Writing and producing a song slowly with Kaleb Hikele

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 a capo for this song Getting inspired by a Beatles riff when producing Embracing the gear in the recording studio to inspire different directions for the arrangement and production Is it a good idea to demo your songs at home before getting into a pro studio?… Read the rest

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.com… Read the rest

We showcased and reviewed songs from Dan D’Agostino, Lynn Moe, and Steve Johnson as answers to our Songwriting Challenge 2025, to write a song in an odd time signature. Dan D’Agostino shared his song October Morning.  Download the lyrics, including the time signatures, to follow along.… Read the rest

Phil shared his answer to our songwriting challenge for 2025, to write a song in an odd time signature. He played around with 7/8 time, for the first time ever! We talked about: The #1 Country song on Billboard’s Digital Songs Chart is generated by AI How much of a challenge it is to play a riff in 7/4 naturally How Phil glued together a 4/4 beat and a 3/4 beat for his verses, but made a true 7/8 drum part for the chorus How Phil is still playing around with the lyrics, the key (to find the sweet spot in his voice), and maybe adding a bridge Stretching outside your comfort zone (is a good thing) Working on a song until it “lights a fire” for yourself and you consider it better than “good enough” … Read the rest

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

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

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 different time signatures in his song, including a polymeter of “3 against 4” (3/4 and 4/4 simultaneously) Using a 7/4 time signature with alternating 3+4 and 4+3 emphases The appearance of odd time signatures in classical Indian music How Neel’s approach to the bridge resulted in a modulation for the final chorus How Neel used a metronome and selectively muting tracks to compose the polymeter section … Read the rest

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