Songcamps

Songsalive! presents a critique workshop in the first half (see how we run workshops), with a lunch break, followed by an intensive co-writing session where songwriters are split into groups under the guidance of mentors. They are then asked to write a song in a short time period (from 1-3 hours). The Songsalive! Songcamp has been designed after many journeys, learnings and collective thought by Songsalive! president, Gilli Moon.

 

Typical Songsalive! Songcamp day:

Opening segment:
Day starts with a 1 hour high impact Performance session, covering key empowering ingredients for your live performance and vocal performance. Also - how to create better stories to perform in your songs.

Critique session:
In-the-round critique session of songs, where select writers (up to 15) present one original song each - either on tape, CD or live (preferable) and receive feedback from the Mentors. Songs will be picked randomly and fairly.  Have your tapes/CDs cued, guitars tuned, instruments ready and/or where applicable, support musicians on standby. Please provide lyric sheets for better feedback. (more about our critique sessions here)

 

Songcamp:
An intensive co-writing session where all songwriters are split into breakout groups under the guidance of the mentors, to co-write and deliver one (1) completed song by end of session. This often is only 1.5 to 2 hours long. Getting a song done in a short amount of time takes discipline, cooperation and focus.

 

Performance:
Performances of songs to the full group and music business execs (if in a public place) or to each other, at the end of the day.

 

This is a lot of fun so bring your ideas and open mind!

What to bring:
1. 1 or 2 songs on tape, cd or play live, to share in the first half.
2. 20 lyric sheets of your songs
3. musical instruments. Keyboard provided.
4. Please bring a packed lunch.

5. Pad and pencils
6. A creative and open mind

"Song camp is quick, intense and a must for any aspiring or experience singer-songwriter or songwriter"

"I loved Songcamp! I was lucky to write with some experienced people who know their craft, were professional and positive, and brought ideas to the table."

"We wrote a great song at Songcamp. It created a focus that helped make the craft flow quickly and smooth"

"I very much enjoyed the experience of writing in our group that I was allocated to. The biggest plus was that my song writing partners brought me in directions that I never would have went on my own."

"I liked my experience at Songcamp because it was very unique and unusual. Writing songs with people you just met is a very interesting concept."

"I was placed with 2 fellow songwriters that I never would've consciously chosen to work with. I've now scratched that Idea. Amazing what talent from different walks of life, skill level, and musical ideas can come together. Our personalities jived and subsconciously we almost immediately tapped into each others strengths and came out with a fully arranged, really great song!"

"I think the Songcamp is very useful for people who want to share their music with other musicians and receive composition feedback. You get amazed in what you can create with other people's ideas. Thank you."

"Great experience. Thanks for taking the time to pair us with a variety of skilled players, so we learn from each other."

"Awesome gift! To be able to create, be great, and celebrate in one hour! Such fun!"

"It was great. I have never written a song in such time. Really enjoyed myself."

"Songcamp rocks!"

"As a first time attendee, I found the workshops fascinating. I've learned a great deal about the independent music industry. I found the songwriting camp challenging and rewarding. I'll be back next year!"

"It was a really great day, fun and very useful. I feel psyched to go home and write and re-write my songs."

"Wow! What an experience! I am your new monster!."

"Very inspiring and knowledgeable! Good idea...."

"Inspiration! You are so loving and that's what it takes to do this. Well organized structure yet flexible."

"Wow...am I blown away. Such a great opportunity to fly!!!"

"Love it. Keep Doing It."

"I would recommend this Absolutely!"

"This was presented with knowledge and professionalism."

"Expectations were minimal limited to meeting and connecting with people but learning was the biggest part."

"Keep sharing the love and exploring music through song."

"I loved "artistry is a lifelong journey so enjoy the process"!!!! I learned how to renew the "wind in my sails.""

"I attended the Songcamp  (IMC LA 2007) and thought it was a very good exercise. Actually I thought the time was just about right for such an experiment. Collaboration is, of course, difficult, and best done when the "rules" are up front like they were. In my case, I sort of defaulted to something relatively easy to write musically (blues - fit the group well) and focused more on the lyrics to try to tell a story. Others, of course, used other approaches. I think you almost have to focus on only one things as the time is too short to do otherwise...but sometimes it's easy to "think too much" and you just run with what's there. Sometimes it works!" 

Read more of what our songwriters think of our Songcamp and our programs. Go Letters.