Soft Gut Song Camp is back, and it remains, without question, the most exciting and impactful songwriting initiative on the island of Ireland. Running from 30 May to 1 June, the upcoming edition will once again take place in the award-winning Analogue Catalogue Recording Studios, bringing together an extraordinary mix of artists and producers for two days of deep, creative collaboration.

Led by acclaimed songwriter Ciaran Lavery and industry powerhouse Nikki MacRae, Soft Gut isn’t just a camp – it’s a rare environment where craft, vulnerability and connection take priority. With support from IMRO, this year’s camp series builds on several successful editions to date, which have already produced dozens of tracks, many of which are heading for official release.

The most recent camp, held in April, was the first to open its doors to artists from beyond Ireland, welcoming participants from across Europe, the UK, and the US. Over the course of just 48 hours, nine songs were written; each one a testament to the power of structured creative immersion.

As past participant Miranda Faul put it: “Soft Gut was as challenging as it was wonderful. I left with three new songs I could never have written alone, and a new group of friends and musicians that I know I’ll be collaborating with for a long time.”

This isn’t your average writing retreat. It’s a growing movement, shaped by openness, care and creative risk-taking. If you’re a songwriter, artist, or producer in Ireland (or beyond) looking to push your boundaries and create something truly collaborative, Soft Gut is the place to be.

Interested in taking part? Apply here now for the May 30–June 1 edition.