Between the 5th – 8th July 2022, Anara Publishing put together a songwriting camp online with Gatecrash and Canada’s Music Incubator. The aim of the camp was to bring together independent artists from different backgrounds to collaborate on a set brief across the 4 days. At the end of the camp, tracks were presented in a listening session to the hosts and will be represented by Anara Publishing to be pitched to sync licensing opportunities.
Anara Publishing artists who took part included Ed Geater, Ajimovoix, Subhi and Murtuza Gadiwala. Speaking of the experience, Ajimovoix mentioned how the online camp helped him to “learn every day, due to the different process of writing and creating a song.” Joining the Anara Publishing artists were Indian artists Rounak Maiti, Karshni, RANJ and Clifr. The Canadian artists on the programme consisted of Josh Sahunta, Riell, Little Redfox and Myles Castello.
Speaking of the experience, Little Redfox described how she “collaborated with Ed Geater and RANJ – two extremely talented musicians! We co-wrote a song titled Letting Go. Since we all live in different time zones, we collaborated synchronously through Zoom as well as asynchronously by sending files and ideas back-and-forth through WhatsApp… As a songwriter, every new co-write brings fresh ideas to a room. Collaboratively, we used our skill sets to create a common theme for the song, both musically and lyrically. I’m so proud of the song we created during this songwriting camp, and I’m excited to see where the song goes from here!”
Discussing further on the initiative of the songwriting camp and artist collaboration, Deepa Seshadri, Head of Partnerships – Asia at Anara Publishing explained how “it’s extremely important. Firstly, it helps an artist expand their own knowledge base and musicality. There are so many different processes, and everyone has a different working style – but there are some commonalities among people from the same country. So, when you are working with someone from a different country there are many things you can learn from it – even something as simple as working collaboratively and effectively via zoom and through different time zones. Secondly, it gives the artist the opportunity to expose their music to a new fan base. Thirdly, it’s a great way to mix cultures and musical influences and do something out of their own comfort zone.”
Deepa also noted how this songwriting experience has helped attendees to:
- meet like-minded people
- work on a proper sync brief
- work with other creatives from different parts of the world
- have the opportunity of getting their songs pitched for sync / signed to Anara“
Canadian artist Josh Sahunta collaborated with Subhi (Anara Publishing) and Clifr (Gatecrash India). He expressed how he feels that “both of them are immensely talented. As a producer myself, I was very impressed by Clifr’s production, and I learned a lot from working with him. Writing lyrics with Subhi was also very easy as she is a phenomenal songwriter who I instantly clicked with. Working over Zoom was a little tricky with the time difference between Canada and India, but we were still able to make it work, and we were very happy with the results.”
Vel Omazic, Co-Founder & Executive Director of Canada’s Music Incubator also reaffirmed the importance of collaboration and working internationally, “There are many benefits a songwriting camp like this provides to artists. First, any opportunity to develop your songwriting craft and learn from others who are equally as motivated and talented is just a smart investment in yourself as an artist. Second, the mixing of cultures and genres usually leads to very innovative and often exciting sounds and songs. Third, it’s a great way to broaden your songwriter/producer network. Fourth, international collaborations can serve as great entry points into new markets.”
Myles Castello offered feedback by sharing his 3 main takeaways from the songwriting camp:
- “The first thing I took away from this songwriting camp is that ideas develop faster when everyone is inspired. Once everyone liked the instrumental we were working over, the songwriting process did not feel forced.
- The second key for the songwriting camp was efficiency. Luckily, everyone in my group had access to recording equipment and was able to quickly lay down a demo vocal. This helped make it easier to send files back and forth and not have to wait on finding time to record the demos. As soon as the ideas came to mind, they were able to be recorded and sent out.
- The third thing I took away from the camp was teamwork. Everyone needed to share their ideas to get these songs to a point where they sounded presentable. It was a three step process starting with the music, recording, and then mixing down the song so it could sound as close to a finished product as possible.”
As a final thought, Subhi explained “I have always enjoyed being a part of Anara’s songwriting camps. It’s challenging and fun at the same time. Since the camp has a tight deadline and it’s a collaborative effort, I feel it’s made me a more efficient songwriter. It’s helped me explore genres that I wouldn’t usually write or sing in. I feel it has helped me develop and hone my skills as a more versatile artist.”
All the artists involved produced amazing songs during the songwriting camp, and we’re looking forward to sharing the finished tracks with our clients and partners. Watch out for news about our future songwriting camps and our continued partnership with Gatecrash and Canada’s Music Incubator.