Open to feedback

I am just about to hop in my car to head to day two of the SongStudio songwriting workshop in Toronto. Every afternoon features a workshop where each of us gets to present a song to be critiqued by the mentors and the fellow attendees. During the orientation session for the week one of the organization leaders emphasized that being open to new ideas was the best way to get something useful out of this week.

I came prepared to present songs that I am not completely satisfied with for that very reason - I am open to and invite help to get them to the next step. I have lots of songs I had to put aside because they feel finished to me as is and I knew I wouldn’t be open to suggestions regarding those songs.

The song I chose to share yesterday is about a very personal emotional struggle I’ve gone through, addressed through the metaphor of planting a seed. This song feels important to me, but there is something it lacks - so I played it and sat back in hopes the group would help me find what was missing.

The main feedback I received was to claim the position of “I” in the song rather than using the pronoun “you.” Seems obvious, you might think, or not that important, but based on the reaction of the group - strong agreement all around - it was crucial. And why wasn’t I doing it? To be honest, it’s scary as shit to share your hard and sad feelings right out loud with not even the slightest veil of “maybe this isn’t really about me” glossing over it. Saying I instead of you almost made me choke on the words the first time I tried it, that’s how vulnerable it felt.

And that’s how I also knew the critique was spot on.

Because the closer to the bone a song feels, the more likely it is to mean something.

Because the more personal a song is, the more universal it becomes.

And because suddenly I was saying something real instead of pointing at it from a distance.

I’m eagerly looking forward to today’s work, and sitting here thinking about the idea of being open to feedback. If I can apply that mindset more broadly across my whole life, what kind of beautiful help might I receive? What new strength and connection might I find?

What new discoveries might be waiting for me?

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Upcoming Shows

July 16 from 3-6pm
Come find me making music at the Cobourg Public Library Book and Bake Sale. I’m super excited to announce that Whitney O’Hearn is planning to join me for this - glorious harmonies will abound!

July 19
I am hosting a Campfire Songcircle at Westben. It’s a free event prior to Matt Andersen’s show. For details and to RSVP click here.

August 2 5-7:30pm - Join me on the Black Cat patio (Cobourg)

August 31 - Common Ground Festival (Headwaters Farm)

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Featured Song - Wrecked on the Beach (demo)

I’m inspired by all things Siren Song right now - this is my take on what the siren might feel as the boatloads of sailors pass above the surface and blame her for taking them down.