Mentoring program for WA female singer songwriters ends with showcases

The wrap-up of a dedicated five-month music industry mentoring program for WA female singer-songwriters will see the participants display live shows to show what they learned, APRA AMCOS announced this morning.

The pilot program was facilitated by Tenille Elkins, senior writer services rep for APRA AMCOS and TAFE lecturer in music industry skills.

In July, four songwriters were chosen for the pilot program – Paige Savill (I Call Val), Stevie-Leigh Lane, Claudia Wade-Garcia (Clauds) and Georgina Cramond (Ribs).

It entailed twice-weekly office hours at Cleaver Street & Co. with Elkins and local industry professionals.

The aim of the program was to help developing artists complete their first major creative project.

Elkins says she has seen first-hand the challenges that emerging female musicians face as they embark on releasing their first single or album or promoting their first live shows.

She explains: "It can be really daunting in these early career stages, and having someone close at hand who can help set some realistic goals, create a plan, help navigate various aspects of the industry, assist with the appropriate contacts, and generally just be there as a sounding board is something that so many people have said they need.”

Savill, who fronts pop/rock group I Call Val reveals, “I feel much more confident about not only my current launch, but for any future releases, events and projects.

“I can't fully express just how integral this help has been in developing myself as an artist and brand.”

A little more than a year ago APRA AMCOS made a firm commitment to working towards gender parity across its membership ranks.

The music rights management organisation has partnered with industry stakeholders nationally to provide mentoring to female songwriters and composers at all career stages and across multiple genres.

The WA mentorship tapped into Elkins’ extensive network, including RTR’s Will Backler and publicist Dixie Battersby, to provide their skills.