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 #2578: Darius Rucker Country Darius Rucker. Veteran music publisher with multiple cuts on major artists is listening to songs for MCA recording artist Darius Rucker.
Seeking:... View all pitch opps.
Pitch #2578
Darius Rucker. Veteran music publisher with multiple cuts on major artists is listening to songs for MCA recording artist Darius Rucker.
Seeking: Your best chance will be uptempo or upbeat mids with great melody lines throughout the song and a Chorus that really lifts, so the listener can remember the title easily. NO BALLADS.
Musical References: For a standout, sing-along Chorus think along the lines 'Wagon Wheel.' The musical vibe could also lean toward the Country R&B type feel. (Not Pop R&B). Male vocals only.
Lyrically: Important -- Only positive relationships songs. He is about to get married, so consider lyrics "for her," where he sings how much he loves her and/or how good she is for him; Or about a couple that is right for each other and how good the love is between them. Note: Darius is 55+ years old, so lyrics should be age appropriate for more mature type guy. No real young lyrics.
Additional: The song - both the melody and lyrics - needs to be competitive. Not a fan of really obvious AI productions. Darius will be cutting in March.
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.
In general, here is what this pitch guest is seeking in every song that is pitched to them:
-- Fresh ideas and interesting titles; lead directly to the title in a strong way to make the title stand out.
-- Get your first verse set up much quicker to grab the listener within the first 30 seconds from when it starts. Most of the time, I don't even get to the second verse if the first verse does not draw me in. Your song may not need a pre-chorus. Try to get to the point and make it pay off quickly.
-- Before pitching, please do your research. Really listen to the artist and see what kind of songs they like to cut. Figure out what they like, how they sing, and what songs they lean toward.
-- Please read the description/brief and submit only what we request. For example, if we're looking for uptempo, only send uptempo. If we mention "no drinking songs", then please don't send a drinking song.
-- Read a lot for new ideas and stories. For Country songs, understand the writing of great writers like Shane McAnally, Michael Hardy, Don Schlitz, Bobby Braddock, Lori McKenna.
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!
(#2566) Pitch For Publisher. Country. Jon Pardi. Veteran music publisher with multiple cuts on major artists is listening to songs...
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Carol Coffey - "HEART-STEALIN' YOU"
(2/10/2026)
Pitch #2566
Jon Pardi. Veteran music publisher with multiple cuts on major artists is listening to songs for Capitol recording artist Jon Pardi.
Seeking: UPTEMPO, fun, positive that a crowd would sing along with. Lyrically: It needs to be a solid lyric with something different, original, and fresh in the subject and idea. No drinking songs. Better chance if lyric is centered on a positive relationship (with and different spin). NO NEGATIVE lyrics. Melodically: It needs to be country but with a more modern/interesting MELODY like "Friday Night Heartbreaker," but with a more Country PRODUCTION liked his single "Heartache Medication." Listen to those two songs before pitching. Melody needs to be in range for an alto singer. NO BALLADS. Male vocals only. In studio early February.
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.
In general, here is what this pitch guest is seeking in every song that is pitched to them:
-- Fresh ideas and interesting titles; lead directly to the title in a strong way to make the title stand out.
-- Get your first verse set up much quicker to grab the listener within the first 30 seconds from when it starts. Most of the time, I don't even get to the second verse if the first verse does not draw me in. Your song may not need a pre-chorus. Try to get to the point and make it pay off quickly.
-- Before pitching, please do your research. Really listen to the artist and see what kind of songs they like to cut. Figure out what they like, how they sing, and what songs they lean toward.
-- Please read the description/brief and submit only what we request. For example, if we're looking for uptempo, only send uptempo. If we mention "no drinking songs", then please don't send a drinking song.
-- Read a lot for new ideas and stories. For Country songs, understand the writing of great writers like Shane McAnally, Michael Hardy, Don Schlitz, Bobby Braddock, Lori McKenna.
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.
(#2566) Pitch For Publisher. Country. Jon Pardi. Veteran music publisher with multiple cuts on major artists is listening to songs...
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Carol Coffey - "LOVE WHATCHA LOVE"
(2/10/2026)
Pitch #2566
Jon Pardi. Veteran music publisher with multiple cuts on major artists is listening to songs for Capitol recording artist Jon Pardi.
Seeking: UPTEMPO, fun, positive that a crowd would sing along with. Lyrically: It needs to be a solid lyric with something different, original, and fresh in the subject and idea. No drinking songs. Better chance if lyric is centered on a positive relationship (with and different spin). NO NEGATIVE lyrics. Melodically: It needs to be country but with a more modern/interesting MELODY like "Friday Night Heartbreaker," but with a more Country PRODUCTION liked his single "Heartache Medication." Listen to those two songs before pitching. Melody needs to be in range for an alto singer. NO BALLADS. Male vocals only. In studio early February.
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.
In general, here is what this pitch guest is seeking in every song that is pitched to them:
-- Fresh ideas and interesting titles; lead directly to the title in a strong way to make the title stand out.
-- Get your first verse set up much quicker to grab the listener within the first 30 seconds from when it starts. Most of the time, I don't even get to the second verse if the first verse does not draw me in. Your song may not need a pre-chorus. Try to get to the point and make it pay off quickly.
-- Before pitching, please do your research. Really listen to the artist and see what kind of songs they like to cut. Figure out what they like, how they sing, and what songs they lean toward.
-- Please read the description/brief and submit only what we request. For example, if we're looking for uptempo, only send uptempo. If we mention "no drinking songs", then please don't send a drinking song.
-- Read a lot for new ideas and stories. For Country songs, understand the writing of great writers like Shane McAnally, Michael Hardy, Don Schlitz, Bobby Braddock, Lori McKenna.
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.
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Derek Sholeen - "GOTTA GET GONE-3"
(2/10/2026)
Pitch #2566
Jon Pardi. Veteran music publisher with multiple cuts on major artists is listening to songs for Capitol recording artist Jon Pardi.
Seeking: UPTEMPO, fun, positive that a crowd would sing along with. Lyrically: It needs to be a solid lyric with something different, original, and fresh in the subject and idea. No drinking songs. Better chance if lyric is centered on a positive relationship (with and different spin). NO NEGATIVE lyrics. Melodically: It needs to be country but with a more modern/interesting MELODY like "Friday Night Heartbreaker," but with a more Country PRODUCTION liked his single "Heartache Medication." Listen to those two songs before pitching. Melody needs to be in range for an alto singer. NO BALLADS. Male vocals only. In studio early February.
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.
In general, here is what this pitch guest is seeking in every song that is pitched to them:
-- Fresh ideas and interesting titles; lead directly to the title in a strong way to make the title stand out.
-- Get your first verse set up much quicker to grab the listener within the first 30 seconds from when it starts. Most of the time, I don't even get to the second verse if the first verse does not draw me in. Your song may not need a pre-chorus. Try to get to the point and make it pay off quickly.
-- Before pitching, please do your research. Really listen to the artist and see what kind of songs they like to cut. Figure out what they like, how they sing, and what songs they lean toward.
-- Please read the description/brief and submit only what we request. For example, if we're looking for uptempo, only send uptempo. If we mention "no drinking songs", then please don't send a drinking song.
-- Read a lot for new ideas and stories. For Country songs, understand the writing of great writers like Shane McAnally, Michael Hardy, Don Schlitz, Bobby Braddock, Lori McKenna.
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.
(#2566) Pitch For Publisher. Country. Jon Pardi. Veteran music publisher with multiple cuts on major artists is listening to songs...
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Scotty Spain - "A LITTLE MORE WIDE OPEN"
(2/10/2026)
Pitch #2566
Jon Pardi. Veteran music publisher with multiple cuts on major artists is listening to songs for Capitol recording artist Jon Pardi.
Seeking: UPTEMPO, fun, positive that a crowd would sing along with. Lyrically: It needs to be a solid lyric with something different, original, and fresh in the subject and idea. No drinking songs. Better chance if lyric is centered on a positive relationship (with and different spin). NO NEGATIVE lyrics. Melodically: It needs to be country but with a more modern/interesting MELODY like "Friday Night Heartbreaker," but with a more Country PRODUCTION liked his single "Heartache Medication." Listen to those two songs before pitching. Melody needs to be in range for an alto singer. NO BALLADS. Male vocals only. In studio early February.
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.
In general, here is what this pitch guest is seeking in every song that is pitched to them:
-- Fresh ideas and interesting titles; lead directly to the title in a strong way to make the title stand out.
-- Get your first verse set up much quicker to grab the listener within the first 30 seconds from when it starts. Most of the time, I don't even get to the second verse if the first verse does not draw me in. Your song may not need a pre-chorus. Try to get to the point and make it pay off quickly.
-- Before pitching, please do your research. Really listen to the artist and see what kind of songs they like to cut. Figure out what they like, how they sing, and what songs they lean toward.
-- Please read the description/brief and submit only what we request. For example, if we're looking for uptempo, only send uptempo. If we mention "no drinking songs", then please don't send a drinking song.
-- Read a lot for new ideas and stories. For Country songs, understand the writing of great writers like Shane McAnally, Michael Hardy, Don Schlitz, Bobby Braddock, Lori McKenna.
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.
(#2578) Pitch For Publisher. Country. Darius Rucker. Veteran music publisher with multiple cuts on major artists is listening to...
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John Park - "MAMA MADE THIS MAN"
(2/10/2026)
Pitch #2578
Darius Rucker. Veteran music publisher with multiple cuts on major artists is listening to songs for MCA recording artist Darius Rucker.
Seeking: Your best chance will be uptempo or upbeat mids with great melody lines throughout the song and a Chorus that really lifts, so the listener can remember the title easily. NO BALLADS.
Musical References: For a standout, sing-along Chorus think along the lines 'Wagon Wheel.' The musical vibe could also lean toward the Country R&B type feel. (Not Pop R&B). Male vocals only.
Lyrically: Important -- Only positive relationships songs. He is about to get married, so consider lyrics "for her," where he sings how much he loves her and/or how good she is for him; Or about a couple that is right for each other and how good the love is between them. Note: Darius is 55+ years old, so lyrics should be age appropriate for more mature type guy. No real young lyrics.
Additional: The song - both the melody and lyrics - needs to be competitive. Not a fan of really obvious AI productions. Darius will be cutting in March.
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.
In general, here is what this pitch guest is seeking in every song that is pitched to them:
-- Fresh ideas and interesting titles; lead directly to the title in a strong way to make the title stand out.
-- Get your first verse set up much quicker to grab the listener within the first 30 seconds from when it starts. Most of the time, I don't even get to the second verse if the first verse does not draw me in. Your song may not need a pre-chorus. Try to get to the point and make it pay off quickly.
-- Before pitching, please do your research. Really listen to the artist and see what kind of songs they like to cut. Figure out what they like, how they sing, and what songs they lean toward.
-- Please read the description/brief and submit only what we request. For example, if we're looking for uptempo, only send uptempo. If we mention "no drinking songs", then please don't send a drinking song.
-- Read a lot for new ideas and stories. For Country songs, understand the writing of great writers like Shane McAnally, Michael Hardy, Don Schlitz, Bobby Braddock, Lori McKenna.
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.
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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Sat Feb 14, 2026 01:00 PM (ET)
FDBK 205 Song Feedback Course II with Alan Roy Scott
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Mon Feb 16, 2026 08:00 PM (ET)
FDBK 275 Songwriting and Production Feedback Course with Dylan Emmet
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Tue Feb 17, 2026 09:00 PM (ET)
FDBK 315 Music Publisher Songwriting Feedback Course with Bob Dellaposta
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Wed Feb 18, 2026 01:00 PM (ET)
FDBK 140 Songwriting Feedback Course with Marcia Ramirez
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Thu Feb 19, 2026 08:00 PM (ET)
FDBK 225 Songwriting Feedback Course II - Sync, Production, Alt, Indy with Diona Devincenzi