ASCAP HOSTS WRITER RETREAT IN FRANCE

ASCAP hosted a high-level Songwriters Retreat at the 14th century, medieval Château Marouatte in the Dordogne region of Perigord Vert in France from October 1 - 7, 2011. The Retreat brought together top songwriters from the US and UK, who stayed at the Chateau for seven days amidst its medieval tapestries, stained glass, four-poster beds, suits of armor and Gothic furniture.

ASCAP's Songwriters Retreat was designed as a highly-focused and achievement-oriented event with the goal of writing great songs and getting cuts. Each day, the songwriters divided into groups to write and record original songs. Five workstations were set up with top of the line technology and gear provided by Avid, Gibson and Sennheiser. At the end of the retreat, each songwriter returned home with six fully-realized, professionally recorded songs ready for exploitation via record labels, television, film and other media.

The participating songwriters were Johntá Austin, Dave Bassett, James Bay, Michelle Bell, Billboard, Chris DeStefano, Ellie Goulding, Martin Johnson, Hillary Lindsey, Mika, Neff-U, Lindsey Ray, Priscilla Renea, Talay Riley, Lindy Robbins, Shea Taylor, Greg Wells and Nina Woodford.

Chateau Marouatte has a successful history of being used as an inspirational setting for music creation and production, and although its songwriting retreats have been dormant for the past ten years, they are recognized as the most productive, creative and inspiring events in the songwriting world. Eleven previous retreats have included such songwriters as Carole King, Jeff Beck, Jon Bon Jovi, Cher, Belinda Carlisle, Zucchero, Stewart Copeland, Keith Urban and Desmond Child. The retreat was sponsored by Cain Foundation, Avid, Gibson and Sennheiser.

http://www.ascap.com/playback/2011/10/action/Hitmakers.aspx