Monthly Song Swap with Beth Kille & Ellen Damschen

Participants at all stages of their songwriting journey are invited to bring a song to share in this supportive, inspiring space. Song feedback will be provided by hosts and other participants, if desired. This is a space to try new material and workshop your songs. This is not a jam or an open mic.

Each participant will share one song per session (or can observe, support, and learn if no song to share at a given meeting). Bring your own guitar. Piano/keyboard available. Bring copies of lyrics if you wish. Two of these sessions each year (approximately every 6 months) will be concerts featuring participants’ songs with an invited audience. Performing at the concerts is optional and their exact format is to be determined.

Cost: $100 for annual Song Swap membership or $10 per meeting (cost is to offset room rental)

Host Bios

Ellen Damschen

I am a classically trained musician and music major who ended up with a totally different career. Songwriting found me several years ago, fueled by the rawness of life, passage of time, and the people that surround me. I write indie rock infused with a little of everything - alt rock, punk, country, folk. My songs tend to explore what it means to live among the people we love, the roles we play, and the expectations we have for ourselves and others. I am eager to spend time, listen, and test out songs with people who think about song writing as much as I do.

Beth Kille

​​Beth Kille is an award-winning singer-songwriter from Madison, WI who has been performing her original music since 2000. In addition to performing with Beth Kille Band, she is also a member of the trio Gin, Chocolate & Bottle Rockets and the duo Kerosene Kites. When not performing, Beth serves as the Music Director/Songwriting Instructor for Girls Rock Camp Madison, the co-founder/producer of Flannel Fest, producer/engineer at Studio Gusto, and she is a mom. She's been teaching songwriting to writers of all ages, genres and experience levels since 2010. She released her first book, “Embrace Your Authentic Songwriter: How & Why to Play Your Own Tune” in December of 2023. Her mission in life is to inspire all to embrace their creativity. Learn more at bethkille.com