Amplifying the Voices of Canadian Blues: Matt Cooper, The Talking Blues Podcast, and Erin McCallum

As someone who has long been committed to celebrating the richness of music, I feel it’s vital to amplify the voices that shape our cultural landscape. Over the past months, we’ve featured a series of Canadian blues articles, and through The Sound Cafe, we’ve built an archive of over 40 interviews conducted by Erin McCallum in her monthly column, Behind the Curtain. Erin doesn’t just cover artists, she dives deep, uncovering the stories, influences, and journeys that give the music its soul.

Alongside Erin’s work, we are proud to regularly feature contributions from Ken Wallis, whose interviews from his radio show and podcast, Blues Source Canada, spotlight blues artists from across Canada and beyond, check it out at the link on Mixcloud.. These conversations are more than profiles; they are living records of the creativity, history, and heart of the blues. Sharing this work through platforms like TheTalking Blues Podcast is part of our ongoing effort to preserve and celebrate the voices that deserve to be heard.

In the world of blues, stories are as vital as the notes themselves. They carry the history, the struggles, the triumphs, and the evolution of a genre that thrives on lived experience. The Talking Blues Podcast, hosted by broadcaster Matt Cooper, has become a beacon for anyone seeking not just music but the narratives that shape it.

Cooper’s approach is a blend of curiosity, reverence, and community building. Every episode is carefully curated to spotlight blues musicians from all walks of life, past masters, rising stars, and those whose contributions might otherwise slip under the radar. Whether he’s diving into an artist’s technical craft, their gear, or the influences that forged their sound, Cooper ensures that the listener is immersed in a conversation that is as informative as it is intimate. The podcast is not merely promotion; it’s an archival effort, a living library preserving the personal histories and musical legacies that define the blues for future generations.

Recent episodes exemplify this ethos: Jon Clemence reflects on a single song that shaped his teenage years; Danny Boy Phelan shares front-porch blues wisdom and Delta gospel influences; Ira Walker bridges classical technique with blues creativity across the West Coast. These stories, diverse yet united by a common thread, are brought to life by Cooper’s thoughtful questioning and deep respect for the genre.

Among these voices, one stands out not only as a guest but as a vital contributor to the broader blues narrative in Canada: Erin McCallum. Erin’s episode, Complicated Blues Woman, showcases her extraordinary talent as a singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist, but it also highlights her profound engagement with the community. She is more than a performer; she is an advocate, a chronicler, and a giver. As a monthly columnist for The Sound Cafe and a trusted authority within the Canadian Blues Collective, Erin amplifies the stories of others, giving back to the community that nurtures her craft.

Erin’s work spans performance, writing, and mentorship. She has a rare ability to illuminate the blues’ nuanced textures, whether through her contralto voice, her sharp investigative reporting, or her deep understanding of the Canadian blues ecosystem. In her Behind the Curtain column, Erin explores the narratives that exist beyond press releases and biographies, bringing context, insight, and empathy to each feature. Her dedication ensures that the legacy of Canadian blues, from legends like Colin Linden to emerging artists, is documented, celebrated, and shared.

What makes her episode on The Talking Blues Podcast particularly compelling is this duality: Erin is both subject and chronicler, musician and historian. Cooper’s conversation with her goes beyond surface-level discussion, touching on her creative process, her reflections on the blues’ evolution, and the responsibilities of artists to their communities. It’s a dialogue that resonates with anyone who values authenticity and depth in music storytelling.

The Talking Blues Podcast thrives because of Matt Cooper's approach, and contributors like Erin McCallum. Cooper provides the framework and the curiosity; the guests, like Erin, provide insight, context, and a lived connection to the blues in Canada and beyond.

Together, they remind us that the blues is not just a sound but a shared history, a vibrant culture, and an ongoing conversation, one that The Talking Blues Podcast continues to champion with every episode.

For blues enthusiasts, musicians, and those curious about the human stories behind the music, this podcast, and Erin’s contributions, offer a listening experience that is as enlightening as it is soulful. In a genre defined by emotion, community, and legacy, Cooper and McCallum ensure that these stories, whether famous or unsung, are heard and remembered.

LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW

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Talking Blues Podcast, Matt Cooper, has become a beacon for anyone seeking not just music but the narratives that shape it.

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Erin McCallum is a contributing writer for The Sound Cafe, we are an independent music publication focused on global music culture, long-form interviews, and artist-led storytelling.

About the Writer:

Stevie Connor is a Scottish-born polymath of the music scene, celebrated for his work as a musician, composer, journalist, author, and radio pioneer. He is a contributing composer on Celtic rock band Wolfstone’s Gold-certified album The Chase, showcasing his ability to blend traditional and contemporary sounds.

Stevie is the founder of Blues & Roots Radio and The Sound Cafe Magazine, platforms that have become global hubs for blues, roots, folk, Americana, and world music. Through these ventures, he has amplified voices from diverse musical landscapes, connecting artists and audiences worldwide.

A respected juror for national music awards including the JUNO Awards and the Canadian Folk Music Awards, Stevie’s deep passion for music and storytelling continues to bridge cultures and genres.

Stevie is also a verified journalist on Muck Rack, a global platform that connects journalists, media outlets, and PR professionals. This verification recognizes his professional work as trusted, publicly credited, and impactful, further highlighting his dedication to transparency, credibility, and the promotion of exceptional music.