SongHubs The Tower SOUND WEST takes over CommBank Stadium

Under the guidance of APRA AMCOS Ambassador and local hip-hop hero L-FRESH The LION, a select group of local and international songwriters and producers are halfway through a four-day hitmaking session: SongHubs The Tower @ SOUND WEST.

The VIP suites at Parramatta's CommBank Stadium have been converted into a state-of-the-art recording studio for SongHubs. The sessions run 23-26 August, and are made possible thanks to major partner Marsh, with support from music and technology festival SOUND WEST.

In his role as SongHubs curator, L-FRESH selected a group of rising songwriters and producers from Western Sydney to work with special guests from Australia and New Zealand. All participants are put into groups of three each day, with the assignment to produce a song by close of business.

From Aotearoa is SickDrumz, who has produced and composed for global superstars Post Malone, Lil Wayne, Future, Britney Spears and Rihanna's billion-streaming hit 'Needed Me'. He is joined by special guests: A.GIRL, Dallas Woods, Nardean, Vayne and Charlotte Adelle.

At SongHubs celebrating a US #1 is Kiwi multi-platinum producer SephGotTheWaves (Polo G, Pop Smoke), who co-wrote and co-produced Rod Wave's 'Stone Rolling' on Beautiful Mind, this week's #1 Billboard Top 200 Album and Top R&B/Hip-Hop album. APRA AMCOS member participants also include Sarah Saint James, Anieszka, champion DJ/turntablist Dizar Lee, Studios 301 songwriter/producer Chelsea Warner, Indian-Australian hip-hop artist Rotaris, South West Sydney born-and-raised singer/songwriter Nicole Issa, R&B artist Melkior, acclaimed songwriter and hip-hop artist Tasman Keith, freestyle rapper ChillCheney, up-and-coming artist Gemma Navarrete and rapper Nooky.

"You can’t manufacture special. The best you can do is try and pick all the right pieces and put them in the right place and the right time, and then watch what happens. That’s like the story of Western Sydney, which is very special," said L-FRESH.

"And at the same time, that’s what it feels like being a SongHubs curator. Having been a participant of SongHubs in the past, I’ve been in those writing rooms and have experienced some really special moments. Moments that have continued to inspire how I go about my craft as a songwriter. Now having sat on the other side for this one, it’s been great to see it all come together, to hear stories be shared and felt and put together for others to experience as music.

"It’s been an honour to be able to curate this first SongHubs in Western Sydney."

As the flagship SongHubs, 'The Tower' is the biggest of the year, traditionally taking place in inner-city Sydney. It made sense to head west this year.

"For me, Western Sydney is about community banding together and supporting one another and making sure that the world knows about the successes – having the pioneering breakout artists and producers pave the way for more to come through. The talent in Western Sydney cannot be ignored anymore," said Milly Petriella, APRA AMCOS Director Member Relations & Partnerships.

SOUND WEST Board Member, Amanda Brisot said, “We are proud to host the first Western Sydney edition of SongHubs as part of SOUND WEST. The SongHubs project provides a unique opportunity to bring together international, national and local songwriters and producers, shining a light on the diverse artistic offering of Western Sydney.”

The principal risk and insurance partner of APRA AMCOS, Marsh, is sponsoring SongHubs for the third year in a row.

“We are all about protecting artists at every stage of their career and so excited to be part of SongHubs in Western Sydney which is such a breeding ground for talent,” added Simon Calabrese, National Segment Leader – Sport, Leisure & Entertainment, Marsh.

L-FRESH's curating duties included a SongHubs SOUND WEST Showcase performance last night at Parramatta Leagues Club. It featured SongHubs' participants Anieszka, Gemma Navarrete, Dallas Woods, Vayne and Nardean.

SOUND WEST is proudly supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.

SongHubs The Tower @ SOUND WEST

Curator
L-FRESH The LION

APRA AMCOS Special Guests
A.GIRL
Charlotte Adelle
Dallas Woods
Nardean
SickDrumz
Vayne

APRA AMCOS National and International Participants
Anieszka
Chelsea Warner
Dizar Lee
Sarah Saint James
SephGotTheWaves

APRA AMCOS Resident Participants
ChillCheney
Gemma Navarrete
Melkior
Nicole Issa
Nooky
Rotaris
Tasman Keith