Songpull Defined
What is a Songpull?
A video recorded event where 3-15 Songpullers get interviewed and perform their Songpull Songs on acoustic type instruments in front of other Songpullers and any number of spectators.
What is a Songpull Song?
An original song that has not been performed before, in which all aspects of the song are written start to finish by the Songpuller/Cowriter within the 30 days prior to the scheduled Songpull event.
Who is a Songpuller?
A person who writes a Songpull Song and performs it at a Songpull.
Having a Songpull
Where can you have a Songpull?
You can have a Songpull almost anywhere. We’ve had successful songpulls in livingrooms, backyards and basements, but there’s nothing keeping you from having a songpull in a coffee shop, at your local bar, a park or anywhere else you can get the audience together. In fact, be creative, we’re always excited to see new inventive locations for Songpulls.
Does a Songpull representative need to be present at my Songpull?
Not at all, that’s ridiculous. But, we’ll try to make it. In fact, your Songpull will most likely start out as a group of friends getting together and sharing new music. But you can always request a Songpull rep to attend your Songpull by writing to songpull@songpull.com.
How much does it cost to have a Songpull?
It will cost you some time, and it will cost you your nerves, but there is no fee to have a Songpull. You would have to supply the videotapes which could cost between $10-$20 (depending on how many you use). The rest is up to you. Some Songpull directors may choose to make a big “event” of their Songpull and spend money for food, beverages, entertainment, P.A. rental, photographers, etc. But, none of that is required. At its most stripped down form Songpull is just having fun, hearing and playing new music with friends, family and possibly even strangers…….and then video tape it!
What information needs to be in the interviews?
Each interview does need to contain the artists name, the name of their song, and what inspired them to write the song. We also want to know what you do for a living, where you live, whether you wrote the song in 30 days, if the song is original and a little bit about yourself. The rest is up to you and can contain anything you want it to that makes the interview interesting, intimate, funny or uncomfortable.
Who is responsible for editing?
There are two options for editing your Songpull video. You can edit your own Songpull by following the easy requirements given to you by the Songpull team or pass along the original video tapes to the Songpull team who will edit your Songpull for you.
Does it have to happen on Saturday?
The first Songpull based in Springfield, Missouri started on a Saturday and continues to be the first saturday of every month. As Songpull has expanded Songpull directors have chosen Thursday’s, Friday’s, and Sunday’s, all which are fine. A Songpull can happen on any day, but it is a good idea to keep it on the same day each month to develop consistency.
What is the maximum number of songs that can be performed?
There is no limit to the amount of songs that can be performed at a Songpull event. We will suggest though, that you keep your performances to around 15 only because of the amount time it’s going to take for that many people. If you want to go all night, then go all night!
What time should I start?
Any time. There is no rule about having a songpull first thing in the morning or late in the evening. Do whatever works best for you.
How long before the songpull should songpullers arrive?
You should ask the songpullers to arrive about one hour before the start time. This will allow you to tie up any loose ends and allow songpullers to draw numbers to determine performance order. This will also give you enough time to video tape the Songpuller interviews before the performances start.
How do I find people to play in my Songpull?
You can find people to play at your Songpull just about anywhere. It’s probably best to start with people you know such as family, friends, co-workers or peers. Remember to ask everyone you talk to if they know anyone that might be interested. This is a good way to find people that you wouldn’t have thought of, or maybe haven’t yet met. At the event encourage the Songpullers and spectators to reach out to others who might be interested in coming to your next Songpull. There is no limit to how you find people. Ultimately it is your decision.
Participating in a Songpull
When do I start writing my song?
When to start writing your song depends greatly on personal preference. If you want to play a “30 Day” song for Songpull, you can begin the day following Songpull. Some pullers will use the entire thirty days to write a song, while others might wait until the last minute.
Why can’t I play an older song?
You CAN play an older song! This question can only be answered by distinguishing the difference between the actual Songpull event and the Songpull website. At a Songpull event, any song can be played anytime, anywhere! We are not interested in trying to govern your life or your parties! In order to “even the playing field” on the website, the songs that are original and written within the 30 day “window” are considered Songpull Songs. This is what makes Songpull unique!
Can I write a song but have someone else sing it?
No. Songpull is about helping to inspire you to do something you wouldn’t have otherwise done. It’s a concept that will help you break away from your fear of performing. Don’t get us wrong – it can be frightening to get up there in front of a group of people and belt something out for the first time. But it’s your song, and it’s from your heart – that’s something to be proud of. Unless that person wants to lie and say they wrote it.
How many people can play a role in writing the song?
There is no set number of people who can play a role in writing your song. Co-writing a song is allowed and encouraged.
Do I need to be a songwriter to play at a Songpull?
You need to write a song to play at Songpull, but you do not need to have written a song before. Many performers at previous Songpull’s are playing the very first song they have ever written. In fact, new songwriters have played an exciting role in previous Songpulls and written some great songs.
How many instruments can I have in my performance?
Once again, in an effort to keep everything fair for other pullers on the website we have restricted the amount of instruments and/or performers to two. This way Songpull.com doesn’t become another website for showcasing bands. It will always highlight individual songwriters.
Can I perform the same song in future Songpulls?
Of course you can, but it won’t count as your official Songpull song. Songpull is about forcing yourself to write more songs. New songs. Original songs.
We’ve also found that one of the things that makes having a songpull fun and entertaining month after month though is continuing to refine old songpull songs. As you work on those songs or get feedback from other Songpullers you might want to perform it again and get more feedback. Go for it, and tape it! Those songs make great outtakes, and can link back to the original versions so the online community can watch your song progress.
What if I can’t play an instrument?
Not a problem. Being able to play an instrument is not a requirement. If someone else will be accompanying you instrumentally, you will need to coordinate the music with that person before the actual Songpull. Or just sing without any instruments.
Editing
The director is responsible for sending edited videos to the songpull team. Directors are welcome to have anyone edit the songpull videos, but the directors are ultimately responsible for sending videos that comply with our basic requirements.
Basic Requirements for Editing
We ask that that every songpull video include two main components; the interview, and the song performance. Interviews should be between 50-70 seconds. If they exceed 70 seconds they will not be accepted. We don't have a limit on the song performance, but a reasonable time is somewhere around three to six minutes.
Format
All videos must be sent on DVDs as files in DV format. This is one of the standard export formats included in many of the professional and consumer grade video authoring softwares available. The reason for using DVD discs is because of the large file size. You will most likely need one DVD disc for every four to five videos. Please do not convert your files to a DVD that can be played in standard DVD players; simply use the DVDs as a storage device.
Other
Will my music be protected?
Yes, your music is protected because you own the copyright. When you create a work, it’s automatically protected by full copyright – whether you file for protection or not; whether you display the copyright symbol or not.
Do I get paid for performing my song at a Songpull?
No.
Is Songpull for everyone?
Songpull is for anyone that enjoys the experience of a song being performed for the first time. We encourage everyone to try it, especially if you have never written a song before. Seeing and hearing a professional songwriter play a new song is great, but it’s even more exciting to watch a non-songwriter develop over several performances.
Can I join any Songpull?
A person can join as many Songpulls as they like. Many performers will attend multiple Songpulls within the same city or even travel to another city.
Why did we start Songpull?
Songpull started originally as inspiration for musically talented friends. But, it evolved. Musically talented or not, Songpull has become an event that allows anyone to express themselves in music. We started songpull.com because in the process, we have witnessed life transformations through music through Songpull and this inspired us to share it with the world. There has been, and will continue to be, some really great songs come out of it!
What is the 30-day rule?
The 30 day rule is for one reason...to push, prod, inspire, bug, shove, instigate, irritate and consume you with the idea that you'll never be better without practice. OK, so that was eight reasons. The point is, people get excited and inspired to know that what you are performing is brand new and what you are going through is right now. You won't understand the 30 day rule unless you play about five to six Songpulls in a row. You'll start to hear yourself getting better at your craft (professional or amateur), we promise. This concept is what has helped Songpull deliver some of the best songs. Keep in mind that you don't have to abide by this rule. There are other original performances on the Songpull site. These performances are displayed without a Songpull Song 30 Day stamp.
Why can't I play an older song?
You CAN play an older song! This question can only be answered by distinguishing the difference between the actual Songpull event and the Songpull website. At a Songpull event, any song can be played anytime, anywhere! We are not interested in trying to govern your life or your parties! In order to "even the playing field" on the website, the songs that are original and written within the 30 day "window" are considered Songpull 30-Day Songs and given a "Songpull Song 30-Day Stamp". This is what makes Songpull unique!
