Introduction
Songwriter rounds – intimate sessions where multiple artists share songs and stories in turn – have become a cherished feature of many Americana and folk festivals around the world. Far from a mere side-stage novelty, these “in-the-round” showcases can form the spine of a festival’s program, providing heartfelt moments that resonate deeply with audiences. In an era when festival-goers seek authentic experiences, a well-produced songwriter round offers exactly that: artists in a circle, trading tales behind their tunes, and forging a unique connection with listeners. This article explores how festival producers can effectively make songwriter rounds the backbone of an event – from planning engaging sessions with context-rich storytelling, to ensuring technical excellence, inclusivity, and lasting impact beyond the festival itself.
Understanding Songwriter Rounds and Their Impact
A songwriter round (also known as performing “in the round”) typically involves three to five singer-songwriters seated together on stage, each taking turns to perform one song at a time (judyrodman.com). Unlike a standard set where one artist plays a full solo show, in a round the performers rotate – one song per turn – often continuing for several cycles. This format originated in Nashville’s songwriting circles, most famously at the Bluebird Café, and has since spread internationally (judyrodman.com). The magic lies in the spontaneity and camaraderie: artists not only play their music but also share the spotlight, sometimes harmonizing on each other’s songs or adding a quick anecdote in response.
The impact on audiences is profound. In these intimate sessions, listeners experience music stripped down to its essentials – lyrics, melody, and the story behind the song – without big stage productions. The Bluebird Café itself became legendary as a “songwriter’s performance space where the ‘heroes behind the hits’ perform their own songs” (bluebirdcafe.com), and that same spirit translates to festivals. Fans get to discover the people and emotions behind their favorite songs, often hearing unvarnished versions and personal narratives that make the music more meaningful. This storytelling element is not just entertainment; it builds a bridge between artist and audience. Many festival veterans recall small round sessions as the highlight of a weekend, precisely because of the authentic connection felt in the tent or hall. Festival producers from Nashville to New Delhi have found that songwriter rounds can transform casual attendees into loyal fans, as the personal touch leaves a lasting impression.
Moreover, songwriter rounds promote discovery. For festivals focused on Americana, country, folk, or any genre valuing songwriting, these sessions allow emerging talent to shine alongside known artists. A round might pair a chart-topping songwriter with a local up-and-comer, or bring together artists from different countries to trade songs. This cross-pollination exposes the audience to new voices in a welcoming context. The format was envisioned decades ago as an “intimate platform where audiences could discover new artists and listen to artists who would not normally perform together” (joelschwartz.ca) – a goal still relevant today. In short, a well-crafted songwriter round can become the heart of a festival’s programming, embodying the festival’s identity and values.
Designing Engaging In-The-Round Sessions
Thoughtful programming is key to making songwriter rounds the festival’s backbone. Start by selecting and grouping artists strategically. A great round often has a unifying thread – it could be a shared genre, a theme (e.g. “songs of travel” or “protest anthems”), or an interesting contrast in styles that sparks curiosity. Consider mixing veteran songwriters with newcomers, or pairing artists who have written together before. For example, festivals have successfully put co-writers in the same round, igniting special moments when they perform a song they penned jointly. An iconic case is the Nashville tradition of writers who penned hits for others, swapping verses on stage; similarly, at the U.K.’s Country 2 Country Festival, festival organizers recreated a Bluebird Café songwriter round in a small lounge, where artists like Caitlyn Smith and Tony Arata took turns sharing the stories behind their hits (www.theo2.co.uk). Such combinations provide built-in chemistry and context for each song. Also, guide artists to choose material appropriate for the setting – for instance, if the round is billed as family-friendly or is early in the day with children present, suggest avoiding songs with very explicit lyrics or themes (or at least giving a gentle heads-up in their intro).
Contextual intros are crucial for each performance. Encourage each songwriter to briefly introduce their song – what it’s about, when or why it was written – and to acknowledge any co-writers or inspirations. These short stories give listeners a window into the creative process and often deepen the emotional impact of the music. For instance, an artist might say, “I wrote this next song after touring Mexico, co-writing it with my friend who lives in Oaxaca,” painting a vivid scene for the audience. However, it’s important to time-box these stories. A common pitfall is letting introductions ramble on too long (judyrodman.com). Festival producers should set gentle guidelines: a captivating intro might last around 60-90 seconds, just enough to set up the song without derailing the momentum. One experienced Nashville writer advises that songwriters should “cut to the chase” with anecdotes and leave the audience wanting more, not less (judyrodman.com). By keeping storytelling concise, you respect the audience’s attention span and allow more songs to fit in the set.
To maintain pacing, communicate the format clearly to participating artists in advance. If the round is scheduled for one hour with four artists, for example, outline that each person will likely perform 3 songs, with brief commentary before each. Some festivals even employ a moderator or MC to introduce the round and keep time, ensuring no single performer inadvertently monopolizes the session. The MC can also help by interjecting a quick transition or light-hearted comment if an artist’s story is veering off-track or running long, thus gently enforcing the agreed time limits. A smoothly moderated round flows like a conversation among friends – structured yet natural.
Finally, make sure each performer identifies themselves clearly during the round. With multiple voices on stage, casual listeners might lose track of who is who if names are only mentioned once at the start. It’s wise to have artists say their name (and perhaps where they’re from or their band affiliation) during their first introduction, and thank the audience by name at the end of their last song. As vocal coach and songwriter Judy Rodman notes, it’s “rather useless to perform a great round leaving people wondering who you are and where they might find your music” (judyrodman.com). A quick name reminder ensures that when an attendee falls in love with a song, they know exactly which artist to look up or follow on social media afterward. Providing a printed program or schedule that lists all round participants and their socials can also help cement that connection.
Mic Etiquette so Every Story and Song Lands
In a songwriter round, the conversational aspect is as important as the music – and that means microphone discipline is essential. With several artists on stage at once, a festival producer must ensure that sound equipment and stage rules support clarity and respect. Equip each performer with their own microphone (and instrument input if needed) and do a thorough sound check with all artists present. During sound check, set proper gain levels for speaking and singing, and remind performers to address the audience into the mic when telling their stories. It’s surprisingly common for artists to turn their head away or speak too softly during banter, causing the audience to miss the punchline of a joke or the key point of a story. Reinforce that every quip and comment should be delivered on-mic. This mic etiquette lets those witty punchlines and heartfelt turns of phrase land with the full audience.
Equally important is managing cross-talk and interruptions. The charm of rounds includes performers reacting to each other – a laugh, a clap, a supportive “amen!” – but it should never devolve into chaotic chatter. Establish an understanding (either in a pre-round briefing or via the MC) that only one person speaks or sings at a time. Not only does this courtesy prevent muddled audio, it also heightens the impact of each artist’s moment. When one songwriter is setting up a story or delivering a crucial lyric, the others should refrain from interjecting until the song or story is complete. Consider the rhythm of a comedy setup and punchline: if another person cuts in too early, the humor can fall flat. The same goes for poignant stories – they need quiet to breathe. By enforcing polite turns, the festival ensures the audience can savor each punchline and emotional beat without distraction.
From a technical standpoint, instruct the sound engineer to mute or lower unused mics if bleed or feedback becomes an issue, especially in a circular seating arrangement where microphones face each other. Using unidirectional mics and proper monitor placement will help. Some rounds invite artists to harmonize or add a gentle backing riff on each other’s songs, which can be magical, but this should be done sparingly and only if rehearsed or agreed informally on the fly. If artists do collaborate during the round, their mic technique becomes even more vital – they should balance their volume, not overpower the lead singer. A performer suddenly belting out a high harmony without warning can jolt listeners (and sound techs) in a bad way. Festival staff can brief artists that supporting each other is welcome, but to do so graciously. In fact, rounds often work best when performers exhibit mutual respect: they listen attentively, nod or smile at each other’s lyrics, and react naturally without stealing focus (judyrodman.com) (judyrodman.com). This creates a warm atmosphere on stage that the audience can feel.
An example of poor mic discipline might be when an eager songwriter strums or sings along loudly to another’s song in the round, trying to “join in” but inadvertently overshadowing the original performance. The audience’s experience suffers, and that artist can come off as disrespectful. Contrast that with a well-run session: at the Bluebird Café, rounds are famously disciplined, with writers taking turns in a smooth rotation and adding only light harmony vocals or guitar fills when appropriate – enhancing rather than detracting. Aim to replicate that professionalism. The festival’s stage manager or MC should not hesitate to give a subtle reminder if needed (for instance, a friendly joke to “let John have his moment”). However, careful artist selection will usually preempt this issue; seasoned songwriters often know the unwritten rules of rounds. For newcomers, a quick briefing about stage etiquette can prevent most problems. The result will be a crisp, engaging round that feels conversational yet focused, where every story is heard clearly and every song shines.
Also, coach performers on using dynamics suitable for an intimate set. In a small-stage round, nobody should be shouting into the mic or, conversely, whispering inaudibly. If someone sings too loudly as if it were a stadium show, it can startle the audience and even drive people away (judyrodman.com) (judyrodman.com); too soft, and the lyrics (the core of these sessions) get lost (judyrodman.com). Remind artists that this is essentially a “listening room” environment – the goal is to draw listeners in, not overpower them. A good rule of thumb is to sing as though you’re performing for a small room, even if amplifiers are in use. The sound engineer can help by providing just enough amplification to reach the back rows without losing the intimate vibe. By maintaining appropriate volume and clear articulation, the performers ensure that every lyric and story detail is delivered to the audience’s ears.
Setting the Scene: Intimacy and Accessibility
The physical setup of a songwriter round can make or break its atmosphere. To truly make these sessions the spine of a festival, create an ambience of intimacy and inclusion. Start with the stage or venue choice: opt for a smaller space or enclose an area within a larger venue to contain the sound and focus attention. Large open fields are typically not conducive to the listening experience required for rounds – instead, a tent, canopy, or indoor hall (even a cozy corner of a barn or winery, depending on your festival) works better. Arrange the performers in a semi-circle or complete circle facing inward toward each other, as this configuration encourages natural interaction among them and gives the audience a 360-degree view. Many classic rounds place the artists in the center with the crowd encircling them closely. If a true “in-the-round” seating (with audience on all sides) isn’t feasible, seating the audience in front, very near to the performers, is the next best thing. Eliminate physical barriers: no high risers, no wide photo pits. The goal is to make the crowd feel almost like they’re sitting in on a musical conversation in someone’s living room.
Seat audiences close to the performers, even if the session features well-known artists. Intimacy is the priority here. For instance, when the C2C Festival in London hosted its Bluebird Cafe sessions, they used a small lounge (the O2 Blueroom) with limited, tightly arranged seating (www.theo2.co.uk). The effect was a hushed, attentive audience mere feet from the songwriters. Similarly, at folk festivals in Canada, workshop stages often feature blankets or low chairs right up to the edge of the small stage, fostering a communal feel. Consider using soft lighting (lamps on stage, for example) rather than intense spotlights to further the living-room ambiance. This puts performers at ease and signals to audiences that this is a listening session. If your festival typically has a boisterous crowd, don’t be afraid to set expectations: a sign or a brief announcement can invite the audience to “sit close and listen carefully – these storytellers have something special to share.” Many fans appreciate this change of pace amid a festival’s frenzy.
Accessibility should also be a core consideration. Provide ASL interpretation or captioning for songwriter rounds where feasible, as these sessions are rich in spoken word content (stories and lyrics) that Deaf or hard-of-hearing attendees would otherwise miss. Music festivals worldwide are increasingly adopting sign language interpreters on stages – from Austin City Limits to Lollapalooza, interpreters have become admired figures, passionately conveying songs in real time (www.avclub.com). For an intimate round, having an ASL interpreter next to the stage (or even spotlighted at one side) can significantly enhance the experience for Deaf audience members. It also underscores the festival’s commitment to inclusion. In fact, skilled music interpreters often become a delightful part of the show for hearing audiences too, translating lyrics and emotions into visual performance (www.avclub.com). If hiring an interpreter isn’t possible, consider providing live captioning on a screen. This could be as simple as displaying the lyrics (if known in advance) or using speech-to-text technology for the storytelling portions. While live captioning can be technically challenging, even offering printed lyrics sheets for songs can be a thoughtful touch in certain cases (obtaining these from artists ahead of time).
Beyond auditory accessibility, ensure the physical setup welcomes everyone: reserve some front-row spots for wheelchair users or those who need a clear sightline (interpreters are only helpful if one can see them), and keep pathways clear for people to come and go without disruption. Because rounds are quiet by nature, you might get a very attentive crowd including those who typically avoid loud concerts. Plan for that by placing the round in a location away from the noisiest festival attractions, or schedule it at a time when other stages are minimally active. If that’s not possible, use sound baffling (portable acoustic panels, or even parked trucks and tents strategically placed) to shield the round from external sound bleed. Creating a relatively quiet, intimate zone within a bustling festival grounds is challenging but rewarding – it becomes a sanctuary where music and storytelling take center stage.
Capturing the Magic: Recording Rounds for Posterity
When songwriter rounds truly become the spine of your festival, you’ll find attendees reminiscing about them long after the final encore. To amplify this impact, consider recording these sessions and leveraging them as post-event content (with all necessary permissions, of course). In the digital age, a memorable round can live on as a podcast episode, a live album, or a video series, extending the festival’s reach to new audiences worldwide. For example, some festivals partner with radio or streaming services to broadcast intimate acoustic sets, while others produce their own “live from the festival” podcast featuring the best rounds of the weekend.
To do this professionally, work with your audio engineers to record multi-track audio of each round. Multi-track means each performer’s vocals and instruments are isolated on separate tracks, which allows for high-quality mixing later. Capturing a clean recording in a festival setting might require a bit of extra gear (a recording interface or a multitrack recorder connected to the soundboard), but the effort is well worth it. Ensure that microphones, guitars, keyboards, and any other inputs from the session are all routed to the recorder. Ambient mics can also be set up to capture the audience reaction and the room’s natural reverb – this will help retain the live vibe when you edit the audio. Always obtain consent from the artists before recording. Most will be happy to participate in a recorded round, especially if you pitch it as a promotional opportunity for them (their stories and songs reaching a broader audience after the festival). However, some might have contractual or personal reservations about recordings, so it’s important to get written permission or include recording clauses in the artist agreements ahead of time.
Once you have the audio, think creatively about its use. A post-festival podcast series is an excellent way to keep the festival community engaged year-round. Each episode could feature one round, introduced by a narrator or the host, and then the unfiltered songs and banter as captured live. Listeners who attended will love reliving the experience, and those who missed it get a taste of what makes your event special – potentially converting them into future attendees. If producing a podcast seems daunting, even releasing a few songs or highlights as videos or social media snippets can be powerful. For instance, if one songwriter told a hilariously relatable story before a song that went viral among the audience, consider posting that clip (with captions for accessibility) on YouTube or Instagram. These recorded moments serve as marketing gold: they showcase the festival’s character and can entice new ticket buyers who see the genuine moments they could witness in person next time.
Be mindful of quality control – do a bit of editing and mixing to balance volumes and trim any overly long silence or setup from the recording. The aim is to present the round in the best light, while keeping its authenticity. Some festivals collaborate with local public radio to air select songwriter round recordings as special programs, lending an official sheen and reaching music-loving audiences. Others archive the audio on their website for fans to download as a keepsake. If budget allows, video recording a round (even with a single static camera) can capture the facial expressions and interplay among artists, adding another layer of engagement for viewers at home. Just be sure to communicate clearly with artists about where and how the content will be shared, and credit them appropriately in any releases. When done respectfully, recording and sharing songwriter rounds benefits everyone: the festival gains year-round content and buzz, the artists gain broader exposure, and fans get to revisit the magic whenever they like.
Building Loyal Fans Through Story and Song
One of the most compelling reasons to integrate songwriter rounds deeply into a festival’s programming is their power to turn casual listeners into loyalists. When people attend a large music festival, they might come primarily for headliners or the party atmosphere. But it’s often the intimate, unexpected experiences that stick with them – the moment they heard an artist speak from the heart, the moment a lyric in a quiet tent moved them to tears or laughter. Songwriter rounds reliably create these moments. By centering the festival around storytelling and songwriter craftsmanship, you differentiate your event from the typical “playlist-style” festival and give it a soul that attendees will remember.
Consider a festival-goer who only knew a hit song on the radio, perhaps not even the artist’s name. At a songwriter round, she hears that artist perform the hit acoustically, with a preface about how it was written during a difficult winter on the road. Suddenly, the song takes on new meaning. The attendee not only learns the artist’s name, she learns their personality, their humility or humor, and feels a human connection. Now imagine this happening dozens of times across a weekend; the festival becomes a place of musical discovery and personal connection. It’s no surprise that festivals like the 30A Songwriters Festival in Florida have built a devoted following by focusing on rounds and solo songwriter sets – drawing thousands of fans “from around the world to hear original songwriters” in an up-close setting (www.propellerpublicity.com) (www.propellerpublicity.com). At larger events not exclusively about songwriting, the rounds can act as a heartwarming counterpoint to the big stage spectacles. Attendees often describe these sessions as feeling “exclusive” or like a hidden gem, and they’ll tell friends about the amazing intimate concert they witnessed within the festival.
From an organizational perspective, fostering such loyalty pays off. Fans who form a connection with artists at your festival are more likely to return year after year (to see those artists again or discover new ones in the same format) and to engage with your festival community online. They may subscribe to festival newsletters or podcasts to relive those experiences. Some may even plan trips around the festival specifically because of the reputation of its songwriter sessions. This is evident in how events like Nashville’s Tin Pan South (an all-songwriter festival) or the long-running Kerrville Folk Festival in Texas have dedicated attendees who wouldn’t dream of missing a year – many started as curious first-timers and became lifelong loyalists after one magical round around a campfire or stage. While not every festival can mimic Kerrville’s weeks-long songwriter camp vibe, any festival can incorporate the essence of it by celebrating songcraft.
It’s also worth noting how songwriter rounds can strengthen the festival’s brand and community. When artists feel that their songwriting is valued and highlighted, they often become enthusiastic ambassadors for the event. They might mention from the stage how refreshing it is to play a listening room at a festival, which in turn signals to the audience that they are part of something special. The mutual gratitude – artists grateful for attentive ears, fans grateful for the artists’ openness – creates a positive feedback loop. Social media often lights up with fans posting about the “unforgettable songwriter circle at Stage X” or quoting a funny story an artist shared. These organic testimonials boost the festival’s image far beyond any traditional ad could. In essence, by making these rounds the backbone of programming, a festival cultivates a reputation for authenticity, warmth, and artistic integrity. Those qualities attract a like-minded audience who will help the event thrive through word-of-mouth.
Key Takeaways for Festival Producers
- Make Storytelling Central: Integrate songwriter “in-the-round” sessions as a core programming element, not just a sideshow. Curate rounds where artists share brief, meaningful context for each song (including co-writer shout-outs) to give the audience deeper insight into the music.
- Enforce Format and Flow: Set expectations with performers about time limits for stories and strict one-at-a-time mic etiquette. This ensures that every punchline lands and every emotional moment is heard. A moderator or clear ground rules can keep the round flowing and prevent any one person from dominating.
- Intimate Setup Matters: Choose venues or stage layouts that foster closeness – seat the audience near the performers and minimize physical barriers. Create a quiet, comfortable “listening room” atmosphere even within a larger festival. This intimate environment will encourage rapt attention.
- Prioritize Accessibility: Wherever possible, provide sign language interpreters or captioning for these storytelling-heavy sessions, and accommodate all attendees with appropriate seating (e.g. space for wheelchairs and clear sightlines). Accessibility features not only include more fans, they also demonstrate the festival’s inclusive ethos.
- Capture and Continue the Experience: Record multi-track audio (and video if feasible) of rounds with artist consent. Use this content for post-event podcasts, live session albums, or social media clips. Sharing the magic after the festival extends your reach and keeps fans engaged year-round, while also giving artists extra exposure.
- Build Community and Loyalty: Recognize that songwriter rounds can convert curious attendees into passionate fans of both the artists and the festival. The authentic connections forged through songs and stories encourage repeat attendance and word-of-mouth promotion. Over time, these sessions can become the beloved “spine” of your festival, defining its character and drawing a loyal community around it.
27th September 2025