Based on the Podcast Episode: “Golden Lover, Silver Song: Pat Tierney on Writing with Heart“ – Episode 58, The Magic of Songwriting with Francesca de Valence

Ten years into a career shaped by lap slide guitar, soulful storytelling and steady touring, Pat Tierney is still discovering what it means to write from the heart. In a recent episode of The Magic of Songwriting Podcast, Pat sat down with I Heart Songwriting Club founder Francesca de Valence to reflect on his songwriting journey — and how one song written in the Club became the lead single on his latest album.

Listen to the full episode of  The Magic of Songwriting Podcast to hear both the original demo and studio version of “Golden Lover, Silver Soul” and go behind the scenes of Pat’s creative process.

Pat’s music weaves blues, folk and soul into something raw and reflective. His third album, Lost in the Haze, is arguably his most personal yet. But the story behind Golden Lover, Silver Soul — the album’s opening track and lead single — speaks directly to the power of simply showing up.

A Seed of Transformation

After attending the JB Seed Management Workshop in 2020, Pat felt energised to go deeper in his songwriting practice. When he heard about I Heart Songwriting Club during the workshop, the idea of writing a song a week sounded daunting — but something in him said yes. “It just opened me up,” he shared. “I left feeling like I wanted to push myself more consistently.”

His very first Club challenge was based on the theme “Two Colours.” What emerged — quickly and without overthinking — was a stripped-back track called Golden Lover, Silver Soul. “I just let it flow,” he said. “I didn’t know where it was going, but it came out fast. That’s always a good sign.”

From First Draft to Lead Single: The Birth of Golden Lover, Silver Soul

That raw voice memo later became a polished single, a key part of his album’s identity, and a song Pat still considers one of his best. “Ninety percent of the essence was already there,” he said. “It just needed a little shaping.”

The conversation between Pat and Francesca dives into songwriting as process, as discipline, and as self-trust. They talk about creative blocks, the courage to write imperfect songs, and the quiet power of writing alongside others — even strangers. “Sometimes you just need that spark and support,” Pat said. “The Club gave me that.” 

For IHSC members and those considering joining, Pat’s story is a reminder of what can emerge when you commit to the practice. Not every song will become a single. But the ones that do — the ones that matter — often come from the most unfiltered places.

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