EQUALIZE, APRA AMCOS’ annual program of workshops and networking events for women and gender diverse music creators, returns next month, and, as always, there’s a stacked line-up to dig into.
The free, one-day immersive workshop takes over eight cities nationwide on weekends throughout next month: Melbourne and Sydney on Saturday, 10 October; Darwin and Hobart on Saturday, 17 October; Adelaide on Saturday, 24 October; and Brisbane, Canberra, and Perth on Saturday, 31 October.
Participants write songs, collaborate with other creators, explore new recording techniques, and build connections within their local music communities.
The program has been designed to give women and gender-diverse creators the confidence, skills and connections to take the next leap in their creative careers by hosting guided songwriting exercises, co-writing sessions, live demonstrations, and networking opportunities.
EQUALIZE is the ideal program no matter where you’re at in music, whether you’re a songwriter, producer, singer, instrumentalist, or just curious about creating music. Each workshop in each city is crafted to be a full-day experience, with songwriting activities and collaboration in the morning, followed by recording and networking sessions in the afternoon.
Mentors taking part in this year’s program include Lucy Sugerman in Canberra, Bree Tranter and Bethan Maddison in Adelaide, Middleman’s Phoebe and Lara in Sydney, Mama Kin Spender in Perth, Rowena Wise in Melbourne, and Patty Preece in Darwin.
Head to the APRA AMCOS website to learn more and register your attendance for your city.
Reflecting on the importance of programs like EQUALIZE, Phoebe and Lara said, “Programs like EQUALIZE are incredibly important for female and GNC communities to connect and up-skill together.
“Collaboration is the ultimate shortcut to improving your craft, and a supportive environment, full of like-minded folks, is an incredible place to start.”
Lucy Sugerman added, “I still vividly remember and cherish the free workshops and programs that helped me develop the skills and confidence to keep making music and pursue songwriting professionally.”
Patty Preece described EQUALIZE as part of a bigger movement toward a more inclusive music industry. “Programs like EQUALIZE help us imagine what a more diverse and inclusive music industry can actually look like, and then start building it together,” Preece said.
Rowena Wise and Mama Kin also discussed the magic in collaboration. “I’m passionate about examining the mechanics of songwriting and walking with others through the puzzle-solving element of it,” Wise said.
Mama Kin concurred, adding, “I love connecting with writers, and I love sharing writing tricks and tips because as I lead others towards the craft, I also get to refine my own relationship with the craft. I like to feed and feed off the energy of excitement that comes with access to writing inspiration.”
