3 years ago, my Songwriting duo, Helian Keys (Ian Maver and myself) held our first Songwriting evening in Grimsby, Lincolnshire, UK.
Last night we had our 3rd anniversary meeting and I thought it worth posting on here, how much we get out of these evenings. We are still going strong after 3 years of meeting more or less every month apart from the odd night snowed off. There have been a lot of people 'through' the group as one-off visitors or more regular attenders. We also have people who have been coming since it started.
If you check out our original threads for 2010 onwards you can see that we don't run it as a teaching evening but as one where everyone who comes along can contribute as much or little as they want. We enjoy ourselves socially but also pick up many valuable ideas from each other whether by just listening to how others write songs, or poems, or by trying new types of Songwriting first-hand.
Last night was a particularly enjoyable evening, with a new visitor and regulars all participating and encouraging each other. I went home with my face aching from smiling so much and with loads of new ideas racing about my head which will hopefully inspire more writing! It is a group for anyone interested in Songwriting but not one for those who just want to showcase their own songs. In that, I think it is fairly unique. Egos ARE left at the door and I am delighted that it is still like that. Those who think they have nothing to learn with regard to Songwriting or who are not prepared to give anything back to others tend not to come back. We have had some wonderful feedback and one person in particular told us that the group quite literally changed his life. For me, that is reason enough on its own, to continue and I am grateful to all those involved for their friendship as well as their input and ideas to keep us all enjoying our Songwriting and music. Thank you to all involved. If anyone in the Lincolnshire area wants us to come along and do a one-off night in their town, message me, we would only charge our travel costs and be delighted to meet new people interested in Songwriting and share our experiences from our group. Patience and good humour are essential but anyone could start up a similar group if they have those! Helen