1998
The Humble Beginnings
ÅSV was founded by Michael Hamilton and Jørgen A. Leth in 1998. Initially called “Sangskrivernes Nørdeklub,” the workshop was small and privately organized for many years, until Lars Kiehn from the Danish Musicians’ Union (DMF) showed interest in the idea and offered DMF’s premises as a base for the workshop evenings.
2006
The Association is Established
The small group grew, and in 2006, a founding general meeting decided to form ÅSV into an official association.
2006
Songs from Grønnegade
Alongside the formation of the association, ÅSV launched the CD project “Sange fra Grønnegade” in collaboration with the guitar store Akustikken and Air Play Studio. After an internal selection concert, 15 songwriters were chosen to participate in the release.
Read Article in Basunen
Listen on Apple Music
2011
International Connections
From 2011-2013, ÅSV participated in the “Playing 4 Integration” project, an EU-supported initiative that took the form of a series of international songwriter meetings. This marked ÅSV’s final shift from being purely a locally-based songwriting network to one with international reach, with connections to various music and songwriting communities. It is through this expansion that we continue to have participation from English and Irish songwriters at our winter retreats.
2012
Songs from Vestergade
For ÅSV’s second group release, recorded at Skråplan Studio, we took a more inclusive approach, with 22 songwriters contributing a song each.
Listen on Bandcamp
2018
20th Anniversary Celebration
Our 20th anniversary was celebrated at the Trøjborg Community Centre, a cosy affair with food, speeches, and of course, songs.
Watch Michael Hamilton perform his anniversary song
2022
Peace Concert
With financial support from Music City Aarhus and Aarhus Municipality’s Music Fund, we hosted a large-scale community concert with the theme of “peace.” A selected group of songwriters collaborated with a performance coach, a well-rehearsed orchestra, and a visual artist at the Gellerup Theatre’s large stage. It was a memorable experience for those involved, both musically and in terms of community.
See photos
Watch video summary
2023
25th Anniversary Celebration
Our 25th anniversary was also celebrated in style. We gathered at the beautiful Snåstrup Mill garden, enjoying a sunny day (and the following night) with cold draft beers, anniversary cake, and an open mic session.
See photos