Songwriting Sleepover Retreat
Schedule
Sat, 24 Jan, 2026 at 03:00 pm to Sun, 25 Jan, 2026 at 11:00 am
UTC-05:00Location
4429 Georgia Ave NW | Washington, DC
About this Event
Incubator's first songwriting sleepover retreat will take a somatic, mindful approach to songwriting so that pure musical and lyrical expression can emerge.
Running from Saturday afternoon to Sunday morning, the retreat will incorporate breathwork and fun writing exercises to help you re-examine your relationship with music, let go of expectations, and reconnect with the kind of music you genuinely want to make.
When you register, you’ll choose 1 of 2 tracks: Music or Lyrics...
Music track - led by Russell
We'll take a minimalist approach, playing 1 note a time and building from there. Tapping into our beginner's mind is the intention. We'll make songs using effortless methods, focusing on playfulness over impressiveness.
Lyrics track - led by RAWRA
Be prepared for cathartic screaming to release tension, songwriting madlibs to spark creativity and free-writing to get thoughts flowing. Write clearer, more honest lyrics together with other artists.
Facilitators
Russell Michelson
Russell (he/him) is a songwriter and the founder of Incubator. He plays piano/sings in Babel Baby and acts as music supervisor for many of Incubator’s projects.
RAWRA
RAWRA (she/they) is a singer, songwriter and producer who's facilitated songwriting workshops along the east coast for 5 years. Her work has been featured at Songbyrd, Berklee College of Music and Atlas Performing Arts Center.
Michael Boothby
Michael (he/him) is a certified breathwork practitioner who works with creative organizations throughout the Midatlantic region. He uses conscious breathwork, human design, tarot, and classical Greek mythology to help people shed their masks, face what’s real, and reclaim who they truly are.
Accomodations
Bring a sleeping bag and pillow! We also have enough couches for 3 people to sleep on.
Agenda
🕑: 03:30 PM - 06:30 PM
Break out into Groups
Info: Work with 5 other musicians and your facilitator on various songwriting exercises and games
🕑: 06:30 PM - 07:15 PM
Dinner
Info: Enjoy a home cooked meal with your fellow retreaters
🕑: 07:15 PM - 07:30 PM
Acoustic Performance by Ira Golthi of Dead Daffodils
Info: Incubator House roommate and the singer-songwriter, Ira, will share 3 songs in this campfire-style performance.
🕑: 07:30 PM - 08:00 PM
Jam / Hang out
Info: Take a break, chit chat or jam
🕑: 08:00 PM - 09:30 PM
Breakout Groups
Info: Return to your group for more songwriting exercises and games
🕑: 09:30 PM - 10:30 PM
Group Activity
Info: Everyone comes together for a group activity
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:30 AM
Pair up
Info: Lyricists pair up with musicians to put together a song
🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Breakfast
Info: Fuel up with a homemade breakfast made by Pasta Mike
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Practice your song
Info: Put the finishing touches on your song with your partner
🕑: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Perform your song
Info: Share your song as a pair with the group
Where is it happening?
4429 Georgia Ave NW, 4429 Georgia Avenue Northwest, Washington, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 33.85
















