Music To Our Ears Part II: Alice Springs Songwriters Retreat

[Megan Spencer]

The second Music NT/APRA Songwriter's Retreat was held at Ross River Homestead, 80kms east of Alice Springs, from Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th of October.

Twelve songwriters attended, participating in songwriting workshops to write new songs both individually and collaboratively, and to record demos of their new material.


Find more photos like this on Music NT Forum

A total of 15 new songs were written and recorded, comprising eleven solo and four collaborative tracks. These demo recordings - plus the written material and ideas - will form the basis for post-Retreat recordings and performances, to be scheduled in the future.

The retreat was attended by the following Alice-region performers:

Dave Ezard
Ella McHenry
Beth Sometimes
Emma Marree Pantazis
Ronja Moss
Rhubee Neale
Darcy Davis
Michael Smith
Rod Moss
Bill Davis
Will Kendrew
Sonja Martens

The idyllic and inspiring Eastern MacDonnell Ranges provided a powerful backdrop to the event. Artists camped in swags under the stars and in the bunkhouse at the campground.

The Retreat was coordinated by Music NT's Rory Davis who also participated in the songwriting process. Rory said “This type of activity is excellent for fostering the skills and intent for artists to produce high quality material. Without the time and opportunity to
develop great songs and compositions, the music industry is without its core product.’”

Workshops were conducted by singer/songwriter Heather Frahn (below right with CAAMA's Bill Davis) from Adelaide, South Australia. Heather used her experience as a songwriter and recording artist to inform and guide the process.

Participants received a 25-page booklet containing the Retreat schedule and Workshop content, including:

Lyric writing exercises.
A closer look at song features and structures.
The workings and techniques of the 'inner artist'.
Discussion topics
Further reading, plus
Handouts on eliminating writer’s block, the creative mind, and nurturing musical creativity.


Catering was provided by Peter Yates from Vast Film Services who prepared delicious wholesome food to nourish active minds.

Already the feedback from the arists involved has been enthusiastic, passionate and positive. Alice-born, Sydney-based songwriter Rhubee Neale (pictured left with Vast Film's Peter Yates) was one of the participants and she posted the following on the Music NT Forum, as soon as she got home:

"The Ross River Songwriters Retreat was totally AWESOME!!!!! I am so inspired... I would like to thank Rory, Music NT and APRA for putting on an awesome event. I am still buzzing... The Retreat is one of my treasured memories of this short time I have been home in Alice. While I am back in Sydney I will often reflect upon my musical experiences back home here in Alice, the time I spent with all my Brothers and Sisters in song and look forward to my next visit soon. We have some many amazing artists, I was just honored to be apart of the first Alice
Retreat."

The Songwriter’s Retreat was a strategic initiative by Music NT and APRA. Music NT has identified that the Northern Territory is home to a number of high quality songwriters and musicians. By bringing together songwriters from various styles and backgrounds, the Retreat facilitated the opening up of new collaborations, the breaking down of barriers for songwriters, and developed a sense of community and industry amongst songwriters and composers. Being away from the everyday distractions allowed these artists to properly explore the inner workings of the creative mind and the craft of songwriting.

Thanks to Thanks to Rory Davis, coordinator, Music NT, Alice Springs, for writing the above report and for taking the many photos included. See all of the pics Rory's Retreat album.

Read about the inaugural Songwriters Retreat at Mount Bundy, held in September.

Pictured below, L-R, Ronja Moss, Ella McHenry and Emma Marree Pantazis, jamming at the Retreat.