Giving songwriters and artists the opportunity to work with A-list producers to write, record and produce music, the Pro7ect songwriters retreat will be hosted by Hotel Pelirocco in Brighton. Joining the team for the 2017 edition of the annual event is renowned music producer, songwriter, remixer and bass player Youth.
As an artist, he is a founding member if art-punk band Killing Joke while his collaboration with Alex Paterson resulted in the release of two albums as The Orb. One track in particular, Little Fluffy Clouds, defined ambient house and chill-out and brought these genres firmly into the mainstream.
‘My whole career has been about working with diverse artists, improvising, innovating and experimenting with music and sounds, as well as proper songwriting, so I am delighted to be part of the Pro7ect retreat,’ he says. ‘I’m looking forward to spending time at the Pelirocco, collaborating with some inspirational artists and seeing what we can create together.’
‘We are thrilled that Youth has agreed to take part in Pro7ect 2017,’ says singer/songwriter Lisa Fitzgibbon, who co-founded Pro7ect with Ivor Novello-nominated producer/composer, Ian Wallman. ‘His Maverick approach to the art of making music is legendary, and he is welcome addition to the P7 community.’
The Hotel Pelirocco has 19 individually themed rooms, each reflecting a different aspect of Rock’n’Roll culture, and has attracted celebrity and music industry guests, including the Happy Mondays, Primal Scream, Scissor Sisters, New Order, Chrissie Hynde and Chemical Brothers.
‘Collaborating with like-minded people in an inspirational environment is an amazing experience and it is surprising what can be achieved in just a few days,’ Lisa Fitzgibbon adds. ‘This year, for example, 14 participating songwriters and artists wrote and recorded 15 songs in four days. That is an incredible output – and what makes it even more impressive is the quality of the material produced. Elle Exxe is recording two songs from our 2015 retreat on her new LP and we also have synch options with TOWIE and Made In Chelsea for two more tracks. From this year’s retreat, one track is an option on the next Brand New Heavies album, while singer/songwriter Eddie Prove may include at least two tracks on his next album.’
For the duration of Pro7ect, four pop-up recording studios are installed at various locations around Hotel Pelirocco. Each studio is equipped with the latest recording technology and participants work in producer-led teams to write a track a day for four days. The teams are changed each day and the songs are either written for one of the artists in the room or to spec using tip sheets. Every evening there is a feedback session where teams play the result of their day’s work to the entire group.
Producer Andrew Levy (Brand New Heavies) will return for 2017, with two further producers to be announced. runs from 12-17 March; the cost of participating is between £789 and £969, which includes food and accommodation for five nights. Places are limited.
