Not only does Steve Dawson continue to be one of Chicago’s most talented and well-liked singers and songwriters—whether solo or with Funeral Bonsai Wedding or Dolly Varden—but he also has inspired countless other musicians through his innovative songwriting classes at Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music. His new album At the Bottom of a Canyon in the Branches of a Tree is one of his best. In our book Take It to the Bridge: Unlocking the Great Songs Inside You, Steve and I have a dialogue about songwriting that continues here. Why do some songwriters peak early while others keep evolving? Prepare to be inspired.