Music Buddy

"Music can't be contained, it can't be smothered, it can't be eliminated"—Christine Fischer GuyChristine Fischer Guy is a Toronto-based novelist, educator, and award-winning journalist, whose work has appeared in publications across North America and England. Her second novel—The Instrument Must Not Matter—is a coming-of-age story about a remarkably gifted young pianist—Lila Rys—who moves from Toronto to New York City to study piano. The move results in a journey of self discovery, creative breakthrough, and the unearthing of historical family trauma.More about Christine at christinefischerguy.comListen to Christine's playlists:YouTubeTidalSpotifyRead Christine's review of the James Rhodes Concert at Koerner Hall, March, 2020 (Globe & Mail)Music in this episode:Vladimir Ashkenazy - Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 2 "Moonlight": I. Adagio sostenuto (Decca, 1983)Glenn Gould - Bach: The Goldberg Variations BWV 1988: Aria (1981)Support the showABOUT USJane Gowan (host, producer, editor) Tim Vesely (engineer / co-host)The show's theme song, "Human Stuff," is written and performed by Jane Gowan and Tim Vesely.Music Buddy is proud to be licensed by SOCAN, a copyright collective that grants licenses for online music broadcast in Canada. STAY IN TOUCH Email: [email protected]: @musicbuddypodcastFacebook: @musicbuddypodcastBluesky: @musicbuddy.bsky.socialTikTok: @musicbuddypodThis podcast is brought to you by Morning Run Productions.

"A hoser can be anyone. A hoser is not a simple person, it is a person who likes simple things. If you love your family, friends and neighbours, you are a hoser, and if you have ever shovelled your neighbour's walk during a snowstorm, you are a hoser!" — Devin CuddyPianist/singer/songwriter Devin Cuddy kicks off Music Buddy Season 5, with an upbeat conversation about hoserism, Canadianism, piano, musical inspirations, and touring this great land. His latest album "Livin' Hard Ain't Easy" came out in Spring, 2026, and was recorded live-off-the-floor at The Woodshed Studio in Toronto, ON (with engineer Tim Vesely).Devin grew up in a very artistic home - his father is Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo, and his mother is Actress Rena Polley. Naturally, Devin's exposure to art, culture and creativity was in abundance as a child and teenager, but ultimately, he found his own way to music, and has forged his own path while gathering influences along the way - from early jazz, to outlaw country, to classic songwriters of our time.  Devin's songs are infused with a very Canadian perspective and sense of place. They are stories plucked from all corners of this country. The songs range from sweet to sassy to insightful. He is an artist who has found his comfort zone, and is embracing—in the best way possible—life on the road as a touring musician.As a special addition to this Season Opener, you'll be treated to Devin performing 2 of his songs live, just piano and voice. Learn more about Devin at devincuddy.comMusic in this episode:From Livin' Hard Ain't Easy (The Devin Cuddy Band, 2026)- "Livin' Hard Ain't Easy" - "Two Hosers"- "Prairie Wind"Live at The Woodshed (Devin Cuddy, solo piano & voice)- "Jill' Song" - "One More for the Old Boy"Support the showABOUT USJane Gowan (host, producer, editor) Tim Vesely (engineer / co-host)The show's theme song, "Human Stuff," is written and performed by Jane Gowan and Tim Vesely.Music Buddy is proud to be licensed by SOCAN, a copyright collective that grants licenses for online music broadcast in Canada. STAY IN TOUCH Email: [email protected]: @musicbuddypodcastFacebook: @musicbuddypodcastBluesky: @musicbuddy.bsky.socialTikTok: @musicbuddypodThis podcast is brought to you by Morning Run Productions.

"We need a communal ethic, and we need a communal movement...there's something on the album where I'm trying to get that energy and momentum going...that's part of what music is, and especially hip hop and groove-based music..." —ShadShadrach Kabango (aka Shad) is a Canadian recording artist, broadcaster, and educator. You might know Shad from his 20 years making infectious, lyrical, and socially conscious hip hop, or from hosting CBC’s Q, or from the Emmy and Peabody Award-winning Netflix series Hip Hop Evolution.  He won the Juno Award for Rap Recording of the year in 2011 for his album TSOL, (famously besting Drake).Shad uses his platform as a performer to inspire a sense of community, and to suggest that perhaps we can do better than what we as humans are doing now. His lyrics encourage us to look at the world around us, and contemplate the big things: change, fear, death, life, inevitable endings, and unknown beginnings. His most recent album—Start Anew—was released in October, 2025. For more information about Shad, go to shadk.comAll the music in this episode is from Shad's most recent release, Start Anew  (2025, Secret City Records). Support the showABOUT USJane Gowan (host, producer, editor) Tim Vesely (engineer / co-host)The show's theme song, "Human Stuff," is written and performed by Jane Gowan and Tim Vesely.Music Buddy is proud to be licensed by SOCAN, a copyright collective that grants licenses for online music broadcast in Canada. STAY IN TOUCH Email: [email protected]: @musicbuddypodcastFacebook: @musicbuddypodcastBluesky: @musicbuddy.bsky.socialTikTok: @musicbuddypodThis podcast is brought to you by Morning Run Productions.

Damhnait Doyle has been a bright light on the Canadian music landscape since being discovered for her remarkable musical gift at the age of 17. Since then, she has gone on to write, perform, tour, advocate, collaborate, host, and stir up good trouble wherever she lands. Damhnait has released (at least) nine full length recordings as both a solo artist and a member of the groups Shaye and The Heartbroken, and has a new EP on the way. She has been the opening act on tours for the likes of Willie Nelson and Steve Earle, and is a Multiple ECMA, SOCAN, and Canadian Radio Music award winner, and a multi JUNO, CMAO and CCMA award nominee. Damhnait is currently the host of Mornings on CBC, bringing her musical passion, keen wit and wide-ranging knowledge of music to the airwaves every weekday from 6am-9am.Enjoy this lively conversation with co-hosts Jane Gowan and Joel Stewart.More about Damhnait at damhnaitdoyle.comMusic in this episode:"Claire (Duo Version)" - The Violet Archers (The Duo Sessions, 2025)"Cover Me" - The Heartbroken (Tonight, Tonight, 2010)"Lake of Fire" - Shaye (Lake of Fire, 2006)"A List of Things" - Damhnait Doyle (Shadows Wake Me, 1996)"That's What You Get" - Damhnait Doyle (Liquor Store Flowers, 2019)"All My Friends" - The Heartbroken (Tonight, Tonight, 2010)The Music Buddy Session:"Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain" (written by Fred Rose) Performed by Damnhnait Doyle, Tim Vesely and Jane GowanRecorded and mixed by Tim VeselySupport the showABOUT USJane Gowan (host, producer, editor) Tim Vesely (engineer / co-host)The show's theme song, "Human Stuff," is written and performed by Jane Gowan and Tim Vesely.Music Buddy is proud to be licensed by SOCAN, a copyright collective that grants licenses for online music broadcast in Canada. STAY IN TOUCH Email: [email protected]: @musicbuddypodcastFacebook: @musicbuddypodcastBluesky: @musicbuddy.bsky.socialTikTok: @musicbuddypodThis podcast is brought to you by Morning Run Productions.

Over 3,000 gigs, countless miles travelled, hit songs a-plenty, and friends and fans in every corner of the continent - singer-songwriters Mike Plume and Jenny Orenstein have embraced the often-challenging musician's path with passion, verve, humour, humility and—when necessary—the ability to adapt. Their songwriting and performing careers have taken them all over the world, and they have made homes in Nashville, Edmonton, and Toronto. They have achieved what many would consider an enviable level of success, and have combined their creative talents and individual strengths to build a rich and fulfilling life in music. Join co-hosts Jane Gowan and Joel Stewart as they sit down at The Woodshed Studio for an in-depth conversation with a dynamic musical power couple. More info at mikeplume.comRead/follow Mike Plume's substack -  The Way I Remember ItMusic in this Episode"Dance Ruby, Dance" - Mike Plume and Jenny Orenstein (Single, 2023)"Time For A Change" - Mike Plume Band (Red and White Blues, 2013)"End of The Stillness" - Jenny Orenstein (Astroturf, 2021)"Perfume and Gasoline"  - Mike Plume (Lonesome Stretch of Highway, 2020)"Steel Belted Radio" - Mike Plume Band (The Steel Belted Radio EP, 2000)The Music Buddy Session: "Motorbike" by Luke Doucet and Mike PlumePerformed by Mike Plume, Jenny Orenstein, Jane Gowan, and Joel StewartRecorded and mixed by Tim Vesely at The Woodshed Studio, TorontoSupport the showABOUT USJane Gowan (host, producer, editor) Tim Vesely (engineer / co-host)The show's theme song, "Human Stuff," is written and performed by Jane Gowan and Tim Vesely.Music Buddy is proud to be licensed by SOCAN, a copyright collective that grants licenses for online music broadcast in Canada. STAY IN TOUCH Email: [email protected]: @musicbuddypodcastFacebook: @musicbuddypodcastBluesky: @musicbuddy.bsky.socialTikTok: @musicbuddypodThis podcast is brought to you by Morning Run Productions.

Miranda Mulholland is a JUNO-nominated singer, songwriter, and fiddler. She's released 3 albums, one EP, and several singles in her own name, in addition to launching music with her bands Harrow Fair and Belle Starr.   As a touring and studio musician, Miranda’s credits include: Great Lake Swimmers, The Jim Cuddy Band, The Paperboys, Donovan Woods, Calexico, Joel Plaskett, Rose Cousins, Alan Doyle, Justin Rutledge, Sarah Slean, and Cowboy Junkies, to name a few. She has played or sung on over 100 records as well as working on film and Television scores for shows such as Maudie and Republic of Doyle. In addition, Miranda owns her own record label - Roaring Girl Records, and is the Artistic Director of The Muskoka Music Festival which takes place in Gravenhurst, Ontario. Off stage, Miranda speaks on behalf of musicians and artists, helping to create new policies and fresh perspectives in the industry. She is the Creative Culture Advisor for Music Canada, Chair of the Music Canada Advisory Council and Vice Chair Emeritus of the board of Governors for Massey Hall / Roy Thomson Hall. In this conversation with co-hosts Jane Gowan and Joel Stewart, Miranda shares experiences and insights from her remarkable career to date, touching on everything from creating and performing music with loops and pedals, to embracing whimsy and looking for chestnuts. R.I.P. Poppy the Cat. More about Miranda at mirandamulholland.comMusic in this Episode"Bar Rage" - Miranda Mulholland (By Appointment or Chance, 2019)"Black Is The Colour" - Miranda Mulholland (Single, 2024)"All The Diamonds" - Miranda Mulholland (Single, 2024)"Peg and Awl" - Miranda Mulholland (By Appointment or Chance, 2019)"This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody)" - Belle Starr (The Burning of Atlanta, 2011)Support the showABOUT USJane Gowan (host, producer, editor) Tim Vesely (engineer / co-host)The show's theme song, "Human Stuff," is written and performed by Jane Gowan and Tim Vesely.Music Buddy is proud to be licensed by SOCAN, a copyright collective that grants licenses for online music broadcast in Canada. STAY IN TOUCH Email: [email protected]: @musicbuddypodcastFacebook: @musicbuddypodcastBluesky: @musicbuddy.bsky.socialTikTok: @musicbuddypodThis podcast is brought to you by Morning Run Productions.

Welcome to the 4th Annual Solstimas episode! In this episode, we toast the season with a festive gathering at The Woodshed Studio, aka "the office". Joining host Jane Gowan and co-host Tim Vesely, are their good pals Andy Maize and Josh Finlayson (Skydiggers), plus co-host, co-conspirator, and bandmate Joel Stewart (Joel Stewart and the Future Hall of Famers). Plus, you'll hear special greetings from our call-in guests: Dave Ullrich (zunior.com), Monique Barry (mobarrymusic.com), Ryan Myshrall (Pickering Playboys), and Annelise Noronha (annelisenoronha.com). Santa Claus parades, pool parties, cold plunges, lemonade, eggnog, skiing, snow blowing, eggplant parmesan, and Werner Herzog - anything goes at Solstimas!You'll also hear Andy, Josh, Jane, Joel, and Tim perform a live-off-the-floor version of "Church Bells Ringing (Christmas in the City)"  - a seasonal classic, written by Andrew Cash and Charlie Angus. Happy Solstimas from our office to yours. Enjoy the party!Music in this Episode:"I Like Christmas" - The Violet Archers (I Like Christmas EP, 2024)"White Christmas" - Bing Crosby (White Christmas, 1945)"Snow Blind" - Skydiggers (Dreams and Second Chances, 2024)"Buffalo" - Joel Stewart and the Future Hall of Famers (Songs for Stadiums, unreleased)"Crush Some Egg Nogs" - Annelise Noronha (Christmas Collection, Vol 1, 2025)Support the showABOUT USJane Gowan (host, producer, editor) Tim Vesely (engineer / co-host)The show's theme song, "Human Stuff," is written and performed by Jane Gowan and Tim Vesely.Music Buddy is proud to be licensed by SOCAN, a copyright collective that grants licenses for online music broadcast in Canada. STAY IN TOUCH Email: [email protected]: @musicbuddypodcastFacebook: @musicbuddypodcastBluesky: @musicbuddy.bsky.socialTikTok: @musicbuddypodThis podcast is brought to you by Morning Run Productions.

Myra Melford is an American avant-garde pianist, composer, educator, and improvisor. Her music is unique, exciting, and brave, evolving from an approach to the piano that is percussive, athletic, and uber-dynamic, and compositions that are exploratory, poetic, visual, and thought-provoking. Melford is an interdisciplinary artist of the highest order. Awarded the Alpert Award in the Arts for Music in 2012, plus the Guggenheim Fellowship and the Doris Duke Performing Artist Award in 2013, she has released over 30 albums in various configurations (solo, duo, trio, quartet, quintet), and has collaborated with some of the greatest talents in contemporary music. Her most recent release is entitled Splash (with bassist Michael Formanek and drummer/vibraphonist Ches Smith), and is inspired by the work of the post-abstract expressionist painter Cy Twombly. This interview was recorded in June, 2025 in Hamilton, ON, during the Something Else Festival. Thank you to Festival Director Cem Zafir (Our guest for Episode 60), plus Donna Akrey and the rest of the staff and volunteers. More about Myra Melford at myramelford.comMusic in this episode:Myra Melford - “Park Mechanics”, live at the Something Else! Festival (June, 2025)  (Find that song on Melford’s solo album Life Carries Me This Way, 2013)"Frank Lloyd Wright Goes West to Rest" - Myra Melford Trio (Jump, 1990)"Chalk" - Myra Melford (Splash, 2025)"Ekoneni" - Myra Melford and Trio M (The Guest House, 2012)"Red Beach" - Myra Melford Solo Piano (Life Carries Me This Way, 2013)Support the showABOUT USJane Gowan (host, producer, editor) Tim Vesely (engineer / co-host)The show's theme song, "Human Stuff," is written and performed by Jane Gowan and Tim Vesely.Music Buddy is proud to be licensed by SOCAN, a copyright collective that grants licenses for online music broadcast in Canada. STAY IN TOUCH Email: [email protected]: @musicbuddypodcastFacebook: @musicbuddypodcastBluesky: @musicbuddy.bsky.socialTikTok: @musicbuddypodThis podcast is brought to you by Morning Run Productions.

Wyatt C. Louis is a Plains Cree singer-songwriter from Montana First Nation on Treaty 6 Territory, Alberta. Their songs are deeply rooted in story and place, and speak to universal themes of home, family, and love. Their much-celebrated debut album Chandler (2024) draws from multiple musical influences, but sits comfortably in the folk/roots genre. The album was long-listed for the 2025 Polaris Music Prize, and was a 2025 Juno Award nominee for "Album Artwork of the Year" (Erik M. Grice and Vanessa Heins). Learn more about Wyatt at wyattclouis.com. This conversation was taped at the University of British Columbia, on the  traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Musqueam people. Music in this episode (used with permission):"In Emerald" - Wyatt C. Louis (Chandler, 2024)"Carefree" - Wyatt C. Louis (Chandler, 2024)"Bobtail Road" (Single) - Wyatt C. Louis (2023)Support the showABOUT USJane Gowan (host, producer, editor) Tim Vesely (engineer / co-host)The show's theme song, "Human Stuff," is written and performed by Jane Gowan and Tim Vesely.Music Buddy is proud to be licensed by SOCAN, a copyright collective that grants licenses for online music broadcast in Canada. STAY IN TOUCH Email: [email protected]: @musicbuddypodcastFacebook: @musicbuddypodcastBluesky: @musicbuddy.bsky.socialTikTok: @musicbuddypodThis podcast is brought to you by Morning Run Productions.

Since the early 2000s, Festival Director and musical curator Cem Zafir has been presenting diverse, exploratory, and engaging concerts via his non-profit organization, Zula Presents. After moving to Hamilton, Ontario in 2012, Cem seized on the opportunity to create an early summer music festival. Something Else! Festival began in 2014. Now in its 12th year, it brings to Hamilton some of the finest talents in creative, global, and improvised music. In this fun and compact catch up with Jane, Cem previews some of the highlights of the upcoming festival. From solo piano with Guggenheim Fellow and Alpert Award-winning pianist/educator Myra Melford, to the deep electronic vibes of Farida Amadou; from the "weird beauty" of The Cluttertones, to a nature walk with Pulitzer Prize recipient, percussionist and composer Susie Ibarra, the lineup is guaranteed to blow your mind, and open your ears. Tickets and passes are on sale now via Eventbrite or E-transfer (no fee) to [email protected] in this episode:"The Guest House" - Myra Melford and Trio M (The Guest House, 2012)"The End Of" - Farida Amadou (When It Rains It Pours, 2024)"Moveable Do (La-La Bémol) Feat. Matt Mitchell and John Hollenbeck" - Anna Webber (simpletrio2000, 2024)"Pulse" - Susie Ibarra (Perception, 2017)"Enero" - The Cluttertones (Ordinary Joy, 2015)"Coastal Birds" - Susie Ibarra et al (Walking on Water, 2015)"DESTEJER" - Ibelisse Guardia Ferragutti and Frank Rosaly (MESTIZX, 2024)"One More Latch (Give It to 'ya) - Pantayo (Ang Pagdaloy, 2023)"Ravenous Hound" - Peter Van Huffel's Callisto (Meandering Demons, 2024)Support the showABOUT USJane Gowan (host, producer, editor) Tim Vesely (engineer / co-host)The show's theme song, "Human Stuff," is written and performed by Jane Gowan and Tim Vesely.Music Buddy is proud to be licensed by SOCAN, a copyright collective that grants licenses for online music broadcast in Canada. STAY IN TOUCH Email: [email protected]: @musicbuddypodcastFacebook: @musicbuddypodcastBluesky: @musicbuddy.bsky.socialTikTok: @musicbuddypodThis podcast is brought to you by Morning Run Productions.