Upcoming Events:
Thanks to everyone who came to the test run on June 7th! More dates coming soon!
What Is The Hook?
In an era when so many of the greatest songs go unheard, and their composers are resigned to virtual obscurity, “The Hook” aspires to open up a new and exciting forum for songs and their creators to find the audience and support they deserve. By breaking down the siloed perspectives that everyone suffers from in the digital age and completely opening up the opportunities to everyone, the best songs and songwriters will emerge with the help of artistic criticism and dash of humor.
Though singing competitions abound, and forums for songwriters are not uncommon, “The Hook” is unique in how it centers the song first, not the singer, or the performance. A good performance can help sell a great song, but a great song can go much further, changing hearts and minds, changing our perspectives on the world, and changing the world itself.
“The Hook” believes the next world-changing song is out there just waiting to be heard. It seeks to create a platform to discover and showcase songs in a way that would preserve the small and pure tones of truth that would be otherwise smothered by mainstream noise. “The Hook” wants to hear the next world changing song, and is ready to dig through the ugly, the profane, and the downright bad to find them.
FAQs:
How Do I Sign Up to Perform on “The Hook?”
Arrive before the show begins and throw your name into the hopper! It’s that easy. Who’s selected to perform is completely random, so your chances are as good as anyone’s.
What Will Happen If I’m Selected To Perform?
Your number will be called, you’ll be invited to the stage, the panel will ask your name and some other brief questions, and then you will perform your song. Afterwards, the panel will talk to you some more, and give their opinion on your song.
Understand that the hope is that you get to finish the song. But if you’re downright terrible, you just might get THE HOOK, meaning you could get cut off, and the panel will share their opinions. This is not a place to get your feelings hurt. It’s all in good humor, and the criticism is meant constructively.
What’s the Best Song To Perform at The Hook?
One that moves the needle, evokes an emotional moment, one that makes people cry or laugh, or both. And maybe it’s a song with a lyrical “hook” that sinks deep and results in a memorable moment. We’re not looking for “hits.” We’re looking for good songs.
Also, select a song that is unreleased, and that perhaps you want critiqued.
And keep it short and sweet. A 2 ½ to 3-minute song is ideal. Leave your 7-minute Avant-Garde improvisational piece for another time. Want to stretch it to 4 or 5 minutes? Go right ahead, but THE HOOK will always be looming…
Do I Have To Perform a Country/Americana/Folk Song?
No! Though the heart of The Hook is songs that fit in the country, Americana, folk, and singer/songwriter tradition, you can perform ANY original song in whatever style or genre you choose. Just understand, you’ll be performing for a panel and an audience accustomed to singer/songwriter stuff. Want to try out a hip-hop song? Have at it. An instrumental? Sure.
What Do I Need to Bring?
A thick skin and a guitar. Also, write down or print out the lyrics of the song you plan to perform for the panelists to look over.
Are you a songwriter and sing, but don’t play guitar? Then you can bring an accompanist, but they can ONLY play an instrument, not provide harmonies or any other assistance.
Want to sing a capella? Knock yourself out!
Don’t fancy yourself a good singer, but believe you’ve got a killer song? Do your best, this is a SONG showcase, not a singing showcase.
Are you part of a songwriting duo? If BOTH performers contributed to the writing of the song, you can perform together.
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For media inquiries, sponsorship inquiries, or further questions, reach out via the Contact Page.