Songwriters From Here And Away

Lennie Gallant—An Interview with one of Atlantic Canada’s most iconic songwriters!

This week on Songwriters From Here and Away, I sat for a chat with Lennie Gallant, one of Atlantic Canada’s most acclaimed and enduring songwriters. With over a dozen albums, countless awards, and songs that have traveled from PEI to the International Space Station, Lennie’s music continues to resonate across generations.

In our wide-ranging conversation, Lennie opens up about the craft of songwriting, his connections to legends like Jimmy Buffett and Matt Minglewood, his forays into theatre, and even the surprising link between music and clams 🦪.

Along the way, we share songs from across his vast collection of recordings, including:

• Man of Steel
• Sirène de Matelot
• It Takes A Lot of Whisky
• Portugal to PEI (a tribute to Jimmy Buffett)
• Counting on Angels
• Please Wait
• Uncle Harold
• God's Reply
• Pieces Of You
• Peter's Dream (a true East Coast classic)
• Sequoia
• Black Spruce River (a nod to Matt Minglewood)
• Shelter From The Storms

This episode is as much about stories as it is about songs: tales of growing up on PEI, the inspirations behind the music, and Lennie’s reflections on how art connects us all.

🎧 Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering him for the first time, this deep dive into Lennie Gallant’s music is not to be missed.

🔗 Listen now sfhaa.ca
Learn more about Lennie Gallant at lenniegallant.com

From the Archives: Rediscovering Canadian Voices

This week on Songwriters From Here and Away, we're turning back the dial to revisit a memorable show featuring a stellar lineup of Canadian artists. From indie rock to soul and roots, this episode includes songs and conversations from:

• Pearly Gates – Don't Waste Your Time

• Wintersleep – Fool For A Life (written amidst political unrest and released in late 2024) www.wintersleep.com

• Jeff Beadle – Hard Times

• Wardrobe (ft. Aquakultre) – Better Days

• Progress (feat. Peetah Morgan) – Give Thanks

• Roman Clarke – SMH

• April Martell – I Paid It

• Jake and the Kid – Juniper

• The Dust Collectors – Alberta

• Claire Morrison – Jane (My Little Firecracker)

• Tom Wilson (Tehoháhake) – This Heart’s My Heavy Load

• Joe Stanton – Make Me Proud, from the album There You Go Joe Stantonjoestanton.com

• Secondhand Dreamcar – Lay Down the Load

• Roxy & The Underground Soul Sound – Daylight

• Rick Sparkes + The Enablers – Car Crash Sequence

Whether you're exploring sonic landscapes, rediscovering hidden gems, or simply in the mood for Canadian songwriting excellence, this episode brings a coast-to-coast musical journey.

Great Canadian Artists – A Songwriter Showcase

This week’s episode of Songwriters From Here and Away is a revisit to some of the amazing Canadian artists we’ve featured in past shows. From acoustic folk to cinematic pop, this lineup reflects the diverse and ever-evolving landscape of Canadian songwriting.

🎶 Featured artists include:

• Allen Dobb – poetic storytelling rooted in the Canadian landscape.

• Alanna Matty – indie-folk warmth with a modern edge.

• Tyson Ray Borsboom – heartfelt folk-pop with honest lyricism.

• David Krystal – textured songwriting that blends classic and contemporary sounds.

• Jordana Delgado – pianist and composer with cinematic flair.

• Vanessa Mood – soulful vocals and intimate songwriting.

• Rubber Tire Peep Show – quirky, inventive, and unforgettable.

• Mortimer, Be Quiet. – indie introspection with lush arrangements.

• Becky Prokova – vibrant voice and raw storytelling.

• The Brothers G – rootsy harmonies with a folk-rock foundation.

• Oleyada – dreamy pop soundscapes.

• Ocean Charter Of Values – bold, genre-bending indie rock.

• Jay Gavin – East Coast grit with country and folk influences.

• Vintage Lapointe – stylish and timeless Canadian songwriting.

From coast to coast, these songwriters bring unique perspectives, powerful lyrics, and unforgettable melodies. Whether you’re discovering new names or hearing old favorites, this episode is a reminder of the incredible talent in Canada’s music scene.

🎧 Listen now on your favourite Podcaster, or at SFHAA.ca

Great Canadians: From the Archives, A Concert with Ian Sherwood – Storytelling in Song

This week’s Songwriters From Here and Away comes straight from the archives, spotlighting the incredible Ian Sherwood. Known for his clever lyrics, warm voice, and saxophone chops, Ian has been a fixture in the Canadian music scene for years—earning accolades for both his songwriting and his captivating live performances.

In this episode, we revisit our conversation about songwriting as storytelling, blending humor with heart, and the power of live connection. Along the way, Ian shares a selection of songs that showcase his wit, warmth, and uniquely Canadian perspective.

Whether you’re discovering Ian for the first time or you’ve been following his career for years, this archive episode is full of timeless gems.

🔗 Listen now on your favorite podcast app or at SFHAA.ca

Angela Saini: All The Right Attitude, Tunes & Tales

In this episode of Songwriters From Here and Away, we have a visit with Angela Saini, a uniquely styled Canadian singer-songwriter with postive vibes, great voice, and creativity. Angela joins us to talk about her songwriting process, introduce her recent music, and share candid stories from her life and career.

We feature several original songs, conversation and live performance, and we get a glimpse into the mindset that shapes her artistry. Whether you're a songwriter, music lover, or simply curious about the creative process—this episode offers a genuine and spirited dive into artistry that stands apart.

Listen now on your favourite podcaster thingamajig, or better yet, visit SFHAA.ca to stream and subscribe.

The DOLL Group Method: Songwriting, Friendship & Creative Gold - A Chat with 3 hit Songwriters

🎧 NEW EPISODE!
Ever wonder what happens when three dedicated songwriters meet weekly to write and push each other creatively? Meet The DOLL Group — a powerhouse trio formed by:
🎶 D – Paul DeMarco (UK)
🎶 O – Bill O’Hanlon (Santa Fe, NM)
🎶 LL – Lucy LeBlanc (White Rock, BC)

They’ve written dozens (if not hundreds) of songs together, landed cuts, won awards, and made co-writing a joyful weekly habit. This episode dives into their unique approach, the magic of momentum, and why showing up really matters.

Listen in as we talk songs, process, persistence — and a little mischief.

🎙️ Listen wherever you get your podcasts!
www.SFHAA.ca 
https://SongwritersFromHereAndAway.Podbean.com 

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🔗 Artist Links 

• Paul DeMarco – https://www.pauldemarcomusic.com/

• Bill O’Hanlon – https://billohanlon.com/music/

• Lucy LeBlanc – https://www.lucyleblancsongs.com/

#SongwritersFromHereAndAway #TheDOLLGroup #CoWritingMagic #CanadianSongwriters #PaulDeMarco #BillOHanlon #LucyLeBlanc #MusicPodcast #BehindTheSongs #IndieSongwriters #CreativityUnlocked #NSRadio #PodcastLife #SongwritingTips

Canadian Songwriters Spotlight: From Blood & Salt Water to Happy Never After

This episode of Songwriters From Here and Away, we showcase music from outstanding Canadian songwriters—from the award-winning Lennie Gallant collaboration with Rose Cousins to fresh indie singles and rootsy originals. Tune in for engaging album tracks, and a deep dive into Canada’s rich songwriting community.

Featured Artists & Songs:

• Lennie Gallant – Blood and Salt Water (feat. Rose Cousins)
  A moving coastal ballad weaving Gallant’s storytelling with Cousins’ ethereal voice 

• Dave Gunning – Nothing On Me
  A wry folk confession from the award‑winning Nova Scotia songwriter, served with warm acoustic charm 

• Leanne Lightfoot – She’s Your Whiskey
  A fiery, soulful country number exploring love and longing.

• Kenny Jeon – I Never Knew The Man
  An emotional release blending indie folk with rich vocal sincerity.

• Nastasia Y – Love Until Dawn
  Dreamy alt-pop with emotive melodies and lyrical intimacy.

• Mike Szabo – Already Gone BWAV
  A rhythmic, groove-forward track combining pop and flow.

• Merv xx Gotti – You Are The One I Luhh
  Smooth R&B styling with heartfelt declarations and catchy hooks.

• Satellite Birdhouse – One More Afternoon
  Atmospheric indie folk with lingering mood and melody.

• Weird Lines – Oh, Horizon
  Bold alternative tones meeting poetic lyricism.

• Robin Layne & the Rhythm Makers – Paka Mwimbo
  A vibrant fusion of folk rhythms and expressive drive.

• Mike Leon – Living Large
  Confident, upbeat, and packed with melody and attitude.

• Scarlett Blind – Aphasia
  Introspective folk-pop with emotional weight and clarity.

• Blue Acres – Year Of Doubt
  Reflective indie songwriting layered with texture and tension.

• Campbell + Green – Way Too Easy
  Folk-pop interplay with vocal power and pensive piano. www.CampbellAndGreen.ca

• CMAGIC5 – Happy Never After
  Quirky and rhythmic indie-pop delivering clever twists.

Whether your taste runs to hearty roots, polished indie, or the intersection of storytelling and melody—this episode covers it all.

🎧 Listen now on your podcaster or visit sfhaa.ca

#CanadianMusic #LennieGallant #DaveGunning #SongwritersFromHereAndAway #EastCoastMusic #CanadianFolk #MusicPodcast #IndieCanada #RootsMusic #NewMusicListen

Music Nova Scotia 2025 awards Nominees Spotlight: A Celebration of East Coast Talent

This week on Songwriters From Here and Away, we shine a spotlight on some of the exceptional nominees from the 2025 Music Nova Scotia Awards. Join us for an inspiring mix of music from  these Nova Scotian artists:

• Charlie A’Court – multi-award-winning roots and Americana icon, fresh off a tour in Australia

• 11th & Duke – Pictou County rock-soul collective crossing genres with raw energy 

• Terra Spencer – funeral director‑turned‑folk‑pop storyteller, known for “butterscotch” voice and moving live shows 

• Joe H Henry –Métis Americana force dubbed “one of the brightest new lights on the East Coast” 

• Kristen Martell – bilingual folk-pop artist behind haunting harmonies and ECMA‑nominated albums 

• The Jazz Enthusiast – (Check platform for their official link)

• Morgan Toney – Juno‑nominated Mi’kmaq fiddler weaving Celtic and Indigenous traditions t

• Geoff Arsenault – veteran drummer‑turned‑solo songwriter whose new 2025 album Hired Hand flexes blues and soul

Tune in for live interviews, exclusive tracks, and a celebration of Atlantic Canada’s vibrant music scene. Whether you’re a folk fan, Americana lover, or jazz enthusiast, there’s something here for everyone. 🎧

Stream now on your favourite Podcast platform, or visit sfhaa.ca.