Writing Retreat: Thailand | 2022

2022 was our inaugural writing retreat, bringing together some of the best artists, writers and producers from the UK, US and Thailand to write 27 fantastic songs over a 5 day stay at Karma Sound Studios. In addition to the writing retreat, we also took the participants to River Fest in Kanchanaburi and Mahorasop Festival in Bangkok (some of them even performed!) Find out more about the 2022 edition of Writing Retreat: Thailand below.

THE PARTICIPANTS

PARTICIPATING ARTISTS, WRITERS & PRODUCERS

Jack Garratt

With over 300m streams worldwide, Jack Garratt is a household name in the UK. Among his many accolades Jack can count a BRIT Award, BBC 'Sound Of' and MTV 'Brand New' artist picks, and Annie Mac's 'Hottest Record in the World'.

Valentina Ploy

A songwriter since she was just 7 years old, Valentina's introspective storytelling pop songs have amassed tens of millions of streams and landed her a deal with Warner Music Asia. Fluent in 5 languages, Valentina's lyric-writing is influenced by her multi-lingual background.

Richard Craker

Writer-producer Richard Craker has worked around the globe with Grammy Award Winners, produced a UK #1 album for Liam Gallagher, and has worked on records which have topped the charts in over 20 countries.

Zom Marie

With over 3 million subscribers and counting, YouTube sensation Zom Marie has released a string of Thai language hits, amassing tens of millions of streams on Spotify, and landing her a spot on their EQUAL artist list.

Cortney Dixon

An emerging UK artist working with Deluxxe Management, Cortney Dixon's first releases have landed coveted 'New Music Friday' playlist with Spotify, had support from Amazon Music, and radio play on BBC Radio 1.

JACE PAYACKAPAN

Straddling both sides of the industry, Berkeley graduate Jace manages one of Thailand's hottest upcoming artists SILVY (Warner Music Asia) as well as being an outstanding vocalist and topliner in her own right.

SEKI

Thai alt-pop newcomer SEKI has released just one EP to date, but has already garnered support from tastemakers at NME, Wonderland, Record of the Day, Tinnitist, MTV Brasil, Fungjai, Cat Radio, Blast Magazine, A Day Magazine, and elsewhere.

Ed Geater

UK songwriter Ed Geater fuses influences from alternative rock, folk and electronica to create vivid and textural musical landscapes. Signed to Brox Records and Anara Publishing, his tracks have had support from BBC 6Music and Spotify. Ed is also a talented beatboxer!

Andy Tubman

Drawing from his Nashville roots, writer/producer Andy Tubman creates lilting melodies and sensual grooves. His track 'Quiet Inside' appeared in Keira Knightley movie 'The Jacket', inadvertently triggering over 40m (illegal) streams of the track in China!

Luke Elgie

Luke Elgie is the writer/producer behind SHIELDS and Penguin. His tracks have seen him invited to perform at festivals like Glastonbury, Reading and Leeds, land syncs with brands including FILA, Land Rover and Ubisoft, and amass millions of streams around the world.

Gabe Watkins

Barely out of his teens, Australian-Thai indie pop artist Gabe Watkins has already penned a deal with Thailand's largest independent record label What The Duck and is one to watch for the coming years.

Jake Alder

UK writer/producer Jake Alder has collaborated on tracks for ads for Nike, Pepsi, L'Oréal and Garnier, as well as releasing original music that has featured on Channel 4, ITV, Sky and BBC radio.

Michael Selby

Originally from Kansas, artist, writer and producer Michael Selby has performed at major festivals throughout Southeast Asia, and is currently a member of Rosalyn on the Thai independent record label New Echoes.

Primprao

A one-time GMM Grammy artist and now signed to independent label and production company Up! Hit Music, Primprao's releases have had extensive support from Spotify, and seen her land slots at major Thai festivals including Big Mountain Festival and River Fest.

THE SOUND OF WRITING RETREAT: THAILAND 2022

OUR PARTNERS FOR 2022

We were blessed to work with an incredible group of partners to help put together the experience of Writing Retreat: Thailand 2022. Sennheiser provided state-of-the-art recording equipment, including top of the range Neumann microphones. British Council funded the flights of two emerging UK artists/producers so that they could attend the retreat. MCT funded Thai alt-pop newcomer SEKI's place at the retreat. Budweiser kept us all constantly refreshed at both the retreat and our industry networking drinks. Last but not least, TuneCore SEA treated us to a welcome meal upon the arrival in Thailand of our international contingent.