Toronto and Mississauga-based singer-songwriter Ashley Braga joined us for two live performances and insights into her unique approach to songwriting. While most songwriters turn largely inwards to write, Ashley provides a service writing songs for other people, based on their relationships and emotions. Often the songs are for engagements, weddings, or funerals.

Other stuff we talked about:

• writing from melodies and a central idea
• the Ontario Conservatory of Music
• Ashley’s childhood family experience in realizing how songs can move people
• shifting from piano to guitar
• how long is too long to write a song
• how to use a cliche and get away with it
• the tension between happy songs and gloomy songs
• non-verbal communication as inspiration for songs about others

It was also Phil’s birthday!

Listen to the whole show:

Download the lyrics for Believe and The Other Side.

Watch the live performances: