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A new songwriting challenge
Sam and Louise have grown the 48 Hour Film Project into Scotland's biggest filmmaking event, producing each year 20+ events in 4 Scottish cities with hundreds of participants. It has outlasted any other film intiative because of three key principles: Creativity. Community. Competition.
They are now bringing this energy to Scotland's music scene!
Edinburgh 2026
Be part of the FIRST EVER Wild Song. We're going on a journey from local bars to sold-out stadiums and we want you to come with us.
Think you’re brave enough to face the Wild Wheel?
Or just join us in the audience for both gigs!
Take Part
Your challenge begins at Wheel Night:
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Spin the Wild Wheel to receive a theme
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Draw a Wild Card (a postcard) to inspire you
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Receive a Musical Challenge. Examples might include: Start acappella, include a tempo change, switch from loud to soft... or even the dreaded Key Change!
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Finally, a Wild Word is revealed that must be included in all songs, either in the lyrics or the title.
Spin the wheel on Wheel Night and you get two weeks to come up with a new song based on your criteria. Return to perform your new hit single at The Big Gig, in front of an audience of screaming fans and music industry professionals. All participants must attend Wheel Night and The Big Gig.
✨ Wheel Night
with Bee Asha
Thu 15 Jan 7pm - 9pm
The adventure begins! Join us for the world premiere of a new songwriting challenge. Musicians take the stage to spin the wheel in between live sets from Bee Asha and her band. Come back for The Big Gig to hear the finished songs. All Ages, level access.
🎤 The Big Gig
Thu 29 Jan 7pm - 9pm
The grand finale! Just 2 weeks after receiving their challenge, musicians return to premiere their brand-new songs live. Expect raw creativity, bold risks, and the thrill of hearing music performed for the very first time. All ages, level access.
EDINBURGH 2026 ACTS
EDINBURGH 2026 JUDGES
🎼 2026 Edinburgh Musical Challenges
1. Start A Cappella
Your song must begin with vocals only — no instruments until after the first line or phrase.
2. Include a Tempo Change
At some point, the song must noticeably speed up or slow down.
3. Dynamic Flip
A section of the song must dramatically shift from loud to quiet, or from quiet to loud.
4. Call and Response
Include a clear call-and-response between vocals or instruments.
5. Key Change
At least one section must modulate to a different key.
6. Spoken Word
Include at least one short section of spoken lyrics or narrative.
7. Surprise Silence
At some point in the song, everything must stop for at least one full beat of intentional silence.
8. Hook With No Words
Create a memorable chorus or motif using only “ooh,” “ah,” hums, whistles, or vocalisations.
9. Solo
Include a solo by any instrument — guitar, fiddle, synth, drums, voice, anything.
10. Time Signature Change
Shift the rhythm somewhere in the song (e.g. 4/4 → 3/4 → 4/4).
11. Fake Ending
The song must appear to end… but then continues.
12. Instrumental Opening or Ending
Start or finish the entire song without vocals.
13. Start With the Chorus
Open the song with what would normally be the chorus.
14. Countdown
Include a spoken or sung countdown somewhere in the song.
15. The Title Comes Last
The song’s title must only appear in the final line.
16. Chant
Include spoken lyrics delivered rhythmically like a chant.
For Participants
Leith Depot House Gear
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Multi input mixing console (Behringer X32)
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2 x Yamaha DXR15 Tops & 1 x 12” Alto powered Sub
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House drum kit
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Marshal Bass Cab & Ampeg Bass Head, 2 x Guitars Amps (1 x Fender & 1 x Peavey)
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Mic stands & microphones (3-4 available)
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2 powered floor monitors
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Projector & Screen
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Upright Piano
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Stage Area = 2m wide x 4m length
What do participants get from Wild Song?
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A guaranteed stage slot in front of a live crowd
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Get seen and heard by industry professional judges in the audience
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Social media promotion
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Full video recording of your performance
Edinburgh 2026 Grand Prize
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The winning act will get a chance to play their song live at select 2026 Edinburgh gigs
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Extensive social media and press promotion
Partners
We have a proven track record of working collaboratively with sponsors and venues and we would love to work with you.Want to be there at the very beginning before we go global?