Recap: American Songwriter’s Between The Lines Songwriting Camp

American Songwriter‘s Between The Lines Songwriting Camp is gearing up for its big return, this time in Music City, U.S.A.

Led by No. 1 hit songwriters and SongWriterCamps founders Pam Sheyne and Richard Harris, the pair will be joined by multi-platinum special guests like Marcus Hummon, with more to be announced soon!

The inagural camp took place back in April at the Emerson Resort & Spa in the Catskill Mountains in Hudson Valley, New York.

While there, campers, a group made up of intermediate-level songwriters, producers, and lyricists, attended workshops hosted by professional songwriters. Those pros have worked with artists including Carole King, One Direction, and Ringo Starr.

In one of those workshops, camp mentor David Ryan Harris spoke about trusting your creative gut. It’s a lesson he learned while playing guitar in John Mayer’s band, writing for the likes of Dave Matthews and Santana, and releasing his own music.

Meanwhile, in his own workshop, fellow camp mentor Jeff Cohen emphasized the importance of networking to campers. Cohen is well versed on the topic, having written for The Band Perry, had his songs featured on TV shows like Dawson’s Creek, and founded the band Pancho’s Lament.

Elsewhere, Sheyne led a masterclass titled “Unlocking Hits: Essential Songwriting Tools,” where she noted the importance of rhyme and repetition, contrast, memorable hooks, and more in songwriting.

In the “Breaking Rules, Building Hits” workshop, Sam Hollander encouraged campers to ignore outside noise and persevere through challenges they face in their chosen career.

“All of the guests are very, very well seasoned professionals that have been doing it for a very long time,” camper Christopher Kessenich said. “Just being able to spend a lot of time with them, eat meals with them and pick their brains, feel their genuine support and advice, that’s definitely been the thing that, for me, has meant the most.”

What to Expect from Between The Lines’ Nashville Camp

Looking to top an amazing first outing is no easy task, but American Songwriter is attempting to do just that by moving its next Between The Lines Songwriting Camp to Nashville, Tennessee.

Set to take place from Oct. 24 to 27 at the Virgin Hotels Nashville, Between The Lines will give campers the dream Nashville Music Row experience.

When campers join together for co-writes, they’ll do so right in the heart of Music Row.

A historic district in Nashville, Music Row houses landmarks like the Historic RCA Studio B. It’s also home to the offices of labels such as Curb Records and Sony Music. Being near those iconic spots is sure to inspire creativity in attendees.

Campers, who all enter the experience as strangers, will channel that inspiration as they work together to craft songs. In doing so, they’ll build friendships that will allow them to expand their creative community long after the camp ends.

It was an experience that Emerson attendees couldn’t stop gushing about.

“Everyone acts like they’re a family already, which is really nice,” Olivia Brand said. “Nobody’s judgmental. Everyone is really inclusive. It just feels like an environment where everyone wants to learn and be better.”

Becca Rashid agreed, stating, “It’s been really unexpectedly warm, and it actually has felt like a safe place for me. It’s been really easy to open up to everyone and get creative without any sort of expectation.”

How to Attend Between The Lines Songwriting Camp

Those who wish to attend are invited to apply to the camp. They can do so answering all required questions on the application and supplying three existing songs they have written or co-written.

Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of songwriting professionals. All applicants will be informed shortly after application if they are accepted.

Approved applicants will be sent a direct link to secure their camp seat with purchase.

Space is limited and spots will go fast! Don’t miss this opportunity to write, grow, and connect in one of the most inspiring music cities in the world.

Photo courtesy of Emerson Resorts