She Writes Songs (SWS), a new community interest company, is launching to support female songwriters across the music industry.
SWS will provide female songwriters with artistic development, networking and career acceleration opportunities. The organisation’s structured mentoring program aims to offer direct access to industry professionals, covering songwriting, composition, stagecraft, and audience engagement, whilst focusing on personal development, including resilience coaching to help artists navigate the business. As part of its career support, SWS will also offer hands-on experience in music production, collaboration and recording, alongside tailored coaching to help artists grow their audience and secure industry opportunities.
Founded by Sarah Gillespie (renowned singer-songwriter, producer, and founder of Create Now Academy) and Stephen Budd (music executive and co-founder of NH7 Weekender), SWS is supported by an advisory board featuring the likes of Jin Jin, Michelle Escoffery and Vick Bain.
To celebrate its launch, SWS is hosting two exclusive fundraising events, with the first taking place on May 3 at Wendi Kirby Studio in Old Monterey, with live music and networking. A London showcase will follow – with a line-up that features a performance from Shaznay Lewis – at Ronnie Scott’s on May 25.
"While many initiatives exist to address gender disparity in music, She Writes Songs is uniquely focused on empowering female songwriters at every stage of their careers,” said Gillespie. “By providing mentorship, exposure, and a strong community, we are ensuring that women’s contributions to music are heard, recognised, and celebrated."
