Exclusive Article: Chapter Excerpts From 'The Long Road To Flin Flon'
- Megan Routledge
- Jul 19
- 11 min read
Updated: Jul 20
Four Chords & The Truth at The Dakota Tavern - Photo Credit Stevie Connor
Introduction by Megan Routledge:
It’s with great excitement that I welcome you to the second exclusive excerpt from Stevie Connor’s upcoming memoir, The Long Road to Flin Flon, shared only here at The Sound Cafe Magazine.
If the first chapter opened the door to Stevie’s world — a life built on passion, grit, and a fair share of beautifully serendipitous moments — then this next chapter throws that door wide open and invites you straight into the heart of Canada’s music scene, framed by friendship, memory, and a very special wall that sings louder than any radio ever could.
In true Stevie fashion, this chapter blends humour with reverence, offering a backstage pass to the world of Four Chords and The Truth, where legends are met, stories are shared, and the magic of songwriters is honoured in the most authentic of ways. There’s a brush with greatness, a few laughs, and one unforgettable encounter with a Canadian icon who could have slipped away quietly — but instead, stayed and made the moment unforgettable.
So settle in. What follows is full of heart, history, and one very cherished signature.
Megan.
Four Chords, Two Legends, and a Wall That Talks
An intimate journey through music, memory, and the moments that shape us ...
There are moments in life that seem ordinary at the time — maybe even forgettable — until you realize, somewhere down the road, that they were the start of something much bigger.
For me, one such moment took place over a decade ago, in the most rock ’n’ roll of locations: a hotel hallway in Toronto. No red carpet, no velvet rope — just Anne and I, a fellow Scot, David Leask, who made the introduction to Andrea England, and a CD titled 'Hope and Other Sins' being handed over with a smile and a kind word. I took the CD, made a mental note, and walked off unknowingly into the next chapter of my musical life.
That album would stay with me. So would Andrea...
Fast forward a few years, and Andrea England has gone from “talented songwriter I met in a hallway” to “formidable force in Canadian music and host of a series that would become an institution.” Four Chords and The Truth wasn’t born out of a marketing meeting or a committee brainstorm. It was born out of a desire to hear the truth — four chords at a time — straight from the mouths of Canada’s best songwriters.
Andrea is no stranger to this world. She’s a multi-award-winning artist, a creative firebrand, and a business-savvy champion for songwriters’ rights. She’s penned songs with and for a wide range of artists — from CCMA winners Meghan Patrick and Don Amero to international pop royalty Nicole Scherzinger — earning a shiny UK Gold Record along the way. As Associate Director of Publisher Engagement and Strategy at CMRRA and a board member of the Songwriters Association of Canada, she’s one of the rare people who can speak fluent Musician and fluent Copyright Lawyer without missing a beat.
And somewhere in between all that, she created Four Chords and The Truth — arguably one of the best things to ever happen to Canada’s live music scene that didn’t involve Tragically Hip tickets or Gordon Lightfoot sitting at a piano.
Anne & Stevie Connor with Andrea England.
My wife Anne and I were lucky enough to attend the first-ever Four Chords show at the Dakota Tavern back in 2015. We thought it would be a one-night-only kind of thing — maybe a couple of guitars, a few beers, a round of applause. But from the moment the first chord rang out, we knew we were in for something special. The Dakota — with its low ceilings, and buckets of charm — became our sanctuary. And those songwriter rounds?, well, they were church.
What followed was a ten-year journey and counting, that we never saw coming. Through Blues & Roots Radio, I had the honour of interviewing over 100 of the artists who performed at Four Chords — and these weren’t surface-level chats about tour dates and album sales. These were deep dives into the creative process, the life behind the lyrics, and the awkward moments where someone admits they wrote a song in their underwear with a broken pen and half a glass of warm red wine.
The show itself has always been a space for musical honesty. No smoke machines. No ego. Just raw talent and real stories. You never know who might pop up — which is half the fun. One night you’re watching Paul Reddick play the harmonica like it’s conjuring spirits, and the next, Serena Ryder’s on stage as a surprise guest, blowing the roof off the place. It’s the kind of night where you laugh, you cry, and you immediately Google everyone on the bill when you get home.
While Andrea curates, hosts, and drives the entire series, her husband Mike Kazarian has been her biggest cheerleader — a kind, generous soul, and a gifted actor. He’s not involved in the show’s creative side, but you’ll often spot him quietly supporting from the sidelines, never far from Andrea’s side, embodying the kind of grounding presence every creative whirlwind needs. A good man, with a great sense of humour and an even greater heart.
When Four Chords made its move to the stunning TD Music Hall in the Massey Hall complex, it could have lost its intimacy — but it didn’t. Somehow, Andrea managed to bottle the Dakota’s charm and uncork it at the new venue. The acoustics are world-class, the sightlines pristine, but the soul of the show remains untouched.
We’ve been at every show. Every single one. And at home, we have the evidence: framed and signed posters from every performance, proudly displayed on the wall — each one bearing the autographs of the performers who brought the room to life. Over 130 signatures now hang in our hallway, not as trophies, but as memories — each one a portal back to a night where the music mattered and the stories stuck.
A Wall That Speaks — A Special Collection of Memories
In our home, there's a wall that hums with stories — a wall that doesn't just hang posters, but holds history. It started the night of that very first Four Chords show. From that evening on, Anne and I made a quiet pact: we’d attend every single show in Toronto. And we have — without fail. (Okay, we missed a few out-of-towners in Halifax, Nashville, and NYC.)
At each show, Andrea has these beautiful posters printed — limited-run pieces of art commemorating the performers and the night. Every one of ours is signed by the artists who graced the stage, and I’ve had the great privilege of interviewing almost all of them (with the exception of the TD Music Hall shows, whose rights belong to the CBC).
And those few special shows we couldn’t attend? Andrea and Mike graciously saved us the posters. Legends.
Over the years, our collection has grown to well over 100 autographs, each one representing a conversation, a connection, a moment frozen in time. As far as I know, only Andrea and Mike hold a full set of signatories — so we’re in fine company there, too.
One deeply personal element of this story is the artwork itself — the golden-era posters were designed by none other than the late, great Michael Wrycraft — known far and wide as A Man Called Wrycraft.
It was with great sadness that we learned of Michael’s passing. He was one of the funniest people I’ve ever known — razor-sharp wit, a mind that never dulled even through illness, and a tenacity for life that was nothing short of astonishing. Just a few weeks before he left us, we spoke about his planned return to Blues & Roots Radio after a long health-related hiatus. Though we’d kept Radio Wrycraft and From Cover To Cover going from the archives, Michael was cooking up two brand new shows with new formats. Sadly, that was not meant to be.
Michael was a huge supporter of what we were building with the station over the previous decade. He believed in it, backed it, and encouraged it — and for that, I’ll always be grateful.
Anne and I spent time with him at every conference we attended — always the centre of the room, always the one with the most outrageous and wonderful story. He had so many friends who adored him, and with good reason. His talent as a designer was unmatched — a creative force whose work stretched across the entire Canadian music landscape and well beyond. His designs weren’t just posters; they were works of art that captured the spirit of each night, each artist, each era.
His loss was felt deeply — by us, by the music industry, and by anyone lucky enough to have known him. He achieved so much, and made so many people feel special.
We lost Michael far too soon, but his work — and his spirit — lives on through those shimmering designs on our wall.
In 2023, when the show moved to the stunning TD Music Hall at Massey Hall, the posters changed too — from gold to white — marking a new chapter, but keeping that familiar heartbeat intact. And yes, I still pinch myself when I look at them.
The First Poster for Four Chords & The Truth
One favourite in the bunch? The very first poster — a classic — with one unannounced signature added later. Turns out that surprise guest was none other than Serena Ryder, the signature is just above the picture of Colin MacDonald (above). That’s the kind of magic you come to expect at Four Chords. And every time I glance at that wall, it’s like the stories start whispering back.
Stevie Connor & Andrea England, TD Music Hall, Toronto 2024
Now, one night stands out like no other....
It was after a Four Chords show, and I was offered the chance to interview a living legend: Andy Kim.
Yes, that Andy Kim. The man who gave the world “Rock Me Gently,” co-wrote “Sugar, Sugar” for The Archies, and helped define an era of pop music with his unmistakable sound and songwriting finesse. Born Androwis Youakim to Lebanese parents in Montreal, Andy moved to New York in his teens, walked into the Brill Building, and didn’t walk out until he’d etched his name into pop history.
But here’s where fate stepped in — in the form of another Toronto music legend, Derek Downham, who I'd met a couple of times. It was Derek who made the introduction, and for that I’m truly grateful. Without his generosity and his trust, I might never have had the chance to sit down with Andy Kim and hear first hand the stories that shaped a career — and, in many ways, an entire era.
Andy could’ve packed up and gone home that night — no one would’ve blamed him. The show was over, the crowd had thinned, and he’d already given the stage everything he had. But instead, he stayed. He gave me his time, his stories, and his heart. That, to me, says more about the man than any chart position or gold record ever could. What a moment for me to cherish.
He spoke about signing a record deal in New York, and the unforgettable moment when John Lennon himself walked into the office and handed him a gold disc — a surreal welcome into the upper ranks of music royalty. That story alone was worth the price of admission (which, in this case, was just me being in the right place at the right time with a notebook in hand).
Stevie Connor with Andy Kim
Andy’s career has spanned decades, personas (he once went by Baron Longfellow — how’s that for theatrical flair?), and causes. He’s been part of massive charity efforts like Tears Are Not Enough, was coaxed out of retirement by Ed Robertson of Barenaked Ladies, and now hosts the beloved Andy Kim Christmas Show, raising money for children’s charities and proving year after year that generosity and grace never go out of style.
To meet Andy — and to be trusted with his story — was something I’ll always treasure. A true gentleman. A natural storyteller. And a living reminder that humility and brilliance can absolutely co-exist in one artist.
From Andrea’s visionary leadership and artistry to Andy’s enduring legacy and generosity, I’ve had the rare privilege of standing at the crossroads of past and present — watching legends and newcomers share the same stage, telling the truth with four chords and a story.
And I’ll say this with every bit of sincerity I’ve got: I’m grateful. Grateful for the music. Grateful for the friendships. Grateful to Derek Downham for the intro. And grateful to be part of a family — the Four Chords and The Truth family — where songwriters are celebrated, and stories are sacred.
Here’s to Andrea, Mike, Andy, Derek — and all those unforgettable moments when the truth is strummed, sung, and shared.
And here’s to that wall of posters at home — a gallery of hearts, voices, and signatures that prove music isn’t just heard. It’s lived.
On the long road to Flin Flon, there have been many magical moments — unexpected encounters, serendipitous meetings, and stories shared in smoky rooms and bright stages alike. That elusive place, Flin Flon, has always hovered somewhere between reality and myth for me — a symbol of a destination, a dream, and a journey all at once. Growing up as a young boy in Scotland, tucked away in a world so far removed from the sprawling landscapes of Canada, I never could have imagined standing where I am today.
I never pictured myself surrounded by legends, sitting in intimate venues where the walls pulse with the echoes of honest music, or holding a signed poster that tells the story of a decade’s worth of moments that changed my life. Yet here I am, humbled and grateful, still walking this road, still chasing those moments of truth, still finding new stories to tell.
What a journey it continues to be. And with every chord struck and every tale shared, I’m reminded that sometimes the road is more important than the destination — and that the real magic happens in the company you keep along the way.
Now if you’ll excuse me, that Andy Kim signature seems to be glowing a bit more than the others today. Might be the light — or maybe, just maybe, it’s the Lennon magic.
Footnote:
Flin Flon has lived rent-free in my imagination since childhood. It was that far-off place with the unforgettable name — a dream, a destination I never quite reached. Born in Scotland (though almost Canadian by birth), I could never have predicted that I'd one day find myself living in Canada, surrounded by Flin Flon connections so uncanny, you’d swear I was making them up. But I’m not. Life’s funny like that.
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Stevie Connor, a Scottish-born polymath of the music scene, is renowned for his versatility across various domains within the industry. Initially destined for football, Stevie's heart found its true calling in music. His multifaceted journey has seen him excel as a musician, composer, recording artist, journalist, and internet radio pioneer.
In 2012, Stevie laid the foundation for Blues and Roots Radio, an online platform that quickly became a global stage for blues, roots, folk, Americana, and Celtic music. His visionary leadership propelled the platform to international acclaim. Not content with just one venture, Stevie expanded his influence in 2020 by founding The Sound Cafe Magazine, a multilingual platform dedicated to artist interviews, album reviews, and music news.
Stevie's impact extends beyond these platforms. His discerning ear and industry acumen have presented opportunities to be selected as a juror for national awards such as the JUNO Awards, the Canadian Folk Music Awards, and the Maple Blues Awards. Through his tireless efforts, he has earned a solid reputation within the music community, garnering respect from peers and artists alike.
Despite his extensive responsibilities, Stevie remains deeply connected to his roots, both musically and geographically. He continues to contribute to the vibrant tapestry of the music world, ensuring his influence resonates far beyond any single platform. Stevie's enduring passion and commitment to music make him a true luminary in the industry.
Stevie is a verified journalist on the global PR platform, Muck Rack.
Read some of Stevie's articles for The Sound Cafe
