Get ready, songwriters — we’re back for round four!
The September Songwriting Challenge returns for its fourth annual run, and we couldn't be more excited! Whether you're a seasoned pro or just looking for a creative spark, this is your invitation to join in on the event that turned Portland Songwriters Guild into what it is today.
Songwriters will receive seven brand new prompts for the week of September 21-27.
The week ends with an exclusive, in-person listening party in Portland — a laid-back chance to share (or not!), connect, and celebrate the week’s creativity. (More details on the Listening Party coming soon).
RSVP if you’re ready to feel inspired and connect with other songwriters in and around Portland!
The Details
What it is: A week-long songwriter exercise where each participant will be given a total of seven prompts to inspire and guide a new song for each day: Sunday through Saturday. Writing takes place on your own and should be done during the timeframe given. The listening party will be in person, in Portland, OR.
How it works: On September 20th, you'll receive an email with a songwriting booklet filled with prompts for each day of week and resources for writers block and ways to find inspiration. Prompts from previous years included "write a song with as few words as possible," "the title of today’s song is the name of a car," "write about a recurring dream," and "no rhyming song." The goal is to challenge yourself, write something new, and finish something just to finish. Anything goes: a lyric idea, a song start, a mumbling voice memo, a guitar riff.
Connect with community: When you RSVP, you’ll be invited to join the exclusive Songwriting Challenge Slack channel. Slack is a communication hub that can be accessed online or via the official Slack app. You’ll be sent instructions on how to join and connect with others who are participating throughout the week.
We’ll repost everything on our social media! Tag @pdxsongwriters on instagram and use the hashtag #pdxsongwriterschallenge25. We’re only able to share content from public accounts. (Instagram rules, not ours).
The listening party: On Sunday, September 28, all participants are invited to mingle, network, meet other writers, share your experience, talk about how the week went, share songs, and just hang out with other creatives in Portland. More details will be shared with participants via email.
We know what you're thinking...
Do I have to record my songs? No. You can keep your songs as demos, voice memos, or in your memory. They do not need to be fully produced or recorded.
Do I have to share my music? Absolutely not! At the listening party, there will be an opportunity to share something you did that week, but it is not required! We also love if you share on Instagram during the week and tag @pdxsongwriters or via Slack.
What if I don't write a song every day? That's OK! Life is busy. Songwriting challenges are hard. We encourage you to try and jot down even a few lines or melody ideas. This is for you to push yourself and make something new every day.
Can I skip the challenge and attend the listening party? By signing up for this event, you're committing to attempt and try your darndest at writing seven new songs in one week. No matter how many you start or finish, you can still join us for the party.
Do I have to be based in Portland? No. This songwriting challenge is virtual. You can connect and join in from anywhere in the world. The listening party and other in-person events happen in Portland, OR.
What does this cost? Nothing! This is free to all songwriters and creatives.
Does it have to be music? No. You can participate as a writer or other artist, but keep in mind, prompts are written and geared for songwriters.
Is this all ages? The songwriting challenge is 18+. The prompts and language may contain adult content. At this time, we do not have a location for the listening party. The in-person event may be 21+ depending on location. Thanks for your understanding.
Registration closes at midnight on September 19th.