Songwriters From Here And Away

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.

www.SFHAA.ca

www.AngelaSaini.com 

Episode 1: Live from Wolfville featuring Kim Barlow

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.

www.SFHAA.ca

#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

www.SFHAA.ca

 

This week on Songwriters From Here and Away, I’m joined by one of Canada’s most respected and celebrated songwriters, Dave Gunning. In this special interview episode, we talk about his acclaimed new album Field Notes, the stories behind the songs, and the journey that continues to shape his remarkable career.

We’ll hear tracks from Field Notes including Vincent Coleman, She Is The Swan, Angels Share, World Of Make Believe, Sunrise Trail, Going Nowhere Tonight, The Cost, Blue Heart, Pursued By Grace, Raven’s Glen. Plus some vintage Dave: These Hands, Horse For Sale, Saltwater Hearts and a Terra Spencer song Dave produced.

 

Known for powerful storytelling, unforgettable melodies, and deep roots in Atlantic Canada, Dave remains one of the finest voices in contemporary folk music.

🎧 Tune in for songs, stories, and conversation with a true Canadian master songwriter.

🔗 Official Website: https://DaveGunning.com

🎵 About Dave

Dave Gunning is a multi-award-winning singer-songwriter from Pictou County, Nova Scotia whose songs have earned national and international acclaim for their emotional depth, social insight, and vivid storytelling. Over a career spanning more than two decades, he has released a celebrated catalogue of recordings and toured extensively across Canada, United States, United Kingdom, and beyond. A multiple recipient of East Coast Music Awards and Canadian Folk Music Awards recognition, Gunning is admired by audiences and peers alike for songs that honour working people, history, home, and the human spirit. Whether on festival stages, theatres, or intimate listening rooms, he delivers performances marked by warmth, humour, and authenticity.

#DaveGunning #FieldNotes #SongwritersFromHereAndAway #CanadianSongwriters #NovaScotiaMusic #EastCoastMusic #FolkMusic #SingerSongwriter #CanadianFolk #MaritimeMusic #Podcast #MusicInterview #RootsMusic #SupportCanadianMusic

www.SFHAA.ca

This week’s episode leans into the emotional core of songwriting—apologies, longing, connection, and self-reflection. From intimate acoustic moments to richly textured arrangements, these Canadian artists explore what it means to stay, to leave, and to be truly heard. There’s a quiet strength running through this set—songs that don’t shout, but linger—offering listeners a deeply human, coast-to-coast musical experience. www.SFHAA.ca

Jessie Bird – “If This Is How Sorry Goes”

🔗 https://www.instagram.com/jessiebirdmusic

A raw and reflective take on apology, questioning whether words alone can ever be enough.

 

Alick Mac – “500 Days”

🔗 https://www.instagram.com/alickmacmusic

A thoughtful, time-marked journey through love and distance, carried by understated storytelling.

 

Jon Martin and Lovers – “Little Heartbeat”

🔗 https://www.instagram.com/jonmartinmusic

A tender, rhythm-driven piece that captures the fragility and persistence of connection.

 

Thea Koper – “If I Were A Stone”

🔗 https://www.theakoper.com

A beautifully introspective song imagining emotional stillness as both refuge and burden.

 

Elisa Thorn – “My Moon”

🔗 https://www.elisathorn.com

Delicate and atmospheric, this track glows with harp-led textures and poetic lyricism.

 

Geoff Arsenault – “Two Bodies, One Soul”

🔗 https://geoffarsenault.com

A warm, roots-infused duet exploring deep connection and shared experience.

 

Cam Blake – “Endless”

🔗 https://www.instagram.com/camblakemusic

A smooth, contemplative song that drifts through themes of time and continuity.

 

Ian Sherwood – “Don’t Want To Leave”

🔗 https://iansherwood.com

Energetic and heartfelt, this track balances urgency with emotional honesty.

 

Jesse Bird – “If This Is How Sorry Goes”

🔗 https://www.instagram.com/jessiebirdmusic

A second listen that reinforces the song’s emotional weight and lyrical nuance.

 

Jim Henman – “Round In Circles”

🔗 https://www.jimhenman.com

A seasoned songwriter’s reflection on cycles—musical, personal, and universal.

 

Shirley Jackson – “Do You Want Me To Be Honest?”

🔗 https://www.shirleyjackson.ca

A direct and compelling piece that confronts truth-telling with clarity and courage.