APRA presents ... The Regional Sessions
Thursday, 20 February 2025 | 09:00 AM
to 05:00 PM
The Regional Sessions is a series of one-day events across regional New South Wales offering keynote speakers, workshops, panel discussions, live performances and networking opportunities for beginner, emerging and mid-career songwriters, producers and composers.
In a competitive music industry, the art of songwriting remains an essential and enduring skill for success. APRA AMCOS, with support from Sound NSW, are presenting this program for New South Wales songwriters, producers and composers across genres who want to hone their songwriting skills and build their local and international networks.
In this unique opportunity for professional development, songwriters will have unparalleled access to top music creators; be inspired and gain valuable skills to improve their songwriting craft; and to come together for post-event drinks and live performances to connect with the creative community.
The Regional Sessions events include a keynote ‘In Conversation’ address, a ‘Songwriter Speaks’ Panel Discussion, workshops and a curated performance to close out the event.
Timings
Registration from 9:00am. The sessions will kick off at 9:30am with our keynote ‘in conversation’ and panel discussion. Workshops will be held in the afternoon, concluding at 5:00pm.
There will be fully catered breaks throughout the day.
Join us for some special live performances and networking drinks 5:30pm – 7:30pm (drinks and snacks provided).
Any materials that may assist you to make the most of your songwriting sessions. This may include any instrument you play - guitar, a keyboard, laptop or simply a phone to record. We will provide you with a notebook & pen on the day.
Discovered in his teens during the 90s as part of the Aussie lofi punk act Noise Addict, Ben Lee's prolific career has been nothing short of astonishing. Turning his gaze to a solo career in the mid 90s, Ben Lee has established himself as one of Australia's bona fide finest, whether penning chart-smashing hits ('Cigarettes Will Kill You', 'Gamble Everything For Love' and 'Catch My Disease'), instrumental albums (Ayahuasca: Welcome to the Work) or children's albums (Ben Lee Sings Songs About Islam For The Whole Family).
Billie-Jo Porter, known for her rootsy sound that blends Country, Americana and Indie Folk, creates music that heals. After a transformative experience at a Canadian yoga festival, she returned to Australia to work on her debut album with producer Shane Nicholson. The album, which radiates positivity, earned her several accolades and charted at #4 on the ARIA Country Albums chart. Billie-Jo's near-constant touring schedule includes support slots for Thirty Merc, Tim Freedman, and The Sunny Cowgirls, as well as performances at festivals like Groundwater Country Music Festival and Tamworth Country Music Festival.
MO’JU is a third gender, third culture kid (Filipino/Wiradjuri) and a multi-disciplinary artist, most widely known for their work as a songwriter and musician.
Recent years have seen them enter new realms of renown, receiving multiple ARIA nominations and much critical acclaim for both their 2023 album ‘Oro, Plata, Mata’ and their 2018 album ‘Native Tongue’, but it is their visceral brand of storytelling which has struck at the heart of audiences far and wide, in a country whose social and cultural climate has been manoeuvring a particular state of unrest and change. Equal parts experimental and soulful, their music traverses a full spectrum of emotion and sonic textures. Marrying together glitchy electronic neo-soul production and masterful songwriting, unbound by genre.
Hailed as the 'Breakthrough Artist' of the 2022 Byron Bay Bluesfest, ROSHANI is a genre-blurring artist with a voice that leaves audiences spellbound. Born in Sri Lanka and adopted at six weeks old, she grew up inTamworth, NSW, with her extraordinary life story featured on 60 Minutes Australia, amassing over 10 million views worldwide. ROSHANI crafted her one-woman show while living in her van, busking across the country and following her musical journey wherever it led. Seamlessly shifting between blues, soul, folk, and electro house, ROSHANI creates a truly unique sound using foot pedals, loopstations, guitars, synths, harmonica, and lush harmonies.Her powerful voice and deeply emotive storytelling offer a transformative musical experience that uplifts the soul and captivates listeners from all walks of life.
Nate Weatherall, a proud Gumbaynggirr and Gamilaroi man, is a music producer, storyteller, and the founder of Mad Proppa Deadly. Passionate about creating opportunities for regional youth, Nate uses music as a tool for empowerment, cultural connection, and personal growth. Through his leadership and creative vision, Mad Proppa Deadly has become a platform for young people to express themselves, build confidence, and share their stories
Nikki Tuckwell - Panel Moderator
Nikki Tuckwell has been with APRA AMCOS for over 10 years, starting as a singer-songwriter and dancer before earning a Music Performance Degree at JMC Academy. Now as the National Education & Outreach Representative, Nikki guest lectures, hosts APRA AMCOS' Insights webinars, and organises member events like Connect Sessions and Equalize.
REGISTER
When
-
Thursday, 20 February 2025 | 09:00 AM
- 05:00 PM
Location
Bellingen Memorial Hall