The Regional Sessions returns in June 2022 across five musical hubs in Victoria - Geelong, Bendigo, Wangaratta, Dandenong Ranges and Gippsland.
Members will be able to connect with songwriting peers and learn from Adalita, Dave Faulkner, Holy Holy's Oscar Dawson, Joel Ma, Fred Leone, Eliza Hull and more.
The Regional Sessions, a locally-themed event series dedicated to the art, craft, connection and business of songwriting, will take place this June at five musical hubs around Victoria - Geelong, Bendigo, Wangaratta, Dandenong Ranges and Gippsland.
Early bird discounted tickets are on sale now to the sessions, which are presented by music rights management organisation APRA AMCOS, with support from Creative Victoria. The sessions are part of the 'On The Road Again' activities across regional and suburban Victoria in support of the music industry as it rebounds from the impacts of COVID-19 restrictions.
The Regional Sessions are a spin-off of the successful Melbourne Sessions, which took place in 2018 and 2019 with the support of the Victorian Government and featured sold-out one-day events that drew songwriters from the metropolitan area and beyond.
The full-day program is tailored to each local area, featuring a keynote 'In Conversation', a songwriter panel and small group workshops. The program will culminate with a curated performance and post-event networking at a nearby venue. Beginner, emerging and mid-career songwriters and musicians are encouraged to come along.
Attendees will gain valuable insight from confirmed keynote speakers: solo artist and Magic Dirt frontwoman Adalita; solo artist and member of The Saints, Laughing Clowns and The Ain'ts, Ed Kuepper; Hoodoo Guru's Dave Faulkner; producer and one-half of Holy Holy, Oscar Dawson; and LA-based artist, songwriter and producer, George Maple.
In afternoon workshop sessions, participants have the opportunity to share their work, collaborate in groups and get feedback from artists at the top of their game like producer/songwriter/hip hop artist Joel Ma (Joelistics), producer and electronic artist Elle Graham (Woodes), acclaimed singer-songwriter Benny Walker, APRA Screen Music award-winning composer and multi-talented producer Jan Skubiszewski, noted guitarist and singer-songwriter Olympia and more.
"I'm really looking forward to the Regional Sessions in my hometown of Geelong. It’s going to be a great opportunity for songwriters to connect and experience new ideas and share in the creative process," said Adalita, who, in addition to the keynote, will also lead workshops at the Geelong event.
Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson said, "Victoria’s established and emerging contemporary artists hail from right across the state and the Victorian Government is proud to support The Regional Sessions as part of the On The Road Again live music initiative. On The Road Again is bringing music back to our local stages, investing in local talent and ensuring our industry reactivates and recovers."
Initially scheduled to take place in October 2021, The Regional Sessions have been created as a high-impact day to foster creativity, connections and industry knowledge at a crucial time for anyone pursuing music and eager to develop their songwriting skills and get back 'on the road again'.
Limited early bird discounted tickets are available now at The Regional Sessions website.
EVENT DETAILS FOR THE REGIONAL SESSIONS:
GEELONG
Date: Monday, 13 June
Location: Platform Arts
Speakers:
Adalita (keynote)
Cash Savage
Craig Pilkington
Elle Graham (Woodes)
Fred Leone
BENDIGO
Date: Wednesday, 15 June
Location: Lakeside Bendigo
Speakers:
Ed Kuepper (keynote)
Candice Lorrae
Eliza Hull
Jan Skubiszewski
Nicky Bomba
Wangaratta
Date: Friday, 17 June
Location: Wangaratta Performing Arts & Convention Centre
Speakers:
Dave Faulkner (keynote)
Benny Walker
Cameron Bird
Olympia
Thando Sikwila
Dandenong Ranges
Date: Tuesday, 21 June
Location: Burrinja Cultural Centre
Speakers:
Oscar Dawson (keynote)
Emma Donovan
Hayley Mary
Kylie Auldist
Scott Darlow
Gippsland
Date: Thursday, 23 June
Location: West Gippsland Arts Centre
Speakers:
George Maple (keynote)
Dallas Frasca
Joel Ma (Joelistics)
Imogen Clark
Yeo
Tickets $35 each
Ticket includes full-day catering and networking refreshments.