The Songwriting Mind

In this episode of The Songwriting Mind, we hear from Fonteyn, a UK -born songwriter now based in Los Angeles. Fonteyn discusses the intangible relationship between melody and chords that defines her seventies soft rock sensibility, and explores the spiritual aspects of receiving songs from what she calls "the river of songs." This interview was recorded on March 28, 2025, at the Modern Hotel in Boise, Idaho, during Treefort Music Festival. Original songs featured in this episode: Girl On A Motorcylce, Darlin (How Do I Let You Know), Jody, Joan, Things to Make You Feel Better, Seeing Stars (Unreleased), Holdin' On.Follow us on Instagram: @_fonteyn_, @thesongwritingmind, @ericprincessdragon

In this episode of The Songwriting Mind, we hear from Chad Monticue, producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Chad shares his perspective on collaboration, discussing his various roles across different projects from Animal Scream to producing Zack Keim’s “Battery Lane” album. He reflects on the art of identifying what a song needs, the balance between creative freedom and limitations, and how family life shapes his creative process. Chad also discusses his band Animal Scream’s latest EP “Otherworldly Pictures” and explores his approach to writing both personal and observational lyrics. This interview was recorded on March 29, 2025, at Flying M Coffee House in Boise, Idaho, during Treefort Music Festival.Original songs featured in this episode: Otherworldly Pictures (Animal Scream), Tiger Balm (Ames Harding & the Mirage), It’s Gonna Be Cruel (Animal Scream), Strangled Up in Two (Animal Scream), Incredible (Zack Keim), Washington D.C. (Zack Keim)

In this episode of The Songwriting Mind, we hear from Zack Keim, a singer-songwriter from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Zack shares personal insights and experiences that inspired the making of his latest album “Battery Lane.” He reflects on the collaborative process with producer and co-writer Chad Monticue. Recorded live at Boise Contemporary Theater for Podfort at Treefort Music Festival on March 28, 2025, in Boise, Idaho. Sound engineering by Brett Badostain. Special thanks to Alisha Graefe, director of Podfort.Original songs featured in this episode: Woodley Park, Alice, Battery Lane, Canyon, Better Days, Wash Away The Pain, and Washington D.C.

In this episode of The Songwriting Mind, we hear from This Old Man, a songwriter based in Tasmania. He shares his journey through songwriting, reflecting on the cathartic power of writing, the inspiration behind his songs, and the ways life’s challenges have shaped his music. This Old Man also discusses the importance of embracing emotions, using music as a vehicle for personal expression, and the impact of spirituality on his creative process. He explores his unique connection to Sanskrit in his music, incorporating life affirming mantras into his songwriting. This interview was recorded on February 8, 2025, in Wilmot, Lutruwita, Tasmania.Original songs featured in this episode: Stand Tall, Love At First Sight, Sitting In The Morning Sun, Going Nowhere, Same Stuff, Om Namah Shivaya, Om Aham Brahmasmi.

In this episode of The Songwriting Mind, we hear from Kier Stevens, a songwriter based in Melbourne, Australia. Kier shares his evolution from electronic music and techno to heavy metal and eventually to blues, offering us a look at his journey and process. He reflects on the ways his songwriting has changed over time, from early experimental tracks to more refined and intentional works. Kier also discusses the balance between fiction and truth in songwriting, the importance of letting go of perfection, and the inspiration behind the songs on his new EP, Worry On My Mind. This interview was recorded on February 3, 2025 in Evandale, Lutruwita Tasmania.Original songs featured in this episode: Prospects, Big Man Crying, Show Me the Door, Living This Way, Worry on My Mind.

In this episode of The Songwriting Mind, we hear from Blind John, a character from the forests of Bend, Oregon, created by Silverton, Oregon-based songwriter Jake Prahar. Blind John shares his journey with music, from initially rejecting it to discovering his gift for composing comedic songs. He shares the stories and inspiration behind some of his songs and how his process blends humor and visual storytelling. Original songs in this episode: Cosmic Creations, Long Cut Grizzly, Busch Beer, Marlboro Cigarettes, Buck Nasty

In this episode of The Songwriting Mind, Sam Smith (My Favorite Boxer) of Le Pine Oregon shares his journey into songwriting, from overcoming self-doubt to embracing creativity through the subconscious. Sam talks about his songwriting process, the freedom of improvisation, and how his music comes from a blend of imagination and raw emotion. Sam's original music featured in this episode: How Do I Accept Happy, 123 Ah, Third Man Syndrome, Hancock's Flatworm Swims, Sick Vic. Recorded on January 6, 2025.

In this episode of The Songwriting Mind, I reflect on the evolution of the podcast, sharing its origins from a songwriting group and how it grew into a platform to explore the creative process behind songwriting. The episode delves into the intrinsic value of an artist’s voice, regardless of success, and features clips from past guests in episodes 1-5. Recorded in Launceston, Tasmania on February 19, 2025. Music featured in this episode: Beaten Track by ericprincessdragon.

In this episode of The Songwriting Mind, Micha Silvius, singer-songwriter from the southern Oregon coast, takes us through her musical evolution. From her early years as a classical pianist to drawing inspiration from film scores and personal experiences, Micha discusses how diverse influences shape her songwriting. She explores the importance of channeling emotions through characters, the power of creating new worlds in her songs, and how her creative process has evolved. Songs in this episode by Micha: A Better Person, Green, Memory Man (Ring A Bell), The Magic Stuff, Welcome To The BayRecorded in front of a live audience at So It Goes Coffeehouse in Coos Bay, Oregon on January 3, 2025.Socials: Instagram: @thesongwritingmind @ericprincessdragon @micha_orwhatever

In this episode of The Songwriting Mind, T Bird (Teresa Bird), singer-songwriter of T Bird and the Other Birds, shares her journey from writing silly ditties with her siblings to crafting deeply personal music while traveling. She discusses how her travels and the people she meets along the way shape her songwriting and inspire her to explore emotional depths. Songs in this episode by T Bird: Real World, The Beauty I Have Known, Now I See, Rainbow Sand, Feel This WayRecorded December 11, 2024 in Port Orford, Oregon.Socials: Instagram: @thesongwritingmind @ericprincessdragon tumblr.com/unidentifiedflyingtbird