Write Songs You Love
By Michael Averill
Write Songs You LoveMar 07, 2024
Somber Seas on Dancing About the Darker Things, and Writing Towards the Why
Prince Rupert, BC based Indie Coastal Rockers, Somber Seas, came on today to share about their latest release Anchored, their upcoming album, and how working through darkness with songwriting can result in something fun.
Check out their music at https://somberseas.ca/
Grab tickets to their Revelry Show in Kelowna here
Check out their awesome disco video here
Share you thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.
For more songwriting prompts, challenges, good thoughtful fun, and to become a paid subscriber with awesome bonuses, check out the Write Songs You Love Newsletter at https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com.
jANiCKA on Finding Ways to Move, the Benefits of a Creative Nest, and Using the Word Momma
Listen to Saskatchewan based Artist, Producer, Transformational Embodiment Practitioner, jANiCKA, share about finding creative ways through difficulty - physically, mentally, and through relationship language.
Share you thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.
For more songwriting prompts, challenges, good thoughtful fun, and to become a paid subscriber with awesome bonuses, check out the Write Songs You Love Newsletter at https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com.
Vaguely Obsessed on Inclusion, Being Open to Happy Accidents, and Going Places You Think You Shouldn't Go
The Kelowna, Canada based duo Vaguely Obsessed came on to share their musical journey, the significance of being welcomed, and how living in a community of mentorship can be a wonderful thing.
For all things Vaguely Obsessed, visit their website
Share you thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.
For more songwriting prompts, challenges, good thoughtful fun, and to become a paid subscriber with awesome bonuses, check out the Write Songs You Love Newsletter at https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com.
Hopes and Dreams
Don't flush your hopes and dreams down the toilet. An episode about influences.
Check out Diggin' a Hole by Big Sugar
Share you thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.
For more songwriting prompts, challenges, good thoughtful fun, and to become a paid subscriber with awesome bonuses, check out the Write Songs You Love Newsletter at https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com.
Jodie B. on Lessons, Blessings, and Black Lavender
Singer-Songwriter, Producer, Jodie B. returned to the podcast today to share about the heartfelt reception she has received from her powerful last release, "Black Lavender."
Black Lavender is part of a monthly release series Jodie is undergoing, so watch for new info and songs at https://jodiebmusic.com
Share you thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.
For more songwriting prompts, challenges, good thoughtful fun, and to become a paid subscriber with awesome bonuses, check out the Write Songs You Love Newsletter at https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com.
Start in the Action
Wondering about a fun and engaging way to start your song? Start in the action!
Thank you to Claudia Stewart and Diane Barbarash for your song submissions!
To hear "The Gambler," by Kenny Rogers, listen here
To listen to Someone to Somebody again, head over here
Share you thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.
For more songwriting prompts, challenges, good thoughtful fun, and to become a paid subscriber with awesome bonuses, check out the Write Songs You Love Newsletter at https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com
The Fool
Ever come across a word or phrase and wonder..."Where does this come from?" or "Why do we say that?"
Share you thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group, and feel free to share your song if you take on the First Time song challenge.
For more songwriting prompts, challenges, good thoughtful fun, and to become a paid subscriber with awesome bonuses, check out the Write Songs You Love Newsletter at https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com
First Times
There's something about first times that's just...magic!
Share you thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group, and feel free to share your song if you take on the First Time song challenge.
For more songwriting prompts, challenges, good thoughtful fun, and to become a paid subscriber with awesome bonuses, check out the Write Songs You Love Newsletter at https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com
Giving Your Music the Release it Deserves
To move on, or to savour? That is the music releasing question...
Share you thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.
For more songwriting prompts, challenges, good thoughtful fun, and to become a paid subscriber with awesome bonuses, check out the Write Songs You Love Newsletter at https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com
Kris Anders on Home Songs, Investing in Your Music, and Dentist Radio Play
Canadian Rock Country fusion artist Kris Anders came on today to share wisdom gleamed from all sides of the music world....including the dentist!
For all things Kris Anders music, go visit https://krisanders.com/
Share you thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.
For more songwriting prompts, challenges, good thoughtful fun, and to become a paid subscriber with awesome bonuses, check out the Write Songs You Love Newsletter at https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com
Sabah Mirza on Values, Looking Back on What Shapes Us, and Dignity
Have you ever thought about why you do what you do, and why you write about what you write about?
Writer/Storyteller and Strategic Advisor, Sabah Mirza came on the podcast today to explore where our core values come from, and how they can guide our creative and life choices.
Share you thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.
For more songwriting prompts, challenges, good thoughtful fun, and to become a paid subscriber with awesome bonuses, check out the Write Songs You Love Newsletter at https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com
The upcoming values workshop will be included with a Write Songs You Love Membership!
Listen for Even Better Questions
So you've got asking questions down...How about listening for the next layer of depth?
Share you thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.
For more songwriting prompts, challenges, good thoughtful fun, and to become a paid subscriber with awesome bonuses, check out the Write Songs You Love Newsletter at https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com
Questions, Questions, Questions
Want more depth in your songs and conversations? Ask better questions.
Share you thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.
For more songwriting prompts, challenges, good thoughtful fun, and to become a paid subscriber with awesome bonuses, check out the Write Songs You Love Newsletter at https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com
Love and Attribution
In the spirit of Valentine's Day, it's good to share a little love.
Share you thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.
For more songwriting prompts, challenges, good thoughtful fun, and to become a paid subscriber with bonuses, check out the Write Songs You Love Newsletter at https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com
*Become a paid member before Feb. 15th 11:59pm Pacific, and receive a special Write Songs You Love Teacup for free!
Listen to David Francey here
Listen to Stephanie Ratcliff here
Find Jonathan Anderson's production work here
Listen to Twin Bandit here
Learn about The Saint James Music Academy
Listen to Daughter of the Moon here
Put it into Play
We spend a lot of time gathering information, but how much time do we spend putting it into action?
Share you thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.
For more songwriting prompts, challenges, good thoughtful fun, and to become a paid subscriber with bonuses, check out the Write Songs You Love Newsletter at https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com
*Become a member before Valentine's Day, and receive a special Write Songs You Love Teacup!
Camaraderie
A great deal can be achieved alone, but nothing opens up big growth and learning like stepping out of comfort zones in supportive community.
Share you thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.
For more songwriting prompts, challenges, good thoughtful fun, and to become a paid subscriber with bonuses, check out the Write Songs You Love Newsletter at https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com
Community Thoughts on Learning
What are your thoughts about learning? What does it do for you? Can you hit a ceiling? Is it ever a problem?
These are the questions I posed to the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community. This episode is their answers.
Share you thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.
Guitar based songwriters - Register for the guitar focused One Song Challenge starting soon https://www.writesongsyoulove.com/workshops
For more songwriting prompts, challenges, good thoughtful fun, and to become a paid subscriber with bonuses, check out the Write Songs You Love Newsletter at https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com
Carlos Baker on the Role of Music in Difficult Times, Being Ill Prepared, and Exploring What Artists Do
Professional musician, songwriter, and author Carlos Baker came on today to talk about moving through difficult physical and mental challenges, and how music was there time and time again along the way.
For more about Carlos and his music, visit https://ckbakerband.com.
Share you thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.
For more songwriting prompts, challenges, good thoughtful fun, and to become a paid subscriber with bonuses, check out the Write Songs You Love Newsletter at https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com
Paths and Perspectives
If you've ever doubted whether the path you're on is a worthwhile one, this episode is for you.
Share you thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.
For more songwriting prompts, challenges, good thoughtful fun, and to become a paid subscriber with bonuses, check out the Write Songs You Love Newsletter at https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com
Happy Tea-Cupdate
A brand new year, a brand new Teacup Challenge in full swing! Be inspired by the highlights 4 days in!
Join the challenge, and share you thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.
For more songwriting prompts, challenges, good thoughtful fun, and to become a paid subscriber with bonuses, check out the Write Songs You Love Newsletter at https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com
A Songwriting Year in Review
Looking back gives looking forward guide rails to ride on. What did your last year in songwriting give your coming year?
Share you thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.
For more songwriting prompts, challenges, good thoughtful fun, and to become a paid subscriber with bonuses, check out the Write Songs You Love Newsletter at https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com
Jillian Maguire on Saying Something with Your Music, Writing Angry, and Getting Arrested
Sassy Punk Rocker Jillian Maguire of the Tiny Milkshakes and Foghorn Lil came on today to share about her musical path, protesting, and the band's latest release "Everybody's Gettin' Arrested."
Find Tiny Milkshakes on Spotify.
To watch the video Jillian spoke about from Louise Harris called "We Tried," visit here
Share you thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.
For more songwriting prompts, challenges, good thoughtful fun, and to become a paid subscriber with bonuses, check out the Write Songs You Love Newsletter at https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com
Seasonal Inspiration
The Winter/holiday season can sometimes be a tough one for songwriting inspiration. This episode has a few prompts and thoughts that may work for you!
Share you thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.
For more songwriting prompts, challenges, good thoughtful fun, and to become a paid subscriber with bonuses, check out the Write Songs You Love Newsletter at https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com
Teacup Story Edition Update
Michael shares some of the awesome responses that members of the Write Songs You Love Community have been sharing during the Story Edition of The Teacup Challenge.
Share you thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.
For more songwriting prompts, challenges, good thoughtful fun, and to become a paid subscriber with bonuses, check out the Write Songs You Love Newsletter at https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com
I'm Kinda Over this Song....
Have you ever become bored of your old songs, or lost some mojo for them along the way? This episode may help.
Share you thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.
For more songwriting prompts, challenges, good thoughtful fun, and to become a paid subscriber with bonuses, check out the Write Songs You Love Newsletter at https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com
Teacup Challenge Story Edition and WSYL Cups
There is a new Teacup Challenge coming...and there is a twist!
To sign up for the new WSYL Membership, visit https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com/. Sign up before Dec. 1st, and receive a free WSYL Official Teacup!!
Share you thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.
Taylor Gross on Stumbling Forward, Getting Bored, and Serving the Song
Singer/Songwriter/Producer Taylor Gross, aka Rusty Someone came on today for a deeply heartfelt chat about his unknown next stages, and stepping away from music for a bit to reconnect with why he does it.
Listen to Taylor/Rusty Someone at https://rustysomeone.bandcamp.com/album/direction
Share you thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.
For more songwriting prompts, challenges, good thoughtful fun, and to become a paid subscriber with bonuses, check out the Write Songs You Love Newsletter at https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com
Kris Bradley on Expressing vs. Impressing, and Leaning In vs. Running Away
Singin’/Songwritin,’ Producin’ Entrepreneurin’ badass Kris Bradley came back on the podcast to share about her new journey into her artist self, and leaning in to vulnerability.
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Check out her recent adventures on Substack - Diary of a Musical Mystic.
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Share you thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.
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For more songwriting prompts, challenges, good thoughtful fun, and to become a paid subscriber with bonuses, check out the Write Songs You Love Newsletter at https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com
Giving Voice to the Critic
What would happen if you actually gave your inner critic the spotlight for a song?
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Check out this great and recent example by Tim Minchin and the Sydney Opera House for their 50th Anniversary - https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/birthday-festival/play-it-safe
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Share you thoughts on this episode and a bit about your writing process in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.
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For more songwriting prompts, challenges, good thoughtful fun, and to become a paid subscriber with bonuses, check out the Write Songs You Love Newsletter at https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com
Death Community Q&A and The Stranger
For the 3rd year in a row, Death (aka Songs By Death) returned to share about their newest recording, and to answer questions from the Write Songs You Love Community. These episodes are always an audience favourite!
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Listen to Songs By Death's music at https://songsbydeath.bandcamp.com/
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For more songwriting prompts, challenges, and good thoughtful fun, check out the Write Songs You Love Newsletter at https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com
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Share you thoughts on this episode and a bit about your writing process in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.
Miranda Krogstad on Defamiliarization, Digging for Inspiration, and Getting Somewhere Awesome
Spoken word poet and teacher Miranda Krogstad came on to talk about creative exploration, fostering artistic development, and offered some excellent prompts and tools for songwriting.
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To learn more, work with Miranda, and check out her new book, visit https://www.mirandakrogstad.com/
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For more songwriting prompts, challenges, and good thoughtful fun, check out the Write Songs You Love Newsletter at https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com
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Share you thoughts on this episode and a bit about your writing process in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.
Writing About Place and Setting the Scene
When was the last time you wrote about something special or profound that happened in a specific location, and called it by name?
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For more songwriting prompts, challenges, and good thoughtful fun, check out the Write Songs You Love Newsletter at https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com
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Share you thoughts on this episode and a bit about your writing process in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.
Comparing Opposites
Michael shares his Dad's song "Cowboys and Farmers," and offers some songwriting prompts in the spirit of the tune.
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For more songwriting prompts, challenges, and good thoughtful fun, check out the Write Songs You Love Newsletter at https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com
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Form more info about the upcoming One Song Challenge starting Oct. 23rd, or the Zoom Concert on Oct. 12th, visit https://www.writesongsyoulove.com/contact, and leave a message!
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Share you thoughts on this episode and a bit about your writing process in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.
My Dad's Songs and Songwriting Prompts
Michael shares a few of his Dad's songs, along with a few inspirations for songwriting ideas/prompts to go with them.
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Watch https://www.michaelaverillproductions.com/ for the release of My Dad's Songs on Friday, Sept. 29th, 2023
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Share you thoughts on this episode and a bit about your writing process in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.
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For songwriting prompts, challenges, and good thoughtful fun, check out the Write Songs You Love Newsletter at https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com
Process Part 2
Last episode opened up a great community conversation about the process of songwriting. Today's episode is all about sharing the community perspectives on the topic.
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Share you thoughts on this episode and a bit about your writing process in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.
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For songwriting prompts, challenges, and good thoughtful fun, check out the Write Songs You Love Newsletter at https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com
Process
Michael opens up the can of worms that is songwriting process. What ways do you find work best for you to write songs?
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Share you thoughts on this episode and a bit about your writing process in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.
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For songwriting prompts, challenges, and good thoughtful fun, check out the Write Songs You Love Newsletter at https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com
Michelle Spencer on Trust, Rest, and Lessons from the Death Industry
Australian Writer, Philosopher, Storyteller, and now Songwriter, Michelle Spencer came on the podcast today to share about her first experiences writing and sharing songs via the Iced Teacup Challenge, and shared wisdom from her work in the death trade, and from living with chronic illness.
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Follow Michelle's Arm Chair Rebel stories at https://armchairrebel.substack.com/
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Share you thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.
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For songwriting prompts, challenges, and good thoughtful fun, check out the Write Songs You Love Newsletter at https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com
Layers
If you want to write a song you love, look for layers.
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To listen to Lisa McGuire's episode that was referenced, visit
https://www.writesongsyoulove.com/podcast/lisamcguire
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For more info about Artists For Conservation, visit https://www.artistsforconservation.org/
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Share you thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.
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For songwriting prompts, challenges, and good thoughtful fun, check out the Write Songs You Love Newsletter at https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com
What Makes a Song You Love? Part 2
Michael follows up with audiences responses to the question "What makes a song you love?"
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Share you thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.
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For songwriting prompts, challenges, and good thoughtful fun, check out the Write Songs You Love Newsletter at https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com
What Makes a Song You Love?
What’s the difference between a song you love, and a song you don’t?
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Share you thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.
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For songwriting prompts, challenges, and good thoughtful fun, check out the Write Songs You Love Newsletter at https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com
Iced Teacup Challenge Progress
We're halfway through the 2023 Iced Teacup Challenge, and it's not too late to join and write some tunes in community over a hot or cold bevy!
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Share you thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.
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For songwriting prompts, challenges, and good thoughtful fun, check out the Write Songs You Love Newsletter at https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com
Iced Teacup Challenge Starts Next Week!
Michael shares a few stories and songs from previous Teacup Challenges, and announces the dates for the upcoming Summer version starting next week - The Iced Teacup Challenge!!
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Are there any prompts you’d love to see in the Iced Teacup Challenge? Let me know
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Share you thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.
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For songwriting prompts, challenges, and good thoughtful fun, check out the Write Songs You Love Newsletter at https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com
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Katie Dwyer on Recording and Releasing Old Songs
Singer/Songwriter/Producer Katie Dwyer came on today to speak about the challenges that come with releasing older songs, and how it can be tricky sharing when you don't feel like you connect to the previous experiences that they came from anymore.
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Get to know Katie more, and hear her music at https://katiedwyer.com/
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Share you thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.
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For songwriting prompts, challenges, and good thoughtful fun, check out the Write Songs You Love Newsletter at https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com
Better When Shared
Michael shares a story about a walk with an arrow, and some fun Write Songs You Love updates.
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Share you thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.
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For songwriting prompts, challenges, and good thoughtful fun, check out the Write Songs You Love Newsletter at https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com
Diane Barbarash on the Role of Art, Risking Being Seen, and Her New Hometown EP
Write Songs You Love alumni all-star Diane Barbarash came on to celebrate the release of her new album titled "Hometown," and shared inspiring stories of the process.
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Listen and support Diane's full EP on Bandcamp
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To attend the special WSYL Live Online Showcase on July 16th, send a message on Facebook, or through the Contact Page
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Share you thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.
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For songwriting prompts, challenges, and good thoughtful fun, check out the Write Songs You Love Newsletter at https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com
Rumi Tsuchihashi on Wonder Scanning, Course Correcting, and Making Up Words
Writer, Coach, and Storyteller Rumi Tsuchihashi came on today to share touching family stories, the role music has played in her life, and how we can keep our scanners open for a bit more wonder in our lives.
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Get in touch with Rumi at https://www.rumitsuchihashi.com/
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For John Coltrane's 13 minute and 44 seconds of "My Favourite Things" mentioned in the episode, go here
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To find "Space" by Michael Averill visit Bandcamp
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Share you thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.
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For songwriting prompts, challenges, and good thoughtful fun, check out the Write Songs You Love Newsletter at https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com
Music and Walking
Michael shares stories and songs from the beginning of his cross Canada walking music tour in lieu of the 10 year anniversary of that journey beginning.
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If you want to join the music walk on July 1st, in person or remotely, message Michael through the contact page or Facebook Group.
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Michael’s new album, “Famous People’s Songs,” will be available on Bandcamp, Spotify, and the streaming services on July 1st.
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Share you thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.
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For songwriting prompts, challenges, and good thoughtful fun, check out the Write Songs You Love Newsletter at https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com
Inspiring Situations
If you need inspiration, put yourself in inspiring situations.
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Share you thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.
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For songwriting prompts, challenges, and good thoughtful fun, check out the Write Songs You Love Newsletter at https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com
Signals
Everything we do is a signal. What signals are you sending with your songwriting, and the sharing of your songs?
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Visit Seth Godin's site, and check out his blog at - https://www.sethgodin.com/
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Share you thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.
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For songwriting prompts, challenges, and good thoughtful fun, check out the Write Songs You Love Newsletter at https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com
Not Every Song Needs to Hit the Stage
How would your writing change if you wrote like it was never going to hit the stage?
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There’s a new session of Put Pants on Your Songs starting on June 13th with one spot left. Register here
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Share you thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community group.
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For songwriting prompts, challenges, and good thoughtful fun, check out the Write Songs You Love Newsletter at https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com