Two Collarts Music Production students have returned from Germany after earning a place at Popakademie Baden-Württemberg's International Songwriting Week, where they collaborated with international artists, responded to industry briefs, and developed original music under the guidance of leading songwriters.
Raph and Dakota were selected to represent Collarts following a competitive application process, giving them the opportunity to join emerging songwriters from around the world at one of Europe's leading contemporary music institutions, Popakademie Baden-Württemberg (University of Popular Music and Music Business).
Raph and Dakota travelled to Popakademie Baden-Württemberg in Mannheim to take part in the prestigious Popakademie International Songwriting Week, a program run in partnership with Sony and EMI Music Publishing.
Over four intensive days, students wrote songs in small teams, received mentorship from renowned international songwriters, and collaborated on Eurovision-inspired briefs. Accompanied by Collarts Music Production Program Leader Tommy Rando, Raph and Dakota were immersed in a professional songwriting environment from day one.
Dakota and Raph did an outstanding job co-writing and producing a collection of pop songs alongside international coaches and German students. The experience has provided them with a unique opportunity for creative collaboration, cultural exchange, and professional growth. - Tommy Rando
Known for its industry partnerships, Collarts gives music production students the opportunity to work alongside major international companies, work on live creative briefs, and build the professional skills that matter most in today's music industry.
For Dakota, she collaborated with a young rapper and singer from Germany, working across a range of creative briefs spanning Afro house, indie and pop as well as a standout brief that challenged students to do something AI can't.
Germany was an awesome experience. Working with young musicians from another country was very eye opening and exciting. - Dakota
Dakota's group tackled the brief head-on by leaning into everything that makes music human, recording live guitar and percussion, and embracing imperfections rather than smoothing them out. The pace was relentless, with the cohort writing and producing one song per day across the week.
I learnt a lot about how writing sessions operate and what I'm good at. - Dakota
Raph echoed the intensity of the program: "I had a really fun time at Popakademie. The students were extremely kind and made us feel very well looked after. We did full-day songwriting sessions and wrote four songs in four days."
Beyond the studio, one of the most rewarding parts of the week was the cultural exchange happening between sessions. Dakota and her new friends swapped playlists, she introduced them to Australian electronic artist Ninajirachi, while they introduced her to German rapper IkkiMel.
My highlight was making new friends at Popakademie. The students were really nice and it was fun showing each other music we like. - Dakota
Interested in representing Collarts at next year's International Songwriting Week? Here's the advice Raph and Dakota have for future applicants.
‘’I would say submit something that you like, don't think about what they will like... and definitely try and see some other places while you are over there!’’ - Dakota
‘’For the students that go next year, I would say make sure to share every idea you have, no matter how crazy or stupid you think it might be.’’
Learn more about Collarts' international study and exchange opportunities through the Collarts Student Exchange program.