Mentoring program for female songwriters wraps with series of gigs

19 Nov

I Call Val, Clauds, Ribs, and Stevie-Leigh will be playing launch shows

Following a dedicated five-month music industry mentoring program, facilitated by APRA AMCOS’ Tenille Elkins, four local songwriter/performers will be playing a series of gigs to celebrate the completion of their first major musical endeavour.

Paige Savill (I Call Val), Stevie-Leigh Lane, Claudia Wade-Garcia (Clauds), and Georgina Cramond (Ribs), were selected in July for the pilot program, which entailed twice-weekly office hours at Cleaver Street & Co. with Elkins and local industry professionals. The aim of the program was to help developing artists complete their first major creative project.

In her roles as Senior Writer Services Rep for APRA AMCOS and TAFE lecturer in Music Industry Skills, Elkins sees first-hand the challenges that emerging female musicians face as they embark on releasing their first single or album, or promoting their first live shows.

Elkins explains, “It can be really daunting in these early career stages, and having someone close at hand who can help set some realistic goals, create a plan, help navigate various aspects of the industry, assist with the appropriate contacts, and generally just be there as a sounding board is something that so many people have said they need.”

Savill, who fronts pop/rock group I Call Val says, “I feel much more confident about not only my current launch, but for any future releases, events and projects. I can’t fully express just how integral this help has been in developing myself as an artist and brand.”

A little more than a year ago APRA AMCOS made a firm commitment to working towards gender parity across its membership ranks. The music rights management organisation has partnered with industry stakeholders nationally to provide mentoring to female songwriters and composers at all career stages and across multiple genres.

The WA mentorship tapped into Elkins’ extensive network, with a who’s who of the local industry including RTR’s Will Backler and publicist Dixie Battersby, eagerly stepping up to share their time and knowledge with participants.

“It’s so important that those with the passion and talent receive the help and support they need to give them the knowledge and confidence to follow their chosen path, this can only strengthen our industry going forward,” says Elkins.

“We have truly amazing talent in our backyard, we must nurture this and continue to grow our cultural industries.”

APRA AMCOS is also hosting its Professional Development Series for Women workshop later this month, featuring creative industries coach Viv Fantin. APRA AMCOS members are invited to attend.

Launch details:
Paige Savill (I Call Val)
Weds 14 November, Badlands Bar

Stevie-Leigh Lane (Stevie-Leigh)
Thurs 15 November at Raffles Hotel

Claudia Wade-Garcia / (Clauds)
Weds 28 November at The Bird

Georgina Cramond (Ribs)
Thurs 29 November at The Bird

APRA AMCOS Professional Development Series for Women 
Tues 27 November, 5:30pm
North Metropolitan TAFE
For more info contact wa@apra.com.au