New York Songwriters Collective: Peter Bliss

Peter Bliss is a musician, songwriter, and producer based in New York City. He began his career in the mid-1970s, releasing his debut album under United Artists Records. Over the following decades, he established himself as a respected songwriter and producer, writing and producing for artists such as Barbra Streisand, *NSYNC, Peter Wolf of the J. Geils Band, Bobby McFerrin, and Southside Johnny, among others. 

In 2011, Bliss founded the New York Songwriters Collective, a community designed to connect, educate, and support songwriters at every stage of their careers. As its founder and leader, he has built a creative hub where experience meets ambition, bridging the gap between industry veterans and emerging voices. What makes his leadership significant is the way he merges decades of real-world expertise with an unwavering commitment to mentorship, fostering a space where artists can learn, experiment, and find their footing in an unpredictable business.

In an industry where independent songwriters often lack structure, access, and reliable professional guidance, the New York Songwriters Collective fills a vital gap. By offering workshops, showcases, and honest feedback, the Collective transforms isolation into collaboration and uncertainty into direction. Under Bliss’s guidance, it has become a launchpad for songwriters seeking both craft and community, and a living example of how one artist’s experience can empower countless others.

Bliss’s leadership of the New York Songwriters Collective comes from a lifetime spent inside the world of music. His career has taken him from performing on stage to producing behind the scenes, and that balance influences the way he mentors others. Having written for major artists while navigating the challenges of publishing and production, he understands both the creative process and the business behind it. His approach is practical and honest. He teaches songwriters how to write with intention, collaborate effectively, and protect their work while building something sustainable.

The Collective’s structure reflects that mission. Monthly Song Clubs give members a chance to share their work and receive feedback in a supportive setting. Open House sessions invite newcomers to ask questions about songwriting, publishing, and navigating the music business. Member Showcases, often held at The Bitter End in Greenwich Village, provide a space to perform live, connect with peers, and gain real performance experience. Beyond these events, Bliss also offers career consulting, guiding artists through contracts, branding, and other realities of building a career in music.

Membership in the New York Songwriters Collective is meant to be approachable and worthwhile. For an annual fee of fifty dollars, members receive one free online Song Club session along with access to monthly showcases and special events. Additional Song Club sessions are available for a small fee, and members also receive discounts on workshops and consulting sessions. Those interested can join through the Collective’s Meetup page or the official website. There is also a monthly Open House where anyone can ask questions, meet the community, and get a feel for what the Collective offers before joining. The structure reflects Peter Bliss’s intention to make the program open to all kinds of writers, whether they are just starting out or already experienced in the industry.

At its core, the New York Songwriters Collective is about community and connection. Bliss has built an environment where collaboration feels natural and feedback is meant to help artists grow. The Collective has even featured guest speakers like Shelly Peiken, who wrote hits such as Christina Aguilera’s “What a Girl Wants” and Meredith Brooks’s “Bitch.” Guests like her bring credibility and experience that inspire members to think bigger about their own songwriting paths.

The first event I attended was the Collective’s showcase at Parkside Lounge. The room was dimly lit and felt alive in that way only small New York venues do. It was full of energy and quiet focus at the same time. Each artist brought something different. Some songs were raw and emotional while others were polished and deliberate, but every performance felt authentic. The environment was supportive, and people listened in a way that made the space feel safe. It wasn’t about competition. It was about connection.

That night taught me more than I expected. It reminded me how much vulnerability it takes to share something personal, especially when it’s still in progress. I saw how valuable feedback can be when it comes from a place of care and understanding rather than judgment. It made me think about my own creative work differently — how honesty, not perfection, is what really resonates.

Peter Bliss was incredibly welcoming and accommodating from the start. His calm and approachable energy set the tone for the entire room. A few days later, he invited me to another performance hosted by the Collective at The Bitter End. I went, and it gave me the chance to capture more footage of the artists performing that night. Seeing everyone perform in such an iconic venue added another layer to the experience. It felt like a full circle moment — watching independent songwriters take the stage in a space that has held so much history.

Peter’s leadership stood out to me because it was quiet but intentional. He wasn’t trying to control or take up space. Instead, he created space for everyone else. You could tell people respected him because of how he carried himself and how he treated others. He led with kindness, and that energy flowed through the entire group.

Emotionally, being there meant more to me than I expected. As someone who has a complicated history with vulnerability, it felt good to be in a room where people were open and genuine. There was no pressure to perform a certain way, no sense of hierarchy. Just people creating, sharing, and listening. It reminded me that community can exist without competition, and that art feels different when it’s built on trust.

Leaving those events, I felt grounded and grateful. The Collective gave me perspective — not just about songwriting, but about what it means to create in an honest and connected way. Peter Bliss has built something that matters. It’s more than a creative space. It’s a reminder that music, at its core, is about people.