Earworms like “She Got Me” by Luca Hänni or the ballad “Watergun”, the Swiss ESC song 2023 with Remo Forrer, were composed at the SUISA Songwriting Camp. Musical friendships and long-standing international songwriting collaborations have been formed there. A number of pop releases carry the signature of the camp.
Songwriting at the SUISA Songwriting Camp
At the SUISA Songwriting Camp, pop songs are composed in teams of three to five people each. The teams are put together by the artistic director of the camp. In the morning, we start from scratch, by the evening of the same day a complete demo track must be completed and recorded.
The musical style of the songs may include all manifestations of contemporary pop, which could also be successful in the charts, on streaming platforms or on the radio/on TV. On the one hand, the songs should be usable for the Eurovision Song Contest and on the other hand, they should also constitute material that can be offered to publishers and performers.
In order to fulfil this demanding task in a team with professional songwriters and producers from Switzerland and abroad, one must have solid musical knowledge, be able to deliver a creative performance of a high standard under time pressure, and be open to criticism and exchange with fellow composers.
Applications for the 2023 SUISA Songwriting Camp
The sixth SUISA Songwriting Camp takes place from 30 May to 1 June 2023 at the Powerplay Studios in Maur near Zurich. The event is organised by SUISA in collaboration with Pele Loriano Productions. Pele Loriano Productions is responsible for the artistic direction of the Songwriting Camp on behalf of SUISA.
SUISA members can apply to participate in the 2023 SUISA Songwriting Camp. Are you a producer, songwriter (topliner) or lyricist and you think you meet the requirements in terms of musical craft and skills? Then send us your application, which should include the following:
- a short biography;
- meaningful reference songs (mp3 files or internet links);
- contact details.
Applications should be sent by mail to the address: songwritingcamp (at) suisa (dot) ch
Deadline for applications is on: Sunday, 16 April 2023
Important: Places are only awarded to SUISA members via this application procedure. Those who apply should be able to guarantee that they will be available to participate on one or more of the event days (30 May to 1 June).
Dates and selection of participants
The selection of all artists invited to the camp is made by the artistic director. An appropriate make-up of the participants is crucial for the creative success of the “songwriting sessions”.
Confirmations or invitations and further information on participation in the 2023 SUISA Songwriting Camp will be communicated personally by the artistic director by 15 May 2023.
Letters of refusal will not be sent. Anyone who has not received a confirmation or invitation by 15 May 2023 has not been considered for participation in the 2023 Songwriting Camp.
Experience has shown that the number of applications will exceed the number of places available. It should be noted that the application does not create an entitlement to participation at any time. Furthermore, there will be no correspondence regarding the allocation of places. No statements can be made at this time about the implementation of further songwriting camps supported by SUISA.
