More On Songcraft’s Plans In 2008 And Beyond

Photo (“The Buskateer”) by rofanator

So we had a most wonderful dinner outing with a majority of the Songcraft gang this evening.

I’ll leave those who were there to fill you in on the details, but I was really amazed & encouraged at everyone’s enthusiasm towards this little Songcraft group, and displaying so much interest in the growth & direction of the circle.

A large portion of the conversation tonight centered on what the future plans for Songcraft might be, and how we can go about doing it.

I shall now think aloud and examine some of the possible “projects” (for want of a better word) which Songcraft might consider undertaking in 2008, and evaluate each item critically.

But that being said, I have to emphasize that I do not wish to lose sight of the fundamental (and non-commercial) objectives of the group, and that is to celebrate the art of songwriting in S’pore, as well as to promote the love for songwriting.

I also do not intend to let the group grow too big, or tinker with the formula of the monthly group sessions, cos that is the entire essence of the Songcraft circle - the cosy, intimate, supportive, forgiving, non-threatening, music-loving atmosphere made up of passionate songwriters.

Anyway, here are some possible plans for Songcraft in 2008:

1) Songcraft Compilation Album

Concept: The idea is to record and produce a compilation album of our songs, i.e. each person probably contributes one or two songs to the album. My idea is to have an overriding theme for the album, e.g. “Life In S’pore” or “Love Stories” or something like that, so that it doesn’t become too much of a mixed bag of unrelated songs.

Pros: Great way to document, share and distribute our songs to other people, e.g. friends and online recipients.

Cons: Is the time, effort and money spent on a properly-produced album going to be justifiable? How many people are really going to listen to the album in its entirety? So what happens after the album is completed…how far is it going to go? Is it going to end up being listened to just by our own friends? If we try to sell our album (i.e. for money), probably nobody’s going to buy them. If we give away the album for free, is the cost justifiable? Are we sure they’ll listen to the album more than once, if they listen to it at all?

Verdict: I personally think that it is not justifiable. I honestly think our time, effort and money can be put to better use.

2) Collaboration With Other Artists

Concept: The idea is to team up with other artists to create works of art. For example, there might be a lot of amateur filmmakers out there who need someone to write music/songs for their short films. Hence, we can work with them and help provide the music that they need. Another idea is that of creating some kind of musical theatre production or something like that with theatre groups and playwrights.

Pros: Fantastic way to utilise & showcase our songwriting talents. It gives us added motivation & incentive to write new songs knowing that it would be used in collaboration with something else for a greater artistic purpose. It gives our songwriting purpose an added dimension, and if definitely makes things very interesting.

Cons: Other artists need to be convinced that our music/songs are good enough such that they would want to collaborate with us. In other words, we need to be able to deliver at our end.

Verdict: Definitely something worth looking into, especially if it means being able to develop the local arts scene as well as hone our songcraft at the same time.

3) Songwriter’s Festival

Concept: To stage a songwriter’s festival (small-scale one, of course) under the Songcraft name, whereby the idea is to promote and give exposure to mostly unheard of indie singer-songwriters like us, as well as a number of other young talents out there in S’pore. The festival would be open to anyone in S’pore who is keen to perform (but I suppose auditions will have to be done to ensure there is at least a minimum standard). It would boast an impressive line-up of good original songs written in S’pore. The festival might take one whole evening, and might be held in some open-air outdoor area (think Lollapalooza but 1/1000th the scale). All members of the general public are eligible to attend, for FREE. Publicity will be done to ensure massive participation.

Pros: Great way to showcase raw local songwriting talent, as well as to promote the art of songwriting to the general public.

Cons: Lots of planning & organizing involved. Might also have to source for some major sponsors to fund the event. Huge logistical challenge.

Verdict: Highly ambitious idea, but definitely doable, and requires A LOT of planning. Obviously, the festival has to be small-scale for a start. No point aiming for something we cannot pull off.

4) Don’t Do Anything New, i.e. Everything Remains The Same

Concept: The idea of this project is to do nothing new. Just keep on doing the monthly sessions, and possibly another year-end mini-concert.

Pros: Very simple. No extra planning, organizing, and funding involved.

Cons: Boring.

Verdict: Possible option, if we’re unable to come up with any new & workable ideas.