A lineup of kiwi songwriters is the first event revealed for this year’s Aspiring Conversations, which returns in April after a six year hiatus.

Aspiring Conversations - which offers discussions with speakers, writers, thinkers and artists on a diverse range of subjects and issues of the day - will take place over four days (April 4-7).

Kicking off the line-up is Tower of Song, featuring kiwi songwriters Adam McGrath, Julia Deans, and Ebony Lamb and hosted by music reviewer, writer and broadcaster Grant Smithies.

‘Tower of Song’ comes from a Leonard Cohen ballad about the difficulties of songwriting in which he imagined himself tied to a table in the Tower of Song, struggling to write lyrics that might resonate long after he was dead. 

Cohen sings about the challenge of transforming complex emotions into sound; how to pluck the right words and melodies from the air to make a song worth making.

In this session people will learn about the experiences that set Adam, Ebony and Julia on their songwriting paths. 

The discussion will explore the stories behind their most cherished songs offering insights into the magic, inspiration and toil of creating great songs. They will also address the financial realities of being a songwriter in a digital age.

What’s more, the trio will treat the audience to renditions of their favourite compositions. 

Organisers say the audience can expect “a celebration of the magic that occurs when songs are set free, becoming shared treasures able to evoke buried memories and powerful associations for every listener”.

The full programme for Aspiring Conversations will be released on Monday (January 29) at 7pm. 

IMAGE: Supplied