This week on Songwriters From Here and Away, we’re revisiting one of our most heartfelt and engaging Songwriters Circles — featuring Steven McClintock, Kim Dunn, and Mel Farrimond. Three artists with distinct voices, each bringing their own world of melody and meaning to the stage.

From California pop craftsmanship to soulful East Coast piano and the thoughtful lyricism of Nova Scotia’s indie-folk scene — this circle is all about connection, creativity, and conversation through song. Tune in for laughter, stories behind the lyrics, and a musical chemistry that only happens when songwriters truly listen to each other.

With a career spanning decades, Steven McClintock has worn many musical hats — singer, songwriter, producer, and publisher. Based in California, Steven’s songs have appeared on major film soundtracks and been recorded by artists from Robin Zander (Cheap Trick) to Juice Newton. His writing combines strong melody with emotional insight, reflecting the craft of a seasoned storyteller. Beyond pop and country, his acoustic performances reveal a personal side — stripped down, sincere, and timeless. Whether behind the mic or mentoring younger writers, McClintock’s passion for the art of song remains unmistakable.

From Cape Breton to concert halls across Canada, Kim Dunn has long been a cornerstone of East Coast music. A pianist, singer, and producer, Kim’s playing has graced stages with Matt Minglewood, Bruce Guthro, and Rita MacNeil, and his solo work shines with honesty and grace. His voice carries warmth; his lyrics balance heart and craft. Dunn’s music often feels like a conversation between soul and piano — both reflective and uplifting. With multiple award nominations and deep respect from his peers, Kim continues to be one of Atlantic Canada’s most quietly brilliant musical forces.

Mel Farrimond is a Halifax-based singer-songwriter whose songs explore identity, love, and belonging with a poetic honesty that resonates deeply. Blending indie-folk textures with thoughtful lyrics, Mel’s performances are as intimate as they are powerful — often weaving personal experience with universal emotion. A strong voice in Nova Scotia’s LGBTQ+ creative community, Mel brings openness and courage to their songwriting, encouraging audiences to feel seen and connected. Whether performing solo or in collaboration, Mel’s music celebrates authenticity and the beauty in being fully oneself.

This week on Songwriters From Here and Away, I’m thrilled to revisit a special concert and conversation with Dave Carroll — the Nova Scotia songwriter, storyteller, and social media trailblazer behind “United Breaks Guitars.”

We talk about his journey from local stages to international attention, songwriting with purpose, and how a single tune can change the world. Recorded live, this episode captures Dave’s warmth, wit, and musical range — from heartfelt ballads to folk-rock anthems that hit close to home.

Setlist:

🎙️ Tune in and rediscover one of Atlantic Canada’s most thoughtful and engaging songwriters — weaving humour, compassion, and truth into every note.

I have no idea how old Lennie is but... This week’s Songwriters From Here and Away comes with a little twist — and a whole lot of joy.

Wednesday was my 70th birthday, and my amazing wife pulled off the ultimate surprise: she flew our daughter in from Vancouver to Halifax to celebrate with us! ❤️ Needless to say, I didn’t have much time to polish up a new concert episode or assemble one of our “new songs from across Canada” specials.

So, I’m happily re-airing one of my favourite interviews ever — a deep and funny conversation with the legendary Lennie Gallant. We talk about songwriting, Jimmy Buffett, Matt Minglewood, theatre, and even clams (yes, clams!).

It’s a gem of an episode, full of great songs and Maritime heart.

Tune in, sing along, and help me celebrate 70 years — with Lennie Gallant and the songs that remind us why we love doing this. 🎶

This week on Songwriters From Here and Away, we spin a collection of brand-new Canadian songs — from the dance floor to the campfire, the prairies to the Maritimes, and everything in between. These artists bring passion, poetry, and pure heart to their music.

Join host Robert Campbell for an hour of discovery and groove as we explore songs about love, courage, heartbreak, and resilience — each one stamped with that unmistakable Canadian creativity.

Grab a coffee (or something stronger) and tune in for new sounds from coast to coast.

Erika Mae – “Nobody's Fool”

Excuse Me – “Regular Change”

JACE Carrillo – “EL DÍA”

Jez Dylan Bonham – “270 Winchester”

Beauts – “02 Waverley”

The Peace Option – “The Sword”

Montuno Cubano – “Frágil de Cristal”

Philip Matyszak – “Hekate”

Philip Matyszak – “Freddie the Vampire”

The Dusty Halos – “Little Bird”

Rhonda Gallant-Morari – “Can't Count On You”

The Honey Cowboy – “Time”

Jory Nash – “Oh, Little One”

Kele Fleming – “Molly Bloom's Monologue”

In this special live episode of Songwriters From Here and Away, we bring you Taryn Kawaja and Gabriel Minnikin sharing songs, stories, and the sparks of connection. It was their first time meeting on stage—and magic happened. We dive into their life journeys, creative process, and what drives them to write. Between the tales, you’ll hear recorded performances that showcase their voices and vision.

Taryn Kawaja TarynKawaja.com is a Canadian singer, pianist, and songwriter with a distinctive style of lyricism, melodic invention, and inventive chord structures. Her work bridges folk, classical, and modern textures. She writes songs about love, lineage, heartbreak, and longing, and has released music via Bandcamp, with Pilot Man among her noted works.

Gabriel Minnikin Gabrielminnikin.ca hails from Nova Scotia and is a seasoned singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist active in the Maritime music scene. Known for rich melodies and poetic lyricism, Gabriel has released several albums and collaborated broadly in the region.

Join us for this intimate conversation + live performance—an episode about meeting for the first time, musical kinship, and the stories that songs hold.

🎧 Tune in now on most podcast platforms and www.SFHAA.ca  

This week on Songwriters From Here and Away, we sit down with acclaimed blues and roots artist John Campbelljohn for a wide-ranging live interview. Known for his fiery slide guitar, soulful songwriting, and unforgettable stage presence, John shares stories from his life on the road, his approach to songwriting, and the deep connection he has with his instruments.

Between our chat, you’ll hear a selection of recorded songs that showcase why John’s music resonates with audiences around the world. Whether you’re a songwriter, a guitarist, or simply a lover of great storytelling in song, this episode will pull you in.

visit: www.SFHAA.ca and www.Campbelljohn.ca 

This week on Songwriters From Here and Away, we’re spotlighting some of Canada’s brightest songwriting voices. Hear fresh releases and hidden gems from: Absolute Losers, Altameda, Ash Ravens, Monty Shaw, BirdBelly, Daniel James McFadyen, Gail & Karl, Shy-Anne Hovorka, Molly Comfort, Lauren Mann, Nighthymn, Sara Kae, Yukon Blonde, and Pretty, an eclectic mix of Canadian songwriters whose songs celebrate love, loss, resilience, and discovery.

🎶 Featured Artists & Songs:

Absolute Losers — Your Colours

Ash Ravens — Moon Is Calling

Monty Shaw — Life Is A Gift

BirdBelly (Cynthia Hamar) — Desert Khaki

Daniel James McFadyen — Spinnaker (I'm Leavin’)

Gail and Karl — Before I Say I Do

Shy-Anne Hovorka — Fly Away

Molly Comfort — Hurricane

Lauren Mann — Different Light

Sara Kae — Do You Think Of Me

Yukon Blonde — Colours Of My Dreams

Pretty — Wait for the Sun

From indie rock to folk ballads, soulful reflections to experimental sounds, these tracks showcase the richness of Canada’s songwriting landscape.

🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts → www.SFHAA.ca

#CanadianMusic #Songwriters #IndieMusic #FolkRock  #FolkMusic #AltRock #NewMusic

Get ready for a journey through Canada’s creative songbook on this week’s episode of Songwriters From Here and Away. We’ve lined up an eclectic setlist featuring artists who carry stories in their chords, poetry in their lyrics, and a lot of heart in between the notes.

Here are the featured tracks and artists:

Meridith Moon – East City Blues

Mark Bezanson – Ruin

Brock Davis – Any Lie

Brent Mason – Something In The Water

Mary Beth Carty – Memories Of Albert Toney

Orit Shimoni – My Flying Shoes

Woody Woodburn – I Am Enough

Tillers Folly – I Was Here

Rachel Davis – Aftermath

Dwayne Gamree – Sprinkle That

Blue Acres – Ghost Towns

Susan Crowe – High Street

Sherry Ryan – Old House At Black Brook

Ruth Manning – Rewind

11th And Duke – Where We Left Off

Whether you’re a fan of raw folk, soul-infused pop, or messages that linger after the song ends — there’s something here for you.

Buckle up for another adventure in Canadian songwriting! This week’s Songwriters From Here and Away is a fun, wide-ranging episode showcasing artists who bring big ideas and bigger hooks. Expect everything from heartfelt confessions to dancefloor-ready grooves:

This episode is playful, thought-provoking, and brimming with creativity—an eclectic mix of Canada’s next great voices.

🎧 Listen now on most Podcasters, or sfhaa.ca

This week on Songwriters From Here and Away, I sat for a chat with Lennie Gallant, one of Atlantic Canada’s most acclaimed and enduring songwriters. With over a dozen albums, countless awards, and songs that have traveled from PEI to the International Space Station, Lennie’s music continues to resonate across generations.

In our wide-ranging conversation, Lennie opens up about the craft of songwriting, his connections to legends like Jimmy Buffett and Matt Minglewood, his forays into theatre, and even the surprising link between music and clams 🦪.

Along the way, we share songs from across his vast collection of recordings, including:

This episode is as much about stories as it is about songs: tales of growing up on PEI, the inspirations behind the music, and Lennie’s reflections on how art connects us all.

🎧 Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering him for the first time, this deep dive into Lennie Gallant’s music is not to be missed.

🔗 Listen now sfhaa.ca