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

Song Talk Radio : Songwriting Folks 40 Episodes Oct 15, 2026

Songwriters share tips and techniques on better songwriting, covering topics like lyrics, arranging, and live feedback. The podcast features practical advice and occasional humor, aimed at helping songwriters improve their craft.

Episodes

Neel gets all socially distanced for his songwriting challenge Oct 15, 2026 46:20 Neel shared his answer to our songwriting challenge for 2026 to write a traditional country song. Download the lyrics to Hideaway Island to follow along. We were joined by Boston-based singer-songwriter and music educator Susan Cattaneo. Thanks for doing this Susan!… Read the rest

Personalizing the protest song with Julian Taylor Oct 9, 2026 35:03 Toronto-based singer-songwriter Julian Taylor joined us for the first time since 2018 to talk about his new song Drive. Download the lyric sheet to follow along. We talked about: Our songwriting challenge to write a traditional country song – please send us YOUR mp3, lyric sheet, and a brief paragraph about your songwriting process to feedback@songtalk.ca… Read the rest

Writing a heartbreak “aftermath” song with enemies, lovers Sep 24, 2026 35:40 Canadian singer-songwriter and band leader Hatley Edmonds of the band enemies, lovers, joined us to talk about the process behind their song Fraud. Download the lyrics to follow along. We talked about: Our songwriting challenge to write a traditional country song – please send us YOUR mp3, lyric sheet, and a brief paragraph about your songwriting process to feedback@songtalk.ca… Read the rest

All About Happy Songs Sep 17, 2026 51:23 For this special episode, we talked about happy songs and what makes them tick, with a few examples. We talked about: How we remember negative experiences in our lives more than the positive ones, and Neel’s video about backing up your stuff The difference between positive songs and happy songs Recent guests with happy songs: Modern Country Songwriting with Amanda Keeles and An open approach to s

Writing a love song about the fragility of life with Russell Leon Sep 1, 2026 31:08 Canadian singer-songwriter and band leader Russel Leon joined us to talk about writing a love song that’s also about the fragility of life. Download the lyrics to The Dream is Real to follow along. We talked about: Our songwriting challenge to write a traditional country song – please send us YOUR mp3, lyric sheet, and a brief paragraph about your songwriting process to feedback@songtalk.ca… Read

Julie Neff and intentionally using repetition Aug 27, 2026 45:01 Alternative artist Julie Neff joined us to talk about writing her song Something in only 20 minutes, and using repetition with intention. Download the lyrics to Something to follow along. We talked about: Our songwriting challenge to write a traditional country song – please send us YOUR mp3, lyric sheet, and a brief paragraph about your songwriting process to feedback@songtalk.ca… Read the rest

Writing a song of Indigenous resilience with Gen7Path Aug 18, 2026 30:16 Laurie Shaw-Greyeys, founder of Gen7Path, an Indigenous education organization, and Métis singer-songwriter Michelle Joly joined us to talk about their new song 1876. Download the lyrics to follow along. We talked about: Our songwriting challenge to write a traditional country song – please send us YOUR mp3, lyric sheet, and a brief paragraph about your songwriting process to feedback@songtalk.ca

Collaborative songwriting with Blu Beach Band Aug 12, 2026 40:08 Carter Vosper of the Canadian-Indie-Frat Rock band Blu Beach Band joined us to talk about collaborating with his band and more. Download the lyrics to Queens to follow along. We talked about: Our songwriting challenge to write a traditional country song – please send us YOUR mp3, lyric sheet, and a brief paragraph about your songwriting process to feedback@songtalk.ca… Read the rest

Writing a slow-burner song with UK band Don’t Worry Aug 5, 2026 37:14 We were joined by Ronan Van Kehoe and Samuel J. Watson of the UK band Don’t Worry to talk about their song Everything. Download the lyrics to follow along. We talked about: Our songwriting challenge for 2026 to write a traditional country song The reemergence of our Song Talk Meetup and return to the Tranzac club in Toronto Writing in a very “British” way Collaborating by bouncing ideas off each

Country songwriting tips from Andrea Stolpe Jul 28, 2026 32:59 For this special episode, Phil and Neel react to tips from a video by Andrea Stolpe on country songwriting tips. See the entire video below and let us know what you think of these tips. We talked about: The reemergence of our Song Talk Meetup Our songwriting challenge for 2026 to write a traditional country song Characters who can be “rough around the edges” and that we can connect with Using sim

Fusing jazz and Latin vibes with Dee Hernandez Jul 21, 2026 38:23 Cuban-born singer-songwriter Dee Hernandez joined us to talk about fusing jazz with Latin music for her song Used. Download the lyrics to follow along. We talked about: Writing traditional-sounding music, without any modern elements Finding appropriate musicians to perform authentic Cuban music, who already understand the essential rhythmic patterns Developing songs through melodies, basslines, a

Putting the “alt” into alternative folk with Kaeley Jade Jul 14, 2026 35:10 Alternative-folk singer/songwriter Kaeley Jade joined us to talk about the creative process behind her song Growing Pains. Download the lyrics to follow along. We talked about: Our songwriting challenge for 2026 to write a traditional country song How Humans Accidentally Created Music Using an AAAA rhyme scheme in a folk song Using a 7/4 time signature in a folk song Overthinking and agonizing ev

Writing a Nu-Metal song with Fatal Switch Jul 8, 2026 30:15 Steve Tobin from the Canadian Nu-Metal band Fatal Switch joined us to talk about writing their song What Would a Hero Do? Download the lyrics to follow along. We talked about: Our songwriting challenge for 2026 to write a traditional country song For Steve, Nu-Metal is defined by mashing together heavy metal with hip-hop culture How the band sometimes starts with lyrics and theme, or instrumental

Emma Della Rossa: Autobiographical songwriting with a metaphor Jul 1, 2026 31:29 Emma Della Rossa joined us to talk about her song Garden, with a rare live performance (for our podcast, anyway). Download the lyrics to follow along. We talked about: Our songwriting challenge for 2026 to write a traditional country song Emma’s last appearance on the show Why you may not want to end your song with a chorus Writing a song where the chord progression doesn’t change, and in 3/4 tim

Writing fast and with intention with Mia Kelly Jun 27, 2026 28:31 Mia Kelly joined us to talk about writing songs fast, but with clear intentions, and her song Blind Horse. Download the lyrics to follow along. We talked about: Our songwriting challenge for 2026 to write a traditional country song How Mia keeps track of her ideas for song starts Using a interesting phrase you hear in daily life as a way into the lyric for a song How Mia goes from idea to song wi

Writing from lyrics with Zachery Jun 16, 2026 32:35 Indie-pop/rock artist Zachery joined us to talk about writing from lyrics, agency, and manifest destiny in his song I Don’t Know. If philosophy in songwriting is your thing. Download the lyrics to follow along. We talked about: Our songwriting challenge for 2026 to write a traditional country song Using a simple but compelling chord loop (I-ii-iii-IV) when you’re primarily a signer Starting a son

All about Copyright for Songwriters Jun 9, 2026 54:40 For this special episode, law graduate and artist Orian Israelsohn joined us to explain all about copyright for songwriting, including the implications brought on by artificial intelligence. It’s a jam-packed episode! PLEASE NOTE: NOT LEGAL ADVICE. Information made available for this talk is for information and educational purposes only.… Read the rest

An open approach to songwriting with Brettyn Rose Jun 2, 2026 32:54 Canadian country artist Brettyn Rose joined us to talk about collaboration, traditional country, and being open about her songwriting. Download the lyrics to See it on Her to follow along. We talked about: Our songwriting challenge for 2026 to write a traditional country song, and what traditional country means to Brettyn Collaborating with Chris Yurchuck Writing lyrics from a specific story, but

Supporting the song with Olivia Penalva May 26, 2026 38:40 Canadian pop singer-songwriter Olivia Penalva joined us to talk about collaboration, abstract lyrics, and visualizing her music. Download the lyrics to Code Blue to follow along. We talked about: Our songwriting challenge for 2026 to write a traditional country song Things that make for a good collaboration experience; even working remotely Taking personal experiences and finding a metaphor and i

Blues and Soul Songwriting with Secondhand Dreamcar May 19, 2026 32:16 Dana and Harry from Secondhand Dreamcar joined us to talk about writing their blues / soul song The Meaning. Download the lyrics to follow along. We talked about: Our songwriting challenge for 2026 to write a traditional country song How the band collaborates on songwriting and instrumental arrangements Dana tends to bring piano-based songs to the band, but not acoustic guitar The act of ditching

Spinning real life into an abstract song with Avril Jensen May 12, 2026 31:50 We chatted with Montreal-based artist Avril Jensen about writing an abstract song from personal experience. Download the lyrics to Dog (everybody learns) to follow along. We talked about: Songwriting Challenge 2026: Write a Traditional Country Song Writing musically interesting melodies that are still catchy Writing the lyrics based on personal experience with actual dogs, but maybe it’s also a m

New Middle Class: Writing a folk-pop song with a really weird bridge May 5, 2026 33:03 Mike and Barbara Borok of New Middle Class joined us to talk about writing a pop song with a super crazy bridge. Download the lyrics to Television Sky to follow along. We talked about: How Angine de Poitrine use Microtonality Our songwriting challenge to write a traditional country song How the bridge can be the emotional high point of your song How a song takes on a life of its own as you’re wri

Robert Ball: Smooth songwriting for a musical Apr 29, 2026 33:34 Toronto artist Robert Ball joined us to talk about writing a smooth soul-drenched song with a theatrical musical in mind. Download the lyrics to I Want a Man to follow along. We talked about: Neel’s engagement with Suno from the Toronto Library’s Innovator in Residence series.… Read the rest

Songwriting Challenge 2026 Launch: Write a Traditional Country Song Apr 21, 2026 58:07 Our songwriting challenge for 2026 is to write a traditional country song. To help us launch this challenge, we were joined by singer-songwriter and music educator Blair Packham. Thanks Blair! We talked about: Phil has an issue with Everybody Knows by Leonard Cohen, and The Famous Blue Raincoat album Why mathematics and literature have more in common than you may think | Ideas | On Demand | CBC L

Writing from a concept with Maclayne Apr 14, 2026 27:02 Maclayne joined us to talk about writing songs from concepts and her song There You Are. Download the lyrics and chords to follow along. We were treated to a rare live performance by Maclayne! We talked about: Writing lyrics or music first The value of deadlines to get songs done Revisiting a hook a year later to complete the song with producer James Bryan Ecstatic Dancing in Guatemala Writing wi

Considered songwriting with They Might Be Giants Apr 7, 2026 21:53 Grammy-winning They Might Be Giants’ John Flansburgh joined us to talk about songwriting from listening and intuitions. Download the lyrics to Outside Brain to follow along. We talked about: Modal writing when you don’t know what modal writing is, and our Songwriting Challenge 2023: Write in a Mode Tension between conventions and breaking the rules Songwriting as a very plastic medium where the v

Garrett Lajoie: Writing with FAWM for ten years Mar 31, 2026 31:14 Hamilton-based singer-songwriter Garrett Lajoie talked about taking on February Album Writing Month for the last ten years and how that experience has shaped his approach to songwriting. Download the lyrics to Window Shopping to follow along. We talked about: Collaborating on a love song with Alex Whorms An Instrument For Every Child | Hamilton Music Collective This Is Your Brain on Music: The Sc

Goin’ all punk with Delyn Grey Mar 23, 2026 48:24 Delyn Grey returned to the show for the third time to talk about her new release My Mind is a Riot and her upcoming album Delynquent. Download the lyrics to follow along. We talked about: How AI Will Fail Like The Music Industry Delyn’s previous appearance on the show How working in a minor key and having crunchy guitars is dark enough Sometimes stepping away from a song and getting perspective c

Songwriting from a drum beat with Amanda Keeles Mar 17, 2026 39:36 Canadian country artist Amanda Keeles joined us to talk about her latest album and starting a song based on a beat she found on her digital piano. Download the lyrics to Leads Me to You to follow along. Check out Amanda’s earlier appearance on the show.… Read the rest

Intersecting interesting chords and personal experiences with Max Tojicic Mar 7, 2026 31:59 Max Tojicic joined us to talk about writing songs by intersecting interesting chords with personal experiences. Download the lyrics to Lavender Bouquet to follow along. We talked about: Upcoming free Live Looping workshops with Jacob Moon: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/179GNpQieV/ Check out Jacob’s episode on this show all about live looping: https://youtu.be/X2TrGNrbKSI?si=BxBcUNjqi470iz6V…

Turning a personal experience into an accessible pop song with Geneviève Racette Mar 2, 2026 38:48 Geneviève Racette talks about taking a personal experience and writing it into an accessible pop song. Download the lyrics to Common Denominator to follow along. We talked about: Writing from personal experience but making your song open to others Capturing an idea as soon as you can, even if it occurs in your sleep or in the shower Using the bridge as a way to redirect the narrative What’s up wi

Writing an album in a month with Mark Ippolito and FAWM Feb 23, 2026 44:41 Singer-songwriter Mark Ippolito talked about his experience with February Album Writing Month (FAWM), challenging himself to write a full album of songs in 28 days. Check out his album on Bandcamp. We talked about: William Shatner to Record a Heavy Metal Album Featuring Covers of Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, and Iron Maiden Our Song Talk Meetup The wonderfully supportive community of songwriters

Pop songwriting with Emma K Feb 17, 2026 31:35 Pop singer-songwriter Emma K talks about rearranging parts of her song to create a clearly structured pop song inspired by Billie Jean. Download the lyrics to follow along. We talked about: Rearranging sections of your song, and ending with the pre-chorus Using the same chords in sections of your songs, and still making them distinct Working with Matte Black Records Toronto to polish off the song

Naturally defying genre with Ursula Hegge Feb 10, 2026 44:54 Singer-songwriter Ursula Hegge joined us to talk about the process behind writing her song I‘ve been writing lots lately. Download the lyrics to follow along. We talked about: Suno, AI Music, and the Bad Future Writing a song that sounds natural but really went through many versions Finding interesting chord progressions on the guitar by accident Using melodic variations in each chorus Recording

Writing a medieval folk song with Raivo Jackson Feb 2, 2026 27:45 Saska Lammila joined us all the way from Helsinki, Finland, to talk about his medieval-style folk song Suspended, for his band Ravio Jackson. Download the lyrics and chords to follow along. We talked about: Taking inspiration from a years-ago spiritual experience, through a poem, and into a finished song How Saska wrote a poem in Finnish several years ago, and translated it into English for the s

DIY Music Distribution with Paul Gallagher Jan 26, 2026 48:49 Our longtime friend of the Song Talk Meetup, Paul Gallagher, joined us to talk about everything he learning getting his latest EP out on streaming services, community radio, and other digital services. Download the extensive and handy documents Paul provided for this episode: 10 Key DIY Release Takeaways DIY Release Detailed Breakdown We talked about: Getting all your ducks in a row before rele

Collaborating on a love song with Alex Whorms Jan 18, 2026 40:09 Happy new year to all our listeners and supporters! For our first episode of 2026, we had Alex Whorms back on the show to talk about her latest collaboration with Garrett Lajoie and Gavin McLeod. Download the lyrics to Let You Down to follow along.… Read the rest

Year End 2025 Dec 17, 2025 44:48 For our final episode of 2025, we reminisced over the past year, and talked about Neel’s ongoing exploration of his songwriting challenge song. We talked about: Some of our favourite episode from 2025 Sync Songwriting with Chris SD Songwriting Tips (mostly) for Beginners Songwriting through writer’s block with Dexter Sloan Breaking the rules with intention with Zoe Thiessen Heather Feather: Child

Writing and producing a song slowly with Kaleb Hikele Dec 9, 2025 41:22 Canadian singer-songwriter Kaleb Hikele joined us for the third time to talk about writing and producing the first single from his upcoming album in 2026. Download the lyrics for Slowly to follow along. We talked about: Using a simple drone-like chord progression in the verse, and adding more movement of chord changes in the refrain Using metaphors to tell a love song How Kaleb decided to not use

Neel’s answer to the Song Studio challenge Dec 5, 2025 37:42 For this special episode, Neel shared his answer to the songwriting challenge from Song Studio to write a song based on the word “shadow.” Download the lyrics and chords to Silence, absence, stillness to follow along. We talked about: Replies from our listeners to their featured songs on our songwriting challenge to write a song in an odd time signature Use Newsletters spam test by mail-tester.co

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

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