Themed Songwriting Challenge
Song circleSunday, October 25, 2026 · 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Themed Songwriting Challenge is a monthly event where participants receive a theme in advance and write a song based on that theme. At the group, we'll share our songs, either performed live or pre-recorded.
The main purpose of Themed Songwriting Challenge is to give songwriters motivation to write a song every month. It's not primarily a critique group, but you're welcome to ask the group for critical feedback if you want.
The theme for October 2026 is BEGINNING. As per usual, take it in whatever sense you want.
At the actual meetup, we'll go in a circle and perform the songs we've written. In order to make sure everyone has a chance to perform, we're going to keep a timer on discussion after each song.
If you want to just come without a song and listen in, you're welcome to do that! We're limited to 15 performers due to time, and we'd like to leave the spots in this meetup for those performers, so if you want to come without a song, please just leave a comment here.
ABOUT THE VENUE
The October meetup will be held at the Bellevue Library in Meeting Room 3. I'll be bringing a keyboard, as well as speakers that can be connected to a phone or a laptop (via 1/8" jack, USB-C, or Lightning connector).
In 2026, we're fully in-person! Themed Songwriting Challenge will be in Seattle-area libraries every month (depending on availability, either in Seattle Public Library branches or King County Library System branches).
HERE'S HOW IT WORKS
Welcome to Themed Songwriting Challenge! When your turn comes around, please:
- Introduce yourself and your song (Name, song title, anything else you’d like to add)
- Tell us what kind of feedback you’re looking for, if any:
- No feedback
- Encouragement
- Critique: music, performance, lyrics, or some combination
This is your time and we’re here to give you whatever will be helpful for you. There’s no pressure to ask for any particular kind of feedback, or any feedback at all.
- Perform your song! (You can perform live or use the speakers and/or laptop to play a recording.)
When giving feedback:
- Limit your feedback to what the performer asked for
- Critique the work, not the artist
- Good critique helps make the work the best version of itself that it can be
Meeting Room 3 - Bellevue Library, 110th Avenue Northeast, Bellevue, Washington, United States
Host: Nat Budin
Nat Budin is a singer, songwriter, and producer making heartfelt comedy pop and folk music. He's been a member of SiS since 2017 and joined the board in 2024. He's also been a member of the bands Stranger Ways, The Crisis Center, and Klezmoratorium.
Who’s Coming
4 people are going. Log in to see who’s coming