City Showcase introduced its series of masterclasses in 2005 in order to provide year-round support for new and emerging talent. To increase the networking opportunities further, City Showcase worked in partnership on several masterclasses including with ASCAP, SongLink, the PRS For Music and PPL with the support of Gibson Guitars and The Apple Store. At the heart of these sessions was well-known and well-respected writers and performers working with and supporting the development of new songwriters and artists. Writers, composers, producers and artists such as Toploader, Tony Christie, Lemar, Nitin Sawhney, Steve Levine, Debbie Wiseman, Andy McQueen, Lynsey de Paul and Eliot Kennedy participated.
Some of the key pre-event published listings are below
Masterclass with Buzz Cason
Thursday 6th October 2005
ASCAP, 8 Cork Street, W1
ASCAP and City Showcase are hosting a singer-songwriter master-class for 20 City Showcase writers with the famous American songwriter Buzz Cason. The class will take place from 14.00pm – 17.00pm with a short tea and coffee break.
The masterclass include: Short history on Buzz Cason; Construction of music and lyrics; Fine-tuning songwriting skills; Key to successful songwriting; Songwriting demonstrations (piano and guitar provided); Attendee Q&As. This is a great opportunity to meet other writers within a hands-on proactive environment. Please feel free to bring along samples of your work, including written pieces, music scores or CD’s.
Nitin Sawhney at City Showcase: Session
Saturday 28.02.2009 19:00
Venue : The Apple Store, 235 Regent Street, London, W1B 2ET
Nitin Sawhney will be doing an exclusive show and masterclass at the Apple Store, Regent Street as a precursor to this year’s main event.
The evening will be on 28 February at 7.30 pm and will include a workshop Q & A with attendees. Hosted by Yemi Sawyerr
City Showcase Director Nanette Rigg says “This will be the first in a special series of City Showcase music events hosted at the store and we are honoured to have such an accomplished and innovative artist as Nitin perform at the first one.”
Nitin Sawhney has worked with artists including Sting, Paul McCartney , Jeff Beck , Brian Eno , Sinead O Connor and Will Young to name but a few as well as producing the latest Get Cape. Wear Cape.Fly album for Atlantic records.
He has also scored over 40 films and is one of the most prolific artists of recent years having toured the world over with both his band and orchestras.
Nitin will be performing a selection of songs from his new album and people are advised to get there early as space is limited.
City Showcase: Session with Steve Levine and Patch Williams
Tuesday 16.02.2010 19:00
Venue : The Apple Store, 235 Regent Street, London, W1B 2EL
On 16 February renowned record producer Steve Levine (Culture Club, China Crisis, Motorhead, Honyz) will introduce his exciting new band, Patch William who will also be performing their new work. Steve will explain the production and writing process and their strategy for launching and breaking Patch William in the UK. This will be an interactive session using the technology live and giving you an opportunity to talk with the band and with Steve.
City Showcase: Session with Toploader
Tuesday 23.03.2010
Venue : The Apple Store, 235 Regent Street, London, W1B 2EL
After a sabbatical of five years, Toploader will be giving an exclusive to City Showcase at the Apple Store. Following a Q&A Toploader will perform old favourites as well as exclusive tracks from their forthcoming release later this year.
City Showcase: Session with Tony Christie
Tuesday 13.04.2010 19:00
Venue : The Apple Store, 235 Regent Street, London, W1B 2EL
Tony Christie, renowned for his songwriting and outstanding recording career, will be hosting a showcase and audience chat as part of a monthly series of City Showcase Sessions at The Apple Store, Regent Street. On April 13th Tony will share stories of his life and career covering hits in 1971 to his new album to be released this year. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain an insight into 30 years in the music business, talk to the man himself and enjoy songs from Tony’s new album.
Settling the Score – a City Showcase: Session
Tuesday 19.10.2010 19:30
Venue : Dean Street Studios, 59 Dean Street, London, W1D 6AN
Join the award-winning composer Debbie Wiseman (Wilde, Jekyll, Flood, Land Girls) and talented young director Steve Hughes (Land Girls, Dream Team, Doctors, Holby City) in a masterclass on film and TV music composition. Debbie will be enlightening us on the skills needed to compose for the small and big screen, and director Steve Hughes will be discussing the director’s role in the partnership. How does a composer work with a director, and how can the collaboration work, or fail? Using clips from their recent BBC TV collaboration “Land Girls” this will be a unique insight into the world of music for the media.
Winter Workshops part 1 – City Showcase: Session
Tuesday 18.01.2011 19:00
Venue : The Apple Store, 235 Regent Street, London, W1B 2EL
Working in partnership with SongLink, the PRS For Music and ASCAP to host a series of two masterclasses for City Showcase Members.
This year the first of the series will be on 18 January 2011 and the second on 15 February 2011. They will both be held at The Apple Store in Regent Street in the upstairs theatre from 7pm – 9pm.
In the first session the panel of experts (Sean Devine – ASCAP, Jules Parker – songwriter and PRS for Music, David Stark – SongLink and Bill Padley – producer and songwriter) will give a hands-on songwriting and production masterclass with examples. Subjects that will be touched upon include song structure, lyrics, how songs work on radio, the production process what to expect from a producer, co-writes – how to organise the songwriting process, pitching a song, performance – getting the most out of your song. The sessions will be extremely ‘muso’ albeit we will touch on the business of music also. The aim is to help get a better understanding of the craft and how to progress a career in music.
After the first session, Members will be encouraged to use what they have learned by writing new works either alone or, ideally, collaborating. We will be inviting all genres of musician to the event and encourage cross pollination of ideas and creativity.
At the second session, Members will be invited to perform these new works and discuss them with the panel. We would strongly encourage people signing up to attend BOTH sessions.
Winter Workshops part 2 – City Showcase: Session
Tuesday 15.02.2011 19:00
Venue : The Apple Store, 235 Regent Street, London, W1B 2EL
Working in partnership with SongLink, the PRS For Music and ASCAP to host a series of two masterclasses for City Showcase Members.
At this second session, Members will be invited to perform the new works from their collaborations formed at the previous Session and discuss them with the panel. We would strongly encourage people signing up to attend BOTH sessions.
City Showcase: Session 15 March 2011
Tuesday 15.03.2011 19:00
Venue : The Apple Store, 235 Regent Street, London, W1B 2EL
The strategy and processes involved by an artist approaching a manager and a booker with a mock discussion including manager, Kevin Reynolds (KRMB) and manager/booker Julian Simon and hugely talented unsigned and unmanaged act, Akayzia (who perform a short set after the session).
City Showcase: Sessions 14 February 2012
Tuesday 14.02.2012 19:00
Venue : The Apple Store, 235 Regent Street, London, W1B 2ET
Our first 2012 City Showcase: Session at The Apple Store, Regent Street will take place on 14 February 2012. Before you enjoy a romantic meal with your loved one why don’t you join us at The Apple Store, Regent Street W1.
Andy McQueen – the driving force and Chairman behind one of the World’s top independent publishing companies, The Notting Hill Music Group will join us and answer all your questions about publishing and what a music publisher does. Notting Hill Music has more than 350 UK Top 40 hits to its credit. The company has enjoyed global hit singles by artists such as Beyonce, Britney Spears, Outkast, Michael Jackson, Pussycat Dolls, Nelly, Kanye West, Bodyrox & Jennifer Lopez as well as millions of album sales from the likes of Fightstar, Motorhead, Will Smith, Omarion & TLC. Recent deals with Dizzee Rascal & Robbie Williams underline the company’s position at the forefront of the modern music publishing industry.
Andy will talk through the strategy that he would adopt working with a new writer using the case study of the fantastic, Sam Gray.
Sam, after a busy 2011 touring and releasing his debut album ‘Brighter Day’, is set to have a breakthrough year in 2012. Sam will perform and will share the process of his signing to Notting Hill and his ‘journey’ to date. Andy and Sam will also be joined by Sam’s manager, renowned drummer, artist and songwriter, Steve White.
Songwriting Masterclasses 2012
Wednesday 22 February 2012
Wednesday 21 March 2012
Wednesday 18 April 2012
Venue : PPL offices
Songwriting masterclasses being held at the PPL offices with some industry experts lined up including Nicky Chinn, Lynsey de Paul, Tim Fraser, David Ryan Jordan, Seán Devine, David Stark, Ross Gautreau, Jonnie Blackburn, Paul Tipler.
City Showcase: Sessions 20 March 2012
Tuesday 20.03.2012 19:00
Venue : The Apple Store, 235 Regent Street, London, W1B 2ET
On 20 March 2012 City Showcase returns to The Apple Store, Regent Street hosting a masterclass with Panjabi Hit Squad (www.PanjabiHitSquad.com) and Ben Osborne (http://www.myspace.com/benosbornespace).
Both Panjabi Hit Squad and Ben Osborne are radio DJs/presenters, recording artists, producers and Live DJs. Your questions about radio, DJ mixing live and mixing for recording answered with demonstrations from both acts including audio-visual demos. Can you write a track for mixing? This is your chance to learn from the masters.
Mastering mastering – City Showcase: Sessions 26 July 2012
Thursday 26.07.2012 19:00
Venue : The Apple Store, 235 Regent Street, London, W1B 2ET
City Showcase hosts the next in its City Showcase: Sessions at The Apple Store, Regent Street on 26 July: an evening with Barry Grint (Mastering Engineer at Alchemy Mastering whose credits include Oasis, REM and Jessie J – www.alchemymastering.com); Jon Dixon (Engineer and remixer at 7th Heaven www.7hproductions.com whose credits include Katy Perry, Whitney Houston, Kylie Minogue, Scissor Sisters, Tynchy Stryder) and Dave Goggin, Data Quality Team Manager from the PPL (www.ppluk.com).
They will be talking getting a track recorded professionally, about mixing, mastering and explaining why ISRC codes are so important. Do you want to know how to get your recording finished and published and paying for itself? Your will be answered….!
City Showcase: Sessions 21 May 2013
Tuesday 21.05.2013 19:00
Venue : The Apple Store, 235 Regent Street, London, W1B 2ET
What’s the difference between a good song and a hit song? Join Chris Dyer, UK Manager of Zimbalam, producer Paul Tipler and Kevin Reynolds CEO of KRMB management as they give a live critique of upcoming talent. They’ll analyse each song and you’ll discover how to take your songwriting to the next level.
City Showcase: Sessions 25 June 2013
Tuesday 25.06.2013 19:00
Venue : The Apple Store, 235 Regent Street, London, W1B 2ET
Confirmed for the panel on June 25th we have Ross Gautreau of Karma Artists; Tim Fraser, who has written songs for the likes of Tina Turner; and award winning song writer Eliot Kennedy who has worked with everyone from Take That to Aretha Franklin and Mary J. Blige. They will be focusing on how to best construct a song & pitch it to a charting artist.
Each act will perform one song, and then receive feedback from the panel on how to best maximise their potential.
Our performer slots are full for the 25th, but please come along anyway and show your support for those playing, and to hear some invaluable advice that can help any budding artist.
This run from 7pm to 8.30pm.
City Showcase: Sessions 3 September 2013
Tuesday 03.09.2013 19:00
Venue : The Apple Store, 235 Regent Street, London, W1B 2ET
Once again, we are delighted to confirm that we are hosting a FREE songwriting masterclass which will include live performances with live critiques – being held at The Apple Store, Regent Street. Our wonderful panellists are Kevin Reynolds, Julian Hinton and Tim Arnold.
This will run from 7pm to 8.30pm.
City Showcase: Sessions 23 October 2013
Wednesday 23.10.2013 19:00
Venue : The Apple Store, 235 Regent Street, London, W1B 2ET
Once again, we are delighted to confirm that we are hosting a series of FREE songwriting masterclasses which will include live performances with live critiques – being held at The Apple Store, Regent Street. This time around we have songwriter and composer Mike Kintish; and David Stark, editor of Songlink.com so you know you want to be there!
City Showcase: Sessions 25 February 2014
Tuesday 25.02.2014 19:00
Venue : The Apple Store, 235 Regent Street, London, W1B 2ET
Once again, we are delighted to confirm that we are hosting a FREE songwriting masterclass which will include live performances with live critiques – being held at The Apple Store, Regent Street.
This will run from 7pm to 8.30pm.
Panellists include MD of music publisher BDi Music and Director of A&R for Bucks Music Group Sarah Liversedge, Producer, Mixer and Engineer Paul Tipler and Membership Representative at ASCAP London and songwriter, David Ryan Jordan.
Even if you’re not performing, do come down and enjoy the evening, hear some fantastic advice and take up an opportunity to network.
City Showcase: Sessions 26 March 2014
Wednesday 26.03.2014 19:30
Venue : The Apple Store, 235 Regent Street, London, W1B 2ET
Once again, we are delighted to confirm that we are hosting a FREE songwriting masterclass which will include live performances with live critiques – being held at The Apple Store, Regent Street.
This will run from 7.30pm to 9pm.
How do you take your song from great to hit ? Join Paul McDonald, manager of John Newman and James Morrison, and songwriter, musician and venue manager Tony Moore, as they break down songs into their constituent parts and analyse what makes a good song and what makes a ‘hit’ song.
City Showcase: Sessions 24 April 2014
Thursday 24.04.2014 19:00
Venue : The Apple Store, 235 Regent Street, London, W1B 2ET
Once again, we are delighted to confirm that we are hosting a FREE songwriting masterclass which will include live performances with live critiques – being held at The Apple Store, Regent Street.
This will run from 7pm to 8.30pm.
With over 20 years music industry experience, manager of Laura Mvula and owner of KKMC, Kwame Kwaten will be joined by songwriter, producer and arranger Julian Hinton to give advice on songwriting, taking your song to the next level, and how they see potential.
Even if you’re not performing, do come down and enjoy the evening, hear some fantastic advice and take up an opportunity to network.
City Showcase: Sessions 25-2-2015
Wednesday 25.02.2015 19:00
Venue : The Apple Store, 235 Regent Street, London, W1B 2ET
Special Event: City Showcase:Sessions
Join multi-instrumentalist and producer Mo Pleasure as he gives a live demonstration of his songwriting techniques and gives candid insights into his work with Michael Jackson, Earth Wind and Fire and Ray Charles.
Plus the opportunity to perform live to Mo and hear what he thinks of your writing and/or performance.
Come early as seating is limited. Register before arrival.
City Showcase: Sessions 25-3-2015
Wednesday 25.03.2015 19:00
Venue : The Apple Store, 235 Regent Street, London, W1B 2ET
Once again, we are delighted to confirm that we are hosting a FREE songwriting masterclass which will include live performances with live critiques – being held at The Apple Store, Regent Street.
This will run from 7pm to 8.30pm.
Join music managers and songwriters Jules Parker (Polaroid Management) and Peter DeBrando Chiesa (Escape Artist Management) as they discuss their A&R decisions, life as a manager and their work with songwriters.
The two songwriters and managers will also deliver feedback on your performance.
City Showcase: Sessions 21-4-2015
Tuesday 21.04.2015 19:00
Venue : The Apple Store, 235 Regent Street, London, W1B 2ET
Once again, we are delighted to confirm that we are hosting a FREE songwriting masterclass which will include live performances with live critiques – being held at The Apple Store, Regent Street.
This will run from 7pm to 8.30pm.
With producer, arranger and songwriter Julian Hinton
City Showcase: Sessions 23-7-2015
Thursday 23.07.2015 18:30
Venue : The Apple Store, Covent Garden
In support of British Black Music Month, City Showcase presents a session to help take your song to the next level. Join Gerard “SoundBwoy” Logan (Managing Director – LoganBros Music Management, Producer and Songwriter) and Orlando Gittens (Soultown Records, manager and promoter) as they discuss the difference between a good song and a hit, and what they look for in new artists.
This will run from 6.30pm to 8pm.
City Showcase: Sessions 16-2-2016
Tuesday 16.02.2016 18:30
Venue : The Apple Store, Covent Garden
Once again, we are delighted to confirm that we are hosting a FREE songwriting masterclass which will include live performances from Louis Centioni and Ashleigh Ashley with live critiques – being held at The Apple Store, Covent Garden.
This will run from 6.30pm to 7.50pm.
City Showcase: Sessions 15-3-2016
Tuesday 15.03.2016 18:30
Venue : The Apple Store, Covent Garden
Once again, we are delighted to confirm that we are hosting a FREE songwriting masterclass which will include live performances (with Sophie DeBattista and Ab and the Underglass each performing one track) with live critiques and constructive advice from Debra Downes (Dawson Breed Music) and Martin Sutton (songwriter, record producer, mixer, songwriting coach) – being held at The Apple Store, Covent Garden
This will run from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.