Best Song Talk Radio Songwriting Folks Podcasts (2025)

1
Songwriting Challenge 2025: Listener Songs Volume 1 42:13

14h ago42:13

42:13

We showcased and reviewed songs from Old Wooley and Paul Gallagher, as answers to our Songwriting Challenge 2025, to write a song in an odd time signature. Old Wooley shared his song Driving Through The Desert. Download the lyrics, including the time signatures, to follow along.… Read the rest

1
Flock of Dimes on 'The Life You Save' & building a safe space to tell difficult stories 35:05

20d ago35:05

35:05

Flock of Dimes, aka Jenn Wasner, created an album that is as warm as it is raw. Amidst its perfectly crafted & pared back instrumentation, 'The Life You Save' explores themes of codependency, people pleasing, & letting go. In this episode, we discuss the themes of the album, & what helped her tell these stories on her own terms. Find Flock of Dimes…

1
Writing from your innermost truths with Rachel Cousins 43:58

15d ago43:58

43:58

Rachel Cousins joined us to talk about writing prolifically and from inner feelings. We also talk about AI in songwriting. Rachel shared her song Little Help. Download the lyrics to follow along. We talked about: Our songwriting challenge for 2025 to write a song in an odd time signature. … Read the rest…

1
Neel plays with a polymeter for his songwriting challenge answer 34:39

24d ago34:39

34:39

For Neel’s answer to the 2025 songwriting challenge, he wrote a baroque-esqe song using multiple time signatures and polymeter sections. Download the lyrics to Vice and Rack to follow along. We talked about: The song Cup of Coffee by Garbage and how they used a polymeter (which Neel incorrectly labelled compound time) How Neel incorporated four dif…

1
Spotify, Rush, and our upcoming songwriting challenge 35:48

24d ago35:48

35:48

For this special in-the-family episode, we talked about recent changes to artists terms at Spotify, the breaking news about Canadian rock band Rush, and how we’re progressing on our songwriting challenge answers. We talked about: The changes to artist terms with Spotify – and it ain’t good… Recent news about Rush going on tour in 2026 and playing w…

1
Alex Whorms and writing with a producer mindset 40:34

1M ago40:34

40:34

Singer, songwriter and keyboardist, Alex Whorms stopped in to talk about writing her latest song “Wrong”. Download the lyrics to follow along. We talked about: Our episode Mistakes that “amateur” songwriters make and feedback from a listener Using syncopation and misalignment of lyrical phrasing and melody to introduce tension Editing your song thr…

1
Writing a love song with a metaphor with Sherry Jacoby 29:43

1M ago29:43

29:43

Sherry Jacoby is a Newmarket, Canada–based singer-songwriter who brings personal stories to life through song. Blending acoustic pop/rock with indie folk, she crafts music for the romantic heart, drawing inspiration from Sara Bareilles, Ingrid Michaelson, and Colbie Caillat. Her musical journey began with piano lessons from her mother.… Read the re…

1
Jack Garratt on 'Pillars' & asking for reciprocity 56:45

2M ago56:45

56:45

Jack Garratt's latest full-length album, Pillars, wrestles with longing: longing for reciprocity, longing for love, & longing for fulfillment. We discuss everything from the relationship between artists & their audiences, situationships, & navigating an increasingly difficult music industry. Find Jack Garratt on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/ar…

1
Mistakes that “amateur” songwriters make 58:24

2M ago58:24

58:24

For this special theme episode, we reacted to the Song Town podcast video “10 Mistakes that Peg You as an Amateur Songwriter.” We were pleased to have singer-songwriter Jessica Stuart join us as co-host. We covered a few of the mistakes, but be sure to check out the entire Song Town episode below for more.… Read the rest…

1
Where craft meets emotion with Sean Bertram 29:31

2M ago29:31

29:31

Sean Bertram is a Canadian singer/songwriter, guitar prodigy, multi-instrumentalist, and audio engineer. He graduated at the top of his class from Humber College’s prestigious 4-year music program, has won numerous awards including Best Song in North America from the Intercontinental Music Awards for his song “Against My Will”, and has garnered mil…

1
Using a diminished chord with intention with David Leask 30:39

3M ago30:39

30:39

Award-winning Scots-Canadian singer-songwriter, David Leask, is a celebrated writer and performer, known for his emotionally resonant songwriting, soulful voice, and deep musical craftsmanship that flows freely between genres. Throughout his three decade long career, Leask has performed over 3,000 shows and earned accolades across multiple genres.……

1
Writing a layered song with Rogan Mei 45:31

3M ago45:31

45:31

Rogan Mei is an indie folk singer-songwriter based in Barrie, Ontario. His music blends northern storytelling, raw emotion, and a deep connection to nature, shaped by his background as a wildland firefighter and smokejumper. Earlier this year, he recorded his upcoming EP Dickies Green Plaid Jacket in the house he grew up in, capturing themes of nos…

1
Writing a classic New Orleans song with The Heavyweights Brass Band 47:49

3M ago47:49

47:49

John Pittman has been a member of The Heavyweights Brass Band since the release of their sophomore album “Brasstronomical” in 2014. He is a trumpet player and composer for the band who just released their fifth full length album “Knockout” in June 2025.… Read the rest

1
Writing to the essence of a song with Daniela Soltero 29:58

3M ago29:58

29:58

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.… Read the rest…

1
Writing a song from a poem with Marichka 23:52

4M ago23:52

23:52

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 si…

1
Breaking the rules with intention with Zoe Thiessen 32:12

4M ago32:12

32:12

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.… Read the rest

1
5 tips that will make your band sound better today 12:15

4M ago12:15

12:15

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.… Read the rest

1
Kilo Kish on 'Negotiations', & the tension between art & industry 30:56

4M ago30:56

30:56

On Kilo Kish's 'Negotiations', robotic soundscapes mirror the transactional, 'churned-out' side of the music industry. She asks "what am I worth?" - not to an unforgiving business model, but to herself. In this interview, we discuss this tension, & the importance of art on one's own terms. Find Kilo Kish on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/…

1
LIVE: Before the Chorus & Open Folk Present: In These Lines feat. Gaby Moreno, Lily Kershaw & James Spaite 33:58

4M ago33:58

33:58

On June 25th 2025, in collaboration with Open Folk, we presented our first ever live interview event in Los Angeles. As Open Folk put it: "In These Lines is a live event where three artists each bring one song — not just to perform, but to explore. They sit down with Sofia Loporcaro, host of Before The Chorus, to talk about where the song came from…

1
Benét on 'Make 'Em Laugh', & writing through heartbreak as it's happening 33:47

4M ago33:47

33:47

Benét writes songs while in the eye of life's storms. Because of this, his lyrics are raw & visceral, bringing us right to the core of what he's been feeling. 'Make 'Em Laugh' is no exception - through songs of heartbreak & self-examination, we're taken on a journey of healing, & just plain trying to figure life out. Find Benét on Spotify: https://…

1
Heather Feather: Children’s songs with a message 37:51

4M ago37:51

37:51

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 internation…

1
Country-pop songwriting with Cam Brown 29:55

5M ago29:55

29:55

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 spinning on rad…

1
Daisy The Great on 'The Rubber Teeth Talk' & making songs out of dreams 44:56

5M ago44:56

44:56

Daisy The Great's 'The Rubber Teeth Talk' takes us on a winding road through dream states. Amongst these dreams, real questions occur: "Have I accomplished enough?" "Am I behind?" "Will everything be okay in the end?" Dreams, as they often do, become a vessel for processing reality. In this interview, we talk about the band's weirdest recurring dre…

1
Intentional songwriting with Natalie Reis 35:18

5M ago35:18

35:18

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.… Read the rest…

1
All about cadences 45:05

5M ago45:05

45:05

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. … Read the rest…

1
MRCY on 'VOLUME 2', the spirituality of soul, & dancing through darkness 30:47

5M ago30:47

30:47

MRCY's ' VOLUME 2' is a celebration of life that never gets preachy. Rooted in soul music, it sanctifies the human experience in all of its good & bad. In this interview, we speak about the power of soul, life's unanswered questions, & so much more. Find MRCY on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4fHvJqxNjCIVcJekRTHoVh?si=G2OdpBw0R5SzqHZfIXNl…

1
Adam Melchor on 'The Diary of Living' & finding optimism in upheaval 45:17

6M ago45:17

45:17

Adam Melchor's latest album, 'The Diary of Living', balances honesty with levity. He talks about friends who passed away too young, missed connections, & trying to find meaning among all of it. In the end, the record encourages us to forgive ourselves & live life to the fullest Find Adam on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/54tv11ndFfiqXiR03…

1
Songwriting as a meditation with Jessica Stuart 44:03

6M ago44:03

44:03

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’ S…

1
Songwriting through writer’s block with Dexter Sloan 42:07

6M ago42:07

42:07

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.… Read the rest

1
Songwriting for a band with Brent Jackson and the Sunshine Makers 31:49

6M ago31:49

31:49

“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.”… Read the rest

1
The Apps and Resources Show 2025 45:50

6M ago45:50

45:50

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. … Read the rest

1
Rose Betts on 'There Is No Ship', looking to the past & running towards adventure 33:16

6M ago33:16

33:16

On 'There Is No Ship', Rose Betts uses her Irish heritage as a vehicle for storytelling. It documents the life of an artist in her thirties: what it means to choose a different path than your peers, moving countries, the vices we use to escape our troubles, even modern dating. Find Rose on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3DYAP9CXyfNiM2nlu0…

1
Alisa Xayalith on 'Slow Crush', the power of healthy love, & finding her own creative voice 38:02

6M ago38:02

38:02

On 'Slow Crush', her debut LP, Alisa Xayalith takes us through a scrapbook of love stories. Some are about infatuation, toxic relationships & heartbreak. Others are about the kind of love that makes you feel seen & wholeheartedly loved. And after yers of being in a band, Alisa finally gets to tell these stories herself. Find Alisa on Spotify: https…

1
Remote collaboration tips with Mike Rudquist and Neel 49:09

6M ago49:09

49:09

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.… Read the rest

1
Motherhood - Five artists on the often-overlooked parts of pregnancy & motherhood, & putting those stories to music 37:29

7M ago37:29

37:29

Despite being an often-overlooked topic in music, motherhood has come up in several of my interviews, & has served as inspiration for several albums. Though I’m not a mother myself, these women’s diverse stories have been so inspiring to me - they challenge tropes of motherhood, & get honest about its high & lows. Artists featured: Yukimi, Wet, Nia…

1
Writing a song based on a book with Mark Ippolito 40:34

7M ago40:34

40:34

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, b…

1
RE-ISSUE: Julien Baker on ‘Little Oblivions’, relapse, sobriety, & not externalizing God 55:06

7M ago55:06

55:06

It’s been a busy spring for Julien Baker: she just released a collaborative album with Torres, ‘Send A Prayer My Way’ & announced her relationship with boygenius bandmate Lucy Dacus. Given all that, it seemed like a great time to re-issue my conversation with her from back in 2021. We talked about her last solo record, ‘Little Oblivions’, OCD, addi…

1
Revisiting a song with Danny Marks 40:25

7M ago40:25

40:25

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 force—a man whose time comes, again and again.… Read the …

1
Songwriting Challenge 2025 Launch: Write a song in an odd time signature 1:14:43

7M ago1:14:43

1:14:43

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! … Read the rest

1
Wet on ‘Two Lives’, anticipating motherhood, & singing from the subconscious 25:16

7M ago25:16

25:16

The writing process of ‘Two Lives’ began right as Kelly Zutrau, aka Wet, discovered that she was pregnant. As she processed the news, she let her subconscious to the talking, not filtering or polishing the words she found herself singing. Because of this, ‘Two Lives’ is an incredibly cerebral, raw record that demands to be felt, not just heard. Fin…

1
Songwriting as a prayer with Steve Harmony 35:28

7M ago35:28

35:28

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.… Read the rest…

1
SYML on 'Nobody Lives Here', life's transient nature & loving yourself through it 39:26

7M ago39:26

39:26

On 'Nobody Lives Here', SYML sings about the transience of life with solemn acceptance. Things end, and we have to pick up and begin again. But the album also reminds us: even through endings, we can learn to love ourselves again. Be sure to listen to 'Nobody Lives Here' wherever you stream or buy your music! Find SYML on Spotify: https://open.spot…

1
Yukimi on 'For You', feeling your feelings, & imagining better futures as a first step towards change 44:54

8M ago44:54

44:54

Yukimi Nagano, long known as the frontperson of Little Dragon, came on the podcast to discuss her debut solo album 'For You'. The album is a beacon of both hope and acceptance, reminding us to hold onto our inner light, but that needing a good cry is okay too. Be sure to listen to 'For You' wherever you stream or buy your music! Find Yukimi on Spot…

1
Bending the songwriting rules with Roger Beckett 38:28

8M ago38:28

38:28

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 a…

1
Jason Kirkness: Developing as a songwriter 31:27

8M ago31:27

31:27

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 sin…

1
About You on 'The Lighthouse, The Storm', a debut record six years in the making, & sharing different people's stories, including his own 52:55

8M ago52:55

52:55

About You's 'The Lighthouse, The Storm' is an album of stories. Some were sent to him by friends, fans & strangers. Others are his own. In all of them, we get a vivid glimpse into deep human emotions, & the universal experience of longing for connection. Be sure to listen to 'The Lighthouse, The Storm' when it comes out this summer! Find About You …

1
Songwriting Tips (mostly) for Beginners 54:50

8M ago54:50

54:50

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.… Read the rest

1
TOKiMONSTA on 'Eternal Reverie', finding her love of music again & honouring her friend after their passing 51:22

8M ago51:22

51:22

'Eternal Reverie''s is the fruit of TOKiMONSTA changing her creative process & healing from burnout. Its 14 tracks are both a journal of joy & of grief; they serve as a tribute to her best friend, who passed away from cancer last year, & who, in many ways, is woven into them. Be sure to listen to 'Eternal Reverie' wherever you stream or buy your mu…

1
Emma Della Rossa: Songwriting as a sequel to one of your songs 35:14

8M ago35:14

35:14

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 int…

1
Divorce on ‘Drive to Goldenhammer’, earnestness in songwriting, & finding comfort on the road 1:07:18

8M ago1:07:18

1:07:18

Divorce blend the earnestness of country & folk with off-kilter headiness of indie rock. On their debut record 'Drive to Goldenhammer', they reflect on life on the road, long-distance relationships, queer identity, & the ways we care for others. Be sure to listen to 'Drive to Goldenhammer' wherever you stream or buy your music! Find Divorce on Spot…

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