Reg Meuross and Boo Hewerdine are delighted to be returning to Halsway Manor in Somerset to run a second songwriting retreat together
This retreat is a wonderful opportunity for songwriters of all levels to forget about the rest of the world and immerse themselves in their writing amongst like-minded people, and well-supported by Reg and Boo and founder of Company of Song / music manager / artist mentor Katie Whitehouse.
The programme includes group and individual tasks to stretch and challenge, opportunities to collaborate, a chance to play songs to Reg and Boo for feedback (song clinics), song sharing with the group, Q&A sessions, space to write brand new songs, time to relax at the bar, and to enjoy good food and good fun.
As well as running workshops and song clinics throughout the three days Reg and Boo will perform a live gig on Thursday night (free for retreat participants and tickets available soon for the public).
Who is it for?
Songwriters of all levels are welcome.
Reg says: “Halsway is a stunning location for bringing people together in a creative way and I look forward to being back there. The words and ideas and thoughts that come from hard work and supportive interaction are uplifting and inspiring. It’s rewarding to help to ease people back into songs where they had perhaps become stuck or blocked in some way, and witness the sense of relief and renewed creativity. It is also hugely great to work with motivated people who have never written a song before and see the joy and satisfaction their first song brings to them and everyone around them.”
What 2024 participants took away:
“That ideas can be as powerful as the ability to play. A new approach to structure.” Dez
“Boo’s structure advice, Reg’s advice on song length. How to approach writing. Frankly, everything!” Paul
“Lots of connections!” Danielle
“A better understanding of how others ‘do’ songwriting. My first experiences of collaborating!” Amy
“How valuable it is to collaborate with others. Praise from Boo and Reg that gave me confidence. Paying closer attention to song structure and rhythms.” Philippa
“Motivation, confidence. New beginnings! William
“Enthusiasm and confidence” Colin
The Tutors
Reg Meuross’ reputation as a master storyteller in song has been well earned. From gigging in village halls and folk clubs to playing the Royal Albert Hall and huge festival stages in the UK and abroad, Reg consistently entrances his audiences with songs of life, love and injustice, soulfully delivered with melodic tenor vocals and exemplary guitar playing. He has given lectures and presentations, and mentored students on songwriting at Durham, Bath and Bournemouth Universities. at festivals including Shrewsbury, Beverley, Trowbridge, Ely, Southwell, Weymouth, Towersey; and overseas at West Coast Songwriters in California, Kerrville Folk Festival Texas, and Uncle Calvins Coffee House Series in Texas.
The breadth and depth of Somerset singer-songwriter Reg Meuross’s material is unparalleled in contemporary folk: songs about forgotten heroes, famous names, folk legends, the climate emergency, tales from the kitchen sink and news from the world stage; if something needs to be sung about then Reg Meuross has a song for it.
Boo Hewerdine has been a songwriter and performer for over thirty years. At the age of 19 he signed his first record deal. Later, his next band, The Bible, released the cult album Walking The Ghost Back Home. There followed the Steve Earle produced Eureka before the band called it a day. Since then Hewerdine has been a solo performer, musician, song-writer, producer, A&R person and mentor. He has made 10 solo albums, was a judge for the Ivor Novello awards and has written music for TV and film.
As an A&R person he helped run the Ignition label, currently home to Primal Scream and The Cortinas. As a mentor he has been running songwriting workshops for over 15 years. Residentially in Samsø (Denmark), Scotland’s Creative Writing Centre – Moniack Mhor, Halsway Manor, Tillton House and many other venues. He has also mentored PRS staff. His bi-annual weekend workshops at the Blue Boar have run for over 10 years attracting hobbyists and professionals alike.