YRAS SONGWRITER RETREAT · Kernville, California | April 2027 | Four Days
THE SONGS YOU HAVEN'T WRITTEN YET
Four days in the California mountains to write new songs, discover new collaborators and learn from experienced songwriters and music industry professionals.
A small group. Real writing time. Honest feedback. And evenings spent sharing songs and stories around the fire.
Make room for the music.
Some of the best songs happen when you get out of your usual surroundings and into a room with the right people.
The YRAS Songwriter Retreat brings together songwriters from different backgrounds and musical traditions for four days dedicated to the craft of songwriting.
You'll write together, exchange ideas, work with mentors and explore new approaches to your music. There'll be space to experiment, time to develop unfinished songs and opportunities to learn from the people around you.
And when the day's writing is finished, the music continues.
Write together
Co-writing & Collaboration
Share the music
Writers rounds & performances
Learn from experience
Mentoring & Feedback
Build connections
People & possibilities
Your next song starts here.
Kernville, California · April 22 - 25 2027
A place to find inspiration.
Set in Kernville, California, surrounded by the dramatic landscape of the Kern River Valley and Sierra Nevada mountains, the retreat offers a different pace and a change of perspective.
Days are dedicated to writing, learning and collaboration. Evenings bring everyone together for shared meals, conversation and music.
It's a chance to focus on songwriting while building friendships and creative relationships that can continue long after the retreat ends.
Who is it for?
Songwriters who want to develop their craft, explore new ideas and collaborate with others.
Whether you're an established recording artist, an independent songwriter or somewhere in between, what matters most is your willingness to write, participate and share.
We welcome songwriters working across genres and traditions.
What's included?
-
Four days of facilitated songwriting and mentoring
-
Guided co-writing sessions and feedback circles
-
Songwriting and music industry workshops
-
Evening writers rounds and campfire sessions
-
Final songwriter showcase
-
Four lunches and three dinners
-
Coffee, tea and light refreshments
-
Connection to the YRAS Global Music Network
Accommodation, breakfast, travel, airport transfers, alcohol and personal expenses are not included.
Join us in Kernville.
April 22 - 25 2027 | Kernville, California
Places will be limited to keep the experience personal and collaborative.
Register your interest to be among the first to receive the full mentor lineup, pricing and booking information.
Presented by YRAS – Music Conference in partnership with Allie Shaw of Manic Monkee.
Meet Allie Shaw
We're delighted to be bringing this retreat to California in partnership with Allie Shaw, founder and CEO of Manic Monkee.
With more than 20 years in the music industry, Allie has worked across artist development, festival production, talent buying, management and international music partnerships.
She brings a wealth of experience, an extensive industry network and a genuine commitment to helping independent artists develop their careers.
Allie will also lead Beyond the Song: Building a Career in Music, an interactive session exploring the business behind the music.