Hey songwriters. Sometimes it’s hard to write a happy song, but a few members tried to put a smile at the end of the chorus at the final Pittsburgh Songwriters Circle meeting of 2016. A good crowd showed up Tuesday and discussed, analyzed and critiqued old songs that had been dusted off because they fit […]
Hey songwriters, OK, so the fairy tale songwriting assignment bombed. Just a few takers and a lot of people didn’t bring a song … or even an instrument. But it gave the meeting’s 24 Songwriters Circle members, including three newcomers, an opportunity to do something we usually can’t because of time constraints. Discussion ranged from […]
Hey songwriters, The last few meetings have been great. Great songs, great people, great discussions about songs and songwriting — I hope all the new members don’t think we’re always that great. The October meeting was a fun mix of tunes ‘bout da ‘Burgh n’at, critique and discussion not in Pittsburghese, the introduction of five […]
Hey songwriters, Ask anyone who was there. The Sept. 6 meeting of Pittsburgh Songwriters Circle was one of the best meetings Pittsburgh Songwriters Circle has ever had. A full house, five new members, interesting twists on the assignment (lullabye) and thoughtful commentary on the songs. The meeting ended in time for “Cowboy” Ken Nowacki (veronicanowacki@yahoo.com) […]
Hey songwriters, Among the full house that attended the August meeting, a good number brought songs that included a change in time signature. Some worked, some seemed forced — perhaps in an attempt to comply with the August songwriting assignment — but it led to lively discussions about why a time change might be written […]
Hey songwriters, A full house showed for the July 5 meeting bearing diverse approaches to the optional assignment, “write a story song.” Liss Victory (lissvictory@gmail.com) performed a strong set in the featured slot. We get a treat at the Aug. 2 Songwriters Circle meeting — the featured performer is Adam Burrows, a Nashville singer-songwriter who’s […]
Hey songwriters, At this week’s meeting of Pittsburgh Songwriters Circle a few gender-reversed songs explored the opportunities that open when the sex of a song’s protagonist is flipped, and sisters Jessica Lanigan (jssdali@gmail.com) and Chelsea Ali (chelsea.ali8@gmail.com) showcased dark and intimate songs from their separate repertoires. At the next meeting, Tue., July 6, Dave Graham […]
Hey songwriters, There’s a theory that a truly “good” song works no matter how it’s performed. That was put to the test with the optional May songwriting assignment: significantly alter one of your existing songs. At the May 3 meeting of Pittsburgh Songwriters Circle, members performed part of their original versions and alternative interpretations that […]
Hey songwriters, No one wrote a song about cake — probably for the better — but a lot of good songs were showcased at the April 5 meeting of Pittsburgh Songwriters Circle, and Northern Vibe (Kim McInnis, kim@immortalsong.com) played an outstanding set of well-structured and interesting songs. For the May 3 meeting, put a new […]
Hey songwriters, A full house turned out for the March meeting, which marked the launch of Pittsburgh Songwriters Circle’s 12th annual compilation album. Diverse interpretations of the waltz theme were showcased, and newish member Caiden Droscha (cdroscha06@gmail.com) introduced herself to the group with a terrific set of sharply witted, professionally performed songs influenced by folk […]
