Dive into the archives for an exclusive conversation with Geoff Arsenault (Nova Scotia), exploring his latest album Hired Hand. Then, enjoy cuts from Canada’s top roots, blues, and folk talents, including Matt Andersen and Vancouver’s Headlong Hearts.

Geoff Arsenault - Nova Scotian singer/songwriter, drummer, percussionist, and acclaimed session musician, Geoff returns with Hired Hand (Feb 21, 2025). His groove is swampy-rooted blues fused with Louisiana and Tex-Mex flavors. The record features collaborations with Matt Andersen, Amy Helm and Colin Linden

Geoff shares stories behind tracks like Pearl River, Angel’s Share or the Devil’s Take, and about reconnecting with studio collaborators

Geoff Arsenault

• Pearl River - A haunting acoustic-led number from Hired Hand
• Hired Hand - Title track—stripped-down drum, slide, acoustic bass
• Angel’s Share Or The Devil’s Take - Packed with guest guitars and vocals—dug by critics
• Cajun Soul - Swampy groove showcasing Cajun influence

Matt Andersen - The Hammer & The Rose - Title track from the album shows a tender, soul‑folk side

Headlong Hearts - One Golden Day From the new album Creatures of Habit (Mar 21, 2025)

Elephant Way - Mind Games Emerging roots-folk act (info limited)

Gal George Gjurin - SHINE Radio single; Georgian-Canadian singer-songwriter

Tom Eastland- Rest Your Head- Up-and-coming folk artist

Gal George Gjurin - HOW ABOUT A KISS? Intimate acoustic-driven track

Slow Leaves - Happy All the Time (Acoustic) Laid-back roots version of their upbeat

more music, workshops and concerts at SFHAA.ca

As the East Coast Music Awards take place this weekend, we’re revisiting a special Songwriters From Here and Away episode featuring some of the remarkable artists nominated in last year’s Music Nova Scotia awards. We wish we could be there this weekend but local concerts took over! We send all the folks in Sydney, Nova Scotia our best wishes and hope they all have a grand old time!

This episode captures the depth, diversity, and heart of Nova Scotia’s music community — from roots and folk to jazz, blues, and contemporary songwriting. It’s a chance to look back at some outstanding songs and artists who helped shape our province’s musical landscape over the past year.

Featured artists include:

• Charlie A’Court
• 11th & Duke
• Terra Spencer
• Joe H Henry
• Kristen Martell
• The Jazz Enthusiast
• Morgan Toney
• Geoff Arsenault

Whether you’re following this year’s nominees or simply love discovering East Coast songwriting, this is a great listen for awards weekend. Tune in and celebrate the artists who continue to make Atlantic Canada such a vibrant musical home.

More East Coast Music, Concerts & Workshops @ www.SFHAA.ca

This week on Songwriters From Here and Away, we welcome rising songwriter Sam Robbins for a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation about songwriting, touring, creativity, and his tunes.

Often described as an “old soul singer-songwriter,” Sam blends the warmth and storytelling tradition of artists like James Taylor and Jackson Browne with a modern folk sensibility all his own. A Berklee College of Music graduate and nationally touring performer, Sam has quickly become one of the most respected emerging voices in today’s folk community.

In this episode, Sam dives deep into the craft of songwriting — where ideas come from, how songs evolve, and what makes certain lyrics resonate long after the music ends. Along the way, he performs and we share tracks, tells stories from the road, and talks openly about the realities of building a career in independent music.

Sam’s accomplishments include:

• Winner of the prestigious 2021 Kerrville Folk Festival New Folk Competition
• “Most Wanted to Return” artist at Falcon Ridge Folk Festival
• Main stage performances at Kerrville, Falcon Ridge, Philadelphia Folk Festival and more
• Over 200 live performances per year across North America
• Shared stages with artists including Jason Mraz and David Wilcox
• Named one of Atwood Magazine’s “Artists to Watch” for 2025
• Increasing recognition as an outstanding fingerstyle guitarist and songwriter

His latest album, So Much I Still Don’t See, produced by Seth Glier, captures the reflective spirit of a young songwriter shaped by thousands of touring miles, deep conversations, and a growing understanding of the world around him.

Find @SamRobbins ’ music, tour dates, and more at:

www.SamRobbinsMusic.com

https://www.facebook.com/sam.robbins.7777

@sam.robbins.7777

Insta: @samrobbinsmusic

#SamRobbins

#SFHAA

#SingerSongwriter

#FolkMusic

#AcousticMusic

#CanadianPodcast

#MusicPodcast

#FingerstyleGuitar

#MusicDiscovery

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