PODCAST · music
Write Songs You Love
by Michael Averill
Have you ever felt like you’ve lost touch with your inner creative compass? Is songwriting a practice you want to maintain for the rest of your life? Have you ever thought about “why,” you write songs? Each week, host Michael Averill shares heart warming stories from his own experience as a touring singer/songwriter, as well as with guests, about songs that have been impactful, and why. There's always a way to put your unique fingerprint in your songwriting, and Michael is here to help you do it. Walk along with Michael @writesongsyoulove on Instagram for inspiration, tips, and challenges.
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257
Inside the Iced Teacup Challenge 2026
The 2026 Iced Teacup Challenge is in full swing. Listen for this years prompts, and for a lovely creative challenge from singer/songwriter/CBC music columnist, Dan Tait.Hear Dan talking about the Iced Teacup Challenge on CBC, and get their excellent writing prompt here. If you create something for their challenge, submit it to [email protected], or call 1-855-222-5775 to share over the phone before Tuesday, August 18th. Share your thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.To join the Write Songs You Love Member calls, visit https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com/ to expand and nurture your creativity!
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256
Kris Bradley on Walking the Artist Path, Burnout, and the Myth of Being Fireproof
Kris Bradley — singer-songwriter, producer, and supporter of creatives around the globe shares about what it’s like to finally put herself first when it comes to her own artistry, and how burnout paved the way there. Stay up to date with Kris on her website here. Pick up her latest release Fireproof here.Share your thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.To join the Write Songs You Love Member calls, visit https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com/ to expand and nurture your creativity!
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255
Haley Blais on Small World Connections, New Collaborations, and Following the Fun Compass
Canadian singer-songwriter Haley Blais shares about how she makes creative decisions, her new upcoming project with Sam Lynch, and how her Grade 5 teacher gave her the nudge she needed to fall in love with music. Check out Haley’s happenings on her website here. Follow Haley on Instagram here.See Haley perform on August 1st in Kelowna at NestFest (Red Bird Brewing). Tickets here.Share your thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.To join the Write Songs You Love Member calls, visit https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com/ to expand and nurture your creativity!
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Michael Averill on Merging Old and New Songs in Piano Fire
Write Songs You Love host Michael Averill shares about the release of his new live off the floor piano focused collection titled “Piano Fire,” and shares stories from his upcoming book. Listen to Piano Fire on Bandcamp here. Share your thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.To join the Write Songs You Love Member calls, visit https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com/ to expand and nurture your creativity!
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253
Ethan McKibben on Growing Octopus Arms, Engaging Hypnosis, and Going for Thubb
Music community gatherer, producer, and drummer extraordinaire Ethan McKibben shares about the life and times behind the drum kit, pathways of learning, and his brand new co-created instrumental keys, drums and groove project, Rotary Crew.Follow along with Rotary Crew on Instagram.Check out Ethan’s unique music community building project here.To see the Fix You video with behind the scenes in real time, watch here.Check out Apollo Suns on Spotify.Share your thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.To join the Write Songs You Love Member calls, visit https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com/ to expand and nurture your creativity!
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252
5 Year Anniversary
Write Songs You Love just turned 5. Michael shares reflections, songs, and hopes for going into the future. Songs heard in this episode:Good for Something - Vaguely ObsessedTo See Love - Tiger Moon Share your thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.To join the Write Songs You Love Member calls, visit https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com/ to expand and nurture your creativity!
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251
Danaii on Song Manifestation, Diving into the Problem, and Finding the Right Words
Kelowna, Canada based Singer/Songwriter Danaii shares about the challenges and joys of putting together her brand new EP titled “My Garden.” Connect with Danaii on Instagram here.Listen to Danaii’s new album here.Share your thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.To join the Write Songs You Love Member calls, visit https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com/ to expand and nurture your creativity!
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250
Jackie Ourman on Burden, The Skill of Support, and The Benefits of Allowing Others to Show Up
Jackie Ourman, founder of the Social Connection Collective and a relationship and attachment therapist, shares about how the belief of being a burden can affect those who actually want to support, and what this means for sharing our songs.Connect with Jackie on LinkedIn, or her website.Check out the Social Connection Collective on LinkedIn.Check out the Emotion Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi.Share your thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.To join the Write Songs You Love Member calls, visit https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com/ to expand and nurture your creativity!
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249
Rumi Tsuchihashi on Paying Attention, and How to Use an Emotion Thesaurus
Author and micro-memoir teacher Rumi Tsuchihashi returns to share tips and tools for helping the emotions in our writing be felt deeper in the heart. Connect with Rumi through her website.Check out the Emotion Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi.Listen to Elijah Bekk’s song Be Alright.Share your thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.To join the Write Songs You Love Member calls, visit https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com/ to expand and nurture your creativity!
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248
Animal Symbolism
Have you ever had an unusual encounter with an animal, insect, or creature that seemed to mean something more? Might be a song in there.If you’re in the Okanagan region, and would like to attend the Butterfly Effect event on June 20th, visit their website here.Share your thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.To join the Write Songs You Love Member calls, visit https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com/ to expand and nurture your creativity!
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247
Confidence, Belief, and the Best Laid Plans
What we write and do is largely fuelled by some form of confidence in our abilities based on past experiences, but what happens when things don’t go as planned or expected?Share your thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.To join the Write Songs You Love Member calls, visit https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com/ to expand and nurture your creativity!
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246
CELIN on Spontaneous Musical Adventures, Layers, and Full Circle Moments
Alternative, pop, and neo-soul fusion artist CELIN shares about the experiences, layers, and songs behind her debut album release, “Purely Chemical.”Follow along with CELIN on Instagram.Find all of CELIN’s happenings on her website.Watch the pyramid jam of Crazy.Share your thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.To join the Write Songs You Love Member calls, visit https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com/ to expand and nurture your creativity!
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245
Miranda Krogstad on Humanhood, the Magic of Words, and What Makes You Wonderful
Spoken word poet and eternal optimist Miranda Krogstad returns to chat about all things creativity, language, and the fascinating intricacies of expression. Watch the Tapir poem Miranda did in collaboration with the Calgary Zoo.Follow along with Miranda on Instagram.Find all of Miranda’s happenings on her website. Share your thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.To join the Write Songs You Love Member calls, visit https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com/ to expand and nurture your creativity!
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244
Alexandra Wright on Family History, Haunting, and Bartering with the Mirror
Cinematic smoky soul rock singer-songwriter Alexandra Wright shares about her debut album release titled, “Bartering with the Mirror.” Follow along with Alexandra on Instagram.Check out her award winning video for Colorado on her website.Share your thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.To join the Write Songs You Love Member calls, visit https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com/ to expand and nurture your creativity!
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243
A Song That Changed Your Life
Has a song, either written by you or someone else, ever changed the course of your life?Share your thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.To join the Write Songs You Love Member calls, visit https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com/ to expand and nurture your creativity!
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242
Bob Wiseman on Improvisation, Scoring Film, and Grow-Up Pills
Song, score, wisdom, and more! Singer-Songwriter/Producer/Educator, Bob Wiseman shares about how music is often best discovered and appreciated when you learn to get out of your own way and stay open to possibility. To check out all things Bob Wiseman, visit here.Watch his mixed media concert here.Follow along with Bob’s Blog here.Get tickets to the Two Pianos, No Rodeo show at the Creekside Theatre on June 2nd in Lake Country, BC.Share your thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.To join the Write Songs You Love Member calls, visit https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com/ to expand and nurture your creativity!
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241
Share the Love
Bella Montana, our youngest songwriter and community member is in a local talent show, and needs support getting through the next round to share her song. Help vote Bella through here. It’s very easy. Check out what Bella is doing on Instagram.Share your thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.To join the Write Songs You Love Member calls, visit https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com/ to expand and nurture your creativity!
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240
Forgetting the Words
Forgetting the words is an absolute nightmare, or is it? Share your thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.To join the Write Songs You Love Member calls, visit https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com/ to expand and nurture your creativity!
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239
Fred Penner on Honour, Collections, and Caring for Your Audience
The one and only Fred Penner, award winning Canadian singing/songwriting legend, shares how his honour driven compass has led him to an interesting and deeply fulfilling life path. Visit Fred’s website here.Songs played in the episode: She’s a Baby, I Hear the Music, and Collections. Share your thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.To join the Write Songs You Love Member calls, visit https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com/ to expand and nurture your creativity!
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238
An Evening in the Valley Revisited
Almost one year from the original interview, Craig and Dane Milton of An Evening of the Valley return to share about the writing and sharing of their own songs for the first time. Check out Dane’s performance from An Evening in the Valley on March 21st, 2026. Share your thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.To join the Write Songs You Love Member calls, visit https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com/ to expand and nurture your creativity!
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237
A One Minute Moment
A one minute exercise, courtesy of Canadian Songwriter, Fred Penner, guaranteed to transport you deep into the land of rich songwriting. Share your thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.To join the Write Songs You Love Member calls, visit https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com/ to expand and nurture your creativity!
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236
Jon Deuling on Snowboarding and Songwriting
Granola eating, hot springs seeking Pacific Northwest progressive folk/roots artist Jon Deuling shares about all the places he finds inspiration. From wonder and freedom, to family and simplicity, to the apple stand and heart, Jon hits it all! For all things Jon Deuling music visit his website See him live at Frequency 528 on March 28th in Kelowna, BC.Visit Jon and family for your fill of fruit at the Fruit Truck. Share your thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.To join the Write Songs You Love Member calls, visit https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com/ to expand and nurture your creativity!
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235
Songs with a Twist
Expectations are a delight to play with. Care for a song with a twist?Songs played in this episode:Cowboys and Farmers, Douglas Mountain, written by Garry AverillHalf-Marathon, written by Claire KuzmykAll We Ever Need, written by Michael AverillShare your thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.To join the Write Songs You Love Member calls, visit https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com/ to expand and nurture your creativity!
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234
The Journey
Have you ever stopped to think about what a journey actually means?Share your thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.To join the Write Songs You Love Member calls, visit https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com/ to expand and nurture your creativity!
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233
One Day, Everything Changed
What’s your one day story? A day where everything changed. This episode is dedicated to Bernadette Jiwa.Share your thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.To join the Write Songs You Love Member calls, visit https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com/ to expand and nurture your creativity!
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232
Songs without Words
What can you say in a song with no words?Share your thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.To join the Write Songs You Love Member calls, visit https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com/ to expand and nurture your creativity!
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231
Heart
Today’s episode is dedicated to the late Mark Dhillon 💔.If you’re in Kelowna, visit Taco Delhi in Mark’s honour, and to support his family. Share your thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.
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230
Shri Ananda on Interpreting Other People’s Stories, Staying Open, and Practicing Gratitude
Octopus armed artist (Film, Music, Story, Wellness) Shri Ananda shares about the gifts of using many forms of media to explore authentic artistic expression.Check out all his media happenings on YouTube, or on his website Reelization Studios.Share your thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.To join the Write Songs You Love Member calls, visit https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com/ to expand and nurture your creativity!
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229
Sandy Klose on Writing with the Bass, and Teacup Sessions Volume 1
Australia based singer/songwriter, producer, and teacher, Sandy Klose shares about the making of an entire album made up fully of Teacup Challenge songs, recorded primarily with voice and double bass. Follow Sandy on Facebook.Join in on her Facebook live performance of her album on February 7th, 7pm Pacific time.Get the full album on Bandcamp here. Share your thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.To join the Write Songs You Love Member calls, visit https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com/ to expand and nurture your creativity!
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228
Kasia Rachfall on Fan Fiction Inspiration, Creative Capacity, and Following the Compass of Joy
Somatic healer, writer, and now recording singer-songwriter, Kasia Rachfall shares about the writing and release of her song “You Hung the Stars,” and how a character in her fan fiction writing inspired the creation of it. Follow Kasia on Instagram, or connect with her Joyful Rebel Writer happenings.Share your thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.To join the Write Songs You Love Member calls, visit https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com/ to expand and nurture your creativity!
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227
Ty Berendina on Stress that Motivates, Collaboration, and the Making of Wasted on the Rocks
Singer-Songwriter Ty Berendina returns to share behind the scenes of her first album, Wasted on the Rocks.Share your thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.To join the Write Songs You Love Member calls, visit https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com/ to expand and nurture your creativity!
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226
Tea-Cupdate 2026
The 2026 Teacup Challenge is coming to a close soon, and it has been as inspiring, fun, and productive as always. Listen in today for a new way of looking at the upcoming year. More info on the Teacup Challenge and where to join in on the fun here. You can still take part. Share your thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.To join the Write Songs You Love Member calls, visit https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com/ to expand and nurture your creativity!
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225
Teacup Challenge 2026 Begins!
Here we go folks! The Teacup Challenge 2026 has landed! Today’s episode shows how it’s done in real time, and gives tips on how you can participate to the fullest ❤️. More info on the Teacup Challenge and where to join in on the fun here.Share your thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.To join the Write Songs You Love Member calls, visit https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com/ to expand and nurture your creativity!
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224
Holiday Creativity
Wishing you all the best from Write Songs You Love ❤️. Thanks for a wonderful 2025! Share your thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.To join the Write Songs You Love Member calls, visit https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com/ to expand and nurture your creativity!
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223
Satoshi Yano on Keeping Music Fresh, Mixed Feelings, and Pineapples
A candid chat with Kelowna based Singer/Songwriter Satoshi Yano about the importance of staying nervous, sussing out who we write for, artistic subjectivity, and celebrating our friends. Share your thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.To join the Write Songs You Love Member calls, visit https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com/ to expand and nurture your creativity!
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222
Language
What you say has impact. *Note for those wanting to jam with the live song - the chords are C#, F#, Ab, with a Bbm, F#, C# turn around, (Not D, G, A, Bm, G, A as I said on the episode).Share your thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.To join the Write Songs You Love Member calls, visit https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com/ to expand and nurture your creativity!
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221
Daughter of the Moon on Going into the Vault, The Ocean of Songs, and Love Led Song Sharing
Travelling songstress and song seeker Daughter of the Moon makes her debut on the podcast with a big splash. We hit everything from purpose, to the places we write from, what we might deem as too much for public consumption, and the ocean of songs. Get your notepad out for this one. Follow along and connect with Daughter of the Moon on Instagram.Share your thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.To join the Write Songs You Love Member calls, visit https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com/ to expand and nurture your creativity!
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220
Kayla Dawn on the Magic of Boo Boos, Learning to Love Our Voice, and Being More Ourselves
Singer/Songwriter/Music Therapist Kayla Dawn returns to share about her new feel good and empowering anthem “More of Me,” and as well as the challenges that come with learning to love your voice. Connect with Kayla hereShare your thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.To join the Write Songs You Love Member calls, visit https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com/ to expand and nurture your creativity!
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219
Jodie B. on White Noise, Sharing Wisdom, and the Magic of Everyday Conversations
Jodie B, producer, engineer, multi-instrumentalist, performing artist, and owner of Frequency 528 returned to share about her latest release “White Noise,” how she’s helping artist/producers develop, and how the Frequency team is inviting in community conversations through a brand new podcast. Connect with Jodie on Instagram.Check out all the great happenings at Frequency 528. Listen to the Frequency 528 podcast.Share your thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.To join the Write Songs You Love Member calls, visit https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com/ to expand and nurture your creativity!
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218
Caleb McAlpine on The Patchwork of Influence, Friendly Reminders, and Re-Envisioning Old Work
Canadian songwriter/composer Caleb McAlpine, known as Common Fires, and also a member of the super indie rock group nightshades, speaks to the unique places we can find inspiration, how our friends can help keep us connected to our songs, and re-envisioning old work. Share your thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.To join the Write Songs You Love Member calls, visit https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com/ to expand and nurture your creativity!
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217
Harnessing the Request
“But people just want to hear songs they know.” Have you ever been told that as a performing songwriter? If so, this episode is dedicated to you. Share your thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.To join the Write Songs You Love Member calls, visit https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com/ to expand and nurture your creativity!
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216
Songs By Death Q&A with April Bell, Sailing the Sewage, and Afterlife Snacks
The annual Q&A with Death is here, this time with the twist of a guest host, and a brand new collaboration with a Write Songs You Love member!Connect with Songs By Death on Instagram. Grab tickets for Death’s show with friends at Freddy’s in Kelowna, BC, Oct. 31st! Share your thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.To join the Write Songs You Love Member calls, visit https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com/ to expand and nurture your creativity!
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215
Preparing for Death
If you could ask Death a question, what would you ask? Today's episode will help you get acquainted with Death, and may inform your question.Next week, Death is coming on to be interviewed by a special guest interviewer.If you have an inquiry burning to be answered by Death, send it in, and I’ll make sure it gets asked. Share your thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.To join the Write Songs You Love Member calls, visit https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com/ to expand and nurture your creativity!
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214
Starting Off on the Right Foot
Whether it’s songwriting, starting a show, or waking up in the morning, the foot we start off with makes all the difference. Share your thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.To join the Write Songs You Love Member calls, visit https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com/ to expand and nurture your creativity!
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213
Cole Blakely and Claire Kuzmyk on Storytelling for Performance, Writing What You Know, and Songwriting Processes
Singer/Songwriter extraordinaires Cole Blakely and Claire Kuzmyk discuss all the edges of their songwriting processes individually and collaboratively, as well as what can be explored in the public sharing of songs with stories. Visit Cole on Instagram.Visit Claire on Instagram.See them live at the Creekside Theatre on October 18th in Lake Country, BC. Share your thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.To join the Write Songs You Love Member calls, visit https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com/ to expand and nurture your creativity!
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212
Josh + Bex on Living in Our Emotions and Balancing the Light and Heavy
Monashee Mountain Folk duo from the Okanagan Valley of BC, Canada, Josh + Bex came on today to share about their roots as individual songwriters, and how they’ve creatively come together. Learn more and connect with Josh + Bex on their website.Visit them on Instagram.See them live at the Creekside Theatre on October 18th in Lake Country, BC. Share your thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.To join the Write Songs You Love Member calls, visit https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com/ to expand and nurture your creativity!
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211
Kandace Stoneman on Safety, Belonging, and Navigating the Struggle Bus
Speaker/life coach/emotional intelligence consultant Kandace Stoneman shares how making friends with our emotions can lead to a more fulfilling and creatively rich life. Learn more and connect with Kandace on her website.Visit her on Instagram.Share your thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.To join the Write Songs You Love Member calls, visit https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com/ and to expand and nurture your creativity!
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210
The Journey of a Little Red Wagon
My Dad wrote a song over 50 years ago using a little red wagon as an analogy to life. Somehow, the branches of this song continue to grow in unique and mysterious ways. To follow along with my personal artist/songwriter/speaking pursuits, visit https://www.michaelaverillproductions.com/To listen to Little Red Wagon and more of My Dad’s Songs, visit bandcamp. Check out Karen Angle's new record out now on Spotify!Share your thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.To join the Write Songs You Love Member calls, visit https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com/ and to expand and nurture your creativity!
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209
Ashleigh Summer on Leaning into Space, and Music on the Porch
Feel good folk pop slinger Ashleigh Summer shares about her recent release "Front Porch Swing," and the journey that comes with giving space to creativity and songwriting. Connect and follow along with Ashleigh on her website. Share your thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.To join the Write Songs You Love Member calls, visit https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com/ and to expand and nurture your creativity!
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208
Shalisa on Perspective, Making Things Lighter, and Releasing Songs for Different Reasons Than You Thought
Shalisa, country girl gone rogue, shares about the importance of perspective and sometimes being surprised about who songs actually resonate with. Connect and follow along with Shalisa in various ways here.Share your thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.To join the Write Songs You Love Member calls, visit https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com/ and to expand and nurture your creativity!
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Have you ever felt like you’ve lost touch with your inner creative compass? Is songwriting a practice you want to maintain for the rest of your life? Have you ever thought about “why,” you write songs? Each week, host Michael Averill shares heart warming stories from his own experience as a touring singer/songwriter, as well as with guests, about songs that have been impactful, and why. There's always a way to put your unique fingerprint in your songwriting, and Michael is here to help you do it. Walk along with Michael @writesongsyoulove on Instagram for inspiration, tips, and challenges.
HOSTED BY
Michael Averill
CATEGORIES
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