Songwriters in Seattle

Welcome

Songwriters in Seattle is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization which supports the community of Pacific Northwest independent artists through events that foster creative development, collaboration, music education, and performance.

Songwriters and those who wish to be more involved with songwriting are invited to join us for free at meetup.com/songwritersinseattle where all events and communication are managed.

  • SiS Featured Artist: Laura Berman

    “Do one thing each day that scares you” – Eleanor Roosevelt For Pacific Northwest songwriter Laura Berman, this quote embodies her approach to her music and her life. While she acknowledges that there are scary things that should be avoided, many of our scary things are self-created. “Your instincts are smart and generally on-point, so…

  • Northwest Music Experience Finalists Announced

    Northwest Music Experience Finalists Announced

    As part of the annual Songwriters in Seattle Summer BBQ, we are giving awards under the Northwest Music Experience event name. More information at nwmusicexperience.org – here are the results:

    Congratulations to our finalists and a huge thank you to everyone who submitted a song and participated! The quality and variety of the 240 entries we received was so good it was extremely difficult for our panel of NWME and Songwriters in Seattle leaders to get to 5 finalists per category. There easily could have been others here, but ultimately we had to make some choices, so don’t be disheartened if you entered but didn’t make the list this time. Please note that the criteria was focused on songwriting and creativity, as well as performance talent and originality, not production quality. As we also are not a popularity contest, the finalists now go to over 100 invited judges to help determine winners for each category. See the official rules for more details on the whole process.

    Over $1,000 in locally donated prizes for potential category winners include:
    – 10 hours recording/mixing with Stephen Sherrard at DBAR Productions
    – A Fat Head BE ribbon microphone from Cascade Microphones
    – A Tascam DP-2 Digital Portastudio with case and tutorial DVD
    – Gift certificates to local music stores

    The full list of finalists *in no particular order:

    1. Category: Classic/Alt Rock
    Resilience – written by Julia Vidal, performed by The Salt Riot
    Crying Shame – written by Regan L. Barger, performed by Strangely Alright
    I Wish My Baby Was Born – performed by East Coast Dave
    Get Some Love – written by Jeff Hamel and Aaron Arnold, performed by SweetKiss Momma
    Talk About It Later – written by Elsa Faith and Marty Mitchell, performed by Soul Distraction

    2. Category: Blues
    Dirty – written by Scott Concinnity, performed by Letters From Traffic
    The Sun Will Rise – written by Jus’Tina, performed by Jus’Tina, Wayne Ah Chan, Laurence Gouveia, Eric Robert, and Gary St. Martin
    That’s The Truth – written by Roo Forrest, performed by Roo, Cody Rahn, Patrick McDanel, and Hans Tueber
    Always Be The Blues – written by Mark Whitman, performed by The Mark Whitman Band
    Trouble Leave Me Alone – written and performed by Pete Tomack

    3. Category: World Music
    EuroTribal – written and performed by Daniel Connolly
    Somewhere Under the Sun – written and performed by Leslie vanWinkle
    True Blue – written and performed by Ann Stockdale
    Perpetual Leader – written by Blake Noble, performed by Blake Noble, Tim Snider, and Isaac Castillo
    Waiting For Your Love – written and performed by Claire Johnson

    4. Category: Folk/Americana
    Used Bike – written by Jean Mann, performed by Jean Mann, Wayne Horvitz, Tom Dziekonski, Virginia Dziekonski, and Matt Hopper
    Ready For The Dark – written by Larry Murante, performed by Larry Murante and Kevin Jones
    Comfort in Your Strangeness – written and performed by Cynthia Alexander
    California Dreams – written and performed by Bill Alsept
    Julie – written by Jasper Tollefson, Joseph Gustav, and John Scott, performed by Jasper T. and John Crown

    5. Category: Hip Hop/R&B
    Woman of My Dreams – written by J.R. Rhodes, performed by J.R. Rhodes, Eyvind Kand, Brad Houser, Mike Dillon, Kym Tuvim, Willow, and Sarah Keenan
    Journey My Mind – written and performed by Jai.P
    Evolution of Poetic Suede – written by Poetic Suede, performed by Poetic Suede feat. Trel Fitted
    Finish What I Start – written by Hands of Vengeance, performed by Consise, Verse, and Kreed
    Keep Going – written and performed by Sheldon Botler

    6. Category: Heavy Rock
    Secret Handshake – written by Christina Cramer, performed by Christina Cramer, Brad Judy, Rich Huston, and Dave Crossett
    Beware of Love – written by Terry Pelton, performed by Excuse You
    Shadows and Dust – written and performed by Mechanism
    Take Me Home – written by Ginine Mizerski and Randy Campbell, performed by Ginine Mizerski, Randy Campbell, and Mike Well
    Welcome To No One – written and performed by In The Between

    7. Category: Pop/Light Rock
    Pretty Bird – written by Sammy Witness, performed by Sammy Witness, Jason Dunn, Brandon Erdos, and John Ducharme
    The Calling – written by Andrea Lockwood and Charles Wilson, performed by Stained By A Killer
    Up – written and performed by Gary Milici
    The Way It Seemed – written and performed by Sophia Duccini
    Trait & Trace – written and performed by Jerry Val

    8. Category: Country
    Mean Mother Trucker – written and performed by Larry Schacher
    Diamond Rings – written by Alden Witt and Benjamin Johnston, performed by Alden Witt and Steffi Jeraldo
    Chasing the Fire Alarms – written and performed by Bruce Hunt
    I’ve Fallen In Love and I Can’t Get Up – written by Griffin James, performed by Griffin James and Corey Mage
    Sweet Lucille – written by Susan Elliott, performed by Susan Elliott, Richard Askew, Lauren Vanderhoof, and Ash Devine

  • SiS Compilation Released!

    SiS Compilation Released!

    It has taken Songwriters in Seattle a number of years to put together a collection of music that represents the group in any significant way. We are now very proud to present this new compilation CD we’ve entitled “2012: Contest Winners and Highlights” – This album is compiled from Songwriters in Seattle member contest winners and other highlights from top 2012 members. The songs were all graciously donated by the artists to Songwriters in Seattle for inclusion. All proceeds from the purchase of the album go to SiS to fund ongoing events and projects. Please check it out on CDBaby!

    Thank you for listening and supporting Songwriters in Seattle!

    Titles included in this compilation:
    1. “L.A. (Is Totally Awesome)” by Charlie Heinemann
    2. “I Am the Water” by Zoe Wick
    3. “Sleeveless Season” by Jean Mann
    4. “Take Me Away” by Scott Burkhalter
    5. “That’s When Life Began” by Bruce Hunt
    6. “Desert Highway” by Derek Medina
    7. “Heroes” by Randy Edwards
    8. “Ride the Wind” by Chris Klimecky
    9. “Tale of a Missouri Girl” by Erin Jordan
    10. “A Buddha State of Mind (Live)” by Paula Boggs
    11. “The Wedding Song” by Andy “Roo” Forrest
    12. “It’s Time” by Cat Henderson
    13. “Morning Aire” by Leo Brodie
    14. “Fallen Angels Don’t Fly” by Jessica Lynne
    15. “(My Meeting With) Mr. Vegas” by Jim Marcotte
    16. “Feeling’s Gone” by Lou Gopal
    17. “The World Don’t Belong to a Dreamer (Live)” by Todd Christoffel
    18. “A Black Market for Mooncakes” by Songwriters in Seattle

  • Michael Wansley (aka Wanz)

    Michael Wansley (aka Wanz)

    Michael Wansley, aka The Wanz, Tee Wanz, or simply just “Wanz” has had quite a year. After a seemingly routine and quick recording session with up and coming local hip hop stars Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Wanz has been catapulted into the spotlight with #1 hit Thrift Shop – including a video that has spawned nearly 150 million views, a Saturday Night Live appearance, and a sold out world tour. Despite this stratospheric rise, Wanz remains a humble and down to earth guy. And it goes to show that sometimes it takes 30 years of hard work to become an “overnight” success.

    Wanz was one of the early leaders of Songwriters in Seattle. Along with Jeff Hatch in the basement of The Alibi Room at Pike Place Market (across from the infamous “gum wall”), he would delight the group with stories of many years of Seattle music scene history. He was still playing bass regularly with a local band, and constantly working on his own beats and hooks. He would often be seen around town with his headphones on, focused deep in his laptop working his new songs. His own R&B flavored hip hop and smooth voice rounded out a depth and experience in his songwriting that only come from years of dedicated effort.

     

    Keep an eye out for a new EP from Wanz currently in the works and see him on tour with Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. At this point you never know where he might turn up next! There are many places to find and connect with Wanz on the web – here are just a few links to get you started:

    – Wanz on Reverbnation
    – Follow Wanz on Twitter
    – Wanz on Facebook

     

    In his SiS podcast, from late 2011 – before he was poppin’ tags and lookin’ for come-ups – Wanz shares many Seattle music scene stories as well his sense of humor about his own musical evolution. You can find his podcast post by clicking here!

  • NWME Assembles Advisory Board

    NWME Assembles Advisory Board

    The growing Advisory Board of NW Music Experience is a diverse group of music professionals from varied backgrounds in the Northwest including:

     

    Carol Handley – A broadcaster with 30 years in Seattle including past stations, KZAM, KEZX, KMTT, KWJZ and current Program Director of KRWM and owner/operator of the streaming station Smooth In Seattle and concert promotion company Carol Handley Presents.

     

    Ed Beeson – With a long history in the NW as a venue owner and concert promoter, Beeson owned The Silver Spoon in Duvall & The Backstage in Ballard. As a booker and promoter with One Reel was involved with Summer Nights at the Pier, WOMAD, Bumbershoot and Teatro Zinzanni. Currently Beeson is the Music Director of Live at Benaroya.

     

    Eric Tingstad – Grammy winning guitarist Eric Tingstad is a classically trained NW artist and has received acclaim as a solo artist as well as his work with Nancy Rumbel. His credits include over 20 album projects, two grammy nominations and one grammy win.

     

    Roger Fisher – Most known for his role as founding member and guitarist in the bands Heart and Alias, Fisher is also known for his work as a composer and member of the organization Synergia Northwest, a live music event mixing professionals and students for Washington state youth musical education fusing classical and contemporary music.

     

    Michael McMorrow – Composer, recording artist and keyboardist Michael McMorrow was a founding member of the band Stolenogre. As executive producer and musical director, Michael produces Synergia Northwest Presents, an annual concert event to raise funds and awareness for youth music in the Pacific Northwest. The series is now in its fourth year and artists performing with the 50 piece Synergia Northwest Orchestra have included members of Heart, Pearl Jam, Alice In Chains, Blues Traveler, Tracy Bonham, Queensryche, YES and others.

     

    John N. Wilson – A Northwest sound engineer and audio tech with record producing credits as well as a touring band manager. Wilson also currently oversees production at the Admiral Theater in Bremerton.

     

    Chris Knab – Owner of FourFront Media and Music, Knab is a veteran of the music business wars, and since the late 80’s has turned his attention to educating and consulting musicians about the realities of an industry that is constantly in flux. He teaches, consults and writes about issues important to recording artists and bands.

     

     

  • Music Aid Northwest Music Education Charity to Partner with Northwest Music Experience Convention/Expo

    Music Aid Northwest Music Education Charity to Partner with Northwest Music Experience Convention/Expo

    Songwriters in Seattle, Seattle WAVE Radio, and Music Aid Northwest are happy to announce a partnership to boost the educational component of the 2013 Northwest Music Experience (NWME) convention and expo. The three day NWME event will bring together our multi-genre music community for educational programs, music industry networking, and creative inspiration. Musicians and those involved with the music industry at all levels stand to gain from the educational tracks available at NWME, from students to veteran professionals.

     

    “Music Aid Northwest’s involvement in music education throughout the region will strengthen the educational component of NWME and extend the benefits of the event beyond just our three days in August,” says Songwriters in Seattle Organizer and NWME Chairperson Chris Klimecky. Music Aid Northwest will be helping coordinate student programs on Friday, August 16th (the first day of NWME) and 10% of net proceeds from NWME will go directly to the charity.

    Music Aid Northwest has been involved in advancing music education since 2006, most recently starting the “Music Matters” program to help fund music education through the Washington State Dept. of Licensing. Music Aid Northwest’s president, Bob Tomberg, states: “We are proud to be named as a beneficiary of NWME, and look forward to providing student programs for the event.”

     

    Songwriters in Seattle and Seattle WAVE Radio have also supported the educational growth of musicians in the Pacific NW through a number of industry panels, seminars, and peer review groups over the last few years. NWME will provide a single, focused forum for learning and inspiration unlike any other in the area. The event will take place August 16-18, 2013 at Benaroya Hall in the heart of downtown Seattle.

     

    For more information about NWME and the current campaign to raise seed capital for the event, please visit:
    http://indiegogo.com/nwme

     

    Learn more about Music Aid Northwest and the “Music Matters” program:
    http://www.musicaidnorthwest.org

     

    Learn more about Songwriters in Seattle here:
    http://www.meetup.com/songwritersinseattle

     

    The Seattle WAVE Radio app for Android phones can be found online at:
    http://www.myseattlenightout.com/radio
     
     

  • SiS Podcast: Eric Tingstad

    Eric Tingstad
    Grammy award winning “Ambient Americana” producer and recording artist Eric Tingstad is interviewed by SiS Organizer Chris Klimecky. Their conversation follows Eric’s extensive songwriting and recording career as well as the future of his art. A beautiful live version of “The Boot Whisperer” finishes the musical selections.


    Click the play icon above to stream, or click here to download

    Click here to read more about this podcast from Chris’s blog archive.

    Subscribe to the SiS Podcast on iTunes

  • Northwest Music Experience Partners With Benaroya Hall

    Northwest Music Experience Partners With Benaroya Hall

    Songwriters in Seattle is proud to announce an exciting partnership with Benaroya Hall that will bring the inaugural Northwest Music Experience (NWME) conference and expo into their beautiful downtown venue.

     

    Benaroya Hall is the place to be August 16-18, 2013 for this multi-genre music education, expo, and performance event. There is currently nothing like it in the Pacific Northwest; an event that brings musicians, fans, and industry luminaries together for one unforgettable summer weekend.

     

    Highlights include: a keynote address, expo floor, VIP party in the Grand Lobby, closing ceremonies, and featured performances in the S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium. There are plans for up to 5 parallel educational sessions and performances at Benaroya Hall’s Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall and intimate reception and lecture spaces.

     

    NWME 2013 promises to be a music community event you won’t want to miss!

     

    “Benaroya Hall is a stunning and versatile venue that fits the Northwest Music Experience vision perfectly,” says Songwriters in Seattle Organizer and NWME Chairperson Chris Klimecky, “It will bring everything we need under one roof, and of course everything will sound amazing. This is an ideal place to hear and be heard in the Pacific Northwest.”

     

    Troy Skubitz, Director of Benaroya Hall, adds, “Events like these are critical to the growth of the Northwest music community. We recognize the value of music conferences and are thrilled to host and partner with Songwriters in Seattle.”

     

    For more information about NWME and the current campaign to raise seed capital for the event, please visit:
    http://www.indiegogo.com/nwme

     

    Benaroya Hall:
    http://www.benaroyahall.org

  • NWME IndieGoGo Seedfunding Campaign Launched!

    NWME IndieGoGo Seedfunding Campaign Launched!

    After 9 months of planning, anticipation, and building excitement, we are very happy to announce that we are ready to make the big push to bring the Northwest Music Experience convention and expo to life! Our grassroots effort to create a major multi-genre event which educates, connects with music industry, and creatively inspires in Seattle that serves the entire Pacific NW region needs your help…it’s as simple as going to:

     


    http://www.indiegogo.com/nwme

     

    All you need to know about the seedfunding campaign is there, and more great news regarding the exact date and venue are coming within the next few weeks! Please share the link, post it on social media and spread the word – it is as important, if not more important, than contributing yourself. Please consider giving $5, $10, or more – every little bit helps. This is going to be a music community event like nothing else in the Northwest. Have a look and be a part of launching something special! We hope you are as excited as we are to see this event take shape and become reality. Share it, contribute, and let’s make it happen!

     

     

  • Jean Mann

    Jean Mann

    “Jean Mann is a very special talent!” – Cyndi Lauper
    “I love your voice and music!” -Jacqui Naylor
    Top 12 finalist – Lilith Fair NW Talent Search 2010

    Noted alt-folk indie-pop singer songwriter, Seattle-based Jean Mann has a lot to write and sing about. Having toured extensively since releasing her first album, blossom (2000), this innovative, self-taught performer shares her soulful, lovely and gritty-honest tales woven through the voice of an angel. Her vocal prowess, combined with eclectic instrument playing (de-tuned acoustic 6-string and tenor guitars, harmonica and ukulele), results in the homey, intimate feeling of sitting around a kitchen table with close friends.

    Jean has released four albums since she began pouring out her world in song, beginning September 1999, the very day her mother passed away. Along the road of that life-changing event, came more life, love, a stolen vintage Gibson guitar and enough broken hearts to fill a country western album. A cache of beautifully arranged songs and an empowered voice emerged through it all.

     

    She has a new CD out (her 4th), entitled Dream of Goats – which you can get at a live show or on CDBaby here:

    Jean Mann – Dream of Goats on CDBaby

     

    There are many places to find and connect with Jean on the web – here are just a few links to get you started:

    – Jean’s Website
    – Jean on YouTube
    – Jean on Facebook

     

    In her SiS podcast Jean shares her experiences touring around the country, challenging herself to write many songs within short periods of time, and her new album Dream of Goats. You can find her podcast post by clicking here!


     

  • The NW Music Experience Convention and Expo

    The NW Music Experience Convention and Expo

    Songwriters in Seattle is proud to be planning the 2013 Northwest Music Experience convention and expo. Teaming up with other key organizations in the community such as Seattle WAVE Radio and Music Aid Northwest, SiS member volunteers have played a large part in getting this exciting project underway. There is a lot in progress right now, and there are many ways you can be a part of making it happen. First, you can go to the NWME Facebook page and join the discussion – also while you’re there, take a quick survey and be entered to win a $150 gift certificate from Pacific Music!

    So, what is this conference all about? Here’s the overview:

    Northwest Music Experience is a convention/expo for musicians and industry professionals to develop and promote performance, as well as inspire and connect in community.

    Over a three day weekend in the city of Seattle, NWME will provide an environment of collaboration and inspiration between musicians, music industry professionals, and music fans. Musicians of every age, experience and skill level will find the tools they need to enhance their creativity, boost their productivity, hone their delivery, and find support and community. With keynotes, panels and breakout sessions as well as an industry packed expo floor during the day and performance showcases at local venues in the evening, NWME packs a lot into just a few days. Participants come to network, perform, learn, do business and enjoy the community of other artists and their fans. The goal is for this event to become an annual showcase of regional talent with a sprinkling of the best from the national and international music community, drawing speakers and attendees not only from the western region of the United States, but from around the world.

    Summary of key event activities:

    o 2 days of packed music education and business tracks

    o 3 nights of live music at local venues featuring the best of the Northwest and beyond

    o Music industry expo floor featuring top brands for gear, services, and more

    o Friday youth music events

    o Friday evening VIP reception/gala at EMP honoring local music celebrities

    o Saturday morning keynote (speakers TBD)

    What makes NWME different from other Northwest region music events?

    o Created and run by musicians, NWME is organized under a non-profit organization, Songwriters in Seattle…

    o …with the goal of supporting and nurturing musicians, not making money from them.

    o The only NW music event that combines education, industry expo, and public performance across all genres and interests.

    o NWME focuses on the independent musician and music professional’s complete needs, from licensing and copyrighting to performance and home studio recording.

    o A welcoming and supportive environment for musicians with a variety of levels of experience and goals, whether it’s weekend hobbyist or making a fulltime living as an artist.

    o Genuine and honest feedback from professionals and peers.

    This is bound to be an incredible event for our creative community, and with our combined efforts will be a lasting annual event for years to come. Get involved now!