Applications Open for Creative Lab Hawai‘i’s Music Immersive Program

Creative Lab Hawai‘i photo.

Creative Lab Hawai‘i (CLH) is now accepting applications from professional and aspiring local songwriters to attend its second annual Music Immersive Program.

The 5-day program will be held from Sept. 11 to 15, 2017, immediately following the Hawai‘i Songwriting Festival at the Hapuna Prince Hotel on Hawai‘i Island. Applications must be submitted by Friday, July 28, 2017.

Creative Lab Hawai‘i is an initiative of the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism’s (DBEDT) Creative Industries Division (CID).

“We’re thrilled to once again support the Music Immersive Program, connecting our tremendous local talent to prestigious mentors and new markets,” said DBEDT Director, Luis P. Salaveria. “This program is part of our overall growth strategy to grow our local talent and create new jobs.”

Under the direction of Grammy and Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award-winner Charles M. Brotman, the Music Immersive Program will allow attending songwriters to co-write and produce songs for specific TV or film projects with work-class music supervisors, producers, songwriters and executives.

“This program allows participants to empower and expand their creative horizons,” said Georja Skinner, division chief of CID and founder of CLH. “We look forward to seeing our talent elevate their craft through an intensive collaboration process, as well as access industry insights into additional avenues for monetizing and protecting their work.”

Participants will also gain a better understanding of how the music industry works including licensing, publishing, intellectual property protection and other aspects of the business. Following the completion of the program, attendees will receive year-round mentoring support.

“We’re offering Hawai‘i’s songwriters the tools to build and strengthen their business and mentorship networks,” said Brotman. “The CLH Music Immersive is truly a one-of-a-kind, hands-on learning process. It pushes our participants’ creativity to new heights while providing perspective into the business behind the creation process.”

The program is competitive and designed for serious songwriters. Eleven applicants will be selected to participate in the free program. Those selected will need to cover personal expenses including transportation, lodging and meals.

Applicants must be a member of a Performing Rights Organization (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, etc.), have some co-writing experience and have attended an industry conference.

For a full list of eligibility requirements and to apply, visit http://creativelab.hawaii.gov/accelerator-program/immersive-program/music-immersive/ or email [email protected].

The inaugural CLH program in 2016 included Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winning musician Kimie Miner, and Nā Hōkū Hanohano nominee Izik Moreno. The majority of participants from last year’s program have successfully worked with major entertainment studios after making connections during the program.