Meet The Publishers: Idea Generation & “Scheduled Inspiration”

Friday, April 23, 2021
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM ET

Our strongest songs spring from rich wells of ideas. When we generate many more song seeds than we can finish, our craft and skill can take over and guide us towards the most resonant, viable pitches for each opportunity. In this first session, we’ll move through a variety of exercises aimed at:

• Understanding the characteristics of songs our two publishers are looking for and how those characteristics translate into the songs we will write

• Collecting a wealth of lyrical and musical seeds in line with our pitch opportunity

• Creating collaborations that utilize and maximize the strengths of each writer in the room

Where “scheduled inspiration” can leave us feeling pressured or ill-prepared, we’ll apply the tools staff-writers use to increase productivity and decrease writer’s block. Leaning on our peers, we’ll keep things fresh and interesting in and out of ever-changing break-out rooms.

Writing To Brief: Masterclass w/Special Guest Pro Writer

Saturday, April 24, 2021
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM ET

With a wealth of ideas in tow, we’ll welcome our special guest pro-writer to talk about challenges and considerations when writing for our two publishers. Personal strategies for developing meaningful relationships, creating successful collaborations, and daily habits for ultimately winning the deal will be the focus of our conversation. Guidance around writers’ instincts, finding the message in the song, and tailoring the song for a specific artist will also be points of discussion in preparation for finishing the strongest song for the pitch.

Building Out Your Ideas: Planting the Seeds & Collaborating With Your Instincts

Saturday, April 24, 2021
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM ET

In preparation for the first collaborative session, you’ll take time to collect and develop the seeds of your initial brainstorming session. Guided by Andrea and others in the group, together we’ll hone in on what will be your most potent ideas to develop. Andrea will then curate the final  collaborative groups in which your strongest ideas will meet your collaborators’ strongest ideas for the best possible pitch to our publishers. The better our pitches, the wider the door for continued relationship and pitch opportunities.

Guided Collaboration Sessions: Co-Writing Session 1

Saturday, April 24, 2021
4:00 PM - 7:30 PM ET

We’re ready to tread the path of finishing our songs. In collaborative groups of 3, you’ll each share your most potent ideas thus far and collectively determine two ideas that best align with the pitch opportunity. As you develop the path towards both song ideas, Andrea will be on hand to offer guidance and support.

Guided Collaboration Sessions: Co-Writing Session 2

Sunday, April 11, 2021
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM ET

After reconnecting with your collaborative group, you’ll put the finishing touches on your two rough song drafts and present them in a break-out room to one other collaborative group. This group will help your group vet the stronger of the two songs drafts in creation. After returning the vetting favor, you’ll return to your own collaborative group with renewed clarity and finish your strongest pitch.

Focus on the Song Pitch: Masterclass w/Special Guest Producer / Session Player

Sunday, April 25, 2021
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM ET

With a solid song pitch in the making, we’ll welcome our special guest producer/session player to help formulate a plan for a good pitch demo. With just one week before our pitch session and so many production options, we’ll learn how to take control of our options and put the song instead of the demo forward. Specific challenges including your personal DAW, production techniques, and options for songwriters without access to recording systems will also be discussed.

Finishing Touches: Preparing for the Pitch

Sunday, April 25, 2021
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM ET

After all the excitement of the weekend, we’ll take time to decompress and discuss the writing, refining, and demoing process so far. Andrea will take questions and talk us through exactly what to expect from the publisher pitch session. We’ll also discuss how to establish a great first impression and ways to open the door to future pitch opportunities with the publishers. As we close for the evening, you’ll know the steps you’ll need to take to be ready for the pitch presentation the following Saturday.