Guide · Challenges

FAWM: February Album Writing Month

FAWM, February Album Writing Month, is a challenge to write 14 songs in 28 days. According to its help centre it is free to take part in, open to anyone aged 16 or over, and runs in February. Any style counts, from pop songs to instrumentals and sketches.

Updated 20 Oct 2026

What FAWM is

The FAWM site describes it as "a global challenge to write 14 songs in 28 days". Its help centre says the goals are to write 14 songs in 28 days, grow as a musician and grow in community. (Source: fawm.org and help.fawm.org, checked 20 Oct 2026.)

Dates

The help centre says the challenge was written with February in mind. Posting opens at midnight on 1 February (international date line) and closes at midnight on 1 March, and the site goes into hibernation on 15 March. As of 20 Oct 2026 the site said it was hibernating, with a virtual Fawmstock event planned for 6 to 8 November 2026 and a five-song, nine-day Song Sprint that was listed for 5 to 13 September 2026. Check fawm.org for the current dates.

Who can join, and cost

Per the help centre it is free to take part, with donations encouraged, and you must be 16 or older to register. You sign up through fawm.org. (help.fawm.org, checked 20 Oct 2026.) The pages I checked did not state detailed rules about original songs or lyrics-only songs, so read the rules on the site before you start.

What counts as a song

The help centre says songs can be "pop songs, instrumentals, sound art, sketches, whatever". The help centre says sketches count. It does not say whether a voice memo does, so check the rules. (help.fawm.org, checked 20 Oct 2026.)

How to get ready

1. Make a place to put everything. Fourteen songs in 28 days is a lot of recordings. Decide where they live before you start.
2. Collect ideas in advance. Use songwriting prompts and song ideas.
3. Set a simple routine. A short daily session beats waiting for inspiration.
4. Finish rough. A sketch that exists is better than a perfect idea that does not. See how to write a song.
5. Keep every take. After the month you will want to find the best ones.

Common questions

What does FAWM stand for?

February Album Writing Month.

How many songs do you write in FAWM?

The challenge is to write 14 songs in 28 days.

Is FAWM free?

According to its help centre, yes, with donations encouraged.

Do the songs have to be finished?

The help centre says songs can be sketches and instrumentals as well as pop songs. Read the site for the exact rules.

When does FAWM run?

Each February. Check fawm.org for the current dates.