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Cosmic Songwriter, Inc is an Indiana Non-Profit Organization founded in 2021 by Shaun McDermott and Pablo 'Oso' Fuentes.

THE MISSION OF
COSMIC SONGWRITER

To foster an ecosystem and community focused on songwriting in Bloomington, Indiana.

Specifically we:

1

CONNECT SONGWRITERS WITH AUDIENCES

2

CONNECT AUDIENCES WITH SONGWRITERS

3

CONNECT SONGWRITERS WITH SONGWRITERS

THE COSMIC FORMAT

We pair two acts (solo or duo) on stage. Performers alternate back and forth, bantering and sharing the stories behind their songs.

LISTENING ROOM POLICY

We expect our audiences to be fully-present and silent while songwriters share their art. Thank you for respecting the craft.

VALUES

  1. BE NICE - Life’s too short. Let’s be kind to each other. This type of effort is more fun and more sustainable if we assume positive intention, ask open-ended questions, and value/listen to others.
  2. COMMUNITY - We want artists to meet other people who share their interest in songwriting. Many co-writes, gigs, and bands have come from Cosmic, and we expect many more. A big part of this is supporting fellow performers. This means coming to showcases even if you are not playing that day, and staying to support others if you played early.
  3. COLLABORATION - With other performers, with other organizations, with other cities, you get the gist.
  4. “YES, AND..." - This is a principle from improv theater…whenever possible, favor “yes, and…,” instead of “no, but…”
  5. EXPANDING THE PIE - We see songwriting as an endeavor that is non-competitive. We do NOT see songwriting and art as a zero-sum game. Your fellow artists’ success helps your success. What’s good for the hive, is good for the bee. Be a supportive and helpful bee.
  6. CREATIVITY AND ARTISTIC EXPRESSION - Hendrix let his freak flag fly, and so should you! Hendrix also practiced an unfathomable amount and was constantly exploring new ways to express himself. 
  7. ARTISTIC AND PERSONAL GROWTH - We strive to continually improve, as an organization and as artists. We artists tend to be hard on ourselves, so take it easy :) But, a little motivation to practice and work on the craft is good! We value community members who want to grow, whatever that means to them.
  8. DIVERSITY - We seek diversity of musical approaches, diversity of ideas, and diversity of performers.

WHAT WE DO

MONTHLY SHOWCASES

Hosted the first Wednesday of the Month at The Orbit Room every month of the year except May (festival time), July, and August (summer break). Slots generally book 3-4 months in advance, please apply on this website.

ANNUAL FESTIVAL

An event showcasing national and local talent spanning multiple nights and venues. We proactively book artists and also accept submissions. Please subscribe to our newsletter to stay in the loop.

CO-SPONSORED EVENTS

We sometimes collaborate with stakeholders in the community. One example was the stage we had at IU’s Arts and Humanities’ First Thursday event.

ONE-OFF EVENTS

We sometimes hold one-off and unique events, such as the showcase we hosted at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater during First Friday in conjunction with WFHB and Girls Rock Bloomington.

FAQ

 Do you have to be a songwriter to attend an event? 

Not at all…anyone who wants to listen to original music in a respectful listening room environment is welcome to attend.

The Orbit Room has been a strong supporter of the Club. Please make an effort to patronize the venue by buying food and drinks if it is within your means. We recommend reserving a table on the Orbit Room's reservation site.


What and who is the Cosmic Songwriter organization?

We are an Indiana Non-Profit. Everyone who does anything for Cosmic Songwriter is a volunteer. We have jobs, families, and do not make any money from Cosmic Songwriter. If you want to help, join us!


Do performers get paid?

Cosmic Songwriter Festival Performers are currently paid, as we have funding from generous sponsors who make that possible.

Performers at the Monthly Showcases are currently not paid. We are working on grants and sponsorships to make that possible in the future. Stay tuned.


Are the Cosmic Songwriters Club Monthly Showcases an open mic?

No. Cosmic Songwriter is an open community, but not an open mic. We want to put on a good show, and we look for evidence that performers have worked on their craft enough to feel comfortable with their songs, their music, and their chosen instrument.

In almost all cases, “no” should be interpreted as a “not yet.” Keep practicing and working on the craft. Attend showcases, meet people. We want you to play at Cosmic!

To play a Cosmic Songwriter Monthly Showcase, please apply here and submit examples of your recorded songs. 


Is (the Monthly Showcase, the Festival, etc) a competition?

We do not see songwriting as a competitive endeavor. We see it as a vehicle for growth and expression, and a path with no end.


I don’t like something at Cosmic Songwriter…what can I do?

Talk to us, or write us a note :) We welcome constructive feedback and want to grow and improve.

We realize that in some instances, Cosmic may not be a good fit for everyone, and that’s OK. We still support all artists in their endeavors, especially when they are aligned with the values we wrote about above.

Cosmic Songwriter's Club

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