Sami Riggs

Cosmic Songwriter, Inc is an Indiana Non-Profit Organization founded in 2021 by Shaun McDermott and Pablo 'Oso' Fuentes. THE MISSION OF COSMIC SONGWRITER To foster an ecosystem and community focused on songwriting in Bloomington, Indiana. www.cosmicsongwriter.com Specifically we: 1. CONNECT SONGWRITERS WITH AUDIENCES 2. CONNECT AUDIENCES WITH SONGWRITERS 3. CONNECT SONGWRITERS WITH SONGWRITERS THE COSMIC FORMAT We pair two acts (solo or duo) on stage. Performers alternate back and forth, bantering and sharing the stories behind their songs. LISTENING ROOM POLICY We expect our audiences to be fully-present and silent while songwriters share their art. Thank you for respecting the craft. VALUES BE NICE - Life’s too short. Let’s be kind to each other. This type of effort is more fun and more sustainable if we assume positive intention, ask open-ended questions, and value/listen to others. COMMUNITY - We want artists to meet other people who share their interest in songwriting. Many co-writes, gigs, and bands have come from Cosmic, and we expect many more. A big part of this is supporting fellow performers. This means coming to showcases even if you are not playing that day, and staying to support others if you played early. COLLABORATION - With other performers, with other organizations, with other cities, you get the gist. “YES, AND..." - This is a principle from improv theater…whenever possible, favor “yes, and…,” instead of “no, but…” EXPANDING THE PIE - We see songwriting as an endeavor that is non-competitive. We do NOT see songwriting and art as a zero-sum game. Your fellow artists’ success helps your success. What’s good for the hive, is good for the bee. Be a supportive and helpful bee. CREATIVITY AND ARTISTIC EXPRESSION - Hendrix let his freak flag fly, and so should you! Hendrix also practiced an unfathomable amount and was constantly exploring new ways to express himself. ARTISTIC AND PERSONAL GROWTH - We strive to continually improve, as an organization and as artists. We artists tend to be hard on ourselves, so take it easy 🙂 But, a little motivation to practice and work on the craft is good! We value community members who want to grow, whatever that means to them. DIVERSITY - We seek diversity of musical approaches, diversity of ideas, and diversity of performers.