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A Room of Our Own
In a way, this website is a shadow of a different kind
of Songspace I have in mind: a dedicated performance venue
for singer-songwriters.
I imagine a small- to medium-sized room (called Songspace),
with great sound and lighting, comfortable seating, a warm
atmosphere, no smoking, and no distractions. Like a house
concert, it would be intimate and focused, but with the
advantages of more control over the sound, more room, more
concerts, and more community visibility.
It wouldn't be a bar, or a cafe, or a restaurant, but a
concert space. It would be a place where listeners could
always count on hearing great songwriting, and artists could
always count on having an appreciative audience.
It would be run by a non-profit organization (also called
Songspace). The guiding principle would be that this music
is a vital form of art, not just entertainment, and that
it needs to be experienced in the right setting. It needs
to be supported and presented on its own terms, and not
just as a means to some other end (like selling beer or
espresso, or making hit records).
As a non-profit, Songspace the organization would have
access to public and private grants, tax-deductible donations,
and other forms of support. The website and the venue would
work together, each attracting visitors to the other.
Other events could be offered as well, including concerts
by out-of-town songwriters, songwriting classes and workshops,
educational programs for children, open mics, song circles,
and showings of music-related films.
Who knows – it could even become a resource center
that supports local songwriters, much as 911 supports local
filmmakers, Hugo House supports local authors, and Jack
Straw supports local composers.
It would be a lot of work, of course – more than any
one person could accomplish. It would have to be a true
community effort. Which is why I'm putting this vision out
there, where people can see it, talk about it, and maybe
be inspired by it.
If this vision inspires you, contact
me.
Meanwhile...
Returning to Songspace the website for a moment, there
are a number of ways that the site might continue to grow
and evolve:
- Forums discussing topics such as the Seattle scene,
songwriting, sharing of information and resources,
conversations between artists and listeners
- Referral lists of studios, producers, engineers,
and side musicians
- Real-world advice
from community peers regarding issues of booking
and touring, recording, distribution, promotion
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Before pursuing these schemes, I'd love to hear from users
(you, that is) about what new features would be most useful
and worthwhile. If enough people express a similar interest
or need, it may well materialize here in Songspace. [ contact ]
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