About Songsalive! Australia
Launched in May, 2011, Songsalive! Australia is the embodiment of a vision for the future of Australian songwriters. We are an autonomous, not-for-profit organisation, run by volunteers, with one aim, which is to help Australian songwriters achieve the success they are seeking, whether it be creative, commercial or a combination of the two.
 Songsalive! Australia is the organisation which other organisations, such as Songsalive! (in the USA) have grown from. It still remains true to the original ideals of the organisation, which are to support and promote Australian songwriters in any way it can. Given the explosion of communications which has occurred over the past decade, the opportunities for local songwriters to connect with people worldwide has grown, and continues to grow exponentially, which is allowing Songsalive! Australia members to reach out well beyond our shores.
In 1997, Roxanne Kiely co-founded Songsalive! with Gilli Moon, working closely with a dedicated group of volunteers, to develop a strategy which would encompass as many aspects of the songwriter’s career circumstance as was possible. The original group of volunteers, many of whom remain committed and loyal to the original goals of the organisation, was small, but from them, the word spread.
In the 14 years since its foundation, the organisation has expanded into other territories of the world, especially the United States of America. By 2010, it was becoming increasing clear that Australian members of the organisation were beginning to become somewhat subsumed by the inevitable strength of numbers which this brought to bear, and the decision was made to create an autonomous and independent organisation, keeping the Songsalive! name, adding “Australia” to clarify its independence.
Currently, Songsalive! Australia has two projects which are of great use to songwriters:
The Workshop In The Mountains, held annually at the Clarendon in Katoomba. Check out this page for info on the most recent workshop, held in conjunction with the Tamworth Songwriters Association.
Sydney workshops hosted by Shaun Walker.
Currently available online via Zoom on the first Wednesday of the month. Bring along your song, finished or half-finished, live or recorded, and Songsalive! Australia members will listen to it, analyse it and give you positive and useful feedback on the quality of the song, with advice as to how it may be improved (if that's at all possible).
We run projects and workshops to help educate those who have the desire to create songs, but are searching for guidance with the craft, and live showcases for the singer/songwriter, who is looking to present songs in a friendly atmosphere, without the pressure of a long and pressured gig.
From its foundation in 1997, Songsalive! began to fulfill a need by Australian songwriters, for an organisation which would address all aspects of the songwriting art, craft and business, providing workshops and showcases, run by willing and energetic volunteers, who wanted to explore the possibilities inherent in joining forces with like-minded people. Now, in conjunction with our partners and affiliates, Songsalive! Australia is looking to provide members with opportunities beyond the parameters of most songwriting organisations. Connection with areas of the industry, such as audio and video production houses which are looking for original Australian compositions.
 Stephen Kiely joined Songsalive! in 1997, two months after its creation, and soon took on the jobs of Workshop director, website designer and compilation CD graphic artist. Roxanne and Stephen found common ground via the organisation, and began writing together soon after. What began as a professional relationship eventually developed and they married in 2001.
We are ambitious with this vision. The time is ripe for Australian music, and there are so many talented songwriters and composers in this country who need encouragement, education, some like-minded people with whom to discuss, critique and collaborate, so as to realise their own goals, and in the process, lay the groundwork for the future culture of this country via its music and the airwaves and stages it will be heard through.
At a time when Australia's audio and visual arts are under pressure to turn away from the local flavour and reflect the global image, local Australian songwriters need encouragement of their craft, interaction with their peers and greater interactivity with the ever-changing platforms of delivery which are the basis of the entertainment industry.
Live showcases for Songsalive! Australia members are going to be developed and improved. There are many venues which feature singer/songwriters, but a Songsalive! Australia Showcase is a special event, and we plan to continue presenting showcases of quality.
The Future
A number of projects are currently being discussed and developed with our affiliate partners. These projects will feature online interactive elements. As many songwriters are aware, the process of creating the song, as creatively exhausting as it can be, is simply one element in the chain of events which begins with an idea and culminates in the successful enjoyment of the delivered product to its intended audience. What Songsalive! Australia is looking at is creating an environment within which this process can be streamlined, and members are able to access what they require to bring their project to fruition.
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ONLINE WORKSHOPS
Songsalive! Australia's monthly workshops have moved online.
Now you can attend from anywhere in the world!
Russel Neal is running periodic Zoom workshops
7:30 pm 1st Wednesday of the month
Hosted by Shaun Walker and zoom host Russell Neal.
WORKSHOPS
One of the best things you can do for your song, especially if you're almost finished, or have just recently finished it, is to bring it to a workshop.
Having your song listened to, and critiqued by fellow songwriters, often shows up elements which may need addressing, or extending. Sometimes, new ideas flow from the creative reactions to the song, and you find it benefits greatly from having been given a hearing before finally committing it to recording.
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Songsalive! Australia is an independent songwriting community advancing Australian songwriters.
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