Author: Press Officer

The next workshop in this series will be held on Wednesday 2nd October from 6.00 to 10.00 pm. Get  there as early as you can

Location
IMRO, Copyright House, Pembroke Row, Baggot Street Lower, Dublin 2

Co-Writing Session
The main focus of this workshop will be an opportunity for you to hone your songwriting skills, by co-writing with other songwriters on the night. Please bring along your guitar or other musical instrument. If this is not possible, come along anyway.

Throughout the workshop, you’ll work with other talented songwriters to create new music, collaborating to develop songs that push your creative boundaries. This is a great chance to experiment with ideas and approaches you might not have considered on your own. To cap off the evening, participants will head to Bar 51 from 9pm to 10:30pm, where you’ll have the opportunity to perform your freshly written songs live and enjoy the work of your peers in a relaxed setting.

Guest Songwriter

For this workshop your host Rob McLeod will be joined by Eoin Kenny as guest songwriter for the evening. Eoin, a rising folk artist from the North-West of Ireland, has quickly gained a devoted following with his soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics. Having performed at venues such as The International Bar and Sin É, and headlining at the Stoneybatter Festival, Eoin will be sharing not just his insights on songwriting, but also demonstrating his own songwriting process live. You’ll get an inside look at how he crafts his songs from start to finish, offering invaluable lessons you can apply to your own writing. In addition, Rob will discuss how songwriters can use tools like ChatGPT to support their songwriting career—whether it’s breaking through writer’s block, generating new ideas, or even exploring creative collaboration with AI.

This workshop promises to be a fun, insightful, and inspiring experience, offering a unique blend of learning, networking, and live performance. Don’t miss this chance to grow as a songwriter, connect with others, and learn from one of Ireland’s brightest new talents. Reserve your spot today and join us for a memorable night of creativity and collaboration!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Sign up at Meetup.Com

TSC uses Meetup.com for communication purposes, so if you are interested please sign up at https://www.meetup.com/The-Songwriting-Collective/  or just drop in on the night

Building Blocks Belfast, an initiative supporting grassroots music creators, has announced its upcoming seminar and collaboration event on November 16th at the Oh Yeah Music Centre, made possible through funding from the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO). This event, part of the Sound of Belfast festival, aims to nurture emerging talent across the island of Ireland.

The seminar, designed for music creators aged 18 to 25, will offer crucial insights into the music industry, practical skills workshops, and networking opportunities. Topics include songwriting basics, revenue streams in music, and budget-friendly home studio setups.

Andy Skinner, co-founder of Building Blocks Belfast and chair of the Ivors Academy’s Disabled and Neurodivergent Council, stated, “IMRO’s support is instrumental in expanding our reach and resources for young, diverse talent across Ireland. Their commitment to fostering new voices in the industry is truly commendable.”

By collaborating with the Sound of Belfast festival, the seminar aims to provide participants with enhanced visibility in the music community.

Event Details:
– Date: Saturday November 16th, 2024
– Time: 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM
– Venue: Oh Yeah Music Centre, Belfast
– Target Audience: Music creators under 25

For more information and registration details, please visit https://BuildingBlocksBelfast2.eventbrite.com or contact Buildingblocksbelfast@nullgmail.com

Building Blocks Belfast is an initiative founded by Peter Fleming, Kris Marsden and Andy Skinner. It aims to support and nurture grassroots music creators across all Ireland through educational events and networking opportunities.

“We Will Tell Everyone” is an inspiring song born from a unique collaboration between the Dementia Research Advisory Team at The Alzheimer Society of Ireland and the Music Therapy Department at The Irish World Academy, UL. Co-written with renowned songwriter Carl Corcoran, this original piece captures the lived experiences of those with dementia and underscores the significance of public and patient involvement (PPI) in dementia research.

The project brought together individuals living with dementia—Helen Rochford-Brennan, Kevin Quaid, and Gerry Paley—who, with the support of their families, are dedicated to raising awareness about dementia and breaking the associated stigma. They worked closely with music therapist Lisa Kelly as part of her PhD research, which explores the impact of music therapy on those with dementia and their caregivers.

Helen Rochford-Brennan shared, “To be able to tell the world that you can still dance, you can drive, you can go on enjoying your life … it’s powerful.” Kevin Quaid added, “I just realized today that there’s nothing we can’t do,” while Gerry Paley described the experience as “very deep, very empowering, and a very strong, sincere message to others.”

The recording of “We Will Tell Everyone,” featuring The Memory Lane Heroes, Carl Corcoran, and the Irish World Academy ‘Nasc’ Choir, is available on digital platforms now.  This project, supported by The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Anam Music Therapy, and the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, is a shining example of how music and the arts can drive meaningful research and create connections that extend far beyond the academic sphere.

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For more information, visit Anam Music Therapy

This blended tutorial/writing camp weekend is open to songwriters who wish to break into the lucrative dance market and make a name as a writer in the industry.

Primarily a writing camp, you will be guided by triple platinum song writer, Ryan Sewell and the production talent at Dublin Studio Hub with live industry briefs supplied by John Saunderson of Notting Hill Publishing. The Course / Camp begins on Friday 8th November at 3pm with a panel on modern music publishing led by one of the giants of the publishing industry, John Saunderson of Notting Hill Publishing.  The panel will be mediated by Christian Homann of RTE Pulse FM, one of Irelands’ most respected dance DJ’s and radio personalities and includes Ryan Sewell and Hub producer, Larry Hogan.

The panel will focus on the changing publishing industry, The emergence of AI and how to navigate the changes as a writer. There will be a special focus on the impact of AI in the publishing industry and the benefits and pitfalls including the legal implications of using AI.

Saturday and Sunday will see guided writing camps with the opportunity to professionally record your vocals and prepare demos in the Vault recording Studio.

Apply here: https://www.dublinstudiohub.com/education

The inaugural Drogheda Songwriting Festival is set to take place on Sunday, 29th September at The Droichead Arts Centre in Drogheda. This festival promises a full day of creativity, learning, and musical collaboration, aimed at songwriters of all levels and backgrounds.

A Day Full of Inspiration

The festival schedule is packed with engaging activities designed to inspire and educate songwriters. The day kicks off with a series of morning workshops covering a variety of themes. Participants can delve into “Thinking Outside the Box,” explore “Story Songs,” and engage in “Improv Songwriting Games.” These workshops are designed to push creative boundaries and provide new perspectives on the art of songwriting.

Insightful Q&A Sessions

In the afternoon, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in two Q&A sessions with notable figures in the music industry. Brendan Murphy, best known for his work with the band THE 4 OF US, and acclaimed folk singer Emma Langford will be sharing their experiences and insights. These sessions will be hosted by Charlie McGettigan (Songwriter/Broadcaster), ensuring an enriching and informative experience for all participants.

Networking and Collaboration Opportunities

One of the festival’s highlights is the emphasis on networking and collaboration. Throughout the day, dedicated spaces will be provided for songwriters to meet, network, and co-write with fellow participants. This unique opportunity allows attendees to build connections, share ideas, and collaborate on new projects.

Gala Concert

The festival will culminate in a gala concert where participants can perform the songs they’ve created during the day.

Expert Mentorship

The workshops will be led by a group of esteemed mentors, all accomplished songwriters in their own right. Suzanne Savage, SJ McArdle, and Keith Burke will be on hand throughout the day to offer guidance, feedback, and support. Their expertise and experience will be invaluable resources for participants looking to refine their craft.

Vision and Support

Darren Flynn, co-organiser of the festival, explains the vision behind the event:

“We want to provide a space to the songwriting community in Ireland, to help more songwriters feel a part of it, and to provide them with a few new tools to get the most out of their raw talent and inspiration. Think of it as an in-service training day for songwriters.”

The Drogheda Songwriting Festival is made possible with the support of Droichead Arts Centre, Create Louth, and the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO).

Get Your Tickets

Early bird tickets are now on sale for €35.  Tickets can be purchased here or on the Droichead Arts Centre website.

Meet the Contributors

Brendan Murphy: Brendan Murphy, best known for his work with THE 4 OF US, achieved critical and commercial success with their debut album Songs for the Tempted. The standout track “Mary” remains a staple on Irish radio.

Emma Langford: Hailing from Limerick City, Emma Langford is an award-winning songwriter known for her intricate narratives and wit. Her ethereal voice and storytelling make her a distinctive figure in the new age of Irish folk.

Charlie McGettigan: Charlie McGettigan, who along with Paul Harrington won the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest for Ireland with the Brendan Graham composed song “Rock n Roll Kids,” has worked with artists like Maura O’Connell and Eleanor Shanley. His extensive experience in songwriting makes him an invaluable host for the Q&A sessions.

Suzanne Savage: With over twenty years of professional vocal experience, Suzanne Savage has worked as a session singer, professional chorister, and soloist. Her album “Sleepwalking” was nominated for the German Record Critic Prize.

SJ McArdle: Known for his PORT project and album Old Ghosts In The Water, SJ McArdle has had a successful career as a singer-songwriter in Nashville and Germany, earning critical acclaim for his work.

Keith Burke: Dublin songwriter Keith Burke has released three original albums and performed internationally. He has been recognised by Hotpress and played at prestigious events like the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival.

Join us for a day dedicated to the craft of songwriting. Whether you’re a seasoned songwriter or just starting, The Drogheda Songwriting Festival is the perfect place to hone your skills, meet fellow songwriters, and celebrate the art of music.

Calling all musicians! The International Songwriting Competition (ISC) invites you to participate in its annual song contest. ISC aims to provide both budding and seasoned songwriters with a platform to showcase their music on a global scale. With over $150,000 in prizes up for grabs, ISC stands as the largest and most prestigious songwriting competition worldwide.

Judged by a panel of renowned industry figures and celebrities, including Mariah Carey, Reba McEntire, Tom Waits, Shooter Jennings, Elle King, Jennifer Hudson, Paul Stanley (KISS), Joe Hahn (Linkin Park), James Adam Shelley (American Authors), NEEDTOBREATHE, and many others, this competition offers unparalleled exposure. Join the ranks of past winners – including Illenium, Kehlani, Coco Jones, Vance Joy, Maren Morris, JP Saxe, Bastille, and more!

Enter today at https://songwritingcompetition.com/