The Melbourne Sessions 2018

With early-bird tickets sold out in mere days, and new speakers and artists just added to the program, songwriters and composers won’t want to miss out on the inaugural one-day event dedicated to song craft and professional development.
In short, The Melbourne Sessions is a full day of programming for emerging and mid-career songwriters and composers who want to dig a bit deeper artistically, further develop their skills, and make some new contacts along the way. Presented by APRA AMCOS and the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria, this is one session you won’t want to miss.
The artists and speakers announced cover an array of styles and genres with Warryn Campbell, the LA-based Grammy-winning writer/producer/executive who has worked with Kanye West, Alicia Keys, Missy Elliott and more; US-via-Zimbabwe hitmaker Shungudzo (The Chainsmokers, Little Mix, Jessie Ware), Melbourne’s own Ben Abraham, Harvey Miller of Client Liaison, breakthrough electronic artist Alice Ivy, APRA Song Of The Year-winning writer Chris Cheney of The Living End, electronic producer/multi-instrumentalist Beatrice Lewis, acclaimed songwriter Laura Jean, screen composer Bryony Marks (Barracuda, Please Like Me, Berlin Syndrome to name a few), composer/sound artist Miriama Young, and purveyors of Americana and alt-country sounds Tracy McNeil and Luke Sinclair. Wow, what a lineup of talent!
“Producers and songwriters need to break out of their studio vortex from time to time to collaborate with others, generate new ideas and get thoughtful feedback. I’m excited to be leading a workshop at The Melbourne Sessions where we can do just that! As well as exploring lots of different aspects of writing songs,” says Beatrice Lewis, who in addition to her solo work is a member of the NT’s Kardajala Kirridarra and punk-hop group Haiku Hands.
As part of a dedicated component for screen composers, masterclasses and workshops will be helmed by some of the best in film, TV and video game composing with Cezary Skubiszewski, Jared Underwood, Greg Walker (Machine Translations) and the aforementioned Bryony Marks and Miriama Young on board.
The Melbourne Sessions was created as a high-impact day to foster the creativity and connections of up-and-coming songwriters and composers as they make professional inroads into the competitive global music market. The program culminates with a curated performance and ample networking time.
Here are some of the main things you need to know about The Melbourne Sessions:
This is the first ever Melbourne Sessions
APRA AMCOS and Creative Victoria are launching the program together for the first time this year and it’s one they definitely want to keep doing. A ticket to the event secures a place in a masterclass, a workshop and networking activities for emerging and mid-career songwriters and composers on Friday 6 July at Kindred Studios, Yarraville.
You’re in for a big day
While the schedule is packed and you will be go-go-go from 9am, there are multiple breaks throughout the day to have a snack and recharge. Kicking off the morning, there’s a Keynote In Conversation with Warryn Campbell for all, workshops and a performance after lunch, and a two hour networking session in the evening. It’s a big day but there is knowledge to gain and people to meet so it will be so very worth it.
Network, Network, Network
Alongside the aforementioned networking session, there will opportunities for you to socialise with managers, record labels, music publishers, film producers and artists all day – so make the most of it. In this industry, it is crucial to put yourself out there and find others to work with or who might help you along your career path. Don’t be shy, this is an opportunity.
The Masterclasses
Alongside all the speakers, there is also some masterclasses that you should make your way to. In short, a masterclass is an interactive conversation between the leader, a facilitator and the attendees that provides advice and insight on techniques, process, inspiration and more. Lucky for you, you’ll hear from some of the best, including Adalita, Anna Laverty, Ben Abraham, Cezary Skubiszewski, Jared Underwood and Shungudzo (USA/ZIMBABWE).
The Workshops
Along with the masterclasses, there will also be a variety of workshops where you get to discuss and work on song and composing craft with a total pro in small groups. The Melbourne Sessions have killed it with their workshop leaders featuring Ainslie Wills, Alice Ivy, Benny Walker, Dallas Frasca, Greg Walker, Harvey Miller (Client Liaison), Jae Laffer, Jake Mason (Cookin’ On 3 Burners), Joel Quartermain, Joelistics, Kevin Mitchell, Lady Lash, Msquared and Olympia. Where do we sign up?!
Come (a little bit) prepared
The team at The Melbourne Sessions have managed to bring over International guest and masterclass speaker Shungudzo – amongst many other talented artists, songwriters and composers. This is one name however that we think you’re going to be hearing a lot of, so get to know her work ahead, and you get to ask her all about it on July 6.
Get your tickets and join APRA AMCOS
The Melbourne Sessions is a ticketed event, with space for a couple hundred attendees. If you aren’t an APRA AMCOS member, you can always join via the website – it’s free to sign up!
When & Where: Kindred Studios, Yarraville – July 6 2018 from 9am – 8pm.
Program information, news, and ticketing details are available at www.themelbournesessions.com.