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Daniela Soltero is a 21-year-old singer-songwriter who over the years, developed skills in songwriting, playing guitar, and singing. In just two years of performing publicly she has gotten to play on stages such as “The Horseshoe Tavern” and “Supermarket Bar and Variety, including many other venues, festivals, and songwriter rounds. Daniela’s genre of music is …

Marichka is a Ukrainian-Canadian singer and human rights advocate, winner of the Amnesty International Prize and creator of the folk music website, https://folk-ukraine.com. She has performed at top venues around the world including Carnegie Hall in New York, The Barbican Centre in London and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and was the former lead singer with …

Zoe Thiessen is a singer/songwriter, guitarist and violinist now based in Toronto after years of living abroad. Her finely crafted songs always have a hint of the fairy tale about them, and she delivers them with a warm alto that has a timbre all its own. She released her first album ‘The Lives of Saints …

In this short show, Phil talks about 5 of the most effective tips he has learned from a lifetime of playing in bands to get everyone sounding better together. Take a listen and let us know the tips you’ve learned.

Canadian children’s artist, Heather Feather, is pleased to announce her second studio album, Together, out on June 27, 2025. The 2025 ECMA “Children’s Artist of the Year,” award recipient holds a PhD in Music Theory from McGill, a Bachelor of Music from Memorial University, and is a fearless disability advocate, recently partnering with international advocacy …

Joining us today is rising Canadian country artist Cam Brown, hailing from Barrie, Ontario. Fresh off opening for Dean Brody at this year’s Troubadour Festival in his hometown, Cam is making waves with his original music. His debut single Pretty Lime Margarita recently climbed to #1 on the Canadian Indie Country Countdown and is now …

Natalie Reis is an independent folk singer/songwriter whose music is caught between bittersweet narratives and soaring melodies. Following her debut EP ‘Bones on Fire’ in 2020, Natalie has released six singles that have evolved her storytelling-lyricism and solidified her sound as a distinctive emerging artist. In the past year, she has had the opportunity to …

In this special episode, Phil and Neel talked about cadences, or the different ways to bring resolution to your chord progressions. We talked about: The Nashville numbering system and why it’s important to understand and use when talking about cadences Modally interchanging chords – e.g. flipping minor and major chords in your chord palette Cadences …

Toronto-based guitarist, songwriter, vocalist and koto player Jessica Stuart (aka JESSA) has made a music career writing and performing harmonically adventurous, and devastatingly honest indie-jazz-rock tunes around the world. Stuart is also a rare professional female guitarist, with dozens of side-player credits ranging from Mirvish Productions’ SIX to Classic Albums Live to Idioteque, and loves …

Dexter Sloan has built his sound around a blissful blend of intimacy and introspection, celebrating the deep connections between nature and humanity. Imbued with fables and folktales, he delivers truth like a puppet show, often playing characters to protect his privacy. A device Sloan has no doubt carried with him from his time as a …

“This song is intended to remind us that the love we have for each other is stronger than our pride. Love takes work. If we can overcome our egos, we can remember why love is the most powerful gift we can experience.” – Brent Jackson, Sunshine Makers Brent shared his song Rock With Me. Download …

For this special episode, Phil and Neel talked about their favourite apps and resources for songwriters and musicians. Let us know what yours are! We talked about: Our songwriting challenge to write a song in an odd time signature. We’ve added a resource about the theme song to the show Yellowjackets. Rhyme Genie and Tunesmith …

For this special episode, we talked about a collaboration Neel did with Mike Rudquist, a singer-songwriter he met at the At Home Songwriting group for a songwriting challenge. Mike Rudquist is a songwriter from Red Wing, MN who writes songs in Americana, pop/rock, and country. He has a solo album called “Albuquerque in the Morning” …

Mark Ippolito is a proud member of Seattle’s vibrant community of singer-songwriters and regularly performs his original songs in venues throughout the Pacific Northwest. His debut full length album “New Moon” is steeped in equal measures of folk, roots, jazz and rock and reflects Mark’s abiding interest and celebration of the interconnectedness, both physical and …

Few names carry the weight of Danny Marks in the Canadian blues and roots scene. From his early days as a founding member of Edward Bear, opening for the likes of Led Zeppelin and Humble Pie, to his decades as a torchbearer of the blues with BLUZ FM and beyond, Marks has remained a perennial …

Our songwriting challenge for 2025 is to write a song in an odd time signature.  Award-winning composer and educator Frank Horvat joined us with his pick of odd-time-signature songs. Thanks Frank! We talked about: Our re-discovered Patreon Page – thanks for your support! Juno Awards 2025: Congratulations to our previous guests Julian Taylor and Aphrose …

Toronto’s own Steve Harmony emerged from the heart of Regent Park, navigating a life surrounded by challenges to find his true calling in music. With his smooth blend of R&B and gritty hip-hop influences, Steve’s music reflects his personal journey through repentance, recovery, and redemption. As a mental health advocate, he combines his passion for …

Roger Beckett is a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer, community builder and artist manager from Pickering, Ontario. He has written and had songs released in various genres, “Fade Away” (Country), “7 Billion” (Pop), with Canadian and US songwriters and artists. He has also performed at various venues in Toronto and at the Bluebird and Commodore in Nashville. …

Nationally celebrated for his modern Country sound, Jason Kirkness has established himself as a standout figure in Canadian Country music, capturing audiences with two acclaimed albums. Awarded Male Artist of the Year title at the 2023 Manitoba Country Music Awards, Kirkness gained impressive traction on the Canadian Billboard Top 50, where his single “Anywhere the …

For this special episode, Boston-based singer/songwriter and music educator Susan Cattaneo joined us to talk about the article How to Write a Song for Beginners: 7 Tips | Disc Makers. We discussed the following tips; be sure to check out the full article on the Disc Maker’s blog. The first rule of songwriting Tip #1:How …

Emma Della Rossa is a Toronto-based singer, songwriter, flutist, and educator. She is inspired by exploring the deeper level of seemingly ordinary experiences and expressing them musically. As a singer-songwriter, Emma’s original music combines influences from indie-pop, folk, and alt-pop genres, tied together with layers of vocal harmonies and introspective lyricism. Inspired by the vibrant …

JUNO-nominated singer-songwriter Desiree Dorion unveiled her seventh studio album, “Remember Your Name” in the Fall of 2024, stepping beyond her signature Country roots to explore the rich and soulful landscapes of Roots/Americana. Blending vulnerability, strength, and personal growth into every lyric, Dorion’s latest project marks a bold evolution in her musical journey, finding a new …

Chris started off in a band that, after its dissolution in 1996, transitioned into music production. In 2000, Chris launched his career as a music producer by building his first home studio in Ottawa, where he began recording his friends for beer. Some of his early recordings garnered Juno Award nominations, which compelled him to …

Recognized for her vibrant, creative flair, Canadian Alternative Pop sensation Elena Erin crafts a striking fusion of Alternative, Electronic, and Dance influences, underscored by her emotionally resonant storytelling. Her breakout single, “Build A Ship,” soared to #2 on the CBC Top 20, propelling her onto the international stage and inviting over four million streams across …

Colm Gavin has always been hugely inspired by the great American Songbook – particularly: Jerome Kern, Harold Arlen, Hoagy Carmichael and their brilliant love ballads. Lyrically, Colm wanted this to be playful and honest. “While I’m someone of simple means, goes wild for the finer things, a Paris balcony with a view, I’m more an …

Blending folk-rock and rhythm & blues, there’s something for every music fan to love about singer/songwriter Matt Zaddy. A storyteller at heart, Matt’s music speaks to the soul, with tales of life, love, hardship, and redemption. Having shared the stage with artists including K’Naan, Tom Cochrane, Jim Cuddy, The Trews, Cowboy Junkies, 5440 and Sam …

The fourth and final batch of listener and guest songs for our songwriting challenge 2024 to write a holiday song. Nico Rizzuto shared his song Shooting Star. Download the lyrics to follow along. Writing a clear hooky chorus complete with a melismatic melody Sometimes a one-line bridge is enough Writing a song about loss, but from the …

The third of four batches of listener and guest songs for our songwriting challenge 2024 to write a holiday song. Gerben Westerveld shared his song Christmas Love. Download the lyrics to follow along. Writing a nice clear chorus Maintaining focus on your song being a love song Does your song need another verse or bridge? John White …

The second of four batches of listener and guest songs for our songwriting challenge 2024 to write a holiday song. Melanie Peterson shared her song All Roads Lead to Christmas. Download the lyrics to follow along. using conventional holiday images in fresh new ways writing melodies that are sing-song and nursery rhyme-like writing with an economic …

Our first batch of listener songs for our songwriting challenge 2024 to write a holiday song. Victor Hathaway shared his song Keeping Christmas. Download the lyrics to follow along. Pulling off a melancholy song on the ukulele Phil was reminded of the songwriter Moondog Changing the lyric and message a bit in your final chorus Steve …

Jimmy Dunne Says is a collection of author and songwriter Jimmy Dunne’s best bite-sized stories that Americans everywhere are spreading and sharing. These stories are heartfelt, smart, and thought-provoking, and some will have you absolutely belly-laughing. Some stories about navigating everyday life today, some that take you right back to your childhood days. You’ll see …

Hailing from the quiet, wooded, mountain towns of New England, Nathan Jacques is a singer/songwriter now based in Los Angeles, CA. Contrary to his geographical roots, Nathan paints deeply woven narrative stories in cinematic soundscapes that are undeniably and irresistibly Western. ​Starting with his 2021 debut album, ‘Loud Mind’, Nathan has been building his brand …

Nancy Blue has about 50 songs completed, many of which are similar to “jazz standards”. One person described her song “Darn Good Things” as like a classic Holiday song (not lyrics but melody and chords). But now it’s a new time – she began the jazz focus in 2012, now she’s on to making an …

For our first host response to our Songwriting Challenge 2024 to write a holiday song, Neel shared the process behind his song Forest for the Trees. Download the lyric/chord sheet to follow along. We talked about: Mystery blobs washing up on Newfoundland shores likely man-made, says scientist | CBC News Listeners, you still have time …

Greg Wyard’s new song “Don’t Get Involved” is available on all streaming platforms, beginning September 13th, 2024. Inspired by tense moments we all face in daily life —like a heated confrontation on the subway or an episode of road rage —”Don’t Get Involved” explores the dilemma of staying calm versus reacting. With a backdrop of …

Amanda Sum is a performer and creator who dances between music and theatre. Her latest EP, does it make me naive if i’ve never been part of something where i’ve meant more to them than they did to me?, was released in June 2024, accompanied by a short film featuring 13 directors, which is due …

Returning recently from Europe, where she performed, and earned her master’s degree in music from Berklee College of Music in Valencia, Spain, Canadian Billboard-charting recording artist and alternative Soul singer Avery Raquel has entertained audiences professionally for over a decade. She’s released 4 solo albums and two EPs now to critical acclaim. Her last self-titled …

Matthew Isaacs, aka Kromatix_, is a Neo-Soul and R&B singer, songwriter, recording artist, and jazz pianist emanating from Scarborough, Toronto, Canada. Known for his signature style, he blends sublime lyricism with groovy beats, trademark harmonies, and soulful chord progressions that simply compliments his euphonious vocal tones. Sharing his truth where original music and art connect, …

For this special episodes, we talked about songs with a post-chorus. Our songwriting challenge for 2024 to write a holiday song. Please send us your answers to the challenge by November 18! What is a post-chorus? The Post-Chorus, And It’s Unsung Place In Pop Music – Vinyl Me, Please (vinylmeplease.com) The Power of Post-Choruses | …

Sherry Jacoby is a Toronto, Canada-based singer/songwriter who exercises her passion for telling personal stories through song. She writes indie pop/folk for the romantic heart, combining the influences of Sara Bareilles, Ingrid Michaelson, and Gabrielle Alpin. Sherry’s music story began when her mom taught her piano at a young age. Inspired by her mom’s talent …