Since the first SUISA Songwriting Camp in the year 2017, a total of around 185 songwriting talents have written songs together as a team at the eight events held so far. Some of them made it to the Eurovision Song Contest, including the Swiss winning title, “The Code”. Several songs were released individually by different acts and found favour with the audience, such as “House On Fire” by Linda Elys.
Of the more than 160 camp songs created, around 20% found their way to a public audience. The objective is to increase the number of released tracks. That’s why the SUISA Songwriting Camp 2026 marks the beginning of the next era and the focus is now on “tailor-made songs for releasing artists”.
Compositions should align with the projects of the participating acts and thus have great chances of being released, whether for streaming, on the radio, on albums or for concerts and shows.
New artistic direction
There are no stylistic limits and any genre of popular music is basically available. The new musical focus is also an opportunity to showcase the diversity of Swiss music-making.
SUISA is working with a new camp team to implement the different direction in terms of focus: In 2026, SUISA members Dana Burkhard and Tom Oehler will take over the artistic direction of the camp. Both have extensive songwriting camp experience, are very familiar with Swiss pop music and are well connected in the national and international songwriting scene.
SUISA would like to take this opportunity to thank Pele Loriano Productions for the artistic direction, collaboration and commitment during the unforgettable eight previous editions of the SUISA Songwriting Camp, which has developed from a trial balloon into an established event.
Applications for the 2026 new SUISA Songwriting Camp
As before, musicians with a registered SUISA membership can apply to take part in the SUISA Songwriting Camp. Would you like to write songs with other professional creatives? If that’s the case, we look forward to your application by 29 March 2026.
What happens in the camp
Within one day, newly formed teams compose a pop song and record a demo. Producing, vocals, toplines and lyrics are the result of a joint creative process.
Camp overview
- When? 9–11 June 2026
- Where? Powerplay Studios in Maur near Zurich
- Who? Professional music creators with strengths in songwriting and producing
Prerequisites
- SUISA membership
- Advanced or professional musical skills
- Ability to work in a team, openness and resilience
- Availability on one or more of the event days from morning to evening
Application
Please send your application by e-mail to songwritingcamp (at) suisa (dot) ch with:
- A short biography
- Reference songs (link or mp3)
- Your valid contact information (e-mail, telephone, address)
- If you use a pseudonym as an artist, please also state your real name
Application deadline: 29 March 2026
Selection and organisation
The artistic directors – Dana Burkhard and Tom Oehler – are responsible for selecting the participants. A balanced mix of skills and backgrounds is crucial for the running of the camp. Selected persons are contacted directly; this may also happen at short notice.
An application does not guarantee a place at the camp and there will be no correspondence regarding the allocation of places. Information on future camps is currently not available.
Just take the opportunity to work with experienced songwriting talent in a professional environment and develop new pop productions. We look forward to receiving your application.
