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

We're excited to launch a brand-new chapter in the Songwriters From Here And Away story with the debut episode of our monthly concert series, Songwriters From Here And Away – Wolfville Edition, presented in partnership with local host and songwriter Mike Glenn.

Recorded live in the heart of Wolfville, this inaugural concert showcases acclaimed Canadian folk artist Kim Barlow alongside a preview of several outstanding songwriters who will be appearing in future editions of the series.

Originally from Nova Scotia and later a cornerstone of the Yukon folk scene for more than two decades, Kim Barlow is a two-time Juno-nominated songwriter, celebrated for her imaginative storytelling, distinctive clawhammer banjo style, and deeply original folk compositions. She has released multiple acclaimed albums, toured across Canada and internationally, collaborated with artists including Old Man Luedecke, Christine Fellows, and Mathias Kom, and earned recognition through both Juno and Nova Scotia Music Award nominations.

Also featured are songs from several remarkable artists you'll be hearing more from in upcoming Wolfville Edition episodes:

Lily Gunn – A compelling emerging voice whose songs blend thoughtful lyricism, emotional honesty, and contemporary folk influences.

Glenn & Tregunno – The songwriting partnership of Mike Glenn and Nancy Tregunno, bringing together rich harmonies, heartfelt storytelling, and a deep connection to the communities and landscapes of Nova Scotia.

Kim Matheson – A veteran Maritime songwriter known for finely crafted songs, memorable melodies, and performances that connect with audiences through authenticity and warmth.

Jessie Potter – A rising singer-songwriter whose music combines poetic insight with contemporary folk sensibilities, delivering songs that are both intimate and engaging.

Join us as we celebrate the launch of a new live concert series dedicated to sharing the stories, songs, and creative journeys of songwriters from Nova Scotia and beyond.

This week on Songwriters From Here and Away, we travel through stories of hard truths, resilience, memory and connection. From the gritty pulse of Merideth’s “East City Blues” and Mark Bezanson’s haunting “Ruin,” to the warmth of Mary Beth Carty’s “Friendship Song” and Woody Woodburn’s uplifting “I Am Enough,” this episode moves through heartbreak, humour, healing and hope.

Along the way we visit ghost towns, old houses, roads not forgotten and moments that still echo long after the music fades. Featuring powerful songwriting from both emerging and beloved East Coast and Canadian artists, this episode reminds us how songs help us remember who we were — and where we’re headed next.

Featuring music from Merideth, Mark Bezanson, Brock Davis, Brent Mason, Mary Beth Carty, Woody Woodburn, Tillers Folly, Rachel Cousins, Dwayne Gamree, Blue Acres, Susan Crowe, Sherry Ryan, Ruth Manning, and 11th & Duke.

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#SongwritersFromHereAndAway #CanadianMusic #EastCoastMusic #IndieFolk #SingerSongwriter #FolkMusic #RootsMusic #NovaScotiaMusic #AtlanticCanada #IndependentMusic #Podcast #RadioShow #Songwriters #MusicDiscovery #FolkRoots #AcousticMusic #SupportIndependentArtists

Dive into the archives for an exclusive conversation with Geoff Arsenault (Nova Scotia), exploring his latest album Hired Hand. Then, enjoy cuts from Canada’s top roots, blues, and folk talents, including Matt Andersen and Vancouver’s Headlong Hearts.

Geoff Arsenault - Nova Scotian singer/songwriter, drummer, percussionist, and acclaimed session musician, Geoff returns with Hired Hand (Feb 21, 2025). His groove is swampy-rooted blues fused with Louisiana and Tex-Mex flavors. The record features collaborations with Matt Andersen, Amy Helm and Colin Linden

Geoff shares stories behind tracks like Pearl River, Angel’s Share or the Devil’s Take, and about reconnecting with studio collaborators

Geoff Arsenault

• Pearl River - A haunting acoustic-led number from Hired Hand
• Hired Hand - Title track—stripped-down drum, slide, acoustic bass
• Angel’s Share Or The Devil’s Take - Packed with guest guitars and vocals—dug by critics
• Cajun Soul - Swampy groove showcasing Cajun influence

Matt Andersen - The Hammer & The Rose - Title track from the album shows a tender, soul‑folk side

Headlong Hearts - One Golden Day From the new album Creatures of Habit (Mar 21, 2025)

Elephant Way - Mind Games Emerging roots-folk act (info limited)

Gal George Gjurin - SHINE Radio single; Georgian-Canadian singer-songwriter

Tom Eastland- Rest Your Head- Up-and-coming folk artist

Gal George Gjurin - HOW ABOUT A KISS? Intimate acoustic-driven track

Slow Leaves - Happy All the Time (Acoustic) Laid-back roots version of their upbeat

more music, workshops and concerts at SFHAA.ca

As the East Coast Music Awards take place this weekend, we’re revisiting a special Songwriters From Here and Away episode featuring some of the remarkable artists nominated in last year’s Music Nova Scotia awards. We wish we could be there this weekend but local concerts took over! We send all the folks in Sydney, Nova Scotia our best wishes and hope they all have a grand old time!

This episode captures the depth, diversity, and heart of Nova Scotia’s music community — from roots and folk to jazz, blues, and contemporary songwriting. It’s a chance to look back at some outstanding songs and artists who helped shape our province’s musical landscape over the past year.

Featured artists include:

• Charlie A’Court
• 11th & Duke
• Terra Spencer
• Joe H Henry
• Kristen Martell
• The Jazz Enthusiast
• Morgan Toney
• Geoff Arsenault

Whether you’re following this year’s nominees or simply love discovering East Coast songwriting, this is a great listen for awards weekend. Tune in and celebrate the artists who continue to make Atlantic Canada such a vibrant musical home.

More East Coast Music, Concerts & Workshops @ www.SFHAA.ca

This week on Songwriters From Here and Away, we welcome rising songwriter Sam Robbins for a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation about songwriting, touring, creativity, and his tunes.

Often described as an “old soul singer-songwriter,” Sam blends the warmth and storytelling tradition of artists like James Taylor and Jackson Browne with a modern folk sensibility all his own. A Berklee College of Music graduate and nationally touring performer, Sam has quickly become one of the most respected emerging voices in today’s folk community.

In this episode, Sam dives deep into the craft of songwriting — where ideas come from, how songs evolve, and what makes certain lyrics resonate long after the music ends. Along the way, he performs and we share tracks, tells stories from the road, and talks openly about the realities of building a career in independent music.

Sam’s accomplishments include:

• Winner of the prestigious 2021 Kerrville Folk Festival New Folk Competition
• “Most Wanted to Return” artist at Falcon Ridge Folk Festival
• Main stage performances at Kerrville, Falcon Ridge, Philadelphia Folk Festival and more
• Over 200 live performances per year across North America
• Shared stages with artists including Jason Mraz and David Wilcox
• Named one of Atwood Magazine’s “Artists to Watch” for 2025
• Increasing recognition as an outstanding fingerstyle guitarist and songwriter

His latest album, So Much I Still Don’t See, produced by Seth Glier, captures the reflective spirit of a young songwriter shaped by thousands of touring miles, deep conversations, and a growing understanding of the world around him.

Find @SamRobbins ’ music, tour dates, and more at:

www.SamRobbinsMusic.com

https://www.facebook.com/sam.robbins.7777

@sam.robbins.7777

Insta: @samrobbinsmusic

#SamRobbins

#SFHAA

#SingerSongwriter

#FolkMusic

#AcousticMusic

#CanadianPodcast

#MusicPodcast

#FingerstyleGuitar

#MusicDiscovery

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