Songwriters From Here And Away

This Train Crosses Canada - Geoff Arsenault interview & tracks, Matt Anderson and more great music

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

Celebrating East Coast Music Awards and Looking Back at Music Nova Scotia's 2025 Award Nominees

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

From Coffeehouses to Kerrville — Sam Robbins on Songwriting & Survival

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 [http://www.SamRobbinsMusic.com] https://www.facebook.com/sam.robbins.7777 [https://www.facebook.com/sam.robbins.7777] @sam.robbins.7777 Insta: @samrobbinsmusic #SamRobbins #SFHAA #SingerSongwriter #FolkMusic #AcousticMusic #CanadianPodcast #MusicPodcast #FingerstyleGuitar #MusicDiscovery www.SFHAA.ca

Dave Gunning: Field Notes and Fine Songs

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

The Weight of Words Across the Quiet Places: Canadian Songwriters

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.