Singer-songwriters Boo Hewerdine and Findlay Napier are to launch a series of free songwriting workshops aimed at creative people whose livelihoods have been negatively impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

The courses, taking place in the first three months of 2021, are aimed primarily at early and mid-career professional or semi-professional musicians, singers, songwriters, music producers, poets, storytellers, actors, writers, teaching artists etc. aged 18 and over, whose careers have been adversely affected by Covid-19.

The courses – funded by Ceeative Scotland – will include thought-provoking songwriting challenges, insight from a special guest, Q&As, a listening party, and one-to-one sessions with both of the hosts.

Hewerdine said: “We’re delighted to announce the launch of these unique songwriting sessions that have been developed for musicians and songwriters who have had their livelihoods adversely affected by Covid-19. It’s been a difficult time for many industries, and we want to be able to give musicians an opportunity to hone their craft and learn new skills without the financial barriers they may be facing at the moment.”

Napier added: “I’ve experienced and benefited from songwriting retreats and workshops first-hand so I know the confidence and skills that you can gain from a focused week of writing new material. We hope to give attendees the opportunity to take some time to concentrate on their art after what has been a challenging year for the creative industries.”

Hewerdine has been a songwriter and performer for over thirty years, signing his first record deal at the age of 19. As well as fronting successful 1980s act The Bible he has recorded 10 solo albums and worked as producer, A&R and mentor, as well having his songs recorded by the likes of kd Lang, David McAlmont, Paul Young, The Corrs, Sia, Suggs, Mel C, Emma Bunton, Kris Drever, Jack Savoretti, Chris Difford and most famously, Eddi Reader. The former Fairground Attraction frontwoman has recorded more than 50 of Hewerdine’s songs, including the Ivor Novello-nominated ‘Patience Of Angel’, which led to his joining the judging panel the following year.

Edinburgh-based Napier was the first solo act to be nominated for Live Act of the Year at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards and his 2015 solo debut album – produced by Hewerdine – second in the Daily Telegraph’s top folk albums that year.

He has collaborated with a host of musicians including Megan Henwood, Gillian Frame and Mike Vass, and currently with Angus Lyon, as well as being host of Celtic Connections’ Late Night Sessions and director of Glasgow Songwriting Festival.

Applications for the Bird on a Wire songwriting programme are open now with courses to be held on the weeks commencing January 18th, February 15th and March 15th 2021.

More at www.birdonawire.info.