Canberra Wax Lyrical Song Circle

What to expect at our monthly ‘Wax Lyrical Song Circle’

This is not a song critique, not a ‘stage performance’ or an open-mic…it’s much more relaxed and lower pressure than those things (and that’s what makes it work!)- think 15-25 chairs in a circle with local (and sometimes traveling/visiting) songwriters on each, plus a handful of Loving Listeners who just want to come to support or first-timers who just want to see what it’s all about.

We take turns and go around the circle a few times playing a total of 2-3 songs each.

The only real hard and fast rules:

• Songs must be original creative compositions (ie. not covers)

• Songs must be in some way ‘performed’ (ie not played from a phone or speaker) For most people this will mean bringing along an acoustic guitar, ukelele, banjo or a similar accompanying acoustic instrument.

• Human songs. Human voices. Human connection. CanberraWAX exists to support, encourage and celebrate human songwriting and connection. For that reason, AI-generated songs are not permitted in WAX song circles, showcases or songwriting activities.

  FAQ’S

• How many songs do I need to play? And do they all have to be new songs? You don’t need to play any songs if you don’t want (you’re very welcome to come as a ‘loving listener’ and observe and listen) , but typically, depending on numbers for the afternoon expect to get time to play either 2 or 3 songs (or just one if you’d prefer). The Song Circle, works in a ‘round robin’ format, playing a song at a time and moving around the circle, this means if the group is smaller (12-15 people) this might mean we get around 3 times, if it’s a big turnout 15-20 people) (which is always wonderful!) we might get around 2 times (so two original songs). - and do they have to be new songs? -no, as long as they're your original songs we want to hear them! The great thing about wax is, if you come regularly, you’ll naturally find yourself wanting to push yourself to write and finish more songs- The song circle can be a great motivator like that.

• Do I need to be an ASA member to attend a WAX Lyrical event? No, in the interest of making the sharing of original songs accessible to all it is not required to be an ASA member to participate however we do encourage regular WAX attendees to become ASA members. ASA membership includes a number of benefits including discounted entry fee’s when submitting songs for the ASA’s annual National Song Contest. You can learn more about the benefits of ASA membership here.

• How much does it cost? While it’s completely free to come along, share songs and be a part of the CanberraWAX monthly WAX Lyrical Song Circle buying a coffee, cake or sticking around for a drink afterwards are ways that we can support the venue that supports and hosts us- Smith’s Alternative.

• Do I need to book? …Nup! - Just come along! We enjoy seeing new faces! Smith’s Is often just opening up when we kick off so if things look closed just wait and you’ll likely see some others gathering with guitars (just say hello and follow them!), If you have any trouble finding us just ask the friendly bar staff. Smiths has rooms both upstairs and down and we move between them depending upon the events scheduled for the day.

• Can I just come to listen? …Absolutely! At most of our monthly song circles we might have 15-20ish songwriters plus 5 or 6 first time or regular ‘Loving Listeners’ who have come to support and enjoy and afternoon of original music.

• If you have any other questions feel free to ask away here

What’s expected of you?

• Respect, kindness and support for one another.

When’s the next ‘Wax Lyrical Song Circle’?

1st Saturday of each month, 12:00noon-2:30pm @ Smith’s Alternative, Canberra City. CHECK DATES ON THE WAX CALENDAR HERE :)