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Home , Arnold Lanni, Ben Mink, Chuck Comeau, Dale Murray (musician), Dave Fortman, David Tyson

SPECIAL 25th ANNIVERSARY ISSUE ... NEW LOOK, NEW FEATURES, MORE OF WHAT NEED TO KNOW!!

$4.95 CDN MAGAZINE FALL 2008, Volume 11 Number 3

Simple Plan Flexing their creative muscle

The Trews ALSO IN THIS ISSUE … Refine the message POST-ELECTION : WILL THE TORIES KEEP CUTTING INVESTMENT IN THE ARTS? Ali Slaight 20 THINGS CHRISTOPHER WARD WANTS Into the spotlight YOU TO KNOW ABOUT WRITING SONGS William Hawkins S.A.C. AT THE ATLANTIC FILM FESTIVAL, ’s great BLUEBIRD NORTH,SONGWRITERS IN THE NEWS “lost” … AND LOTS MORE!

PUBLISHED BY Songwriters Association of Canada Association des auteurs-compositeurs Canadiens SONGWRITERS MAGAZINE FALL 2008 1 Executive Director’s Message

he summer and fall have been busy workshops in November in and Executive Director with many S.A.C. supported events. Saskatoon and in and Victoria in EDITOR Greg Quill MANAGING EDITOR Don Quarles Back in May, we teamed up with the New Year; S.A.C. In The Schools events T DESIGN Ambrose Pottie through the fall and winter right across the the folks at NSAI (Nashville Songwriters CONTRIBUTORS Don Quarles,Nick Krewen, MAGAZINE Association International) and hosted a country and more events bringing songwrit- Christopher Ward,Dale Leung, Greg Quill All photos courtesy of S.A.C., unless otherwise stated. file sharing discussion panel for Music ers and industry professionals together. Row North, a Toronto conference, Now that the federal elections are done, Canadian Publications Mail Agreement No. 40014605 showcase and celebration of songwriters. we’ll be trying to figure out who the new Canada Post Account No. 02600951 ISSN 1481-3661 ©2002 It was good to see many of you at our players are in the Departments of Heritage, Industry and Finance in hopes of connect- Songwriters Association of Canada Annual General Meeting in June, where a Subscriptions: Canada $16/year plus Fall 2008 Volume 11 Number 3 featured performance by new S.A.C. Board ing (or re-connecting) with them to ensure GST; USA/Foreign $22 CONTENTS member was the hit of the that programs like the Canada Music Fund continue and that even more funding is Songwriters Magazine is a publication of the FEATURES: night. Songwriters Association of Canada (S.A.C.)and is Other recent events included: The put into the development of Canadian published three times a year. Members of S.A.C. receive Humber Summer Songwriting Workshop, music, both domestically and abroad. With Songwriters Magazine as part of their membership. 5 ALI SLAIGHT which was held in July and was once again copyright reform, the continued support of Songwriters Magazine welcomes editorial comment. 5 the Canada Music fund as well as ongoing Opinions expressed in Songwriters Magazine do not Making her own moves a resounding success. We also hosted a file necessarily represent the opinions of the S.A.C. Address sharing panel discussion during Our Future discussion on monetizing music file sharing, submissions, inquiries and changes of address to: By Greg Quill in Music, a conference that took place in St. 26 Soho Street John’s in August. Suite 340 6 20 QUESTIONS We were present at the MIAC trade Toronto, Christopher Ward reveals as much as he dares in a show in Toronto in August and hosted an Canada M5T 1Z7 open mic and demo panel at the CCMAs in candid conversation about professional song craft Phone: (416) 961-1588 in September; a songwriter show- or: 1-866-456-7664 case called Soundtracks and Stories at the Fax: (416) 961-2040 THE BIG QUESTION: Atlantic Film Festival; a special songwriters E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.songwriters.ca panel at Pop in October; and a file Did the Tories learn anything from the pro-arts sharing panel and demo evaluation panel at All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be protests during the election, or will they keep the WCMAs in Edmonton. reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted slashing music-related arts programs? We also hosted our songwriter showcase, in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the Songwriters Association of Canada. An Evening in the S.A.C., at the Ontario By Greg Quill Council of Folks Festivals in October. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Hopefully some of you managed to get P h oto : S.A.C. President Eddie Schwartz 7 10 to the Radio Star New Songwriter Workshop Vice-President Bill Henderson Vice-President Greg Stephens o n : SWINGHAMME R I llust r ati East Coast rockers find their voice with series that was sponsored by CMW, Don with Cape Breton singer/ Treasurer Jim Vallance Sennheiser, and 12 Astral Media radio songwriter Bruce Guthro Secretary Greg Johnston No Time For Later stations, in partnership with the S.A.C. at the Atlantic Film Festival. Past President Stan Meissner Directors Joan Besen, Amelia Curran, By Nick Krewen They featured S.A.C. Board members, Emm there is still plenty to talk about. We look Emm Gryner, Marc Jordan, Gryner, Blair Packham and Jim Vallance. Blair Packham, Christopher Ward Humber Summer Songwriting Work- forward to being at those tables! 12 shop alumnus Ron McNeil (’06) was the In July, it was with regret that I accepted ADVISORY BOARD Jann Arden, Randy Bachman, Sell 7 million records, take a break in Florida, the resignation of Beverly Hardy, Tommy Banks, Liona Boyd, John Capek, , recipient of a single song contract with Lisa , Richard Dodson,Rik Emmett, Micky Erbe, stretch musical muscle … what could be simpler? OLE Music Publishing during their Hits- our Manager of Operations. Beverly had Roy Forbes, , Alan Frew, , Paul ville event at the CCMA’s in Winnipeg in been with the S.A.C. for the last 10 years Hoffert,Paul Janz, Ron Hynes, Ron Irving, Arnold Lanni, By Nick Krewen , Mike Levine, , Rita MacNeil, 10 September. After this event, Ron told me he and has helped to develop many of the pro- grams that are still running today. A special Sarah McLachlan, Murray McLauchlan, Dean McTaggart, attributes the success of his songwriting Frank Mills, Ben Mink, Adam Mitchell, Gary O’Connor, 15 WILLIAM HAWKINS development to his experience at the lunch was held for her that was attended by Declan O’Doherty, Blair Packham, Dave Pickell, , Humber summer songwriting workshop. staff and she was presented with a plaque Cyril Rawson, Sam Reid, Tyler J. Smith, Ian Thomas, The best Canadian songwriter you’ve never heard … and some gifts of thanks for her dedication David Tyson, Sylvia Tyson, Shari Ulrich, Valdy, Ron’s song “Places I Ain’t Never Been” was Jim Vallance, Nancy White till now co-written with Larry Wayne Clark and to years of service with the association. We By Greg Quill made it around all the bases to be signed to will miss her and wish her well in her future The S.A.C. gratefully acknowledges the support of 12 a single song deal. Way to go Ron! endeavours. Good luck Bev! The SOCAN Foundation and the Government of Canada, As always, feel free to drop into the Soho through the Creators’ Assistance Component I look forward to seeing many of you at of the Canada Music Fund 17 S.A.C. AT THE ATLANTIC FILM FESTIVAL upcoming events as well. Maybe we’ll see St. office in Toronto or give us a call and let Canadian songwriters showcase their work for us know what you are up to. We welcome you at: the Hey Big Ears demo evaluation international film makers panel; the “Reality Cheque” panel; our Song- your comments and questions on upcoming shop and file sharing panel at Nova Scotia events and activities in your area. By Don Quarles Music Week; a Master Class with John Ca- Keep on writing, pek in Gander, Newfoundland; Songposium Don Quarles

2 SONGWRITERS MAGAZINE FALL 2008 SONGWRITERS MAGAZINE FALL 2008 3 SONGWRITERS IN THE NEWS Haydain update

U.S. DIGITAL ROYALTY RATES January 31, Edmonton: S.A.C. Songposium their self-titled debut : Altered Laws Haydain Neale, front man of “There is still much to be done”. SET IN LANDMARK DECISION workshop with Jim Vallance, Ariel Hyatt, (Outstanding Recording) for Metaphora; jacksoul, is continuing to recover from We all know that Haydain’s focus The U.S. Copyright Royalty Board has Ryan Zimmerman. Saskatchewan’s Little Miss Higgins (Out- his accident back in August last year. will be on his family upon his return decided not to raise the royalty rates standing Blues Recording) for the Junction February 7, Victoria: S.A.C. Songposium Neale sustained serious injuries, but but we still look forward to having him paid to songwriters and music publish- City; State of Shock (Outstanding Rock Re- workshop with John Capek, Ariel Hyatt, is continuing to improve and steadily bring more of his music to the world and ers for physical product and permanent Mark Adams, Don McLeod. cording) for Life for Love and Lies; Twilight downloads. Hotel (Outstanding Roots Recording – Group) progressing with his rehabilitation. continue to join us in the mission to help After a closely-watched proceeding, the February, Date TBA. Toronto: for Highway Prayer; and reggae revivalists Both Michaela and Haydain recently all Canadian songwriters. Hang in there three-judge CRB panel in September set S.A.C. Power Songshop. Souljah Fyah (Outstanding Urban Recording) celebrated a birthday, and Haydain has Haydain! the rate for songwriters and publishers of February, Date TBA, : for Truth Will Reveal. been doing great with his physiotherapy To send well wishes to Haydain and 9.1 cents per song for digital downloads, S.A.C. Power Songshop. The WCMAs also paid special tribute to work and has had several rehearsals with his family, you can do so at but decided that the rate for physical Edmonton music legend Senator February 26- March 1, Cornerbrook: his band, practicing popular jacksoul [email protected], or by mail products should remain at 9.1 cents, Tommy Banks, Vancouver Celtic-rockers East Coast Music Week. tunes. c/o the S.A.C. head office 26 Soho Street, effectively equating the value of physical , who were both inducted Suite #340, Toronto, M5T 1Z7. discs with downloads from Internet retail- February 18-22, Memphis, TN: in the WCMA Hall of Fame. He has been walking in a special ers such as Apple, through its iTunes International Folk Alliance Conference. Feist, k.d. lang and Nickelback were all therapy pool and doing other physi- Costs for his rehabilitation continue cal and voice therapies, keeping him and if you wish to contribute to help offset store, and Amazon.com. March 11-14, Toronto: acknowledged in the International This was less than the 12.5 cents per Canadian Music Week. Achievement category. busy almost every day of the week. On these expenses, a special fund has been song the National Music Publishers – Stephen a recent visit by the S.A.C.’s Executive set up for this purpose. Donations can be Association and other songwriter lobby- March 13-22, Austin, TX: SXSW 2009 Carroll, John Samson, Greg Smith Director, Don Quarles, Don told Hay- sent to the S.A.C. office, payable to: “The Festival and Conference. ists had wanted, but better than the rate and – also won SOCAN’s dain how much he has been missed by Haydain Neale Family Trust”, or through , of six cents suggested by the RIAA on March 29 Vancouver: Juno Awards. ECHO Songwriting Prize, for the song the association and Board. Haydain said, PayPal via the jacksoul.com website. behalf of record labels. “Night Windows”, in October. The CRB also set a rate of mastertone THE WEAKERTHANS The ECHO is adjudicated by an PHOTO: Stephen Uhraney ringtones at 24 cents. Music publishers SCORE AT WCMAs independent panel of 10 music will have the right to seek a 1.5% late Winnipeg alt.country-rockers The community tastemakers who select the Great Expectations: fee, calculated monthly. Weakerthans were the big winners at this five songs they feel best show the variety These latest decisions follow the and creativity of new Canadian songwrit- Ali Slaight Steps Up BY GREG QUILL announcement of a rate of 10.5% of rev- ers, then decided by a public vote in the enue for limited downloads and interac- month preceding the presentation. tive streaming services, less any amounts Taking advantage of the summer break coach Elaine Overholt – on recordings Fish Fry’s Dirt Road Blues CD last year. owed for performance royalties. DOC WALKER in her studies at the prestigious Berklee since her mid-teens. She has been featured Slaight’s first release, 2007’s “The Story SWEEPS CCMAs School of Music in Boston, 20-year-old on a handful of high-profile compilations of Your Life”, was a Top 10 Canadian UPCOMING EVENTS Hometown boys Doc Walker were the big Ali Slaight spent her “down time” record- – Women and Songs 11, The Cool Jazz radio hit. It was also prominently featured October 23-26, : OCFF, S.A.C. Demo winners at the Canadian ing at home in Toronto. Collection 2 and The Real Divas Torch on CBC-TV’s recap of Beijing Olympics Panel/File Sharing Panel and Songwriter Awards staged at the MTS Centre in The grand daughter of legendary Light, Vol. 2, and with the Berklee student highlights. Showcase. Winnipeg in September. Canadian radio programmer/broadcast- trio, Take Three, on the seasonal offering “‘Great Expectations’ picks up where Of the eight awards handed out at the ing mogul Allan Slaight, and daughter of Home For Christmas, which has received ‘Story Of Your Life’ left off,” says November 6-7, Gander: S.A.C. Songwriters awards ceremony, five were presented to Masterclass Workshop with John Capek. PHOTO: Brooks Reynolds longtime Standard Radio poo-bah Gary substantial national airplay. Slaight, who began her fifth semester at November 6-9, Pictou County: Nova Scotia Slaight – recently retired, after the family The same trio – Slaight, Bess James Berklee, studying songwriting, perfor- Winnipeg’s The Weakerthans took three major Music Week, S.A.C. Songshop and File business and the nation’s biggest radio and Stacey Kaniuk, calling themselves The mance and music business, in September. sharing Panel. awards at the WCMAs and SOCAN’s ECHO property was sold to Montreal’s Astral Roomies – recorded Dylan’s “It Ain’t Me, “It basically says that there’s nothing Songwriting Prize. Media – released her first six-song EP, stopping you from achieving what you November 15, Toronto: S.A.C. Songposium Babe” on Toronto jazz pianist/composer workshop with Jim Vallance, Janis Nixon, year’s Western Canadian Music Awards Trace The Stars, late October via a distri- Bill King’s side project, The Saturday Nite want, if you set your mind to it.” Martin Tremblay. ceremony, walking off with Outstanding bution deal with Universal Music Canada. Independent Album, Songwriters of the Year A collaboration with Canadian November 22, Toronto: ANDPVA, S.A.C. PHOTO: MAPLE MUSIC Songwriter Showcase. and Video of the Year for their Reunion producer Justin Gray (Joss Stone, Bret Tour album. Doc Walker – big winners at the CCMAs Ryan, Kim Stockwood) and writer Simon November 23, St. John’s: Canadian Folk The sixth annual WCMAs, staged in Winnipeg. Wilcox (Three Days Grace, Jorane), the Music Awards. Oct. 19 at the Myer Horowitz Theatre Doc Walker, including Group or Duo of the daughter of famed Canadian guitarist

November 29, Saskatoon: in Edmonton and hosted by by CBC’s Jian Year, Album of the Year and the coveted and songwriter David Wilcox, Trace The Gomeshi, celebrated the best recording S.A.C. Songposium workshop with John Fans’ Choice Award, which was handed to Stars features four songs co-written by Capek, Ariel Hyatt, Steve Chisholm. artists from , Sakatchewan, the band by Ultimate Fan contest winner Ali. Alberta, and the Yukon. December 2, Vancouver: S.A.C. Music Kendle Leitz, from Calgary, AB. The lead-off single, “Great Expecta- In all, 19 awards were handed out. Breakout Canadian country music artist Supervisor session featuring Rebecca tions”, which has already been playlisted Rienks. Among other winners were Edmonton‘s Jessie Farrell took awards for Female Artist Corb Lund (Outstanding Roots Recording - of the Year and CBC’s Rising Star. on 1050 CHUM in Toronto, is a Simon December 3-6, Vancouver: Transmission Solo), for his album Horse Soldier! Horse Last year’s Independent Male Artist of Wilcox composition. conference. Soldier!; Paul Brandt (Outstanding Country the Year Johnny Reid won for Male Artist If Slaight’s voice sounds familiar it’s January 18-21, Cannes, France: MIDEM Recording) for Risk; Winnipeg rockers The of the Year. because she has been quietly honing her 2009. Liptonians (Outstanding Pop Recording) for CONT. ON PG. 10 chops – under the guidance of star vocal PHOTO: COURTESY UNIVERSAL MUSIC CANADA

4 SONGWRITERS MAGAZINE FALL 2008 SONGWRITERS MAGAZINE FALL 2008 5 20 QUESTIONS WITH … CHRISTOPHER WARD read a lot, so no doubt stuff seeps into my 13. Any remedies for writer’s block? subconscious from there along with overheard The Big Question: Keep going. The Big Question: conversations and signs on passing buses. 14. Do you work with a producer on demos or 5. Have you ever written to a pre existing do you self produce? lyric? Will the Tories Keep Slashing I usually work with a track genius. No. 15. What was the track you least expected to 6. Have you ever written to a pre existing Investment in Canada’s Culture? place? Investment in Canada’s Culture? track? “Beautiful Goodbye”. BY GrEG QUILL Many times. 16. What’s the most obscure royalty cheque 7. What are your favourite themes to write you’ve ever received? about? None of them is obscure. They are all my Anything that has emotional resonance. little children coming home to daddy. 8. Is there a concept that you have yet to 17. What’s your favourite studio experience? write about that you’d like to write a song about? Having Rose Stone from Sly & The Family Stone sing on ’ second album. Sometimes current events move me, but I She explained that odd thing she sings in find I’m rarely capable of responding artisti- “Hot Fun In The Summertime”. I’ll tell you cally. 1. What got you started writing songs? about it sometime. 9. Are there any rules to songwriting that you Growing up, all that mattered was road 18. What’s the lamest comment you’ve ever consistently adhere to? hockey and music and only one of them was heard in response to one of going to help me meet girls. If it doesn’t feel right, fix it. your demos? 2. What comes first-- the music or the lyrics? 10. Is there a songwriting rule that you con- “I like the chorus, but that last line, ‘if you tinually ignore? There’s no set approach. please’, is a complete copout.” Standard meter. 3. At what point do you think about the ar- 19. What’s the longest period you’ve gone rangement of the song? 11. Is there a genre specific “rule” that has without writing? enhanced your last couple of cuts? Rarely. The song is for the most part separate Up till about age 14. from the for me. Engage the listeners’ senses with the lyric. 20. What’s the strangest co-write experience 4. Where do the lyrics come from? 12. Ever suffered from writer’s block? you’ve had? Pro-arts protests across the country made My notebook. Ok - I really don’t know. I No, I just write some bad songs. Trying to channel Diana Ross’ inner life. CULTURE A HOT-BUTTON election issue... but the message may have fallen on deaf ears The Songwriters Association of Canada Presents

songposium he Canadian music community is in-house “strategic review” of arts and Trade Routes program that supports film A One-Day Intensive Seminar for Songwriters featuring again holding its collective breath after culture programs. and music exports, administered by Heri- T numerous high-profile, nation-wide During the summer, before the election tage Canada. Music Industry Vets Jim Vallance, Janis Nixon and Martin Tremblay protests over the Harper government’s Harper countered mounting criti- $45-million cuts to major arts programs “Fewer Canadian acts cism with claims that his government had SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2008 – LE MERIDIEN KING EDWARD, TORONTO brought cultural policies into the forefront will be able to take part increased arts funding by some $80 million during the run-up to October’s federal elec- in showcases in major in the last four years. tion, but failed to prevent the Conservatives But a subsequent investigation by the Acclaimed songwriter Jim Vallance (, ), as well as music industry veterans Janis Nixon of Uni- foreign talent conferences. versal Music and Martin Trembley, Virgin Radio’s Program Director, will be on-hand to impart invaluable wisdom and from returning to power with a slightly Globe and Mail concluded: “A close look advice about the business of songwriting. increased minority. Hundreds of small at federal budget documents suggests that Songposium will begin at 9:00 a.m. on November 15th with Jim Vallance presenting “Anatomy of a Hit”, a fascinat- The big question is whether re-elected businesses in the nearly $45-million in recent federal fund- ing look at the songwriting process from conception, to rough demos to successfully delivering a hit to radio. Universal Prime Minister Stephen Harper has taken Canadian arts sector ing cuts are symptomatic of a larger trend Music’s Janis Nixon will then be on-hand to deliver essential information about “Cyber PR”, a practical discussion and heed of the message conveyed in hundreds under the Conservatives that has seen overview of Web 2.0 and how to utilize and apply the internet to the business of songwriting. The “Radio Programmer” of formal and informal protests that took representing millions dollars gradually shifted away from arts and segment will be lead by Virgin Radio’s Program Director Martin Tremblay, who will reveal how the station selects new place across the country in the weeks before of dollars in cultural culture, and funneled instead into other songs and what it takes to balance the tastes of radio listeners with the needs of advertisers. Songposium will conclude the election – some, like famed revenue will be affected.” branches of the Department of Canadian with “Demo Evaluations” – an opportunity for participants to submit a song for evaluation by the panel of experts – singer/songwriter Michel Rivard’s brilliant Heritage that focus on the department’s visit songwriters.ca for submission guidelines. video satire Culture In Peril, which scored was called, Harper cut some $23 million social mandate. more than 500,000 hits on the Internet’s from major programs regularly accessed “Although there is some truth to the SONGPOSIUM - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2008 - 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. YouTube, made headlines, while others are by the music industry They include the key government’s claims, they derive their force Le Meridien King Edward, Sovereign Ballroom, 37 King St. East, Toronto credited with galvanizing a strong pro-arts $4.7 million ProMart program, an artists’ from a vague definition of ‘culture’– which ADVANCE TICKETS: $29 for S.A.C. members & students, $39 for non-members voter turnout – or continue cutting funds as travel support fund operated by the Depart- can comprise everything from FOR TICKETS & INFO CALL 1-866-456-SONG OR VISIT WWW.SONGWRITERS.CA - SPACE IS LIMITED part of the Tories’ secretive, non-inclusive, ment of Foreign Affairs, and the $9-million CONT. ON PG.8

6 SONGWRITERS MAGAZINE FALL 2008 SONGWRITERS MAGAZINE FALL 2008 7 THE BIG QUESTION CONT. FROM PG. 7 will be affected.” S.A.C. In The Schools songwriter/performer. Through this recitals to (English as a Second Language) Some Canadian music industry insiders Program Expands initiative, it is hoped that these young classes,” The Globe reported. even fear the Tories’ may start dismantling people will gain a greater respect for The Tories also cut $300,000 formerly FACTOR, the Fund to Assist Canadian Tal- The S.A.C. In the Schools program is the songwriter and ultimately listen to set aside for the Audio-Visual Preservation ent On Recordings, for decades the essential designed to reach out to a younger music differently. Trust of Canada, which archives, restores, infrastructure of the nation’s recording and audience with the objective of giving The S.A.C. plans to expand its and makes available for digital distribu- music marketing systems. them an opportunity to learn more S.A.C. In The Schools program and tion, Canadian film, television and musical They are not alone. In a statement issued about songwriting through the eyes and create opportunities for educators, recordings; $1.5 million from the Canadian before the election, the Canadian Film and ears of those who are making a living schools and students across the coun- Independent Film and Video Fund, which Television Production Association said it at creating music. It gives elementary try to learn more about the craft of helps top up the budgets of independent Ca- fears “this latest round of cuts may be the songwriting. In 2009, the S.A.C. will nadian films and triggers private investment thin edge of the wedge for more significant be partnering with the Vancouver host in Canadian films of up to $120 million; cuts to (the arts) sector later this year.” Juno committee to bring songwriting The Keats sisters, Sharlene (Loveless) and $2.5 million from the National Training Harper gave artists no hope during the into Greater Vancouver area schools and Jolene (R) perform their original song “Bring On The Next Town” at the S.A.C.’s Program in the Film and Video Sector. election, characterizing them as “people … with the help of the SASS program Open Mic at the CCMAs in Winnipeg. The programs, cancelled as of April 2009, at a rich gala, all subsidized by the taxpayers, (www.sasscanada.net). Photo, courtesy S.A.C. Legendary Quebec songwriter have proven their worth with a demon- Michel Rivard was depicted claiming their subsidies aren’t high enough” If know of a school that might be strable increase in export opportunities for in the hilarious anti-Harper and as somehow different from “ordinary interested in a S.A.C. In The Schools er/songwriter Chris Burke-Gaffney, and Canadian musicians over the last five years. viral video Culture In Peril working people” program, visit the songwriters.ca Barb Sedun, manager of the Manitoba “The cancellation of ProMart and Trade as a humble, well meaning Despite the Tories’ infuriating silence website or contact the head office at Film and Sound Music Fund. folk artist confronting a neo- Routes will severely affect our ability to cre- McCarthyite panel of suspicious on cultural policies during the campaign – 1-866-456-SONG. The event attracted a large crowd of ate and train artists and industry profession- Anglo bureaucrats with no even in the face of strong pro-culture planks songwriters who received feedback on als to work on a global scale,” said WCMA, understanding of the country’s presented by the NDP, the Liberal Party, the S.A.C. HOSTS TWO their tunes and advice on the music cultural assets or his simple the umbrella organization for the five Green Party and the Bloc Quebecois, which Christopher Ward and Hayley Gene CCMA EVENTS business. The host was S.A.C. Execu- funding needs. THE HARPER display and discuss the art of western music industry associations – Music CUTS PROMpTED PROTESTS LIKE all promised to restore funding slashed by tive Director Don Quarles. songwriting in a Winnipeg school as THE ALL-STAR RALLY THIS IS NOT A Harper and substantial additional federal The S.A.C. sponsored two events at The second event was an open mic BC, Music Yukon, Alberta Music, SaskMusic part of S.A.C In The Schools program. and the Manitoba Audio Recording Industry CONSERVATIVE PARTY IN TORONTO investment in the arts, as well as copyright this years CCMA’s in Winnipeg in opportunity for delegates to perform Association – in a statement protesting the (POSTER BELOW) legislation impacting the use of and remu- and secondary students an opportunity September. The first was a demo original songs for an enthusiastic audi- cuts. neration for music and other intellectual to see and hear professional songwrit- evaluation panel featuring Joan Besen ence. Over 25 songs were performed The effects of the federal funding, a small property on the Internet – there’s at least one ers talk about their songs, their writing (S.A.C. Board member and songwriter/ at this event, hosted by country artist/ fraction of the $85 billion in cultural busi- sign Harper might have taken notice of the processes and what it’s like to be a performer with Prairie Oyster), produc- songwriter, Jamie Warren. ness and taxable revenue it generates, cannot protests, particularly those mounted in Que- be overestimated, said Duncan McKie, presi- bec, where culture is a fundamental issue dent of the Canadian Independent Record and the federal Conservatives are definitely Production Association. not welcome. Canadian musicians, deprived of future In the belated announcement of the PHOTO: COURTESY DEPARTMENT OF CULTURE promotional funding in major markets in Tory platform just days before the election, Europe and Asia as a result of the ProMart Canadian Content Online program.” Harper’s controversial Bill C-10, which and Trade Routes cuts, will also suffer from The 2008 cuts followed others made was universally denounced as censorship the withdrawal of funding to the Audio- to the Foreign Affairs budget in 2006 that because it would have allowed government- Visual Preservation Trust, said its director virtually eliminate the cultural advocacy appointed bureaucrats to withhold or David Novek. and representational functions of Canada’s withdraw funding from Canadian movies “This fund assists the archiving and embassies, formerly of invaluable service to and TV programs deemed by the panel as public exhibition of the work of English- and Canadian artists performing and attending pornographic or violent, was killed. French-language Canadian composers. We arts conventions abroad. “Although these proposals were approved deplore the decision.” “The prospects beyond 2010 are unanimously by the House of Commons, we The Canadian Music Centre, which used disastrous,” East Coast Music Association will take into account the serious concerns a $25,000 Audio-Visual Preservation Trust executive director Steve Horne said. “Music that have been expressed by film creators grant last year to retrieve 9,000 archival industry conferences in Canada will yield and investors,” the platform stated. musical recordings dating back to 1945, less because showcases will be unattended by Whether the Tories will take into ac- transferring them to digital audio formats, foreign music buyers, agents, label represen- count the serious concerns that have been TWO YEAR PROGRAMS ONE YEAR PROGRAMS and their scores to digital document files tatives and radio programmers whose travel expressed by other sectors of the nation’s arts prior to making them available online, will and accommodation expenses were partly industry – which employs 1.1 million Cana- have to cease its work unless replacement paid by these federal funds. dians, contributes 7.5 per cent of the Gross private sector funding is found, said execu- “And fewer Canadian acts will be able Domestic Product, and returns between tive director Elizabeth Bihl. to take part in showcases in major foreign $11 and $17 for every dollar invested – or “This is music that would have otherwise talent conferences. Hundreds of small busi- follow through with even more reductions been lost, a valuable cultural asset. Because nesses in the Canadian arts sector represent- in federal investment in culture, remains the of the cuts we won’t be able to complete our ing millions of dollars in cultural revenue big question. Metalworks Institute is registered as a private career college under the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005.

8 SONGWRITERS MAGAZINE FALL 2008 SONGWRITERS MAGAZINE FALL 2008 9 tor of the Ottawa Folk Festival. SONGWRITERS IN THE NEWS Peter MacDonald is the new Executive Director of the Ontario Council of Folk CONT. FROM PG. 4 Festivals (OCFF), starting November. The live telecast, hosted by Terri Clark, OLIVER SCHROER TO BE He replaces Erin Benjamin who left included performances by Dierks Bentley HONOURED AT CFMA the OCFF earlier this year. Music and Meaning with Sarah Buxton, Paul Brandt, George Influential composer and violinistOliver The Trews: Canyon, Emerson Drive, Kellie Pickler, Schroer, who died in July of leukemia, PASSING: TEENAGE HEAD’S East Coast rockers refine their message delivery system and Crystal Shawanda. leads the field of nominees at the fourth FRANKIE VENOM annual Canadian Folk Music Awards gala Canadian punk icon, CARIBOU TAKES taking place Sunday, November 23 at the Teenage Head lead BY NICK KREWEN POLARIS PRIZE Arts & Culture Centre in St. John’s, Nfld. singer Frank Kerr — aka Post-psychedelic electronica pop artist Schroer, nominated in the Contemporary Frankie Venom — died o Time For Later, the third rock Dan Snaith, from Dundas, Ont., was Album Of The Year, Solo Instrumentalist October 15. awarded the $20,000 Polaris Prize, hon- Of The Year, Producer Of The Year and Kerr had recently opus from Toronto-based East ouring the best of Canada’s annual crop Pushing The Boundaries categories, will battled throat cancer N Coast exiles The Trews, is as much a of new independent pop artists, at be honoured in a special tribute at the and spent Thanksgiving mandate as it is a title. a concert gala featuring live or video awards ceremony. weekend with his family before slipping Make that a lyrical mandate. For their performances by all ten contenders at Vancouver roots singer-songwriter into a coma. He was 51. third complete studio album lead singer Toronto’s Phoenix theatre Sept. 29. Wyckham Porteous and Nova Scotia Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Kerr was the and writer Colin MacDonald and his Snaith, who records as Caribou, won fiddlerTroy MacGillivray are close behind lead singer of the Hamilton-based band merry band – guitarist/bro John-Angus for his album Andorra. with three nominations each. which formed at Westdale High School MacDonald, bassist Jack Syperek and Other finalists for the third annual Scheduled to perform at the CFMA gala in 1975. Polaris Prize were Two Hours Traffic, Holy are Figgy Duff, Murray McLauchlan, Rita Teenage Head released its first inde- drummer Sean Dalton – decided it was Fuck, Basia Bulat, , Plants Chiarelli, Enoch Kent, Asani, Anne Lindsay, pendent single in 1978 and its legendary high time to kick it up a notch in terms of and Animals, Shad, Black Mountain, the and The Newfoundland Step Fiddlers. self-titled debut the following year. The message delivery. Weakerthans and Stars. For ticket information and a full group, best known for the song “Let’s “I wanted to say more,” Colin recently Modeled on Britain’s prestigious Mercury list of nominees, go to Shake” from the album Frantic City, last admitted, “On our first album (2003’s Prize, the Polaris is decided on the canadianfolkmusicawards.ca. performed in Hamilton in August, and was ) we were finding our night of the presentation by a jury of 11 scheduled to play at this year’s Grey Cup feet as pop songwriters. The lyrics were music critics, producers and performers, APPOINTMENTS festivities in Montreal. ambiguous and flowed with the songs. TESY O F THE T R EWS and awarded to the best album of the Tamara Kater has been named new Execu- Teenage Head will be presented with a “Our second record (2005’s den of year, regardless of record sales tive Director of the Winnipeg Folk Festival. special lifetime achievement award at the and profile. She was most recently Executive Direc- 2008 Hamilton Music Awards Nov. 13-16. thieves) was written really quickly and tended to be about this bad relationship I was in.” PH O T : C U R Attention SONGWRITERS, MUSICIANS and PRODUCERS! When homegrown rock icon Neil The Trews (L to R): Colin MacDonald, John-Angus MacDonald, Sean Dalton, Jack Syperek Young issued Living In War in 2006, Mac- Donald felt the gauntlet had been thrown.

“Neil was on CNN and was asked, “We should start Canadian has any right commenting on ‘Why did you write this album?’” Mac- American politics at all.’ Donald recalls. “He replied, ‘I just don’t “It’s totally understandable, but we understand why no young bands are thinking about were prepared for that when we wrote the Looking for music saying anything in their lyrics. Why does song. We figured if this album gets any industry advice? Want it take a 60-year-old rock musician to say using our music attention at all, it’s going to get reaction from the lyrical content.” your songs evaluated by TORONTO anything?’ Nov. 15, 08 No Time For Later also boasts dark industry professionals? “It struck a chord with us. We thought as a platform for that we should start thinking about using humour, although MacDonald isn’t sure if The Songwriters Association of SASKATOON our music as a platform for saying what saying what we his audience is in on the joke. Nov. 29, 08 Canada presents SONGPOSIUM, an we feel and believe.” “I was trying to be ironic in the song intense one-day seminar for aspiring As a result, No Time For Later takes feel and believe.” ‘I Can’t Stop Laughing,’” MacDonald re- songwriters and those interested in EDMONTON a stand. For instance, the pointed “Gun veals. “It’s about going out and having the learning more about the art, craft and Jan. 31, 09 Control,” inspired by the tragic 2007 Vir- -Colin MacDonald time of your life while you’re completely business of songwriting. Learn from ginia Tech massacre that claimed 32 lives, miserable and masking your heartbreak. some of the foremost international VICTORIA is fairly blunt. Then, with ‘No Time For Later,’ I wanted talent in the music industry as they Feb. 7, 09 to be kind of funny as well. “We were in Toronto writing the songs Not everyone shared The Trews’ share their experience and knowledge for this album, and we turned on the TV soapbox. “But some guy came up to me in a To order tickets to help you get your songs heard. coverage of the Virginia Tech shooting,” “We were playing , and Halifax bar and said, “I broke up with my VISIT www.songwriters.ca or CALL 1-866-456-SONG MacDonald recalls. “And we thought, one individual did not like the fact we had girlfriend because she was bringing me ‘Not again. That kid shouldn’t have been a song like ‘Gun Control,’” MacDonald down and it was making me depressed able to get a gun.’ recollects. and there was no time for later.’ The S.A.C. gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Music “We’re very firm believers in stricter “He said, ‘I don’t want my rock and MacDonald winces. Fund’s Creators’ Assistance Program, administered by The SOCAN Foundation. gun control laws.” politics mixed, and I don’t know if a CONT. ON PG. 14

10 SONGWRITERS MAGAZINE FALL 2008 SONGWRITERS MAGAZINE FALL 2008 11 But singer and prime melody maker and try 10 different versions of the chorus. Bouvier says the procurement of Danja We’ll argue about how we should end it. as one of four producers – On some songs we spend three days, put (Slipknot, ), (Brit- it away and spend another week on it. Simple Plan song LIVINGWith seven million WITH sold, Simple DANJA Plan mixes it up ney Spears, Pink) and Arnold Lanni (Our As a general rule, it takes longer than we Lady Peace) are the others – was worth it. expect.” “Save You” “If I could pinpoint one thingabout It’s usually Bouvier and Comeau who with four producers on new CD this album, it’d be experimentation,” says kick off Simple Plan’s songwriting process. BY NICK KREWEN Bouvier. “We wanted to try different “Once we find the basic idea, we demo to benefit things. it, then bring it to the band and everyone “Obviously Danja, a great hip-hop pro- gets involved with making it better. ducer, is very different for us. We wanted “For Simple Plan, there were a lot of International to branch out and try some different ideas – 65 of them. Once you have a verse, things that would keep it interesting.” a pre-chorus and a chorus, you’ll know cancer charities Danja offered Simple Plan new creative whether it’s a home run or not. Some- challenges. times – as in the song ‘I Can Wait Forever,’ “With him, we’d write from a loop or a which I wrote at my parents’ house – I’ll Net proceeds from each download beat,” Comeau admits. “It was something come up with the whole thing on my sale of Simple Plan’s iTunes Store we’d never done before.” own.” single, Save You, will be distribut- On “When I’m Gone,” singer Bouvier says ed to cancer charities around the Danja provided both the beat and the world, through the Montreal-based loop, but wasn’t satisfied with the results. band’s own Simple Plan Founda- “He didn’t really know what to do with tion. it and he didn’t think it was all that great. “I had written the entire We felt it had a cool summer feel-good chorus sitting alone in Save You” was penned in tribute to vibe. lead singer ’s brother “So we took that loop, went home and my room, thinking about Jay, who was diagnosed with worked on that one without him. I used it non-Hodgkin lymphoma cancer at on my laptop – I use Pro Tools – and we … my brother and the age of 28. played around with different things. That’s TESY O F SIMPLE PLAN how the song came about.” the cancer he Simple Plan has also donated por- Atmosphere also played an inspira- tions of their merchandise sales to tional part. “The End,” Bouvier says, was went through” charity, as well as 50 cents from

PH O T : C U R SIMPLE PLAN: Pierre Bouvier, Sebastien Lefebvre, David Desrosiers, Jeff Stinco, inspired by a night of Miami clubbing each ticket sold on their recent with one-time Montreal resident Tïesto – Pierre Bouvier and forthcoming tours. on the turntables. For full details on the charity lans for Canadian rock bands looking produced by Tim “Timbaland” Mosley’s “We partied until 4 a.m. in some big organization, please visit for international attention don’t get “In Miami … we were the right-hand man, Nate “Danja” Hills. club in Miami where Tïesto was spinning,” www.simpleplanfoundation.org. P any simpler than this: Write lots of “When I’m Gone” kicks things off he recalls. For seven of the album’s 11 songs, Ar- catchy melodies, tour ‘til your face falls white guys in the crappy, with a looped hip-hop rhythm, then veers “We were all hung over, and I was ex- nold Lanni – who produced and co-wrote In addition to the “Save You” off, sell millions of CDs around the planet into something you’d more likely find on perimenting with some keyboards Danja No Pads, No Helmets…Just Balls, initially single, a special companion video and continue on to world domination. beat-up rental car. a Def Leppard album than on anything had in the studio. I came up with that little setting Simple Plan on its platinum path – has been produced, featuring Montreal rockers Simple Plan have Simple Plan has previously recorded. riff that starts the song, and Danja’s going returned to add his polish. appearances by cancer survivors executed this formula to a ‘T’. Their first We didn’t really fiit in.” “When I’m Gone”, one of three tracks ‘Keep playing that!’ and he laid a beat on “We had a lot of songs ready, but a from all walks of life, including two albums – No Pads…No Helmets…Just on Simple Plan captured on Hills’ home top of that riff. lot of them were incomplete,” Bouvier such famous faces as Sharon Balls and Still Not Getting Any – decorated – Chuck Comeau turf of Miami, Fla. – “The End” and “Gen- “The next thing you know, we had explains. “We got Arnold to have a listen Osbourne, Marissa Winokur (of the bedrooms of Simple Planners Pierre eration” are the other two – testifies to the the whole melody lined up. From there, and see what he thought. With the song the original Broadway production Bouvier, Chuck Comeau, Jeff Stinco, band’s collective willingness to jump into Chuck and I went outside, worked on ‘Save You’, I had written the entire chorus of Hairspray), ’ David Desrosiers and Sebastien Lefeb- unfamiliar territory. some lyrics and then tracked the whole sitting alone in my room, thinking about Kevin Hearn, and vre with platinum and gold discs galore, different from the mentality. “We were in an environment where all first verse and chorus. the situation with my brother and the (captain of the NHL’s Montreal thanks to the punchy punk-propelled rush Sure, a love for NOFX, the rappers were coming in at midnight “It was one of the fastest songs we’ve cancer he went through. But I didn’t know Canadians). of adolescent anthems like “Addicted,” “I’d and Bad Religion may still linger in their and they were rolling with their Esca- written and we weren’t even trying.” how to address the intro, the verse, and Do Anything” and “”, sound, but the willingness of the quintet lades,” recalls drummer and chief lyricist Bouvier concedes that Simple Plan although I had a few ideas, I couldn’t stick “After what happened to someone and the power ballad “Perfect.” to widen their horizons is fully evident Chuck Comeau of the Danja sessions at prefer to tinker with songs in the studio. with just one. so close to us, we feel that, as a But seven million sales later, Simple with the songs on its recent self-titled Hit Factory Criteria Studios. “It takes a while,” he admits. “We’re not “Arnold came in, looked at the chorus, band, we had to do something to Plan has decided to flex their creative album. “We were the white guys in the crappy, the kind of guys who write a song in five and suggested a couple of ideas for some help,” Simple Plan’s members muscles. They’re a little more grown up, a The band trumpets its new sonics right beat-up rental car. We didn’t really fit in, or ten minutes and bang, it’s done. verses. Having him there gave us the said in a joint statement. little more complex, a little more strident from the get-go with “When I’m Gone,” and it was all a different pace for us. It was “We look at it as a craft. We’ll go back confidence to push the idea and finish in their quest to demonstrate capabilities one of three tracks either produced or co- all late-night recording.” and rework the lyrics a bunch of times, the song.”

12 SONGWRITERS MAGAZINE FALL 2008 SONGWRITERS MAGAZINE FALL 2008 13 THE TREWS CONT. FROM PG.11 Ottawa songwriter “Then he said, ‘I couldn’t stop laughing. I wasn’t happy.’ And I’m, like, “Oh…damn’ turned his back on William Hawkins, – I never think anybody’s going to take what we do that seriously. music at the peak of Lost and Found “But I really learned something tour his career, only to be ing this album: just how much music means to people. When they love it, they rediscovered by

really want to define their lives with it, TESY O F THE T R EWS and define themselves with the lyrics that peers and longtime you’re singing. They look to music for admirers 40 years complete understanding of the world.”

MacDonald clams his relationship PH O T : C U R later … with lyrics is one of love and hate. ThE Trews: “People really want you to feel what they’re going through”. “This buddy of mine gave me a much as I can.” ways work, but there’s a little bit of magic book about lyric writing, and it was just One of those novel approaches oc- to it when it does. We put a lot of thought by Greg Quill talking about how you should always curred during MacDonald’s collabora- into the lyrics, and when we added the exercise it – coming up with metaphors tion on the title track and “Man Of Two chords and music, it just sounded right.” For those who believe in the redemp- and sitting down every day and writing Minds” with . Although The Trews are awaiting the tive and restorative powers of song, the and trying to bring two worlds together “We sat down with no instruments early 2009 release of No Time For Later strange tale of the recovery of the lost in this interesting lyrical way. and we just wrote the lyrics on a piece in the U.S., MacDonald is already in works of William Hawkins is convincing “But I got really bored and stopped of paper,” MacDonald remembers. “We writing mode for the next album. evidence. doing it. I went back to just singing thought, ‘What’s the story here? What’s “People really want answers,” he “I was never lost,” claims the Ottawa melodies over the and listening this guy going through?’ We wrote those states. “They really want to relate to songs poet and composer, whose best songs back to see if I could find the words. two songs on a sheet of paper and just and they really want you to feel what were written almost 40 years ago and “I don’t have any set way of doing put chords behind them. they’re going through. I’m taking it forsaken when Hawkins turned his back things – I try to change it up as “It’s difficult to do and it doesn’t al- more seriously.” on a burgeoning career in music for a

life marked by bouts of inebriation, drug PH O T : CH R IS PP smuggling, rehabilitation and eventual ob- scurity as the owner/driver of a taxi-cab. “We called ourselves The Children,” Welcome New Members! “I turned to Bruce The S.A.C. welcomes the following new members who have joined since June, 2008 They have been lovingly revitalized in says Hawkins, 68. “Bruce transcribed my a remarkable two-CD set, Dancing Alone melodies and taught me the rudiments (Cockburn) as we () by producer Ian AB Alecia Aichelle BC Aaron Korop NS Ruth Minnikin ON Carla Dancey ON Leanne Miele ON Ivy Steel of guitar. walked off and said, Tamblyn and a crew of Canadian roots “We never recorded anything … that AB Don Chesniak BC Patricia Manly NS Dana Ryan ON Francis De Mello ON Stephen Mosley ON Mike Stephenson music notables, including Hawkins’ for- was my fault.” ‘I’m finished.’ All my AB Ryan Eavis BC Sherard James Moffatt NT Sylvia Adams ON Moira Demorest ON Charles Brian Murray ON Rocco Stragapete mer musical colleagues , In those years Hawkins, who was a AB Kent Klatchuk BC Gregory Morgan ON Vicki Abbott ON Chander Dickson ON Sean Newell-Barrette ON Lynn Thacker troubles started when , Sandy Crawley and Bill good five years older than his musical AB Lori Kole BC Jennifer Morgan ON Aruna Adhya ON Carlo DiZio ON John O’Brien ON Diana Tiessen Stevenson, as well as Murray McLauchlan, peers, was something of a local legend, I left the stage.” AB Chris Livingston BC Mike Moy ON Dallas Arney ON Gary Evans ON Gloria O’Brien ON Christopher Todman Lynn Miles, Suzie Vinnick, Brent Titcomb, both as a writer of supremely melodic AB Vitaliy Malkin BC Corbin Murdoch ON Rohan Bader ON Christine Fraser-Hector ON Kimberly O’Connor ON Natalie Tom-Yew Terry Gillespie and Kelly Lee Evans, songs filled with stark despair and raw kids screaming, and suddenly I felt out AB Wayne Monnery BC Randall Murray ON Blake Michael Barrett ON Michael Henderson ON Sue Peters ON Kevin White among others. self-loathing mixed with dark humour of place. I was twice their age. I turned to AB Jacqueline Pratte BC Eddie Plotnikoff ON Shaun Bishop ON Samantha Hooey ON Michel Pixel ON Hong Wei Zheng “I just dropped out sometime in the – “most of them were written inside a Bruce as we walked off stage and said, AB Ashley Rae BC Cheryl Stavely ON Soren Boyd ON Andrew Jablonski ON Diana Planche QC Keith Ambrose 1971, when I woke up in the Donwood bottle,” he says – and as a performer and ‘I’m finished.’ AB Mike Savage BC Jorge Torres ON Nicholas Brann ON Rob James ON Graham Plug QC Karen Belfo Clinic, a rehab centre in Toronto, with no ubiquitous bohemian bad boy. “I had a good thing going with my idea how I got there, weighing 128 lbs and AB Kimberly Spears BC George Tozer ON Don Breithaupt ON Pierre Jobin ON Eric Price QC Daphne Coriolan He had written the Top 10 hit “It’s A poetry, and a Canada Council grant, and looking like a ghost in my six-foot frame.” Crying Shame” for Ottawa pop band The I didn’t see any future for myself or my AB Karen Vande Vyvere BC David Watts ON James Budd ON Laszlo Josephson ON Lucas Rezza QC Robert Ethier This was some time after Hawkins, Esquires. He had hosted poetry mara- songs in . AB Sharon White MB Lynda Dobbin-Turner ON Frank Casula ON Jesse Kahilibeaulac ON Daniel Richter QC Jessica Hart who was already a nationally recognized thons featuring contemporaries Irving “I got a part-time job for a while AB Greg K. Wood MB Jerry Holowaty ON Werner Tien Wei Chan ON Kevin Kennedy ON Carmel Michael Rizzo QC Derek Jones poet, with five collections published Layton, Leonard Cohen, Louis Dudek, with the federal government, and as the BC Damian Burns MB JanicStarodub ON James Chaney ON Noreen Kirwin Donnell ON Jillian Romanow QC Rosamaria La Posta between 1964 and 1971 and selections of Raymond Souster, Gwendolyn MacE- producer of a TV music show in Ottawa BC Claire Carreras NB Ghislain Martin ON Lily Cheng ON Clara Klein ON Michele Rosano QC Catherine Maynard his work in two major poetry anthologies, wen, Jacques Godbout and John Robert hosted by (songwriters) David Wiffen and BC Cody DeBoer NB Chris Mercer ON James Christie ON Zoran Konjevic ON Wanda Ryan-Kirs QC Paul Murphy had turned his lyrical talent to songwrit- Colombo, as well as musical performances Ann Mortifee. Both jobs drove me back BC Alexis Desaulniers-Lea NF Bev Allen ON Derrick Claridge ON Elena Krajcik ON Melanie Samson QC Sean Saucier ing, and, as manager/curator/host of by Gordon Lightfoot, Judy Collins and to drink. BC Jessica Desauniers Lea NF Bob Dicks ON Anthony Cook ON Joanne Larocque ON Jay Schnekenburger QC Michelle Amy Ottawa’s famed folk haunt Le Hibou, had Joni Mitchell. He had partied with Jimi “All my troubles started when I left BC Yvette Dudley-Neuman NS Cherie Borden ON Patricia Corsini ON Luke LeDoux ON Zach Schottler QC Sher Spier gathered around him an ensemble of for- Hendrix and. Richie Havens. the stage.” BC Jacqueline Forster NS Tony Butyn ON Anthony C. Curran ON Tyler MacCormick ON Christine Shaw QC Eunice Tan tuitously gifted musicians, among “And one night in 1968, opening In the preface to Hawkins’ 2005 poetry them Cockburn, Waters, Crawley and collection, also titled Dancing Alone, BC Arnulfo Garcia NS Dave Fogarty ON Kosta Cvijovic ON Mary Frances McDonell ON Phill Smith SK Robert Glen Whitefish for The Lovin’ Spoonful at Maple Leaf Neville Wells, who’s also featured on Gardens in Toronto, the house lights went Cockburn compares his old band mate BC Angela Harris NS Carmel Mikol ON Murray Daigle ON David McKee ON Step St. Michael SK Shane Yellowbird Dancing Alone. up and I saw all these 14- and 15-year-old CONT. ON PG. 16

14 SONGWRITERS MAGAZINE FALL 2008 SONGWRITERS MAGAZINE FALL 2008 15 WILLIAM HAWKINS CONT. FROM PG. 15 “Harvey let me choose the producer Atlantic Film Festival/S.A.C. Initiative “Soundtracks and to the French poet Rimbaud, a flattering and the performers,” Hawkins says. “Then allusion that Hawkins sees as a singularly Ian forbade me to come to the studio till Stories” Showcases Canadian Songs for Filmmakers ironic summary of his post-Children he was finished recording and mixing. I’m misadventures. a well known manipulator and megalo- BY DON QUARLES “Rimbaud got lost in Africa and be- maniac.” came a gun-runner,” he says. “I got lost in Some of the songs Hawkins over- An enthusiastic group of music lovers, film buffs and music Mexico and became a drug-runner.” hauled completely, others were recon- industry folks turned up for the first annual S.A.C.- sponsored His marijuana escapades ended with structed from fragments. Most, he says, “Soundtracks and Stories” songwriter showcase which was held at the new Carlton in Halifax during the Atlantic Film a close call, when Mounties surrounded TESY WILLIAM HAWKINS were still in good shape, and easily Festival in September. him at a remote airport after he’d stepped adapted to the theatrical, folk, R&B, jug The event featured Alex Madsen of The Divorcees, singer/ from a plane they suspected was loaded band, rock, country and jazz styles repre- songwriters Catherine MacLellan and (S.A.C. Board member) with dope. sented on the album. Amelia Curran, and Tim Baker of Hey Rosetta, as well as a “I came out with my hands up. Luckily PH O T : C U R “I have no formal musical training. I HAWKINS CIRCA 1970 feature performance by surprise special guest host, Bruce L to R; Alex Madsen, Amelia Curran, Tim Baker, Catherine I was clean. They had nothing on me, grew up loving the songs of Cole Porter, Guthro. McLellan, Bruce Guthro. Bruce Guthro breaks up the though they threatened to deport me to “Harvey gave me my first guitar,” says Irving Berlin and Hoagy Carmichael. I The event was designed to bring songwriters and artists panel during the S.A.C.’s Soundtracks and Stories Mexico. Hawkins, who has three grown children know what a good hook is and where to from all the Atlantic provinces to showcase their songs and songwriter showcase at Atlantic Film Festival. Photo, courtesy S.A.C. “When I woke up in Donwood, I saw from a marriage long gone wrong, and put it.” music for film and television placement opportunities with the light. I wanted no more excitement. I five grand children. “He’s the guy who first When Hawkins heard the completed film industry professionals attending the film festival. Music wanted to be clean and sober. I wanted to suggested I should turn my poems into recording, “I just loved it,” he says. “I supervisors and publishers from and Toronto were Singer/songwriter presented with a great selection. Amelia Curran write poetry. I wanted to drive a cab, to songs. He has always been my friend, sug- asked for some re-mixes – I don’t like (right) listens The Carlton is a new “listening” venue in Halifax and has be anonymous, and that’s what I’ve been gesting quietly over the years that I should clarinets in ballads, so I had Ian take them to The Divorcees’ become as well known for its great ambiance as well as the since 1971.” get the songs on record.” out. Otherwise, I couldn’t fault it.” Alex Madsen, great food. The Carlton crowd received the usual pre-concert And Hawkins may have remained an Finally Glatt offered to bankroll the The experience has rekindled Hawkins’ as he performs speech from host/co-owner Mike Campbell, reminding every- one of his songs obscure footnote to Canadian musical sessions that yielded Dancing Alone, passion for performance. one to “shhhhhhh” while the songwriters are performing. during the S.A.C.’s history if not for longtime friend, mentor, which was launched late September. “I’d love to play again. Some friends Reports from several attendees, including some of the mu- Soundtracks and promoter and arts philanthropist Harvey Hawkins’ lost songs immediately stunned have put together a small acoustic group sic supervisors, were that this was one of the best songwriter Stories songwriter showcase during Glatt, who had employed Hawkins de- the roots music community with their that I can sit in with. I doubt I’ll be able to showcases they had ever heard! This event was the result of the Atlantic Film cades ago in one of his Treble Clef record brilliance and sophistication, and with the go on the road – I suffer from emphysema a partnership between the S.A.C. and the good folks at the Festival in Halifax in stores, before starting up the phenom- high quality of Tamblyn’s – but I’d love to play some folk festivals. Atlantic Film Festival, and plans for next year’s event are September. Photo, enally successful Ottawa radio station and the spirited commitment of the per- “After 34 years driving a cab, I’m ready already in the works. courtesy S.A.C. CHEZ-FM. formances by longtime admirers. to quit.” Songwriters magazine special offer!! Promote your CD Publicize your tour or that special gig with a quarter-page Display ad in Songwriters magazine for just $195 (Includes GST) $175 For S.A.C. Members That’s a $100 break on our regular ad rate! Deadline Jan.7 2009 Call 1-866-456-7664, 416-961-1588 For bookings and finished artwork requirements

CLASSIFIED ADS PLACE YOURS HERE FOR JUST $25 (5 LINES) To book your classified ad, contact us at: [email protected], or call 416-961-1588 / 866-456-7664

Halifax based singer-songwriter Christina Martin releases her new album ‘Two Hearts’, produced by Dale Murray (), and tours parts of Canada and the US in 2008-2009. Visit www.christinamartin.net for more information. Music Website: www.christinamartin.net. Myspace: www.myspace.com/cpmartin. Facebook Fan Page: www.facebook.com/pages/Christina-Martin/8426326493

16 SONGWRITERS MAGAZINE FALL 2008 SONGWRITERS MAGAZINE FALL 2008 17 blue spotlight: bird The Roundhouse, Vancouver north Photos: Dale Leung

Shari Ulrich Will Joe Mock BBN No. 60, September 9, 2008, hosted by Shari Ulrich with her daughter, Julia Graff Carolyn Arends Joel Kroeker special guest Julia Graff

The next Blue Bird North takes place November 27 at the Roundhouse Community Centre, Vancouver, featuring Sarah Noni Metzner, Andrea Menard with Robert Walsh, Barney Bentall and Tom Taylor, hosted by Shari Ulrich. Produced by Shari Ulrich for the Songwriters Association of Canada

18 SONGWRITERS MAGAZINE FALL 2008 SONGWRITERS MAGAZINE FALL 2008 19 W H O W I L L BE THE 200 9 NAT I O N A L S O N G W R I T E R O F THE YE A R ?

16th Annual

Presented by:

Award-winning Songwriter Tomi Swick

Participating Radio Stations: WHO CAN ENTER Aspiring or proficient songwriters – self-published or unpublished – who are looking for a chance to get their material recorded and/or published.

HOW TO ENTER Send a CD with a minimum of 1 song up to a maximum of 3 songs, along with a typed lyric sheet, your name, address and telephone number to the closest participating radio station in your area. (Please write your name and telephone number on CD). The song must be original and not published or distributed prior to competition. All entries must be received no later than December 12, 2008.

Participating Sponsors:

Go to www.radiostar.ca for complete contest details and prizing