SongSmith Global

Doors are open. Real and virtual.

If you'd like access to our stream tickets are available.

2 streams. Live Fashion Show 6pm CET, 2 hours plus of live music 8pm (approx)

5€ access to both streams

10€ access to both streams and an edit video (available in about 2 weeks, free to you inbox.

20€ both the above plus special Stachini Shop event discount

PayPal [email protected] with reference BFS, your order for the stream will be emailed to you by return.

Next release from QJB

What Makes You Happy by QJB Stream and Pre-save What Makes You Happy - Distributed by DistroKid

SongSmith Global release the latest QJB track, a collaboration with dance meister Rich Earnshaw. The Inner Spirit remix of What Makes You Happy is released ahead of the song version which will come towards the end of the summer. This track has already got positive feedback from DJ and dancefloors alike in Ibiza. So as the party season goes into full manic mode the track is also available to stream and download from now on Bandcamp and Soundcloud

Download https://noprimadonnas.bandcamp.com/
Streaming Radio Edit https://on.soundcloud.com/8oF6u

And on all major platforms from next Friday 14th. Presave or Preorder here or in the bio / linktree.

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/qjb/what-makes-you-happy-inner-spirit-remix

Millions of years ago, the last gig SongSmith Bristol were due to put on was at Thunderbolt Bristol and on the bill were a band from the south coast called ://www.facebook.com/verracruzband. Lockdown came the gig never happened. Lockdown went SongSmith had left Bristol forever.

Tonight thanks to mutual friends Held By Trees I finally get to hear them.

Verra Cruz British alternative rock trio. Marc James (guitars/vocals), Jimmy Cooke (drums) & Henry Cross (bass).

Truly global ....

A colleague in the US is offering discounted tickets for the Songchasers Bootcamp in Nashville. You're hearing it here first. PM if it's of any interest. It's soon …. Weekend after next. Not sure how much. Travel and hotel will be more! Lots of activities outside the conference too plus you'll get to hang with someone who knows a couple of the ropes. (That's Q btw!).

A few days ago we posted about the Songchasers group and a special offer to join. This week, tonight late UK time as it goes, they are hosting a virtual writers round. Although it's thought of as a Nashville thing the songwriters night Bristol Fringe run by Records certainly makes it a Bristol thing too as well as our own humble version of this once upon a time. Larkham And Hall also have a night with a featured artist. This event starts at midnight UK time however I will post the link below if anyone wants a little bit of Nashville in their lives. I went to a couple when I was out there last year and have played both the Jelli event and the Larkham / Hall night. They are a lot of fun and very entertaining.

This is country and pop based and it starts at 6pm CDT The Zoom link is
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84333393124

Riley Taylor from Full Circle Music / Songchasers takes up the narrative.

Writers rounds are known to be a Nashville thing, so we wanted to bring this online for you all!

These rounds are a great way to showcase your songs, get feedback on them, and connect with others in the industry.

For this first round, we are bringing in 3 AMAZINGLY talented writers, including one of our own, Mosley 😊

Joining Seth, we will be bringing in J.T. Harding, who is a singer-songwriter based in Nashville, Tennessee. Originally from Detroit, Michigan, he moved to Nashville in the early 2000s to pursue a career in music. Since then, he has written hit songs for a number of popular artists in country music, including Blake Shelton, Kenny Chesney, and Keith Urban. Some of his notable co-writing credits include "Somewhere With You" by Kenny Chesney, "Alone With You" by Jake Owen, and "Sangria" by Blake Shelton. In addition to his work as a songwriter, Harding has also released his own music and has toured extensively as a solo artist. He has been nominated for multiple awards for his songwriting, including a Grammy nomination for "Somewhere With You" in 2012. He also just wrote an awesome book, called Party Like a Rockstar.

Also we have the one and only Zach Kale will be joining us, and trust us, he's the real deal. Zach has made a name for himself in Nashville as a successful songwriter and producer, working with some of the biggest names in country music. He's co-written hits for Florida Georgia Line, Keith Urban, and Jimmie Allen, just to name a few. And let's not forget his latest success, co-writing Gabby Barrett's massive hit "I Hope," which has topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for over 7 weeks and even hit the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

But the surprises don't stop there! We also have a special guest lined up who will be kicking off the night with a powerful song you won't want to miss.

This is gonna be such an awesome and interactive experience for you all to see what a Nashville writers round is like!

We are all about songwriters still despite our relative lack of activity. Here is a community Q has been working with in the US who have a special discount offer for the first month of membership.

Q, he say "As you may remember over lockdown I started working with online songwriting communities. I wanted to get a toehold and better understanding of the US market since it is huge. So I hooked up with these guys. Predominently in Nashville, Tennessee they have writers from all over the world, lots of training and community events and best of all I think Speed Co-writing groups. There is weekly song feedback, monthly themes, pitches to sync and loads more. No minimum membership. Sign up for the discounted month and if you don't like it cancel! "

How could we possibly disagree! 😂

Are you a songwriter keen to work in US with a community. These guys have been helping me and have a promo on till midnight CST on Friday.

Are you a songwriter keen to work in US with a community. These guys have been helping me and have a promo on till midnight CST on Friday.

Although we don't get involved in putting on many events and shows these days it doesn't mean we don't know a good thing when we see and hear it. Their 2022 gigs were special and they have done a lot in their first year. Go help them celebrate!

Held By Trees - Solace 1st Birthday Event "New heroes of prog/post-rock have arrived..." Record Collector Magazine

Q's gig tonight under threat due to illness.

Now also looking for dep drummer for Bowie covers in Portishead tonight as well as earlier request.

Alternatively lively covers dep band! PM for further details.

One of the tracks on our first ever release when we were based behind Mickleburghs in Artist Studios Bristol recorded in SongSmith Studios

Ahead of the second release from QJB on SongSmith Global is a remix of 'Are We There Yet?'

The inimitable Jen Athan ( https://www.jenathan.com/) at the desk with added sax and vocals by Sean Saxophone and Jasmin O'Davidson Music

Are We There Yet? (Capstan Full Length Version) by QJB distributed by DistroKid and live on Spotify Listen to the single Are We There Yet? (Capstan Full Length Version) on Spotify

On the parlous state of playing live in EU. Including an interview with Bristol's own Elles Bailey

'Fears of new bureaucracy, rules and costs have all come true': Brexit making touring Europe 'unviable' for UK artists The number of UK artists booked for European festivals this summer is down 45% compared to 2017-19, according to the group Best for Britain - which previously campaigned against Brexit.

It's been quiet here (not!) We still exist and we still love excellent songwriters. For example...

We are thrilled to share that Yvonne Lyon will be performing live at the Isle of Mull Hotel from 19.30 on Saturday 13th August. Join us for drinks in our Sea Deck Bar and enjoy some live music by a very talented musician.
https://www.yvonnelyonmusic.com/

Cannot recommend highly enough. Writers come from all corners. Truly Global. Rosie is a talented, creative and supportive tutor. Great networking and collaborative possibilities too. Rosie also very aware and active in the pursuit of the mental health of the group.

✨ Authentic Songwriting: A 5-Day Free Challenge ✨

Uncover your true artistic voice. Learn how to write with conviction and authority as you explore the waters of your own, personal and unique creativity.

LEARN MORE >>https://www.beradicalmakemusic.com/challenge>https://www.beradicalmakemusic.com/challenge

It's now easier to send SongSmith Global a message.

You wait all pandemic for a gig to come along ....

We're going to be looking after business for the gig at the Thunderbolt too we're excited to announce also that 213 Park Avenue will also be playing that night providing a comprehensive trawl through many exciting tunes from the same era. It's going to be a blast ....

We've also got some merch plots hatching to go with ticket details. Tickets on sale now! Merch deals for this and the 15th gig soon. Never a dull moment.

Our show for the Thunderbolt Bristol featuring several top quality local songwriters is on sale now at Headfirst and Ents24. Followers of SongSmith and the artists can get specially priced advance tickets by sending a private message here or to
QJB
Sharon Lazibyrd
Maaike Siegerist
The Shiny Blue Demons (Tim Burroughs)

More acts to be added.

This is the only SongSmith Global promotion this summer and likely to be a really fun night.

New music from the belter that is Fenris.

Myopia - Single by Fenris Album · 2022 · 1 Song

New music and what will likely be our only UK show of 2022 coming soon.

Details will follow.

Meantime here's a view from our summer office.

One of our favourite SongSmiths J*M*A (https://m.facebook.com/officialjmamusic) has a new single out and a YouTube video launch in about ooooh 5 minutes.

Catch up with her on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/album/4O1GUbikpjDQvaj1B7MGzk...
YouTube
https://youtu.be/EmyAgbVcgUg

JMAmusic Hello! I'm Bristol Singer-Songwriter and Producer J*M*A- welcome to my page!
As well as making pop music I like to demystify the process of Music Production for anyone who wants to learn. I’m producing some new tracks for 2021, watch this space!

Wordpress for some reason is not sharing my posts automatically however despite its best endeavours here is an artist profile for Sharon Lazibyrd written a little while back on the release of Scrolling Back (still available and still a belter!)

https://songsmithglobal.com/2022/01/23/sharon-lazibyrd-artist-profile/

Been doing fewer reviews recently as my own music has been taking up a lot of time and energy. However still listening a lot and particularly happy to be asked to review this one as a long standing friend and fan of Jemma. This is her first release in her J*M*A JMAmusic It was meant to be auto posted by Wordpress yesterday however for some reason ... link to the review is in the first comment to avoid the Instablock.

I know a lot of my friends are songwriters so I am sharing this opportunity. My first major investment in myself this year to is to join a 10-week songwriting course from February. There is a chance today to join the group as a founder member at a 50% discount. It is being run by my dear friend Rosie Bans who with Becci Wallace has totally revolutionised my songwriting and given me a huge boost in confidence as a songwriter. I have always thought I write pretty good songs, on my own or in collaboration, however in the last 3 years it has developed in leaps and bounds. Visit the Be Radical Make Music page or PM me (QJB) for further information or if you have any questions.

Absolutely prolific this year the lastest and last release of the 2021 from MJ Reynolds top quality releases from a top quality singer / songwriter. And developing as a producer too. So much so that he is on the slate to produce one of the No Prima Donnas releases for next year. Done a cracking job that we can't wait to share.

Talking of can't wait to share ... our profile of Sharon Lazibyrd should hit the pixels later today. Privelege to see her perform with cellist Gerry last night online despite some technical hitches. And an interview too! Her Scrolling Back single currently top of the 2021 chart for SongSmith track of the year. And some belters coming down the line for 2022 from her and others. Lots going on. Lots of exciting news on the (dark) horizon.

Our reviews have taken a backseat to other activities in recent times with apologies to some we weren't able to do. Out of hibernation for this one released last week and an artist profile to follow. Pure belter!
https://songsmithglobal.com/2021/12/10/sharon-lazibyrd-scrolling-back/

Available from Bandcamp at
https://sharonlazibyrd.bandcamp.com/track/scrolling-back-pre-release

Sharon Lazibyrd – Scrolling Back “Hello folks Scrolling Back is my new single a powerful and personal song about the end of a relationship. “Lockdown was a period of creativity and collaboration for me and songwriting helped me ge…

Bernii has been a SongSmith artist back in the deep reaches of time, got gigs for No Prima Donnas in Brighton, been to US brushing with stars and stardom. She is back in the UK now and using her wealth of experience and contacts to put on sessions like these. QJB was an early adopter of her community and programme for Becoming the Artist and it has some great budding and established musicians. This session is particularly worth checking out.

Tomorrow night Effi Summers of effi summers creative is a giving a private members only training on the 5 key pillars of branding plus a deep dive into visuals and tips for current social media trends!

And if that’s not enough she will be giving personalised branding feedback to the artists who are on the call 👋

Link in bio to register for your free no obligation trial inside of Becoming The Artist. I’m always here for your questions just head over to my DM’s!

Excited!

Bernii

Ladies and gentlemen, not for the first time, SongSmith is proud to present and be associated with the Radical Rosie Bans

Be Radical Make Music I help songwriters develop their craft, grow their skills and banish self-doubt so they can feel free and excited about the music they write!

Evening, QJB here. Who else?

Since I left Bristol and stopped putting on events I have been concentrating on my own music The Real King(s) of Spain and No Prima Donnas. I have written a bunch of new songs, at least some of which are pretty good. Whilst releasing the latest RKoS tunes I have delved into the murky arts of marketing, particularly online. If the ‘M’ word is a dirty one for you stop reading now ….

If you’re still with me then probably you’d like people to hear your work because you think it’s worthwhile and you’d not be averse to making some money from it. Although I love writing, playing and recording so I would do it anyway if I earnt some money at it, I’d be able to do more of it, more of the time.

Therefore, I have spent a lot of money and time on courses and tools. I am slowly getting to the point where I have some clue what I am doing and ready to step up the business side.

SongSmith has always been about singer / songwriter services and since we went ‘global’ (anyone not seeing the irony in this doesn’t know me very well) it has mostly been about writing a few reviews and doing some promotion for friends of their recorded work on a fairly casual basis.

I am now thinking what support I want as an artist and in support of the remaining RKoS releases from the difficult second album. Adding that the knowledge I have accumulated and from my experience with the Sunday Songwriter’s group that has supported me so brilliantly though the last two years of so of writing I have come to the following.
1. I’d like to share some of the knowledge, without claiming expertise or infringing anyone’s copyright from their course material.
2. I’d like to create a support network that is not just follow me and I’ll follow you back but uses the knowledge from 1 to get all of our music in front of as many people as possible.

To this end I’m going to create a group called SongSmith Support for Musicians (or similar). The group will be closed and private. It will be for sharing tips we’ve all learned as per 1 plus doing the things that we know help the visibility of our music, such as page follows but more than that sharing each others music, signing up for each other’s Spotify Pre-saves (it costs nothing … ) and adding each other’s songs to Spotify playlists. Continued membership will depend on actually doing these things ….

So, in the spirit of 1, I learnt the other day that it is not worth releasing EPs to Spotify if your intention is to get on their editorial playlists. They only consider one track from each EP (presumably the main one). Use non-streaming services such Amazon and I-Tunes to release you EPs.

I have a few more and I will share them in the first posts of the new group.

The group is not a money making venture for me it is giving something back. If it is successful then the money will be made from helping each other.

PM me if you have any questions or go to the group and ask to join. I will sort it out in the next couple of days.

Q to the J to the B! x

The last scheduled online retreat for these pair of super Scottish singer / songwriters. The sessions are supportive, creative and stimulating and come highly recommended for seasoned songwriters or absolute beginners. I am sure there will be something else to sprout from SongSeeds and with things moving back to what seems to be called the real world possibilities open up. Meantime there are spaces available, including sponsored space for a 16-25 year old - message them for details of both.

🎉 Applications for the LAST ONLINE RETREAT OF 2021 are now OPEN 🎉

Join us for the final online songwriting retreat of the year! Thursday - Sunday July 22nd - 25th. Deep dive into your creativity with 4 days of songwriting, workshops, collaborations and much more!

🌱 Apply today at https://bit.ly/julysongseeds

Singer songwriters are our thing. There's lots of grass roots singer / songwriters that we support and some that are a little further up the food chain .... Jessica is definitely one of those and a supreme songwriters who puts on a very entertaining, personal show.

And it's her birthday .... she been doing these shows all through lockdown every Tuesday, some 80 or so, but this is a special one ... .... mixture of her songs and those from the family archive, when your family includes Mary Hopkin, Tony Visconti and Morgan Visconti that is some family archive ... from Bowie to Sparks from Thin Lizzy to Those Were the Days .... except of course THESE are the days. Hope to catch you there later. x

Working hard today on increasing our engagement for the Tuesday shows. I know the sun is shining, and the football's on, but we're still going! Trevor does worry about these things, you know.
Tonight it's a BIRTHDAY SPECIAL! - MINE! Join us at 8pm on jlmsings.com!

Been quiet on the review front as other projects have taken priority but there is a plan to do some more soon. Next week!

RKoS have released a new track and have made / are making videos
QJB / No Prima Donnas have been writing and recording and are on virtual retreat this weekend doing more writing / recording
GoDBowie have been arranging some tour dates for September and dipping a toe into the recording process

Most (not quite all) of this activity takes place in the SongSmith Studios (picture attached) - which has gone mobile and global but still exists for in-house projects only at present. Never saying never.

The admin updates and everyday business stuff also has to be done and is gradually getting (more) organised and as such we have closed down the [email protected] email address and opened a [email protected] - [email protected] is still a thing.

Our friends at SongSeeds are running two more of these. This is the penultimate one. Excellent events run by caring compassionate supportive people with interesting guests and always some new ways to look at the art and craft of songwriting. There may also be bursary places for 16-25 year olds available so definitely worth checking out. Worth it just for the networking and lovely people alone however even the most seasoned songwriter will likely find a new angle or an unexpected challenge. As experienced in many other areas of life, lovely attracts lovely.

Just under one week until we open the doors to our second last online songwriting retreat! Book your space today 😁

"Thanks for the retreat and all your patience. I really do feel you both make everyone comfortable in sharing and developing our craft. Absolutely brilliant."

🌱www.songseeds.uk

Calling Thornbury bands or musicians with a decent recording that can be used to illustrate the place.

Any musician or band fromThornbury? I have a request for a track to illustrate Thornbury for a themed radio show being broadcast by a friend .... comment below ... or pm