Not sure what The Regional Sessions are all about? Read on!
Open to beginners, emerging and mid-career songwriters and musicians.
Early bird discounted $35 tickets available until 10 May (unless exhausted sooner)!
Five musical hubs in VIC, all days run 9:30am-4:30pm, with post-event networking from 5pm.
Geelong
Monday 13 June
Adalita (keynote), Cash Savage, Craig Pilkington, Elle Graham (Woodes), Fred Leone
Wednesday, 15 June
Ed Kuepper (keynote), Candice Lorrae, Eliza Hull, Jan Skubiszewski, Nicky Bomba
Wangaratta
Friday 17 June
Dave Faulkner (keynote), Benny Walker, Cameron Bird, Olympia, Thando Sikwila
Dandenong Ranges
Tuesday 21 June
Oscar Dawson (keynote), Emma Donovan, Hayley Mary, Kylie Auldist, Scott Darlow
Gippsland
Thursday 23 June
George Maple (keynote), Dallas Frasca, Joel Ma (Joelistics), Imogen Clark, Yeo
Our guest speakers are also top Australian songwriters (see above!) and they will be facilitating the workshops, as well. So it’s a lot of togetherness at The Regional Sessions.
You arrive, check in, grab a coffee, and we kick off with a keynote ‘In Conversation,’ followed by a Songwriter Speaks panel, and then there will be two workshop sessions where you can get down to some honest to goodness songwriting. We learned heaps when we did the sessions in NSW.
Let’s ask singer-songwriter Gordi, who grew up regionally, in Canowindra, NSW.
"When you are from rural or remote areas, sometimes it seems like becoming a professional artist or songwriter is someone else’s dream. These Regional Sessions are really important because we can say ‘Look, these are the straightforward steps you can take to being a songwriter and this is how you can hone your craft.’ It’s a great opportunity to people in these areas.”
Totally OK! This is an excellent chance to meet other songwriters and musicians and see what they are up to. You can share your ideas in a workshop or get insight on finishing a song or how to release it, or just listen and take it all in.
Fantastic, we encourage you to come – there will be helpful advice from our guest speakers covering topics like songwriting splits, production tips, touring and gigs, promo and much more.
Not only do the speakers come from across the musical spectrum, but at the heart of the day is songwriting – how to lift your game, how to work through ideas, how to tell your story. Mixing it up with other music creators can challenge and give fresh perspectives.
Bendigo guest speaker Benny Walker shared a little about what to expect at his session, which he gave the nickname Serve the Song, "...because that's really what it's all about, whether it's revisiting it once you have written it. Because I think that's sort of a myth that it just happens and there's your song - I think it's only fair to revisit the song.
"So I basically walk through my process and things I find really useful, and also remind people to keep their minds open to other approaches. There are four or five artists at each of their workshops, and they will each have their own approach."
A vital part of these events is getting songwriters into a room to network and find out what others from your area are up to. You never know what might come out of it – co-writing opportunities, a future collaboration, a new connection.
Don't pack a lunch, we're catering (let us know your dietary requirements when you register). And, attendees are invited to join for a post-event performance, with refreshments included.
You don’t need to be an APRA AMCOS member to attend. Anyone making music can attend and they can speak to an APRA AMCOS Rep on the day to find out how to join.
Your previously purchased ticket for the October 2021 sessions is valid. If you can't use it or need to make any changes, contact us.
Tickets: $35 early bird discount ($50 full price)
Early bird discounted tickets are on sale now, through 10 May (or until allocation is exhausted). All venues are accessible, please contact us if require any assistance.