RETREATS

When I attended the Memphis retreat, I went in having no expectations, and came out with so many lovely people in my corner and music to share with the world. Being in a place where you are able to grow and learn from other musicians and work together is such an enriching experience, and such a beautiful time to be a part of. I was partnered with many different musicians with different backgrounds. And that’s what’s so beautiful about the whole experience - really getting to know all these different people that come together over one thing music. And it’s just a beautiful, comforting environment. I am forever grateful for my experience.

Before the Goffin & King Foundation retreat I had found myself losing touch with my musical voice. I was so overwhelmed by all those practical hats indie musicians have to wear (booker, promoter, fundraiser, content creator) that my actual creative spark was fading and I was feeling pretty deflated. One week in Memphis with my fellow artists and I am not only re-inspired but also completely re-centered on my primary purpose which is to connect with other human beings through song. I truly believe the world needs honest songs and human connection more than ever. Experiences like these are critical to my growth as an artist and person.

What I love about the Goffin & King retreats is that you are immersed in a group of like minded creative people in a safe space with a single purpose. If it’s true, as they say, that half your art is where you do it, then it makes perfect sense that the songs have been of such high quality and quantity at these events. The retreats host a diverse and talented group of writers, all coming from different places and stages of their career. I love the mix of ages, skill levels, and influences, along with a strong sense of acceptance and mutual respect. In the second half of my life as a songwriter l’ve come to appreciate more and more the power of collaboration. My single biggest challenge in writing - and probably life - is getting out of my own way and letting the muse do its thing, which is built into the process when you take a leap of faith and surrender yourself to the group.

The Goffin & King songwriting retreat is a treasure. The truly great songs that come out of it are almost a side benefit to the wind it puts in your sails. Getting together with faces both familiar, and strange, and participating in the birthing of 40 or so songs over the course of the weekend is a game changer.

As a younger songwriter, these experiences have given me a warm sense of belonging and confidence in songwriting, as well as a beautiful community of inspiring, inspired, talented, supportive, and grounded peers. The first retreat truly gave me the confidence I needed to reach out to two producers I wanted to work with, but was too nervous to approach. This ended up being my first released single. Three weeks out and I am still riding the high of our time in Memphis, continuing to be in community and collaborate with new friends from the retreat, and making that music!

The art of songwriting for me has often been a solitary experience of diving into the subconscious and feeling self. To do this with a group of songwriters puts more fuel on the fire. Finishing each other’s ideas and shaping a song collectively gets to the essence of what music is fundamentally for - collaboration, communication and connection.  What a treat to attend The Goffin + King Foundation’s second songwriting intensive in Memphis, TN! Within five days twenty six songwriters from all over the U.S. co-wrote forty six songs that were performed nightly and some of them recorded.  Initially strangers, we soon brought each other to the depths and heights of human experience. Our work together moved us all to tears, laughter and dancing, we wove a tapestry, connecting threads, pulling them closer, following our intuitions into great art.

Wow, I haven't been this effortlessly happy in a long time. The talent in this group is unbelievable, and so is their kindness. The vulnerability and love shared during this retreat has moved me to literal tears. I feel so creatively inspired, and to be a part of a community that truly gets it is honestly one of the most special aspects of this foundation. This experience has reignited my passion for songwriting as well as created genuine connections and friendships that will last a lifetime! I'm in awe of everyone here and am so so beyond grateful for this opportunity. I wish we could do these retreats every week!

I cannot understate the importance of what this foundation is doing.  As a songwriter who’s chased the muse around the world, often feeling like an outsider, it’s been beyond amazing to feel welcomed into a community of likeminded writers and artists.  The inspiration and connection I felt during the retreats still extends into my day-to-day life, often in ways I never expected. I’m beyond grateful for the memories, friends and next-level songs I’ve made as a result of the foundation’s work, and I can’t wait to see what comes next!

Since my experience at Joshua Tree, and most especially the recent songwriting retreat in Memphis, I have been feeling much more confident and inspired about my own abilities and skills as a songwriter again.  Just what I needed. In Memphis I felt like I had the great fortune of contributing to some incredibly good songs with great potential. It helped dispel the belief I had of myself that I was not any good at, or not cut out for collaborating as a songwriter. Because of the work of this foundation, I am excited for more... more creativity, more collaborating, more songwriting! It has given me the fuel, and the strength I need to reach my creative self again.  Invaluable.

Songwriting is definitely a vessel for me to connect with the community around me. I think songwriting for me personally is the way that I express myself and what I’ve been through, but also it has led me to make lots of meaningful connections with people that I otherwise wouldn’t have and that’s a special thing.

I went into this retreat jet lagged and exhausted, and came out with fresh energy, inspiration, and motivation. I learned so much about myself and my songwriting process by collaborating with so many new faces, all bringing to the table our own experiences, ideas, musicality, and vulnerability. I made meaningful connections and had a blast bringing the songs to life in the studio, capturing a piece of that weekend forever!

I was feeling pretty out of the game until I got invited to attend the Goffin & King songwriting retreat in Joshua Tree. It’s really hard to articulate how soul-replenishing that experience was. Not only did I get to reconnect with some old friends and collaborators, but I got to meet so many new and amazing writers and performers, and do the thing I feel like I was put on this earth to do. The retreat reminded me that I am always a songwriter, even when life has other plans, and that was something I really needed to hear.

Writing songs allows me to get out what I can’t get out in normal conversation. I think performing a song that you’ve written and really just kind of letting things flow out the way they should is the closest I’ve ever really felt to catharsis. The Goffin & King retreats have been so so so sick. Everyone has been so nice. It’s just been a really great way to collaborate with new people. I think some of the best songs and friendships come from exposing yourself to new things and getting out of your comfort zone. I’m super grateful to have been invited, and I hope to see everyone at the next one.

The Goffin & King Foundation has given me so much. One week in Memphis gave me new friends, great learning experiences and incredible joy. I feel like I now have a whole new family of collaborators. Getting to record a newly written song with Memphis legends in the Southern Grooves Studio was one of the best days of my life. I felt like I was in Motown.