff Arsenault, 100% Canadian
This week on Songwriters From Here And Away, we're taking you LIVE with two of Nova Scotia's most distinctive roots and blues performers — Manitoba Hal and Geoff Arsenault.
Manitoba Hal is a Canadian ukulele bluesman and singer-songwriter known for proving that a little four-stringed instrument can deliver a mighty big blues sound. His performances blend blues, folk, country, gospel and more, with expressive vocals, infectious grooves and plenty of personality.
Geoff Arsenault is a multi-award-winning veteran of the Canadian music scene — a drummer, percussionist, singer and songwriter who has performed and recorded with an extraordinary roster of artists. His own music leans into swampy blues and roots, with touches of Tex-Mex and New Orleans soul.
This concert brings those two musical worlds together for an evening filled with great songs, deep grooves, bluesy guitar, ukulele wizardry, stories and plenty of East Coast character.
So settle in and experience the show as though you had a front-row seat at The Pink PIano Café in Lower Sackville, NS.
It's blues. It's roots. It's live. And it's a whole lot of fun. www.sfhaa.ca
#SongwritersFromHereAndAway
#ManitobaHal
#GeoffArsenault
#NovaScotiaMusic
#BluesMusic
#RootsMusic
#LiveMusic
#EastCoastMusic

1 hr 44 min
August 29 Empty Barrooms, Big White Dogs & Silver Linings: 16 Songs, 15 Artists, All Canadian
This Week on Songwriters From Here And Away
This week we're taking another musical trip across Canada with a wonderfully eclectic collection of original songs. From indie pop and folk to roots, rock and everything in between, these artists prove once again that there's no shortage of great songwriting happening across the country.
Turn it up, settle in, and come along for the ride!
Featured Artists & Songs
Aline Deanna – “Road Runners”
Aline Deanna brings an adventurous spirit and contemporary edge to this energetic song about movement, freedom and life on the road.
Begonia – “Hotter Than the Sun”
Winnipeg-born singer-songwriter Begonia delivers her powerful vocals and soulful pop sensibilities in a song that's every bit as fiery as its title suggests.
Dan Young – “Empty Barrooms”
Dan Young turns the lonely atmosphere of an empty barroom into a thoughtful piece of songwriting with plenty of character and emotional weight.
Dan Young – “I Thought I Had More Time”
A second appearance from Dan Young, this reflective song looks at the passing of time and those moments when we realize life isn't waiting for us.
Darren Greer feat. Melissa Lauren – “Trying To Say”
A compelling collaboration that pairs Darren Greer's songwriting with the expressive vocals of Melissa Lauren.
Graeme Jonez – “The Storm”
Graeme Jonez brings us a song that uses the storm as both atmosphere and metaphor, creating a powerful musical journey.
Kelly Bado – “Silver Lining”
Kelly Bado's soulful voice and positive spirit shine through in this uplifting reminder that even difficult moments can contain a little light.
KINLEY – “New Light”
KINLEY brings her distinctive voice and modern pop-rock songwriting to a song about fresh perspectives and finding a new way forward.
Maggie Andrew – “If God Was Real”
Maggie Andrew tackles big questions with honesty and a contemporary songwriting style that refuses to shy away from complicated ideas.
Michelle Calder – “The Hike”
Michelle Calder takes us outdoors with a song that captures the adventure, beauty and perhaps the occasional challenge of getting out on the trail.
Michelle Lee-Klaassen – “Rabbit Hole”
A wonderfully intriguing title for a song that takes us down the proverbial rabbit hole, with Michelle's distinctive songwriting leading the way.
Orchid Orchestra – “The Weekend”
Orchid Orchestra brings a vibrant, contemporary feel to this celebration of that wonderful moment when the work week finally gives way to the weekend.
Silver Sardines – “Big White Dog”
Quirky, memorable and impossible to ignore, Silver Sardines prove that great songwriting doesn't always have to take itself too seriously.
Super Pyramid – “Only the Vain”
Super Pyramid delivers an intriguing take on vanity and human nature wrapped in their distinctive contemporary sound.
Veronica Raine – “August”
Veronica Raine captures the mood and memories of late summer in a song that feels perfectly suited to those fleeting August days.
The Minimum Wage – “Ransom Note”
With a name like The Minimum Wage and a song called “Ransom Note,” you know you're probably in for something a little different—and they don't disappoint.
MORE AT: www.SFHAA.ca
57 min
August 18 Chuck Brodsky: The Stories Behind the Songs, Recorded Live in Concert
Chuck Brodsky is a master storyteller—and his songs are stories in themselves.
In this special episode of Songwriters From Here And Away, we take you to the Pink Piano Café & Lounge in Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia, for a live concert with acclaimed American singer-songwriter Chuck Brodsky.
Known for his sharp observations, memorable characters, humour and deeply human stories, Chuck brings an honest collection of songs to the stage. Between the music, he shares the stories and inspirations behind his songs, giving us a glimpse into the people, places and moments that have shaped his songwriting.
From funny and unexpected tales to songs that reveal a deeper side of the human experience, this is an intimate evening with one of North America's finest contemporary storytellers.
Recorded live at the Pink Piano Café & Lounge, this concert is a great introduction to the songwriting world of Chuck Brodsky.
Listen for the songs, stay for the stories.
www.SFHAA.ca
1 hr 28 min
August 04 Hall Of Fame Artist, Ruth Manning, Sings Her Story - Interview & Songs plus Special Guests Kimberley Matheson and Glenn & Tregunno
This week on Songwriters From Here And Away – Wolfville Edition, guest host Mike Glenn welcomes award-winning Nova Scotia singer-songwriter Ruth Manning for an intimate live concert and conversation, recorded at the wonderful Pizza Lupa in Wolfville, Nova Scotia.
A 2022 inductee into the Nova Scotia Country Music Hall of Fame, Ruth has spent decades captivating audiences with her warm personality, heartfelt songwriting, and unmistakable voice. Equally at home performing country, gospel, and contemporary folk, her songs reflect the people, places, and experiences that have shaped her life in Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley. Throughout her career, Ruth has earned international recognition, including multiple songwriting awards, while remaining deeply connected to her Maritime roots and the communities that continue to inspire her music.
In this special episode, Ruth performs five live songs and joins Mike Glenn for an engaging conversation about her musical journey, songwriting, and the stories behind the songs. It's an inspiring look at one of Atlantic Canada's most respected and enduring musical voices.
Also featured are performances by two outstanding Nova Scotia acts who are helping shape the Wolfville music scene.
Kimberley Matheson
Kimberley Matheson is an accomplished singer-songwriter whose beautifully crafted songs blend heartfelt lyrics with memorable melodies. Drawing inspiration from life in Nova Scotia, she brings warmth, authenticity, and a genuine connection to every performance.
Glenn & Tregunno
The songwriting duo of Mike Glenn and Nancy Tregunno combine thoughtful storytelling with rich vocal harmonies and an easy musical chemistry. Their songs reflect life in rural Nova Scotia, celebrating community, friendship, and the simple moments that make life meaningful. Featured here with two performances, they continue to establish themselves as one of the Annapolis Valley's most engaging songwriting partnerships.
more at www.SFHAA.ca
57 min

About Songwriters From Here And Away

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Songs, Concerts and Interviews with Songwriters from Atlantic Canada and around the World.
www.SFHAA.ca
Robert Campbell / SFHAA hosts an informal show that varies from week to week, sometime…

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