Songs From The Square

Darcy Walsh // East Coast DNA

Songs From The Square is an East Coast DNA video podcast capturing intimate live performances and in-depth conversations with Canadian singer-songwriters. Season 1, recorded at Glasgow Square Green Room in New Glasgow, NS, features artists performing songs from their catalogue while sharing the stories, inspirations, and creative process behind their music. Hosted by Darcy Walsh, the series highlights both emerging and established East Coast voices, with new episodes released throughout the year.

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  1. 4. Juli

    Taylor Jensen and Autumn MacKay

    Songs From The Square – Season 1, Episode 6Featuring Taylor Jensen & Autumn McKay Recorded live at the Glasgow Square Green Room in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia on June 14, 2026Songs From The Square is an East Coast DNA–produced live songwriter showcase and video podcast series capturing intimate performances and in‑depth conversations with Canadian singer‑songwriters. Filmed in a listening‑room setting in Nova Scotia, each episode invites audiences into a slower, more intentional space — where artists share songs, stories, and the creative moments that shape them.Hosted by Darcy Walsh (East Coast DNA)About This EpisodeSongs From The Square Episode 6 brings together two rising voices in the East Coast music community — each rooted in place, shaped by lived experience, and carrying a distinct emotional weight in their writing.Taylor Jensen, a country singer‑songwriter from Inverness, Cape Breton, blends modern country and pop with raw, emotionally honest storytelling. Raised between the shoreline and the local racetrack, her voice carries grit, vulnerability, and a deep sense of place. Her debut single End of the Road introduced her as a compelling new artist, followed by the slow‑burn breakup track Over With and performances across the region, including the 2025 Cavendish Beach Music Festival. In this episode, Taylor shares songs exploring identity, resilience, burnout, grief, and the grounding power of love.Autumn McKay, from Truro, Nova Scotia, is a reflective folk‑leaning songwriter whose distinct vocals and emotionally grounded presence have earned her a growing place in the province’s intimate live‑music circuit. Having written hundreds of songs, she brings depth, versatility, and a natural storytelling instinct to the stage. Her performances here — from tender narratives to darker character pieces — highlight an emerging artist with a strong creative voice and a deep well of lived experience.Together, Taylor and Autumn trade songs and stories in true songwriter‑circle fashion, responding to each other’s themes in real time. The result is an afternoon of vulnerability, humour, shared experience, and the kind of artistic connection this series was built to foster.🎥 This Episode Includes:Live performancesSongwriter conversation and storytellingNew and unreleased materialReflections on grief, growth, identity, and communityAn intimate, listening‑room atmosphere🎬 Production CreditsVideographer: Darcy Walsh (East Coast DNA)Assistant Videographer: Melinda ButlerSound Technician: Derek MartinSupported by The Town of New Glasgow & Glasgow Square Theatre🔔 SubscribeSubscribe to  @eastcoastdna  for more live sessions, interviews, and artist stories.Follow the Artists:https://www.instagram.com/itsjusttaylorjensen/https://www.instagram.com/autumn_mackay/00:00 Welcome & Opening Remarks – Darcy Walsh 02:50 Introducing Taylor Jensen 04:13 Introducing Autumn McKay 05:48 Darcy Steps Back – Songwriter Circle Begins07:01 Taylor Jensen – “Over” 11:38 Autumn McKay – “Pretty Blue Eyes” 16:12 Taylor Jensen – “Lay Me Down Easy” 22:05 Autumn McKay – “Hospital Gown” 27:40 Taylor Jensen – “I’m Lost” 31:43 Autumn McKay – “Difference” 36:09 Taylor Jensen – “One Hell of a Show” 41:22 Autumn McKay – “Old Man” 45:12 Taylor Jensen – “Free” 49:35 Autumn McKay – “Middle Ground”53:16 Taylor Jensen – “Slowburn"59:11 Autumn McKay – “House of Cards” uncommon ground?1:02:40 Taylor Jensen – “Fly on the Wall” 1:07:22 Autumn McKay – “Ghost” 1:11:14 Autumn McKay w/Taylor Jensen – “Clay Pigeons" (John Prine cover)1:24:53 Taylor Jensen – “Home Town Back” 1:29:45 Autumn McKay – “Hey Ma”1:34:02 Darcy Returns to the Stage/Closing Remarks 1:40:37 Taylor Jensen – “End of the Road”1:45:15 Autumn McKay – “Candle Wax”#SongsFromTheSquare #EastCoastDNA #CanadianSongwriters #NovaScotiaMusic #LiveMusic #TaylorJensen #AutumnMcKay #CapeBretonMusic #TruroMusic

  2. 2. Juni

    Chris Xiros & Rodney Slade + Guests

    Songs From The Square – Season 1, Episode 5Featuring Rodney Slade, Chris Xiros, Claire Porter & Evan AuCoin Recorded live at the Glasgow Square Green Room in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia on May 17, 2026Songs From The Square is an East Coast DNA produced, live songwriter showcase and video podcast series celebrating Canadian artists in an intimate, story‑driven listening‑room setting.Designed for music lovers who appreciate connection and craft, the series invites audiences to slow down, listen, and experience original songs the way they were meant to be heard — alongside the stories, inspirations, and creative processes behind them.Hosted by Darcy Walsh (East Coast DNA)About This EpisodeEpisode 5 expands into a Road to ECMA Bonus Edition, bringing together four singer‑songwriters from Nova Scotia and Newfoundland who each represent a different aspect of the modern East Coast singer/songwriter. From melodic folk‑rock to heartfelt country, incisive genre‑bending songwriting, and narrative driven acoustic storytelling.🎵 Chris Xiros, based in Stellarton, Nova Scotia, opens the circle with brand‑new solo material that marks a departure from his work with local rock outfit The Clue. Known for his melodic guitar style and instinctive hooks, Xiros blends rock, folk, and contemporary songwriter sensibilities into something fresh and honest. 🎵 Rodney Slade, an emerging country singer‑songwriter from Newfoundland, brings warm vocals, heartfelt writing, and a storyteller’s sincerity. 🎵 Claire Porter, Newfoundland‑rooted and Montreal‑honed, delivers one of the most distinctive voices in Atlantic Canada’s new wave of genre‑bending songwriters. 🎵 Evan AuCoin, born in Bay de Verde and now a fixture of the St. John’s music scene, rounds out the circle with rich storytelling and a genre‑spanning sound shaped by folk‑rock, country, blues, and traditional Newfoundland influences. Together, the four artists trade songs and stories in a songwriter‑circle format, exploring themes of place, identity, work, memory, reinvention, and the unexpected moments that shape a creative life — all captured during the busiest week in East Coast music.🎬 Production CreditsVideographer: Darcy Walsh 2nd Videographer: Melinda ButlerSound Tech: Derek MartinSpecial Thanks to Glasgow Square TheatreSupported by The Town of New Glasgow🔔 Subscribe to ‪@eastcoastdna‬ For more live sessions, interviews, and artist stories.Follow the artists:Rodney Slade – https://www.rodneyslademusic.com/Chris Xiros – https://www.instagram.com/@chrisxiros  Claire Porter – https://www.claireporterandthestouts....Evan AuCoin – https://evanaucoin.com/Chapters:0:00 Welcome / Opening / Introductions8:33 Chris Xiros – The Forest13:19 Claire Porter – Peach16:51 Evan AuCoin – Wild River21:59 Rodney Slade – One Shot25:45 Chris Xiros – My Last Day30:14 Claire Porter – Apartment #435:09 Evan AuCoin – Foxhole40:53 Rodney Slade – If Then Was Now44:42 Chris Xiros – Gone Away50:27 Claire Porter – Chicago56:25 Evan AuCoin – Pretty Scared Things1:03:00 Rodney Slade – U-Turn Town1:07:11 Chris Xiros – Seasons of Change1:12:37 Claire Porter – Magnesium1:16:33 Evan AuCoin – Home1:23:17 Rodney Slade – Bar Stool Breakup1:27:19 Chris Xiros – A Better Friend1:31:52 Claire Porter – Yellow Spider1:37:06 Evan AuCoin – New solo single (for his wife)1:43:00 Rodney Slade – Lazy and the Good for Nothings1:46:53 Chris Xiros – Still Water1:50:19 Claire Porter – This Weekend1:53:09 Evan AuCoin – Build It Strong, Build It High1:58:10 Rodney Slade – King For A Day (Crush cover)2:01:51 Chris Xiros – SS Atlantic2:06:21 Claire Porter – Great-grandmother song2:10:43 Evan AuCoin – Proud2:15:39 Artist links / closing remarks2:19:24 Chris Xiros – Hasn’t Hit Me Yet (Blue Rodeo cover)

  3. 2. Mai

    PotsandPans & 11th & Duke

    PotsandPans and 11th & Duke join Songs From The Square for an intimate live performance and conversation recorded at the Glasgow Square Green Room in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. In this episode, two Nova Scotia duos rooted in storytelling, family, and lived experience share original songs and candid reflections on the journeys that shaped their music. Through conversations about grief, gratitude, resilience, creative rebirth, and the communities that sustain artists, the episode offers an honest look at the deeply personal experiences behind their songwriting. Based in Belnan, Nova Scotia, PotsandPans are known for their inviting stage presence, authentic songwriting, and melodic folk-rooted sound. Fronted by songwriter and vocalist Darlene MacNeil, whose commanding voice was shaped on small-town stages across the province, the duo crafts songs filled with heartache, humor, wisdom, and hard-earned perspective. Joined by guitarist and vocalist Greg Roberts, a self-taught musician from Labrador whose path to performing began after meeting Darlene, the pair deliver a sound that is heartfelt, honest, and unmistakably their own. Joining them are 11th & Duke, the Trenton-based duo of Nathan Gerrior and Meghan Watters. Formed in the wake of personal loss, the project channels grief, gratitude, and family legacy into a genre-blending sound shaped by Delta blues, Appalachian country, southern rock, and intimate singer-songwriter storytelling. Their emotionally resonant songs and rich vocal chemistry have quickly made them favourites in the Nova Scotia music community. Together, the artists trade songs and stories in a relaxed songwriter-circle setting, offering an intimate portrait of the healing, connection, and humanity found through music. Hosted by Darcy Walsh, Songs From The Square is a video podcast series spotlighting emerging and established Canadian singer-songwriters through intimate live performances and in-depth conversations centered on the art of songwriting. Produced by East Coast DNA, a media platform dedicated to highlighting Canadian music, arts, and culture with a focus on the Maritimes. Recorded at: Glasgow Square Green Room – New Glasgow, Nova ScotiaSpecial Thanks: Morgan Simms, Town of New Glasgow, Long & McQuade Truro, Derek Martin, Melinda Butler, and Brad “Fraggle” MacLean. New episodes are released monthly featuring a mix of emerging and established Canadian artists. Follow Songs From The Square to hear the stories behind the songs and discover the creative heartbeat of the East Coast.

  4. 2. Apr.

    Ian Kamp & Dillon Ryan

    Ian Camp and Dylan Ryan join Songs From The Square for an intimate live performance and conversation recorded at the Glasgow Square Green Room in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. In this episode, two artists deeply rooted in the East Coast music community share original songs from across their catalogues while reflecting on the creative forces that shape their work. From communication and first love to seasonal depression, collaboration, and the unexpected paths that lead to new music, the conversation offers a candid look at how songs evolve — and how community keeps them alive. A Pictou County–based singer‑songwriter and the owner of Shoebox Studios, Ian blends introspective storytelling with the easy charm of a seasoned collaborator. His work behind the scenes — producing records, hosting shows, and building a listening‑room culture in New Glasgow — has made him a central figure in the region’s creative landscape. As a songwriter, Ian explores themes of love, loss, resilience, and connection. In this episode, he performs songs including “Love You Out Loud,” “Never Let Go,” and “Shoebox,” the latter written after his grandfather’s passing and later lending its name to his now‑thriving studio and venue. A New Brunswick–born, Nova Scotia–based singer‑songwriter, Dylan has performed more than 1,000 shows across Canada and released multiple albums blending indie rock, Britpop, and dream‑romantic influences. His music draws from decades of British sound — from The Beatles and The Smiths to Oasis and Blur — resulting in melodic, emotionally rich songwriting. With international radio play, award nominations, and a new record in progress, Dylan brings both experience and vulnerability to the stage. Here he performs songs such as “I Could Have,” “The Winter of You,” and “In Certain Times.” Together, Ian and Dylan trade songs and stories in a relaxed, listening‑room environment, offering an honest look at the craft, challenges, and joys of being a songwriter on the East Coast. East Coast DNA is a media platform dedicated to highlighting Canadian music, arts, and culture, with a focus on the vibrant scenes across the Maritimes. Through video podcasts, interviews, photography, live performance coverage, and original storytelling, East Coast DNA documents the artists behind the music and connects audiences to the creative voices shaping the region. The platform is led by Darcy Walsh, who hosts Songs From The Square and curates its live and long‑form content. Hosted by Darcy Walsh, Songs From The Square is a video podcast series that spotlights both emerging and established Canadian singer‑songwriters. Each episode captures the unique voice of the artist in a focused, intimate setting where songwriting takes center stage. This series is more than a performance — it’s a celebration of creativity, community, and the evolving landscape of Canadian songwriting. Recorded at Glasgow Square Green Room, New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. Special thanks: Morgan Simms, Town of New Glasgow, Long & McQuade Truro, Sound Tech Derek Martin, and camera assistance from Melinda Butler. New episodes are released monthly, featuring a mix of emerging and established Canadian artists. Follow Songs From The Square to hear the stories behind the songs and explore the creative heartbeat of the East Coast.

  5. 2. März

    Anna Martin & Katelyn Danielle

    Katelyn Danielle & Anna Martin join Songs From The Square for an intimate live performance and conversation recorded at the Glasgow Square Green Room in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. In this episode, the two Nova Scotia songwriters share original music from their growing catalogues while discussing their creative processes, musical influences, and the experiences shaping their artistry. From lyric-first storytelling to melody-driven composition, listeners get an honest, behind-the-scenes look at how their songs take form — and where their music is headed next. Artist Bios: Katelyn Danielle is a singer-songwriter from McLellans Brook in Pictou County, Nova Scotia, crafting indie-folk–leaning songs grounded in thoughtful lyricism. She first stepped onto local stages in 2023 and quickly became a recognizable voice in the region. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Taylor Swift, Phoebe Bridgers, Bob Dylan, and Joan Baez, her growing catalogue includes the EPs Songs I’m Ready to Show People (2024) and Songs from Dreamy Dive Bars (2025), showcasing her evolving sound as she continues to expand beyond her home community. Anna Martin is a Nova Scotia–based singer-songwriter and an active member of the East Coast music scene. She has supported legendary artist Terry Kelly, performed with multiple acts through her NSCC connections, and recently launched her new band, Soul Circuit. An emerging songwriter and soloist, Anna shares her original music through live performance while contributing widely to the collaborative spirit of the local music community. About East Coast DNA: East Coast DNA is a media platform dedicated to highlighting Canadian music, arts, and culture, with a focus on the vibrant scenes across the Maritimes. Through video podcasts, interviews, photography, live performance coverage, and original content, East Coast DNA preserves and celebrates the stories behind the artists while connecting audiences to the music they love. The platform is led by Darcy Walsh, who hosts Songs From The Square and curates its live and long-form content. Hosted by Darcy Walsh, Songs From The Square is a video podcast series that highlights both emerging and established Canadian singer-songwriters. Each episode captures the unique voice of the artist, creating a focused listening-room environment where songwriting takes center stage. This series is more than just performances — it’s a celebration of creativity, storytelling, and the vibrant Canadian music scene. Whether you’re a long-time fan or discovering these artists for the first time, you’ll experience the intimacy, energy, and artistry of live music in a way that feels personal and unforgettable. Recorded at Glasgow Square Green Room, New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. Special thanks: Morgan Simms, Town of New Glasgow, Long & McQuade Truro, Sound Tech Derek Martin, and video camera assistance from Melinda Butler. New episodes are released once per month, featuring a mix of emerging and established Canadian artists. Follow Songs From The Square to hear the stories behind the songs and explore the evolving landscape of Canadian songwriting.

    Anna Martin & Katelyn Danielle
  6. 2. März

    Summer Bennett & Karol Brown

    Summer Bennett & Karol Brown join Songs From The Square for an intimate live performance and conversation recorded at Glasgow Square Green Room in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. In this episode, the artists perform songs from their catalogue while sharing the stories, inspirations, and creative process behind their music. From the first note to the lyrics’ meaning, listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at what shapes their sound and artistry. Artist Bios: Summer BennettAn award-winning songwriter and performer from Paradise, Newfoundland. Summer is a MusicNL Indigenous Artist of the Year and 2025 ECMA Award recipient. Signed to Scilly Cove Records, she is currently working with multi-Grammy Award-winning producer Greg Wells. Her debut EP One Thousand Fahrenheit is available now. Karol Brown Raised along the Northumberland Strait, Karol writes melodic, lyric-driven songs rooted in lived experience. Influenced by Joni Mitchell, Billy Joel, and Taylor Swift, her music reflects a handcrafted and heartfelt approach to storytelling. About East Coast DNA: East Coast DNA is a media platform dedicated to highlighting Canadian music, arts, and culture, with a focus on the vibrant scenes across the Maritimes. Through video podcasts, interviews, photography, live performance reviews, and original content, East Coast DNA preserves and celebrates the stories behind the artists while connecting audiences to the music they love. The team is led by Darcy Walsh, who hosts Songs From The Square and curates the platform’s live and long-form content. Hosted by Darcy Walsh, Songs From The Square is a video podcast series that highlights both emerging and established Canadian singer-songwriters. Each episode captures the unique voice of the artist, creating a focused listening-room environment where songwriting takes center stage. This series is more than just performances — it’s a celebration of creativity, storytelling, and the vibrant Canadian music scene. Whether you’re a long-time fan or discovering these artists for the first time, you’ll experience the intimacy, energy, and artistry of live music in a way that feels personal and unforgettable. Recorded at Glasgow Square Green Room, New Glasgow, Nova Scotia Special thanks: Morgan Simms, Town of New Glasgow, Long & McQuade Truro, Sound Tech Derek Martin, and video camera assistance from Melinda Butler New episodes are released once per month, featuring a mix of emerging and established Canadian artists. Subscribe to Songs From The Square to follow along with each new performance, hear the stories behind the songs, and dive into the world of Canadian songwriting.

    Summer Bennett & Karol Brown

Info

Songs From The Square is an East Coast DNA video podcast capturing intimate live performances and in-depth conversations with Canadian singer-songwriters. Season 1, recorded at Glasgow Square Green Room in New Glasgow, NS, features artists performing songs from their catalogue while sharing the stories, inspirations, and creative process behind their music. Hosted by Darcy Walsh, the series highlights both emerging and established East Coast voices, with new episodes released throughout the year.