Songwriting Sprints

How is the Songwriting Sprint different to the Songwriters Community?

The Sprints and the Community are two different offerings.

The main feature/benefit of the Community is: getting feedback from Benny and Keppie regularly, and free workshops throughout the year. So it’s a great option if you are writing regularly, and the thing you really need and want is regular feedback from a trusted source. It is an ongoing subscription-based membership.

The main feature/benefit of the Sprints is the regular prompts, and the accountability of a peer-group. The Sprints are there if the thing you really need and want is to write more songs. Joining the a Sprint is a one-off cost.

With that said, when you join the Community, you will get discounts to join the Sprints – we know that there are people who want both!

Does my time zone affect whether I can join?

No! There is no live component to Songwriting Sprints, so there are no meetings or classes to miss. The only live event will be a Feedback Session with Keppie or Benny at the end of the 8 weeks. If you are unable to join, you’ll receive a link to watch the video replay.

I only write lyrics – can I still join?

Yes! You just need to be clear with your group as to what you are seeking feedback on. Eg, “Is it clear what this song is about?”; “What kind of music or production style could you hear this lyric going with?” The question really is: what kind of feedback would be useful to you? Simply make that clear to the group.

I am not a native English speaker – can I write my songs in my own language? How does that work?

If you are writing in a language other than English, you’d unlikely be receiving feedback on lyrics. With feedback, it would be about being clear with your group what you are looking for. For example: “is it clear which bit’s the chorus? Is there enough contrast between sections? What do you think the song is about, from the music itself?” There is so much valuable feedback you could get, almost because people can’t be swayed by the lyrical content!

But I would definitely recommend that you only join if you feel that the main benefit would be the structure, the deadline, and the accountability. In reality, I cannot force people to give feedback, so the motivation has to primarily be driven by your desire to be writing regularly, and the benefits of that accountability.

I’m not a very experienced songwriter – is this for me?

There’s no level or experience requirement for this one. The Songwriting Sprint is really for you – if you feel that you would benefit from the structure and accountability of a group, a deadline, and some feedback, then it’s the right thing for you.

The only requirement is that you commit to writing a song (which need only be 2 minutes long!) every 2 weeks. Again, that has nothing to do with level or experience, but rather your motivation and willingness.

Do I get feedback from Keppie or Benny?

There is a live feedback session at the end of the 8 weeks with Keppie or Benny. Our role is to host the group, to facilitate and coordinate. We won’t be participating or providing feedback during the 8 weeks. The function of this community is to produce work, and learn from your own work, listening to others, providing your own feedback, and asking questions of others.

How does the Live Feedback Session at the end work?

There will be a 60-minute live feedback session at the end of the 8 weeks. If you are interested in being considered to have your song receive feedback, you will need to upload your song to the relevant link that will be sent out. The session will only be 1 hour, which is enough time to review 3 or 4 people’s songs. If there are more submissions than time, songs will be selected using a lottery system on the night to give everyone an equal opportunity to receive feedback.