How to Host a Listening Party

A helpful guide that I am now totally qualified to write

Nov 26, 2024

Step 1: Invite your friends to come over and listen to the EP you’ve been working on for over a year.

Light pink digital flyer with drawn icons of a disco ball, flowers, music notes, and tea. The text reads: Local Sweetheart Listening Party. You're invited to an exclusive preview of Local Sweetheart's upcoming EP. — All hail our lord and saviour Canva

Step 2: Plan the ideal environment for this EP to be consumed in - dress up the room to create the vibe you’re going for.

A cosy living room with many comfy couches. There are fairy lights and fake leaves along the ground and an image of of a fireplace on the TV. — It’s all about the lighting

Step 3: Share the EP with your honoured guests.

A group of eight people sitting in a living room, each writing on a piece of paper. — Bonus step: sit there awkwardly while your precious art is analysed

Step 4: Receive incredibly generous feedback. Try to shift your focus away from the deeply insightful suggestions enough to enjoy the praise that accompanies them.

A printed worksheet with questions such as "what genre would you describe this song as?" and "how does this song make you feel?", with answers such as "indie-folk" and "warm and comfortable" written in pink pen. — I would indeed describe my genre as “gay”

Step 5: Put off working on the EP for a couple more months because it’s expensive and hard work and these songs deserve to be in their best form before they’re released into the world.

In all seriousness, thank you so much to my lovely friends who came out on a Tuesday night to give me invaluable feedback on my works-in-progress.

I’m learning that not only do my creations not need to be completely ready before anyone hears them, but it’s actually way better to seek out constant feedback throughout the entire process. I’ve spent the last year recording and mixing this EP (with absolute legends Dylan Knur, Liam Bell, and Isaac Barter), and there were some really awesome ideas that were shared during this listening party that I wish I’d heard before I stepped foot in a studio.

I could release the songs in their current state. According to the feedback I received, they’re good as they are. But I care so much about these songs, and I believe so deeply in the impact they will have. With a bit more time and effort, I think they could reach and heal so many more hearts, which is my ultimate goal. I can’t wait for the world to hear them when they’re as powerful as they can be.

My questions for you:

Do you struggle to share your art before it feels “ready”?
How do you know when it’s “ready”?
Are you able to let praise sink in? Or do you deflect it with a quick “aw, thank you!” before turning your attention back to the suggestions for improvement?

How to Host a Listening Party

A helpful guide that I am now totally qualified to write

My questions for you:

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