Themed Songwriting Challenge, In-Person Edition

The theme for February 2026 is NIGHTMARE. As per usual, take it in whatever sense you want.

Themed Songwriting Challenge is a monthly event. We'll announce a theme each month, 4 weeks ahead of time. During the month leading up to the challenge, you'll have a chance to write a song based (perhaps loosely) on that theme.

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.

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ABOUT THE VENUE

The February meetup will be held at the Northeast Library in the Meeting Room. 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).

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HERE'S HOW IT WORKS

Welcome to Themed Songwriting Challenge! When your turn comes around, please:

1. Introduce yourself and your song (Name, song title, anything else you’d like to add)
2. 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.

3. 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