Canberra has a thriving community of original songwriters. CanberraWAX connects local songwriters through regular songwriting events, performance opportunities and community gatherings.
WAX Lyrical is Canberra's monthly songwriting circle for original songwriters and lyricists, hosted by CanberraWAX in association with the Australian Songwriters Association.
The backbone of our community is our monthly ‘Wax Lyrical Song Circle’ which is a chance to share new, working and original song ideas with fellow songwriters in a relaxed and supportive setting.
Our monthly ‘Song Circle’ is held on the first Saturday of each month at Smith’s Alternative, 12 noon-2:30pm, check the WAX Calendar to see all upcoming dates.
What to expect at our monthly CanberraWax ‘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 12-15 (and sometime as many as 20) chairs in a circle with local (and sometimes traveling/visiting) songwriters on each, plus a handful of supporters who just want to come to listen 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.
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, or something similar.
Human songs. Human voices. Human connection. CanberraWAX exists to support, encourage and celebrate human songwriting. For that reason, AI-generated songs are not permitted in WAX song circles, showcases or songwriting activities.
It’s completely free to come along, share songs and be a part of the CanberraWax song circle- however 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 you need to book? Nup! - Just come along, we enjoy seeing new faces! Smith’s Is usually just opening up when we kick off so if things look closed just wait and you’ll likely see some others gathering, also if you arrive and 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. If you have any other questions about wax feel free to ask away here
What’s expected of you?…
Respect, kindness and support for one another.
The Wax Community
While the monthly Song Circle is the backbone activity of our group we do a lot more besides, including collaborative concerts and showcase performances, attending and supporting one another at gigs and open mics around town and, Occasional songwriting workshops and encouraging and finding ways to encourage creative collaboration between community members. The WAX CALENDAR is a good place to see some of the things we have coming up or where you might likely run into some Waxers each week.
