The Regional Sessions NSW kick off in two weeks!
We check in with speakers Travis Collins (Newcastle), ROSHANI (Bellingen), Mr Rhodes (Lismore) and Jem Cassar-Daley (Albury)
Get your tickets to Lismore (18 Feb), Bellingen (20 Feb), Newcastle (22 Feb), Orange (25 Feb) and Albury (27 Feb).
From Travis Collins: ‘I love any opportunity to meet other songwriters and hear about what motivates them, what inspires them, and the processes of their writing.’
Mr Rhodes echoes that: 'I’m looking forward to connecting and sharing with local artists. Being from Lismore, I want to reconnect with people I haven’t seen in a while.'
Remember, our speakers have been in your position, finding their way in the industry, seeking to grow their community and getting to know fellow creatives.
'It will be a great opportunity to bond over shared experiences and impart what I have learned as a young musician starting out in the Australian music scene,' says Jem Cassar-Daley.
'Connecting and collaborating with other writers to share our stories, inspirations and craft is a very important thing to do. Especially in regional Australia, where creatives can often feel isolated. These sessions will have lasting impacts on attendees.'- Travis Collins
ROSHANI echoes that, saying “not everyone can get to a metro area to utilise the opportunities in the cities. Taking programs like this to the country is vital in fostering, connecting with and nurturing our regional artists.'
Mr Rhodes has first-hand experience with the limitations that can come from living outside of the capital cities. 'Being a regionally-based artist we aren’t really connected or have the access to industry that major cities do. Bringing industry to the regions allows us to put faces to names and build those connections.'
'The music industry is difficult to navigate,” says Jem Cassar-Daley. 'There are so many moving parts and things happening behind the scenes. Regional Sessions is vital, as it offers hands-on experience from one musician to another, particularly in regions that are so often bypassed.'
‘Take this as an opportunity to connect with other artists around you and to build your local music community,' says Mr Rhodes. 'Who knows, maybe you get a gig out of it, or make a new friend, or find somebody you can write songs with!’
We know it can be daunting showing up to a session where you might not know anyone. 'Being unsure is actually a great thing, so jump in!' says Travis Collins. 'I’ve always found the greatest inspirations and motivations in the places I least expected. My most rewarding and life-changing writing sessions have been times that I wasn’t sure were right for me beforehand.'
Jem Cassar-Daley agrees. 'Before I started cowriting in 2020, the thought of being vulnerable and sharing my creative ideas with someone was honestly terrifying. I attended an APRA AMCOS SongHubs the following year and from then, I was absolutely hooked! If I wasn’t encouraged by my fellow peers to join the writing camp, I would have never had the chance to experience that.'
Don’t let fear stop you - the Regional Sessions are all about community, connection and positivity.
‘There is something so incredibly special about creating art with someone,’ says Jem Cassar-Daley. ‘Our industry in Australia is incredibly tight-knit, and we are all here to support one another!’
Bring your music-making friends – it’s not just for APRA AMCOS members. Tickets are just $35, with student tickets $20. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander music-makers can come for free – just email [email protected] to arrange your spot.
Did we mention it’s fully catered, along with networking drinks?
There are live performance opportunities, as well as an awesome merch bundle.
And food, there will be lots of food.
See you there!
WATCH: Highlights from Regional Sessions WA