CAMPUS NEWS AND HAPPENINGS
Quote to Inspire: "Start where you are. Not where you think you should be. Not where others think you should be. But where you are. Little by little becomes alot." -- Brad Stulburg,
The Way of Excellence: A Guide to True Greatness and Deep Satisfaction in a Chaotic World.
- Welcome February, Songwriters! ❄️🎵❄️
We're happy to welcome many new faces to our virtual campus this month! SongU is a supportive, encouraging community of like-minded creators who believe in growing their craft and cheering each other on. Remember that participating in written song evaluations, live song feedback, and private one-on-one sessions gives you the added benefit of networking with hit songwriters, music publishers, producers and, just as importantly, fellow talented SongU members. Many of you were curious to hear more about our newest Song Feedback instructor, Anna Kline. Find out more about her unique journey from the orchestra pit to becoming a major player in the Nashville songwriting scene in this interview.
Submissions Open for a Golden-Ticket Cowrite 🌟
Submit your songs - or lyrics only - to the Golden Ticket Special Event Pitch for the opportunity to be selected for an exclusive opportunity to cowrite with award-winning recording artist, Tony-nominated composer, and creator for major sync placements, Lauren Lucas! Find details in the Pitching area through March 16th.
Go Behind the Scenes with Our Pitch Guest. 📣
Watch and hear the guest's genuine, unfiltered reactions as they listen to your song and those of other writers during a special live listening session. Pitch #2577 for Kenny Chesney is enabled with an optional "add-on" Behind-The-Scenes (BTS) LIVE EXPERIENCE! Check the box on the submission page for details and to sign up for the February 26th live experience. Space is very limited.
Ask Professor Bob: Live Music Business Q&A 🎯
Ever wish you could just ask someone who really understands how the music business actually works? BUS 280-Ask Professor Bob is a live, open Q&A with SU mentor, college professor, and pitch guest Bob Dellaposta, answering all your business questions, including pitching strategies, sync, AI, monetizing your catalog, and more. Meeting on Tuesday, Feb 24th at 9PM (ET). Sign-up starts on the Live Courses sign-up page one week prior.
General Registration Reminders:📅
Our mentors and pitch guests are available for Private Sessions by appointment only. You may have two active live songwriting feedback courses (FDBK) at once, but you can add a third if there is still an open spot 24 hours before the class starts. Keep an eye on the live songwriting course schedule in case someone cancels during the week, and a seat opens up. Find your favorite coach for song evaluations in the Activity area. New to SongU? Welcome! Check out the FAQ Quick Start Guide for an overview of how to begin.
Welcome International Members! We've Got Live Courses That Fit Your Schedule🌐
When selecting live courses, check out GMT-friendly times on weekdays and Saturdays.
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Featured Pitch. Pitch #2558: Special Event! Golden Ticket with Lauren Lucas! Golden Ticket with Lauren Lucas! This special pitch event is your chance to submit your songs - or lyrics-only - for the opportunity to be handpicked by ACM-nomin... View all pitch opps.
Pitch #2558
Golden Ticket with Lauren Lucas! This special pitch event is your chance to submit your songs - or lyrics-only - for the opportunity to be handpicked by ACM-nominated recording artist and writer, Tony-nominated composer Lauren Lucas for an exclusive co-write session. Lauren is one of the composers behind the original score and the soulful voice of the main title theme of the 2025 hit Netflix comedy series "Leanne" starring Leanne Morgan. (But that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Lauren's music industry experience. We encourage you to follow her on Instagram and Spotify to explore more of her music and creative work.) SongU'ers, let's start 2026 by setting an intention to dare to dream big! Here's how to submit your songs or lyrics:
HOW IT WORKS: Lauren will listen to ALL submissions, either songs (melody + lyrics) or lyrics-only, and select her top contenders. All contender songs will receive a special Rising Star Award. From this group, Lauren will choose ONE writer to win the GOLDEN TICKET co-write, announced during a live countdown session called The Big Reveal.
WHAT TO SUBMIT + AI RULES: Submit as many songs or lyrics-only as you wish. Lauren is open to all styles and wants to know what your original writing is like. Your melody and lyrics must be completely human-written. Please submit songs with human-authored lyrics and music only. Both simple and professional demos are welcome. AI demo backing tracks and/or vocals are permitted, however, you must disclose any AI use in production, instrumentation, and/or vocals.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES: First, place your event song (MP3 and typed lyrics) in your Song Locker. In the "Note for Pitch Guest" area, please let our guest know the following information, including disclosing any AI use in the production:
a)(required)What, if any, portion of the backing track and vocals are AI generated, or if the track was done without AI and/or with a live vocalist.
b) (choose one of the following): I wrote the melody and lyrics alone, or
c) I wrote the lyrics only, or
d) I wrote the melody only, or
e) My collaborator and I shared in lyrics and melody.
In the Pitching area submit your event song(s) using SongU credits from your Song Locker drop-down.
How will you know if you are a contender? Lauren will be listening throughout the submission period. You will receive an email from SongU.com when Lauren makes a decision on your song. It will let you know if your song was passed on or made it into the contender field. (Make sure your emails from SongU.com are not being sent to your junk/spam folder.) Our guests often review several songs at once, so you may receive multiple emails in a short time. This does not reflect when your song was heard.
The Big Reveal! Interview + Winner Announcement: Watch the Announcements and instructor-led course scshedule after the submission deadline for the SPEC-470 session, The Big Reveal! Sign up via your Live Course Activity area. The session will be recorded, and a transcript provided. We encourage all who submitted songs or lyrics whether or not you're a contender to attend. This live event includes a Q&A with the guest and the winner announcement for the Golden Ticket Co-Write!
Please read the Terms.
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Featured Pitch. Pitch #2577: Kenny Chesney Country Kenny Chesney. 📣This pitch is enabled with an optional "add-on" Behind-The-Scenes (BTS) LIVE EXPERIENCE! Watch and hear the guest's genuine, unfiltered reaction... View all pitch opps.
Pitch #2577
Kenny Chesney. 📣This pitch is enabled with an optional "add-on" Behind-The-Scenes (BTS) LIVE EXPERIENCE! Watch and hear the guest's genuine, unfiltered reactions as they listen to your song and those of other writers during a special live listening session. Check the box on the submission page for details and to sign up!📣
A Street Pitch guest and song plugger who has generated income for SongU members is looking for songs for Warner Records Nashville artist Kenny Chesney. Please read the entire brief before submitting and pitch appropriately.
Seeking: Great, well-crafted, country songs for this very competitive pitch. Mostly looking for mids and uptempos, but would consider a ballad if it was amazing.
Style and feel (these are very important): Kenny believes deeply that his songs should connect with his audience through positive shared experiences, emotions and community. Lyrically, consider submitting your songs about the joy of spending time in solitude such as on a boat looking up at the sky; OR encouraging songs about life that unite people and help them forget about their problems for a while. I'll be most interested to hear submissions that manage to include either a lot of memorable phrases about relaxing in the great outdoors all over the diversity of landscapes of America; OR about taking supreme enjoyment in the happiness that comes from being in a huge crowd of fellow concert goers that are all looking out for one another to have a great time together.
Music, Tracks, and Production: Kenny's a Country artist. However, the way you demo is a creative choice whether it's in the direction of Kenny's style or not. See references below.
References: Kenny especially respects the writing and stylings of Mac McAnally, Dave Matthews, and Grace Potter. So, hints of their music styles in your demos could be a plus.
AI Guidelines: Based on the current copyright report (https://songu.com/FAQAI.aspx), this guest will only consider songs with entirely human-authored lyrics and human-authored melodies. AI may be used for demo production, but any such use of AI must be disclosed.
Pitch Follow-Up: If this guest expresses interest in your song, they will pitch it with the understanding that you will be asked to sign a single song agreement with the publishing company if there is interest in the song.
GOLD STARS! CONGRATULATIONS to our members whose songs were picked up in the past 72 hours to be signed or pitched from our leads!
(#2548) Pitch For Publisher. Country. Walker Montgomery. Extended! A Street Pitch guest and music publisher who has already generated...
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Eric Blossman - "READ BETWEEN THE WINES"
(2/2/2026)
Pitch #2548
Walker Montgomery. Extended! A Street Pitch guest and music publisher who has already generated income for SongU members is listening to songs for indie artist Walker Montgomery, son of country music legend John Michael Montgomery and the nephew of Montgomery Gentry's Eddie Montgomery.
About Walker's music blends traditional country elements with modern production, creating a sound that resonates with listeners across generations. Chosen as an 'Artist to Watch' by Country Now, Music Mayhem Magazine, Sounds Like Nashville, The Boot and others, Walker Montgomery is well on his way to building his own legacy in country music.
Seeking: In staying true to himself and who he is as an artist, Walker needs songs with a 90s country vibe, that will connect with people no matter who they are. Listening to ballads, mid and up-tempos. Please pitch demo quality or clean, clear, easy to understand work tapes.
Listen and refer to these songs: Walker put his classically country inspired, smooth Tennessee Whisky vocals to use on his self-penned debut hit "Simple Town" and attained an impressive 5.2 Million and counting, Spotify streams. His romantic power-ballad, "She Don't Know," has garnered the new artist over 20 million streams worldwide, and Walker's 2024 cover of "I Love The Way You Love Me" (first released by his father John Michael Montgomery in 1993), has garnered more than 25 million views on his TikTok page. Walker made his Grand Ole Opry debut on December 1, 2023 and brought the house down with his self-penned songs "Work To Do" and "Tired Of You.
(#2548) Pitch For Publisher. Country. Walker Montgomery. Extended! A Street Pitch guest and music publisher who has already generated...
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Tyler Motes - "FEELS LIKE HEAVEN "
(2/2/2026)
Pitch #2548
Walker Montgomery. Extended! A Street Pitch guest and music publisher who has already generated income for SongU members is listening to songs for indie artist Walker Montgomery, son of country music legend John Michael Montgomery and the nephew of Montgomery Gentry's Eddie Montgomery.
About Walker's music blends traditional country elements with modern production, creating a sound that resonates with listeners across generations. Chosen as an 'Artist to Watch' by Country Now, Music Mayhem Magazine, Sounds Like Nashville, The Boot and others, Walker Montgomery is well on his way to building his own legacy in country music.
Seeking: In staying true to himself and who he is as an artist, Walker needs songs with a 90s country vibe, that will connect with people no matter who they are. Listening to ballads, mid and up-tempos. Please pitch demo quality or clean, clear, easy to understand work tapes.
Listen and refer to these songs: Walker put his classically country inspired, smooth Tennessee Whisky vocals to use on his self-penned debut hit "Simple Town" and attained an impressive 5.2 Million and counting, Spotify streams. His romantic power-ballad, "She Don't Know," has garnered the new artist over 20 million streams worldwide, and Walker's 2024 cover of "I Love The Way You Love Me" (first released by his father John Michael Montgomery in 1993), has garnered more than 25 million views on his TikTok page. Walker made his Grand Ole Opry debut on December 1, 2023 and brought the house down with his self-penned songs "Work To Do" and "Tired Of You.
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Michael Taylor - "BEAUTIFUL WEAKNESS_0126MV"
(2/2/2026)
Pitch #2548
Walker Montgomery. Extended! A Street Pitch guest and music publisher who has already generated income for SongU members is listening to songs for indie artist Walker Montgomery, son of country music legend John Michael Montgomery and the nephew of Montgomery Gentry's Eddie Montgomery.
About Walker's music blends traditional country elements with modern production, creating a sound that resonates with listeners across generations. Chosen as an 'Artist to Watch' by Country Now, Music Mayhem Magazine, Sounds Like Nashville, The Boot and others, Walker Montgomery is well on his way to building his own legacy in country music.
Seeking: In staying true to himself and who he is as an artist, Walker needs songs with a 90s country vibe, that will connect with people no matter who they are. Listening to ballads, mid and up-tempos. Please pitch demo quality or clean, clear, easy to understand work tapes.
Listen and refer to these songs: Walker put his classically country inspired, smooth Tennessee Whisky vocals to use on his self-penned debut hit "Simple Town" and attained an impressive 5.2 Million and counting, Spotify streams. His romantic power-ballad, "She Don't Know," has garnered the new artist over 20 million streams worldwide, and Walker's 2024 cover of "I Love The Way You Love Me" (first released by his father John Michael Montgomery in 1993), has garnered more than 25 million views on his TikTok page. Walker made his Grand Ole Opry debut on December 1, 2023 and brought the house down with his self-penned songs "Work To Do" and "Tired Of You.
(#2548) Pitch For Publisher. Country. Walker Montgomery. Extended! A Street Pitch guest and music publisher who has already generated...
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Thomas White - "I'M STILL HERE / COUNTRY DEMO"
(2/2/2026)
Pitch #2548
Walker Montgomery. Extended! A Street Pitch guest and music publisher who has already generated income for SongU members is listening to songs for indie artist Walker Montgomery, son of country music legend John Michael Montgomery and the nephew of Montgomery Gentry's Eddie Montgomery.
About Walker's music blends traditional country elements with modern production, creating a sound that resonates with listeners across generations. Chosen as an 'Artist to Watch' by Country Now, Music Mayhem Magazine, Sounds Like Nashville, The Boot and others, Walker Montgomery is well on his way to building his own legacy in country music.
Seeking: In staying true to himself and who he is as an artist, Walker needs songs with a 90s country vibe, that will connect with people no matter who they are. Listening to ballads, mid and up-tempos. Please pitch demo quality or clean, clear, easy to understand work tapes.
Listen and refer to these songs: Walker put his classically country inspired, smooth Tennessee Whisky vocals to use on his self-penned debut hit "Simple Town" and attained an impressive 5.2 Million and counting, Spotify streams. His romantic power-ballad, "She Don't Know," has garnered the new artist over 20 million streams worldwide, and Walker's 2024 cover of "I Love The Way You Love Me" (first released by his father John Michael Montgomery in 1993), has garnered more than 25 million views on his TikTok page. Walker made his Grand Ole Opry debut on December 1, 2023 and brought the house down with his self-penned songs "Work To Do" and "Tired Of You.
(#2567) Pitch For Publisher. Country. Emily Ann Roberts. A Street Pitch guest and music publisher who has already generated income...
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David Nicastro - "I FALL INTO YOU V2"
(2/3/2026)
Pitch #2567
Emily Ann Roberts. A Street Pitch guest and music publisher who has already generated income for SongU members is listening to songs for Sony Records artist Emily Ann Roberts.
About: Emily earned a coveted spot on NBC's The Voice, season 9 as a member of Team Blake, toured with Blake Shelton on his "Back To The Honky Tonk" Tour, joined Jamey Johnson's "What A View" tour and is also an alumnus of CMT's "2024 Next Women Of Country."
Seeking: HIT songs. 1) Up-tempo, energetic, twangy country, with strong country influences and nuanced hints of bluegrass. Songs that are radio-friendly and pair well with contemporary production. Think about songs where the rhythm and melody drive the narrative and make it ideal for radio and live performances. Pitch songs that paint a vivid picture and keep the listener engaged and singing along. 2) Mid-tempo's and ballads - think somewhere between Patsy Cline and Trisha Yearwood. The right story song could work as well.
With over 78 million streams to her name and counting, I would love nothing better than to secure YOU a cut on this truly amazing country artist!
(#2567) Pitch For Publisher. Country. Emily Ann Roberts. A Street Pitch guest and music publisher who has already generated income...
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Thomas White - "IF YOU NEVER COME BACK"
(2/3/2026)
Pitch #2567
Emily Ann Roberts. A Street Pitch guest and music publisher who has already generated income for SongU members is listening to songs for Sony Records artist Emily Ann Roberts.
About: Emily earned a coveted spot on NBC's The Voice, season 9 as a member of Team Blake, toured with Blake Shelton on his "Back To The Honky Tonk" Tour, joined Jamey Johnson's "What A View" tour and is also an alumnus of CMT's "2024 Next Women Of Country."
Seeking: HIT songs. 1) Up-tempo, energetic, twangy country, with strong country influences and nuanced hints of bluegrass. Songs that are radio-friendly and pair well with contemporary production. Think about songs where the rhythm and melody drive the narrative and make it ideal for radio and live performances. Pitch songs that paint a vivid picture and keep the listener engaged and singing along. 2) Mid-tempo's and ballads - think somewhere between Patsy Cline and Trisha Yearwood. The right story song could work as well.
With over 78 million streams to her name and counting, I would love nothing better than to secure YOU a cut on this truly amazing country artist!
UPCOMING INSTRUCTOR-LED COURSES
Registration for song feedback and mentoring courses (FDBK) begins one-week prior to course time starting at 10:00 am ET. Limit 5 participants per session.
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Wed Feb 04, 2026 09:00 PM (ET)
FDBK 320 Music Publisher Songwriting Feedback Course with Debbie Zavitson
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Thu Feb 05, 2026 09:00 PM (ET)
FDBK 315 Music Publisher Songwriting Feedback Course with Bob Dellaposta
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Sat Feb 07, 2026 12:00 PM (ET)
FDBK 135 Songwriting Feedback Course with Randy Klein
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Mon Feb 09, 2026 08:00 PM (ET)
FDBK 300 Music Publisher - Christian Songwriting Feedback Course with Dallas Gregory
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Tue Feb 10, 2026 01:00 PM (ET)
FDBK 200 Songwriting Feedback Course II with Helen Darling