SiS Learning Series: Storytelling in Songwriting
Details
Instructor: Wes Weddell
Despite the shallow stereotype of the over-emotional open-mic-er, songwriting remains an excellent vehicle for storytelling and narration - not just feelings. So let’s dig in!
This workshop will highlight the unique potential and challenge offered by the songwriting process, particularly as it relates to storytelling. We’ll discuss how our craft differs from prose-writing and poetry and also engage in several different writing exercises surrounding channeling inspiration and finding different voices to use when telling stories in song-form.
For beginners and seasoned writers alike - no specific prior experience necessary. Bring a notebook and pen/pencil. Instruments and prior works welcome.
Instructor: Wes Weddell (http://www.wesweddell.com/)
Instructor Bio
Since My Northwest Home introduced Wes Weddell to the scene in 2001, many more stages, albums, collaborations, and honors have followed. Touring increased, airplay accrued. A 13-year association with beloved folksinging duo Reilly & Maloney (http://www.reillyandmaloney.com/) began. Life happened, and the touring slowed (Seattle’s not exactly centrally-located). Wes’ Northwest roots sank deeper and spread.
In 2010, Wes began working with The Bushwick Book Club – Seattle (http://www.thebushwickbookclubseattle.com/), a collective of songwriters and artists who write and perform original works inspired by a different literary selection each month. Songs from this catalogue comprise the selections on 2015’s Nobody’s Flag, a full-band effort firmly in the rootsy-Americana vein.
• Inaugural Mary Gates Venture Fellow (http://expd.washington.edu/mge/) at University of Washington, 2001
• Winner, 2006 Tumbleweed Music Festival (http://www.tumbleweedfest.com/) Songwriting Contest: “Carry On”
• Songs to Get You From Here to There Top-12 DIY pick from Performing Songwriter Magazine, June 2007
• Jack Straw (http://www.jackstraw.org/) Artist Support Grant, 2013
• Willapa Bay Artist in Residence (http://www.willapabayair.org/), 2014
• President/Founder, Puget’s Sound Productions (http://www.livelocalmusic.org/)
• Board of Directors, Bushwick Northwest (http://www.thebushwickbookclubseattle.com/) (Quiz Master, too!)
• Board of Directors, FAR-West (http://www.far-west.org/)
• Singer/Songwriter Community Coordinator, Northwest Folklife Festival (http://www.nwfolklife.org/)