Professional Music student shines at prestigious Songwriters Camp
Professional Music student Manveer Singh, also known as Manna Music, recently wrapped up his participation in 91 NORTH RECORDS’ prestigious Songwriters Camp. The three-day program, held at Warner Music Canada in partnership with SOCAN, brought together trailblazing South Asian artists from across Canada.
Participants at 91 NORTH RECORDS’ Songwriters Camp, hosted at Warner Music Canada. Image courtesy of Brad Ardley.
Behind the scenes at Songwriters Camp
The program provided a unique platform for talented South Asian musicians to collaborate and produce new hits for the global stage. Singh had the opportunity to collaborate with accomplished individuals like Chani Nattan, Inderpal Moga, AR Paisley, and many other gifted artists.
Reflecting on his experience, Singh says, “During each day of the camp, we were all paired with different singers, songwriters, and engineers. One of my favourite projects was a song I created with an artist named Simar. It features a smooth R&B beat with some catchy compositions throughout the song.”
Manna Music using recording equipment during Songwriters Camp at Warner Music Canada. Image courtesy of 91 NORTH RECORDS (@91northrecords) and SOCAN (@socanmusic) on Instagram.
First day of Songwriters Camp at Warner Music Canada. Image courtesy of Manveer Singh.
Fostering community and innovation in music at The Creative School
Professor Charlie Wall-Andrews supported the songcamp and emphasized how honoured she felt empowering and connecting with participants in the first program of its kind.
“When artists, including South Asian artists who have historically lacked sector investment, are given access to space and resources, creativity flourishes,” she remarks.
Manna Music (left) and Professor Charlie Wall-Andrews (right) at the Songwriters Camp’s playback session, the reception to showcase the participants’ music. Image courtesy of Warner Music Canada.
Manveer Singh attributes his growth as a musician and success at the Songwriters Camp to Professor Wall-Andrews. He also recalls an experience in Professor Wall-Andrews’s class when she invited Gagan Singh, a Composer and Creative Executive at SOCAN, as a guest speaker.
“Fast forward a year, Professor Wall-Andrews invited me to a luncheon with several representatives from popular music labels in India,” Singh said. “I met some amazing people including Lord Quest, who was the one to reach out and ask if I was interested in being a part of the camp!”
Participants mingle at 91 NORTH RECORDS’ Songwriters Camp, hosted at Warner Music Canada. Image courtesy of Brad Ardley.
91 NORTH RECORDS as a vehicle for social change
In August 2023, Warner Music Canada launched 91 NORTH RECORDS as a joint venture with Warner Music India. The label aims to support artists of South Asian heritage and acknowledges the strong musical connection between the South Asian diaspora in Canada and the subcontinent.
“I feel incredibly proud to be a part of the music scene and am excited to see our music reach new heights and make a global impact. I always believed that South Asian music would always make waves across the world, and now we're seeing the start of a new industry in South Asian music,” says Singh.
The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University
The Creative School is a dynamic faculty that is making a difference in new, unexplored ways. Made up of Canada’s top professional schools and transdisciplinary hubs in media, communication, design and cultural industries, The Creative School offers students an unparalleled global experience in the heart of downtown Toronto.