Have you ever wondered about the craft of songwriting and fancied giving it a go? Or perhaps you are a musician looking to flex some skills in collaborative writing? Whether complete beginner or seasoned writer, this 2 hour workshop is the perfect way to connect, learn and create!
You will:
- Learn about the songwriting building blocks
- Explore different methods of starting a song
- Collaborate with others and write together
- Create 1 finished song by the end of the workshop!
And what will happen to this song I hear you ask? It shall be recorded by Venn Smyth and released exclusively to Bandcamp. The proceeds will go towards hosting future songwriting circles as well as a charity of our choice - we will discuss and pick this during the workshop.
The workshop will take place in the wonderful creative hub of Stoke Newington's Babel Art House. We highly recommend you stop for lunch first, sampling their delicious Turkish food, then join us for a relaxed and fun afternoon of songwriting from 2-4pm. And don't you worry, that's ample time to get yourself off to any Eurovision parties - maybe we'll see you there! And who knows, maybe we'll have written the next ‘douze points’…
Unashamedly pop, queer artist Venn Smyth writes music that dances around stories of identity and belonging. A classically trained saxophonist, he is now sharing pop music to make you move and think in equal measure. His music has reached No. 1 on the LGBTQ Music Chart and he is a current semifinalist in Pride's Got Talent. As well as releasing his own music and collaborating with other artists, Venn has over 10 years' experience of leading creative music workshops in a variety of settings from schools to prisons and with participants aged 3 to 93!
Thinking about making a whole weekend of it? Don't worry, we've got you covered. This event is a part of a special pop-up takeover event at Babel Art House from musician Venn Smyth and artist Nico Giannoulis. Explore where Greek mythology collides with queer pop at various events over the weekend of 12-14 May 2023.
Buy the Apollo Ticket - Full Package for the whole weekend which gives you access to everything plus a print of your choice from the exhibition for only £30. Choose this option when getting your tickets, or explore the different events individually below:
The Dionysus Ticket: Free
Art exhibition
Friday 12 - Sunday 14 May - https://www.outsavvy.com/event/14160/free-exhibition-art-queerness-mythology-the-dionysus-ticket
Discover Nico's artwork on display at Babel Art House. Have a coffee or bite to eat and meet with both Nico and Venn who will be there to welcome you, chat and show you exclusive works for sale. There will be also some informal and fun art activities to get involved with!
God of wine, festivities, vegetation and generally a jolly good time, Dionysus would very much appreciate the chance to rock up, see some art, scoff some food, chat and have a drink or 4 with us!
The Hermes Ticket: £9.50
Live gig from Venn Smyth
Friday 12 May 19:00 - https://www.outsavvy.com/event/14069/venn-smyth-hermes-gig-live-at-babel-art-house
Celebrate the release of Venn Smyth's latest single 'Hermes' at this one-off live music event.
Hermes was the god of messengers, but also a bit of a queer icon. Venn Smyth's music carries many strong messages as well as being unashamedly queer, and the spirit of Hermes will be alive and kicking at this special night!
The Pan Ticket: £12
Songwriting circle & workshop
Saturday 13 May 14:00-16:00 - https://www.outsavvy.com/event/14103/songwriting-circle-workshop-led-by-queer-pop-artist-venn-smyth-the-pan-ticket
Have you ever wondered about the craft of songwriting and fancied giving it a go? Or perhaps you are a musician looking to flex some skills in collaborative writing? Whether complete beginner or seasoned writer, this 2 hour workshop is the perfect way to connect, learn and create!
Pan was a mischievous but musical god, who would have loved to get involved in making music and merriment with us!
The Adonis Ticket
Life drawing workshop
Saturday 13 May 16:30-18:30 - https://www.outsavvy.com/event/14143/life-drawing-featuring-venn-smyth-at-babel-art-house-the-adonis-ticket
Have a go at creating some art yourself, with our life drawing workshop. Nico will guide you through as Venn Smyth poses and performs some exclusive acoustic sets, with a very Ancient Greece inspired aesthetic of minimal clothing!
Whilst Venn is certainly not comparing himself to that pin-up Adonis, we'd love to take on some of that confidence to bare all, be creative and have some fun whilst we can!
Share your email with us as organisers to keep posted on upcoming events and exclusive discounts - contact for more information: vennsmyth@gmail.com / artbyngart@yahoo.com
Follow on Instagram @Vennsmyth and @ArtByNGArt