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Write Songs You Love

146 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 days ago - ★★★★★ - 3 ratings

Have you ever felt like you’ve lost touch with your inner creative compass? Is songwriting a practice you want to maintain for the rest of your life? Have you ever thought about “why,” you write songs? Each week, host Michael Averill shares heart warming stories from his own experience as a touring singer/songwriter, as well as with guests, about songs that have been impactful, and why. There's always a way to put your unique fingerprint in your songwriting, and Michael is here to help you do it. Walk along with Michael @writesongsyoulove on Instagram for inspiration, tips, and challenges.

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Episodes

Michael Averill - Stories from the Stage

May 26, 2022 14:33 - 25 minutes - 57.5 MB

Michael shares a story about how a recent performance affected the physical state of his shoulder.   For songwriting challenges and uplifting stories, subscribe to the newsletter at the bottom of the page of https://www.writesongsyoulove.com. Share you thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/writesongsyoulove/message

Dr. Sierra Baird on Finding Your FLOW and Levelling Up

May 19, 2022 15:34 - 1 hour - 143 MB

Singer/Songwriter/Psychologist, Dr. Sierra Baird came back on the show to talk about how she helps musicians find their mental footing.  To learn more about her Level Up group coaching program, visit https://sierrabaird.com/.  Sign up before May 20th for free bonus one on one session with Sierra.   --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/writesongsyoulove/message

Michael Averill on Impact

May 05, 2022 15:42 - 13 minutes - 29.8 MB

What kind of impact do you want to have with your songwriting, and with your life?   For songwriting challenges and uplifting stories, subscribe to the newsletter at the bottom of the page of https://www.writesongsyoulove.com. Share you thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/writesongsyoulove/message

Michael Averill on the Purpose of Songs

April 28, 2022 15:20 - 8 minutes - 19.9 MB

What is the purpose of a song?  Michael shares about how his point of view has changed on this.   For songwriting challenges and uplifting stories, subscribe to the newsletter at the bottom of the page of https://www.writesongsyoulove.com. Share you thoughts on this episode in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/writesongsyoulove/message

Michael Averill on Loss

April 21, 2022 15:42 - 9 minutes - 21.4 MB

Michael shares a brief story about loss, and offers a songwriting prompt to go with it.  For more songwriting challenges and uplifting stories, subscribe to the newsletter at the bottom of the page of https://www.writesongsyoulove.com. Share you thoughts in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/writesongsyoulove/message

Candina Ann on what you CAN do, and the launch of Malibu Bow Wow

April 14, 2022 17:51 - 1 hour - 156 MB

Author, project manager, and now songwriter Candina Ann shared incredible stories about the importance of exploring your creativity.  Be the first to hear Malibu Bow Wow on this episode before it goes live on April 18th.  Follow Candina's and Malibu's journey at https://www.instagram.com/malibus_place/ , https://www.instagram.com/topdog_rescue1/, or https://www.facebook.com/MalibusMarketPlace.   By purchasing Malibu’s early learning branded books, music and merchandise directly through thes...

0Stella on Starting a Cross Canada Musical Bike Tour

April 07, 2022 14:27 - 37 minutes - 84.8 MB

Irish-Canadian alt-rocker 0Stella came on the show today right before she begins her cross country self powered bicycle tour.  Follow her adventure starting April 22nd in Victoria, BC at https://0stella.com/home. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/writesongsyoulove/message

Kris Bradley on Following Instincts, Blazing Trails, and Redefining "Making It"

March 31, 2022 14:00 - 59 minutes - 136 MB

Singer/Songwriter/Producer/Teacher Kris Bradley shares stories about her personal journey with music, and how she came to create Produce Like A Boss.  Join her free Boss Producer Bootcamp that runs April 5th-April 9th by registering here - https://www.producelikeaboss.com/a/2147507294/2PTob53L --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/writesongsyoulove/message

Michael Averill on Collaboration

March 24, 2022 16:12 - 13 minutes - 31.1 MB

To collaborate means to co-labour - To share the work.  Michael gives a short story about the surprises from a recent collaboration, and hands out a new collaborative songwriting challenge.  For more songwriting challenges and uplifting stories, subscribe to the newsletter at the bottom of the page of https://www.writesongsyoulove.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/writesongsyoulove/message

Michael Averill on Big Questions

March 17, 2022 15:35 - 10 minutes - 24.2 MB

Big questions have big answers.  Michael shares a new songwriting challenge, and encourages writers to get out there and ask.  Share your thoughts in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community.   --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/writesongsyoulove/message

Michael Averill on Instincts, Inventing Holidays, and Following Your Feet

March 10, 2022 16:55 - 20 minutes - 45.8 MB

Michael offers a couple of activity based songwriting challenges, and a new holiday inspired by a Seth Godin blog.  Read the blog here - https://seths.blog/2022/02/invent-a-new-holiday/. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/writesongsyoulove/message

Sarah Osborne on Train Songs, Releasing Mini EP's, and Vulnerability

March 03, 2022 23:16 - 58 minutes - 134 MB

West Coast Canadian Singer/Songwriter Sarah Osborne recently released an EP titled Seasons Volume Three//The Rock, and came on to talk about it. It is an exceptional collection of songs inspired by a train trip across Canada through an Arctic storm.  Listen to her work at https://sarahosborne.bandcamp.com/album/seasons-volume-three-the-rock, and follow Sarah at https://www.instagram.com/sarahosbornemusic/.  For more info about the mentioned Akimbo Story Skills Workshop, visit https://akimbo....

Michael Averill on Universal Lyrics

February 24, 2022 16:39 - 19 minutes - 44 MB

What does it mean to write with universal lyrics?  Share you thoughts in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/writesongsyoulove/message

Jay Putty on Taking Feedback, Constant Learning, and Giving Back to Your Community

February 17, 2022 17:17 - 1 hour - 160 MB

Michael sat down with Songwriter/Producer Jay Putty for a great discussion about growing as a songwriter, vulnerability in the process, and the importance of giving back to community.  To find all things Jay Putty, visit https://linktr.ee/TheOutsidersInsidersPodcast.  For songwriting tips, challenges, and inspirations, subscribe to the Write Songs You Love Newsletter at https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/writesongsy...

Nat Jay on Songwriting, Music Licensing, and Being Your Awesome Self

February 10, 2022 15:59 - 1 hour - 147 MB

Vancouver based Singer/Songwriter Nat Jay shares about her serendipitous path with music, and how it led into music licensing and helping artists.  Connect with Nat on instagram at @scratchspinmusic, @officialnatjay, https://www.scratchspinmusic.com/ or in the Write Songs You Love Facebook Community.   --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/writesongsyoulove/message

Dana Halle on Music Monday

February 03, 2022 16:48 - 58 minutes - 135 MB

Singer/Songwriter/Community Builder Dana Halle shares about making it to the 100th episode of her weekly online song sharing exercise called "Music Monday."  Follow Dana at @danahallesongs on Instagram, or connect with her through the Write Songs You Love Community Facebook page.   --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/writesongsyoulove/message

Michael and The Tea Cuppas on The Teacup Challenge Experience

January 27, 2022 17:41 - 26 minutes - 59.7 MB

Michael brought on a bunch of participants from The Teacup Challenge to share some of their experiences and takeaways.  For upcoming workshops, visit https://www.writesongsyoulove.com/workshops. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/writesongsyoulove/message

Michael Averill on Blue Monday

January 20, 2022 16:23 - 13 minutes - 30.4 MB

Michael touches on mental health, Blue Monday, and finding community in dark times.  Trigger notice that this episode mentions suicide.  To participate with a supportive creative community, please feel welcome to join The Teacup Challenge at https://www.writesongsyoulove.com/teacupchallenge.  It's free, and runs to the end of January.   --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/writesongsyoulove/message

Michael Averill on Riding the Personal Sharing Line

January 13, 2022 15:42 - 14 minutes - 13.3 MB

Michael poses a big question today brought up by past guest Kate Battersby.  Where do you draw the line with what and what not to share in your songs?  Discussion is welcome in the Write Songs You Love Community Facebook page. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/writesongsyoulove/message

Michael Averill on Structural Opportunities

January 06, 2022 15:38 - 13 minutes - 12.5 MB

Michael shares about the 10 word challenge, and the difference between limitations vs. structural opportunities.  To join the Write Songs You Love newsletter, visit https://www.writesongsyoulove.com, and sign up at the bottom of the page.   --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/writesongsyoulove/message

Michael Averill on Starting Over

December 30, 2021 15:00 - 20 minutes - 23.8 MB

Michael shares about starting over, moving through creative struggle, the upcoming Teacup Challenge, and gives a sneak peek listen to his new song, due to release January 1st, 2022.  For more songwriting challenges and uplifting stories, subscribe to the newsletter at the bottom of the page of https://www.writesongsyoulove.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/writesongsyoulove/message

Michael Averill on Cover Songs, Connection, and Quick Songwriting Challenges

December 23, 2021 17:21 - 27 minutes - 31.7 MB

Michael shares a few stories about the power of familiarity of cover songs, and how to apply that to your own songs.  Michael also talked about Canadian Singer/Songwriter, David Francey, and more can be heard and learned at https://www.davidfrancey.com.  For more information, or to register for The Tea Cup Challenge, visit https://www.writesongsyoulove.com/teacupchallenge.  Listeners of the podcast receive a 50% discount until January 2nd by using the discount code TEACUP. --- Send in a v...

Michael Averill on The Tea Cup Challenge

December 16, 2021 16:12 - 11 minutes - 13.5 MB

Michael shares about the upcoming Tea Cup Challenge starting January 3rd, 2022.  For more information or to register for The Tea Cup Challenge, visit https://www.writesongsyoulove.com/teacupchallenge.  Listeners of the podcast receive a 50% discount until January 2nd by using the discount code TEACUP.   --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/writesongsyoulove/message

Leo Live from Tuneriver on Bringing History to Life, and Personal Songs

December 09, 2021 16:24 - 1 hour - 75.1 MB

Michael sat down to chat with Leo Live today.  Leo is a singer-songwriter, musician, visual and recording artist, performer/entertainer and the founder of tuneriver.com.  Hear stories of how he and a collaborator put together an amazing production inspired by the works of World War 1 poet, Ivor Gurney, and how songwriters can find great work writing personal songs for special occasions.  Check out more of Leo's music at https://www.leosaunders.com.  For songwriting challenges and more uplift...

0Stella on Standing for Something with Your Songwriting

December 02, 2021 16:27 - 56 minutes - 64.2 MB

This week Michael interviewed rebel rocker 0Stella about artistic integrity, Girls Rock Camps, and her preparations for a bicycle tour across Canada in 2022.  Listen to her music and join her mailing list at https://0stella.com.   --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/writesongsyoulove/message

Michael Averill on Writing in Emergencies

November 25, 2021 21:32 - 6 minutes - 7.1 MB

In lieu of the major flooding in the Pacific Northwest, Michael shares a challenge for songwriters that may help boost spirits of those affected by damage and displacement.   --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/writesongsyoulove/message

Cinder Ernst on Cancer Can Rock and Cultivating Happy

November 18, 2021 16:52 - 53 minutes - 60.7 MB

Cinder Ernst shares about finding the fun in songwriting, and her recent experience recording a song with Cancer Can Rock.  To see the video of Unbreakable Heart and Cinder's interview, visit https://cancercanrock.org/featured-artists/cinder-ernst/, and scroll down to find the appropriate links.   --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/writesongsyoulove/message

Michael Averill on Standing in the Shoes of Emotions Part 2

November 11, 2021 16:56 - 14 minutes - 16 MB

Michael elaborates on emotions from Episode 18 (https://www.writesongsyoulove.com/podcast/standing-in-shoes-of-emotions), and offers a new songwriting process exercise to try.  For more challenges and stories, subscribe to the newsletter at the bottom of the page of https://www.writesongsyoulove.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/writesongsyoulove/message

Michael Averill on Standing in the Shoes of Emotions

November 04, 2021 15:59 - 13 minutes - 15.3 MB

Michael shares a snippet of an article about why emotions matter, and how they are felt.  What would happen if you wrote a song in the personified view of an emotion?  To check out the article by Amy Vigliotti, visit https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/the-now/202108/why-paying-attention-emotions-matters.  For more challenges and stories, subscribe to the newsletter at the bottom of the page of https://www.writesongsyoulove.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify....

Death on Releasing an EP and Listener Q&A

October 28, 2021 14:48 - 34 minutes - 40 MB

Michael speaks with Death about the release of their recent 3 song EP, and opened the floor to the Write Songs You Love Community to ask questions.  You can find Death's music on Bandcamp at https://songsbydeath.bandcamp.com/releases, or Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/album/7Km5DeOukMvFI4W1N8ADAk?si=PlHgr5YtRoaA14M_i8CGGg.  You can reach Death at https://www.instagram.com/songsbydeath/.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/writesongsyoulove/message

Nick Phelps on Songwriting, Influence, Life, and Death

October 21, 2021 21:29 - 39 minutes - 45 MB

Producer, Songwriter, Rapper, and Mentor Nick Phelps shares stories about his growth as a songwriter, and what it was like to creatively collaborate with Death.  Check out Nick's music at https://www.mrphelpsmusic.com.  For Nicks's coaching and production courses, visit https://www.musicandlifemindset.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/writesongsyoulove/message

Michael Averill on The Story Your Music Tells

October 14, 2021 15:31 - 21 minutes - 24.9 MB

Knowing the story that you and your music tell makes it easy to say yes to great opportunities that align with you and your craft.  To subscribe to the Write Songs You Love newsletter, visit https://www.writesongsyoulove.com, and sign up at the bottom of the page.   --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/writesongsyoulove/message

Michael Averill on Silly Songs

October 07, 2021 17:27 - 25 minutes - 29.1 MB

Silly songs have more impact than they get credit for.  Michael shares a few stories about mismatched socks, the song that came from the laundry pile, and how to go about writing a silly song for yourself.  Join the facebook community page by clicking HERE.  To put your name on the waitlist for The One Song Challenge - Write an EP Edition starting Oct. 18th, visit https://www.writesongsyoulove.com/workshops.  Listen to How Me Wear Me Socks on Bandcamp (https://michaelaverill.bandcamp.com/tra...

Michael Averill on The Write Moment

September 30, 2021 15:17 - 16 minutes - 18.4 MB

When you're in the right moment, write the moment.  Michael shares a story about how writing and sharing in the middle of a real time situation can be massively impactful.  Song played in Episode - "Just Tell Her," by Michael Averill https://open.spotify.com/track/5i9MXm1BFu6GvESJ0Yxquy?si=6ff6aa7782d7496f --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/writesongsyoulove/message

Michael Averill on Nature Neighbours

September 23, 2021 13:00 - 7 minutes - 9.12 MB

Michael shares about the inspiration behind his new release, Nature Neighbours. To check out the Artists For Conversation and their festival going on Sept. 23-26, 2021, visit https://www.artistsforconservation.org/festival All proceeds from the sale of Nature Neighbours will go to the great work the Artists For Conservation are doing.  Purchase the song at https://michaelaverill.bandcamp.com/track/nature-neighbours --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/writ...

Block Buster Session #2 with Kate Battersby

September 16, 2021 13:00 - 1 hour - 69.8 MB

South Australian Singer/Songwriter extraordinaire, Kate Battersby, spoke with Michael this week for the 2nd of a 4 episode series about navigating writer's block.  Find Kate at https://www.facebook.com/KateBattersbyMusic/, or http://www.katebattersby.com.au/index.html.   Listen to Trap the Water, Track the Sun, and her amazing City Girl Gone Bush EP Other links mentioned - The Music Lesson, by Victor Wooten The Artists For Conservation - https://www.artistsforconservation.org To subscrib...

Michael Averill on Sharing Your Stories

September 09, 2021 15:57 - 13 minutes - 15.7 MB

How do you answer the question "So what's your story?" Michael tells of an experience he had walking in Newfoundland, Canada, and shows what can happen when you share.   To sign up on the waiting list for the new Write an EP edition of The One Song Challenge starting October 18th, visit https://www.writesongsyoulove.com/workshops --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/writesongsyoulove/message

Michael Averill on More Joy Vs. Less Stress

September 02, 2021 15:33 - 9 minutes - 11.1 MB

When you make a change in your life, is it to create less stress, or more joy? Michael thought ponders this concept that one of his mentors, Anne Roche (https://annerochecoaching.com), gave him this week.  How could this affect your songwriting?  Share your thoughts through the newsletter at https://www.writesongsyoulove.com (Sign up at the bottom of the page). To listen to Michael's chat with Cat Preston on the Collective Wisdom Podcast, visit https://lnns.co/FTdqxAaU2iR --- Send in a ...

Michael Averill on Word Rooting

August 26, 2021 17:50 - 16 minutes - 19 MB

Michael shares examples of word rooting as a method to generate inspiration for writing or conversation.  Join the new Write Songs You Love Community Facebook Group to see the visual of what he talked about, and to connect with like minded, heart felt songwritin' lovin' folks!   For extra challenges and to stay in the loop with upcoming workshops, subscribe to the weekly newsletter at the bottom of https://www.writesongsyoulove.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify....

Adam Kane on Giving Yourself Chicken Skin

August 19, 2021 16:49 - 59 minutes - 68.4 MB

Adam Kane came on the show to share about two of the most important songs in his life, finding his sound, and also about his life as a music publisher. Check out Adam’s awesome projects at https://www.adamkaneproductions.com Have a listen to his collaboration with Jillian Maguire “All the Other Dad’s” here To subscribe to the Write Songs You Love newsletter, visit https://www.writesongsyoulove.com, and sign up at the bottom of the page. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.s...

Michael Averill on Being Someone to Somebody

August 12, 2021 13:00 - 25 minutes - 28.6 MB

In case you ever wondered if anyone every cared, just remember that you're someone to somebody out there.  Michael shares the inspiration behind his song "Someone to Somebody," the Olympics, and a few ways to shake up your songwriting.   To hear Someone to Somebody, visit Spotify To subscribe to the Write Songs You Love newsletter, visit https://www.writesongsyoulove.com, and sign up at the bottom of the page. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/writeson...

Block Buster Session #1 with Sierra Baird

August 05, 2021 13:00 - 51 minutes - 59.1 MB

Psychologist/Singer-Songwriter/Coach Sierra Baird sat down with Michael this week to work through writers block in real time.  It is the first of a four part series that will demonstrate how the approach of using questions and reflections can break any creative block.   You can find Sierra on instagram at @drsierrabaird, or on her website, https://www.eliteperformanceacademy.com.  She helps artists overcome performance/stage anxiety, and is well worth paying a visit!   There is a new sessi...

Lisa McGuire on Writing for Others

July 29, 2021 13:00 - 49 minutes - 57.1 MB

Singer/Songwriter/Healer Lisa McGuire shares heart warming stories about what writing a song for someone else can really do.   Follow Lisa on Instagram: @imlisamc Listen to "Just Keep Going," on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6UxmDBVH2sNf3dgoQvI5WM New session of Finish Your Songs starts up August 11th.  Check out https://www.writesongsyoulove.com/workshops for more info and to register. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/writesongsyoulove/me...

Jodie B on Trying New Things and Always Learning

July 22, 2021 16:00 - 49 minutes - 56.7 MB

Artist/producer Jodie B shares her wisdom on writing, looping, family, and how to stay creatively inspired.  Check out Jodie's music and happenings at http://jodiebmusic.com/jodie-b If in Kelowna, BC, visit/record with her at Frequency Winery https://www.frequencywinery.com To subscribe to the newsletter for more episodes, challenges, and to find out about upcoming workshops, sign up at https://www.writesongsyoulove.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh...

The Importance of Saying "Thank You"

July 15, 2021 16:00 - 25 minutes - 28.6 MB

Michael shares the heart warming story of the events that led to the creation of his song "Thank You,"  and talks about how powerful those two words can be. Check out https://www.writesongsyoulove.com/workshops for more info and to sign up for the next session of The One Song Challenge, or Finish Your Songs. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/writesongsyoulove/message

Welcome to Write Songs You Love

July 08, 2021 04:35 - 15 minutes - 14.1 MB

Welcome to the Write Songs You Love podcast!  Each week, host Michael Averill shares heart warming stories from his own experience as a touring singer/songwriter, as well as with guests, about songs that have been impactful, and why. This episode is an introduction to what the podcast is all about, why it's here, and what you can expect from the journey ahead.  Walk along with Michael @writesongsyoulove on Instagram for songwriting inspiration, tips, and challenges. Subscribe to Write Songs ...