Mistakes that “amateur” songwriters make

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 with a new drummer How Neel and Phil are progressing on their songwriting challenge answers to write a song in an odd time signature … Read the rest

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 through iterations to make it better Writing your bridge just in time for the recording session Writing with a producer mindset Writing the lyrics as the last thing Our songwriting challenge for 2025 to write a song in an odd time signature.… Read the rest

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 rest

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

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 millions of streams on his music across the globe.… Read the rest

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.… Read the rest

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 nostalgia, longing, and northern living.… Read the rest

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

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

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 Balaklava Blues and Lemon Bucket Orkestra.… Read the rest