At Talent Is Timeless, we spotlight some of the incredible songwriters who are part of our community — inviting them to share a bit more about their lives, their creative journeys, and the stories behind their songs. This month, we’re featuring 55-year-old songwriter Michelle DiPalma from Toronto, Canada, who was born in New York City and joined Talent Is Timeless in September 2024.

Michelle placed in the Canada Pop category with her warm, playful song It’s Some Good.

The inspiration came from an unexpected source — a chatty bus driver. Michelle recalls being on a songwriting retreat in St. John’s, Newfoundland, when the driver began describing the local way of making fish ’n’ chips.

“He kept saying, ‘It’s some good,’ while explaining the whole cooking process,” she says.

The phrase, uniquely Newfoundlander, stuck with her.

“I instantly understood what he meant — that it could describe anything delicious or deeply satisfying, not just food. I started to think about experiences that fit that feeling, and slow dancing with the right partner came to mind.”

Co-written with her longtime collaborator John White, It’s Some Good became not only a catchy tune but a celebration of connection — both creative and human.

“Everyone who played on the demo was a family member or friend,” Michelle says. “They all came together to make this song for me and John. I was really touched.”

Michelle’s songwriting journey has been a gradual unfolding.

“I’d always jotted down bits of songs but wasn’t sure what to do next,” she recalls.

The turning point came during the pandemic, when everything shifted online and she finally joined the Toronto Songwriting School.

“That’s when I met John,” she says. “We quickly became close friends, bonded by our shared passion for songwriting. Since then, we’ve been writing together almost every day.”

Like most artists, Michelle has faced her share of doubts and distractions.

“I’ve had the normal insecurities that come with putting your art out there,” she admits. “While I never felt too old, I did feel too busy — always putting other priorities first instead of taking my musical curiosity seriously.”

But once the songs began to flow, there was no stopping them.

“It wasn’t a single moment,” she says, “but more like a tsunami of songs that I felt I needed to write. Songwriting became something I must do.”

Placing in the Talent Is Timeless 2025 contest was deeply validating.

“It made all those early-morning songwriting sessions feel truly worthwhile,” she says. “The supportive community and feedback really put my writing insecurities at ease and give me confidence to share.”

Perhaps the most surprising part of Michelle’s journey has been friendship itself.

“Becoming friends with John has been the most wonderful and unexpected part,” she says. “I started out thinking this was a solo adventure, but who knew that somewhere in the world was a person willing to spend hours and hours writing, rewriting, and fine-tooth-combing songs with me. One of my deepest honours is to call him friend.”

For songwriters over 50 who may still be waiting for their creative moment, Michelle offers gentle encouragement:

“Get out of your comfort zone. Don’t let songwriting end up on the list of things you wish you’d tried but didn’t.”

Michelle’s story is a joyful reminder that collaboration can spark creativity in unexpected ways — and that sometimes, all it takes to start a great song is a phrase overheard on a bus and the courage to follow where it leads.

You can listen to Michelle’s winning song here: It’s Some Good

And Connect with Michelle on Talent Is Timeless here: https://www.talentistimeless.com/members/missy998/