Bluebirds, Old Oak Trees & Glitter Parties – Fifteen Great Canadian Songwriters

Every week, I'm reminded just how much incredible songwriting is happening across Canada, and this episode is another wonderful example.

From heartfelt folk and roots music to indie rock, Americana and thoughtful contemporary pop, we've gathered another outstanding collection of Canadian artists who know how to tell a great story through song.

You'll hear songs about love and loss, coming home, looking back, finding hope, growing older, and embracing whatever comes next. Whether you're discovering these artists for the first time or reconnecting with familiar favourites, there's something here that's sure to resonate.

So settle in, turn it up, and join me for another hour celebrating the people who continue to make Canada's songwriting community one of the richest and most diverse anywhere.

• Benja and Glitter Party — Just A Little Love • Brandi Vezina — Paper Town • Dan Young — It's All Coming Back to Me • Former Lovers — Guys Cry • J Scope — Welcome Home • Jon Martin and Lovers — Bluebird • Kayla Williams — Come & Get It • Lachlan Macpherson — 500 Days • Rick Sparkes — Presently Looking Back • Lenka Lichtenberg — Togetherness • Ron Mills — Sad News • The North Sound — What It Takes • The Whythouse — Old Oak Tree • Jon Mullane — Walking Away • The Supervoids — Hey

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This week on Songwriters From Here And Away, we're taking a musical road trip across Canada with fifteen outstanding songwriters whose songs showcase the depth, diversity, and creativity of today's independent music scene.

From thoughtful folk and roots storytelling to contemporary indie sounds, this episode brings together emerging voices and established artists from coast to coast. You'll hear imaginative songwriting from Jesse Waldman, the inventive pop sensibilities of Carrie Matisse, the heartfelt collaboration of Aaron MacDonald and Jenn Sheppard, and the gritty energy of Blamethrower's Dead Town. The journey continues through songs by Alanna Matty, Lily Monaghan, Rube & Rake, Silver Wolf Band, Mo Kenney, Ian James Bain, Quote The Raven, Marissa Burwell, Nardos Almas, Maggie Andrew, and Sun Brimmer.

Together, these artists represent the rich tapestry of Canadian songwriting—from intimate personal reflections and vivid storytelling to songs that celebrate place, resilience, love, loss, and the human experience.

Whether you're discovering a new favourite artist or reconnecting with familiar voices, this episode is a reminder that some of the best songwriting in the world is being created right here in Canada.

• Jesse Waldman — Commission From The Ether
• Carrie Matisse — Baby Robotic
• Aaron MacDonald feat. Jenn Sheppard — Crazy In Love
• Blamethrower — Dead Town
• Alanna Matty — Swimming
• Lily Monaghan — Snow In May
• Rube & Rake — Coat of Paint
• Silver Wolf Band — Coffee Pots
• Mo Kenney — Lonely Love
• Ian James Bain — Church on a Hill
• Quote The Raven — Back in Spring
• Marissa Burwell — Inside Out
• Nardos Almas — 18 Months
• Maggie Andrew — How to Sing for Money
• Sun Brimmer — Shotguns, Sage & Bones

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This week on Songwriters From Here And Away, we're joined by one of the mentors for the 3rd Annual Songwriters Retreat (August 20–23, 2026, Nova Scotia), acclaimed Canadian singer-songwriter Angela Saini.

Angela has built a reputation as one of Canada's most engaging contemporary folk-pop and country-pop songwriters, earning praise from media outlets including The Examiner, which called her "one of Toronto's best indie songwriters," while BBC Radio Leicester described her as "massively talented." Her music has received national CBC airplay and has connected with audiences through songs that balance optimism, resilience, and honest storytelling.

In addition to her recording and touring career, Angela is a dedicated songwriting educator and mentor. She teaches songwriting at the Toronto campus of Trebas Institute and has spent years helping emerging artists develop their craft, creative practice, performance skills, and understanding of the music industry. Through her Bright Side Academy coaching program, she provides one-on-one mentorship covering songwriting, lyric development, co-writing, performance coaching, project management, royalties, marketing, and career development.

What makes Angela particularly valuable as a songwriting mentor is her belief that there is no single "correct" way to write a song. She encourages writers to experiment with melody-first, lyric-first, and collaborative approaches while discovering their own authentic creative process.

This episode features a mix of live performances and studio recordings as Angela shares songs, stories, creative insights, and lessons learned from more than two decades in music. Whether you're a songwriter looking to sharpen your craft or simply a fan of thoughtful, uplifting music, this conversation offers inspiration, practical wisdom, and plenty of great songs.

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www.AngelaSaini.com