A Decade of Collaboration – Project7 Songwriting Camps Hits Double Digits
For the past decade, the Project7 Songwriting Camps have been a beacon of creativity and collaboration in the music industry. Every year, songwriters, musicians, producers, and artists from around the globe converge at these retreats to experience the unique Pro7ect way of crafting music. Over 140 songs have been written and recorded from scratch by more than 200 artists during these intense, residential hothouse events. Many of these tracks have gone on to find their way into the world, marking the success of Pro7ect’s approach.
In this month’s Session Notes blog, we had the pleasure of speaking with Lisa Fitzgibbon, Creative Director of Pro7ect, to explore the motivation, origins, and future of these groundbreaking songwriting camps.
Reflecting on a Decade of Creativity
Lisa shared her thoughts on the journey that Project7 has taken over the last ten years. When asked about the artists who have participated, she highlighted the incredible diversity that has graced the camps. "We've had musicians from every corner of the world, bringing with them a wealth of cultural perspectives and musical styles," Lisa noted. This diversity is not just a point of pride but a crucial element that fuels the creativity at Pro7ect.
Balancing Gender and Culture
An essential aspect of the Pro7ect camps has been the focus on gender and cultural balance. Lisa emphasised that from the beginning, the camps have strived to create an inclusive environment where all voices are heard and valued. “Music is universal, and we’ve always believed that the best songs come from a melting pot of different experiences and viewpoints,” Lisa explained. “Our team of Headline Producers, who steer the daily writing teams at our camps, are a wonderfully diverse group of talented writer/producers”. This commitment to diversity has not only enriched the music created at these camps but has also contributed to a broader cultural dialogue within the industry..
“This event will inspire me and boost my creativity in ways I cannot articulate or foresee! It’s a game-changer!”
– Paul Mallory P724 Artist
Cultural Significance and Memorable Moments
Discussing the cultural significance of the Pro7ect camps, Lisa pointed out how these events have become more than just songwriting retreats. "They've grown into cultural exchanges, where artists not only create music but also learn from each other, breaking down barriers and building bridges," she said. Lisa recalled some of her most memorable sessions, highlighting moments of pure creative synergy where artists from vastly different backgrounds came together to produce something truly magical. “There have been so many wonderful collaborative experiences, it’s difficult to choose just one favourite… but the ‘Night Crow’ writing session with Featured Artist Estere (from New Zealand), Producer Ian Wallman and songwriter Will Cox was one of the best. Following Estere’s lead, all the collaborators came together effortlessly to create the song that went on to be included in her ‘Archetypes’ album. Sometimes magic just happens” she explains.
★★★★★ “…one week here is worth more than a year at music tech Uni.”
- YOUTH Pro7ect Headline Producer (The Orb, The Verve, Paul McCartney)
The Importance of Songwriting Camps
Why are these camps so important? According to Lisa, they offer a rare opportunity for artists to step away from their usual environments and immerse themselves in a space dedicated solely to creativity. "In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to focus purely on songwriting can be challenging. These camps provide that space, along with the collaborative spirit that often leads to unexpected and groundbreaking results."
“The retreat was a great experience in terms of all my expectations. I couldn’t recommend the P7 retreat more highly for those
from a solo writer / self-producer background.”
- Mark Jones P724 artist
Looking to the Future
As Pro7ect moves into its second decade, Lisa shared exciting plans for future events. “We’re always looking to evolve, to find new ways to inspire and challenge our participants” she said. “Our home at the world famous Rockfield Studios has totally transformed our events, giving artists the opportunity to live, write and record at the iconic studios where musicians, including Queen, Oasis, Bowie, Bullet for My Valentine, Coldplay, Paolo Nutini, and Simple Minds, among others, have created the music that has shaped contemporary culture”.
Lisa will be announcing the Pro7ect 2025 dates this autumn, and her 10 years at the wheel is a testament to the power of collaboration and the enduring impact of the Pro7ect Songwriting Camps. For songwriters and music producers, it’s an invitation to be part of something truly special—where creativity knows no bounds, and every voice has a place. “We’ve had so many enquiries about the retreat that we might need to host two next year!” Lisa says laughing. “Artists are looking for new ways to break out of their routines and broaden their professional networks,” she explains. “At Pro7ect they get instant access to professional writer/producers, they have an opportunity to upskill and get results! It’s a no-brainer!”.
As we celebrate a decade of collaboration at Project7 Songwriting Camps, it’s evident that these events have left an indelible mark on the music industry. They’ve fostered creativity, encouraged diversity, and produced some incredible music along the way. With Lisa Fitzgibbon at the helm, the future looks bright for Pro7ect, and we can’t wait to see what the next decade brings.
Pro7ect 2025 dates will be announced in the Autumn 2024.
About Pro7ect:
Pro7ect is a global network of musical professionals that facilitate creative opportunities for songwriters, producers, and musicians to collaborate at residential writing retreats.
Pro7ect A-list producers include Youth (Sir Paul McCartney/The Verve/Echo & The Bunnymen/The Orb), Greg Haver (Manic Street Preachers, Mel C), Roni Size (Reprazent, Method Man, Zac de la Rocha), Mercury Music Prize winner Tavin Singh OBE, John Fortis (Razorlight, Ellie Goulding, Yellowdays), Andrew Levy (Brand New Heavies), Iain Archer (Snow Patrol, James Bay, Jake Bugg) and Matty Benbrook (Paulo Nutini, LENA, Rebecca Ferguson, Beverely Knight), Stew Jackson (Massive Attack) and Gethin Pearson (Badly Drawn Boy, Charlie XCX).
