WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION

The Westfjörds Songwriting workshop gives aspiring songwriters of all genres a chance to work closely with leading songwriters from North America and Europe over a five day intensive in Ísafjörður, Iceland during the summer solstice. The workshop occurs concurrently with Við Djúpið, a world-renowned music and arts festival, and includes daily masterclasses with acclaimed guest artists, collaborative opportunities with other songwriters, and a final concert in which all songwriters may perform works they have written.

DATES

Wednesday, June 17 - Sunday, June 21, 2026

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

~ Masterclasses with acclaimed guest artists

~ Festival pass to all Við Djúpið festival concerts

~ Writing room in the music school

~ Opportunity to perform your work at a final festival concert

~ Group dinner at the legendary Tjöruhúsið fish restaurant

TUITION FEES:

Tuition (early-bird discount*): $990.00 USD

Tuition (regular): $1,200.00 USD

*Early-bird discount applies to registrations received before March 15, 2026.

Please note that accommodation is not included in the tuition. Feel free to email us, and we can connect you with options locally.

2026 GUEST ARTISTS:

Sorcha Richardson’s debut album First Prize Bravery was the culmination of her experiences throughout young adulthood, a time during which she ventured from home in Dublin to New York, Los Angeles and then back again. Her follow-up Smiling Like an Idiot, written mostly on guitar and piano in her late grandparents’ living room, cemented her status as one of Ireland’s most exciting songwriters and lyricists. The album topped the Irish independent charts and saw Richardson embark on headline tours across North America and Europe, as well as support tours with Mitski, Villagers and James Vincent McMorrow.

https://www.sorcharichardson.com/

Sorcha Richardson

San Fermin

Founded in 2013, San Fermin rose to early acclaim on the strength of their self-titled debut, which bandleader Ellis Ludwig-Leone had initially envisioned as a one-off featuring more than 20 collaborators. NPR hailed the album as “one of the year's most surprising, ambitious, evocative and moving records,” while Pitchfork called breakout single “Sonsick” “deliriously infectious.” Buoyed by the record’s success, Ludwig-Leone put together a full-time band and hit the road, performing everywhere from the Tiny Desk to Lollapalooza and sharing bills with the likes of alt-J, Courtney Barnett, The National, and St. Vincent. In the years to come, the group would go on to release three similarly lauded albums, prompting The New Yorker to celebrate their “knack for simultaneously expressing beauty and crisis.”

https://www.sanferminband.com/

SOAK, the moniker of Irish singer-songwriter Bridie Monds-Watson, has emerged as a powerful voice in contemporary indie music, blending raw emotion with ethereal soundscapes. In recent years, SOAK has continued to captivate audiences with their unique style, described by The Guardian as “life-affirmingly raw pop.” SOAK's lyrical vulnerability, reflective songwriting, and lush, atmospheric production, as well as their engaging live performances, have earned praise for being intimate and immersive affairs. SOAK continues to inspire with their authenticity and artistry, making a significant impact on the landscape of modern music.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soak_(singer)

Bridie Monds-Watson (SOAK)

*Additional guest artists to be announced.

LOCATION

The Westfjörds

Often overlooked in favor of the south of Iceland is a region largely untouched by tourism: the Westfjörds in the Northwest corner of the country. Tucked into a quiet fjord and ringed by steep mountains lies Ísafjörður, the cultural heart of the Westfjörds. The town is both intimate and quietly vibrant, shaped by fishing traditions, creative energy, and a deep relationship to the landscape. Around the summer solstice, the sun stays just above the horizon through the night, stretching daylight late into the evening.