Overview
Submit or Quit is an accountability group for songwriters of any experience level. In this group, you’ll write a song every week for 8 weeks, using optional prompts provided.
The twist? All participants must submit at least a verse and a chorus online each week in order to stay in the group (Actually, we’ll give everyone two strikes before you’re out, plus exceptions for life events).
This friendly incentive is designed to gently push you through the barriers that sometimes block songwriters from finishing our songs.
Who It’s For
Submit or Quit is for everyone. We welcome songwriters of any style, genre, experience level, age, etc. Come as you are.
This is a safe and supportive space where the only real rule is to trust your creative instincts and make something new weekly.
How It works
You’ll write and share a song privately with others in the group online. Also, you can optionally ask for and give feedback from others.
Your song must be written the week you submit, but you don’t need to use the prompt.
What You’ll Submit
A simple demo, voice recording, or worktape is enough. We’ll also accept lyrics or instrumentals, if that’s your style. Of course, full productions are accepted too.
What Will Happen
At the end of the project, you’ll have eight new songs, new connections in your music community, plus a boosted confidence in your ability to write more and better songs.
Meet Your Host
Photo: Cameron Ljungkull
Hi everyone, I'm Augustus Watkins (he/they), a queer LA-based songwriter, musician, and record label owner.
I'm passionate about songs, songwriting, and community-building. I've seen firsthand the benefits of songwriting accountability groups and can't wait to hear what you create.
Join
When: Submit Or Quit starts May 19 2025. Your first song is due by midnight on May 26.
Cost:$60, payable by Venmo, PayPal, or Cash App.
After you sign up, you'll receive a welcome email with payment instructions and a link to the private group.
FAQ
Do I need musical experience or knowledge of music theory?
No. New writers and experienced ones will find a lot of inspiration in the optional prompts, deadlines, and community.
Is there any public shaming if I miss a week?
Absolutely not! No shaming of any kind is allowed. If you miss a week, no one else will even know. We’re here to build each other up, period.
What if I am just a lyricist/topliner, and I don’t write music?
Team up with a friend, use YouTube royalty free songs, write a cappella, or just turn in lyrics! There’s no wrong way to flex your creative muscles in this group.
Is this open to instrumentalists?
Instrumentalists will be able to use the prompts as a way of reaching into new parts of their process.
What genres do you accept?
All genres as welcome. In fact, this may be a great chance to try some new genres.
Do I need to use the prompts?
No, the prompts are there to give you a little boost or help you gain new perspectives. But you can write anything you like.
Do I have to participate in the feedback?
No. If you’d rather not include your songs in the critique process, you don’t have to. However, we ask that you only offer feedback if you’re willing to accept it.
Is the feedback harsh, or mean?
No, we’ll make sure the feedback will be gentle, affirming, positive, and focusing on how to make each other better writers, not bring each other down.
I’m worried about people stealing my song ideas. Should I still participate?
Everything we share is confidential, and won’t leave the group.
Where will we meet?
The entire group is conducted online, so you can join from anywhere.
Who's leading this group?
Submit or Quit is led by Augustus Watkins, an LA-based songwriter, musician, and record label owner. You can also catch Augustus every week at Aux Cord Open Mic in DTLA.
Contact
For questions, or more information, DM @aug.watkins on Instagram