2nd Elements National Singing and Songwriting Camp 2011

Following the success of the first Elements National Songwriting Camp held last year, 7101 Music Nation is once again holding a five-day music camp on November 6-10, 2011. The Camp will take place at the beautiful city of Dumaguete, Negros Oriental.

Do you have what it takes to be part of the camp? Photos and videos after the jump.

This year, Elements will be taking in singers into its repertoire, making it the 2nd Elements National Singing and Songwriting Camp.

Application is open to Filipino residents ages 15 to 25 for singers and ages 18 to 35 for songwriters. Only 30 singers and 30 songwriters will be accepted into the Camp. The screening process takes place online and applicants simply need to submit their video on the 7101 Music Nation website.

Back in the day we had The Beatles, Herman’s Hermits and the like pero yung mga pinanganak ng 80′s and 90′s kapag nagkita kita may Eraserheads, Side A, The Dawn and more … we didn’t have those back then. – Ryan Cayabyab on OPM

The Camp is a project of businessman Julio D. Sy, Jr., seasoned musical director Ryan Cayabyab, and music executive Twinky Lagdameo. They call their group 7101 Music Nation, which is quite an interesting name in itself. No, they are not associated with any religious groups, but I have convinced myself that 7101 stands for the 7101 islands of the Philippines.

What does it take to be accepted into Camp? According to Ryan Cayabyab, the videos will each be viewed and judged by an undisclosed panel consisting of distinguished individuals belonging to different areas of the music industry. Every one of them will have their own individual styles and tastes but one thing is for certain, the group is on the lookout for something fresh and unique. In short, you need to stand out in order to get in.

Could the next international music sensation be an Elements camper? Who knows. For the Filipino musician, simply being able to uplift the music industry is a huge feat in itself. It is through initiatives like this that Original Philippine Music (OPM) is able to grow and flourish.

Press Release: 7101 Music Nation launches ‘2nd Elements National Singing-Songwriting Camp’

7101 Music Nation launches the much awaited and highly anticipated “2nd ELEMENTS National Singing and Songwriting Camp.” 7101 Music Nation is the brainchild of three music aficionados namely its Artistic Director, Maestro Ryan Cayabyab; its Chief Executive Officer, established businessman Julio D. Sy, Jr.; and its Chief Operating Officer, music industry maven Twinky Lagdameo. The goal of the company is to build platforms that will gather Filipino artists and musicians and promote the sharing of ideas and talents to further uplift Filipino musicality and artistry. The ELEMENTS National Songwriting Camp is the group’s pilot project and it should be noted that after successfully hosting the Camp for songwriters last year, a new track has been added this time to include singers.

The camp is open to all aspiring singers ages 18 to 25 and all aspiring songwriters ages 18 to 35 who are citizens and residents of the Philippines.

There is a limited number of slots for each track and a select group of established and highly respected singers and songwriters shall screen and audition the participants for the singing and songwriting slots. A total of 30 singers and 30 songwriters will be chosen to join this year’s Camp which takes place in Dumaguete, Negros Oriental from Nov 6 to 10.

Applicants for the songwriting track must submit an .mp3 of an original composition, lyrics to the uploaded song, and a two-minute video answering the question why they should be accepted to the Camp. The video should also include footage of the song being performed by themselves or with a guest singer.

Applicants for the singing track, on the other hand, must submit a video of themselves singing an original Filipino song plus and also a two-minute video answering the question why they should be accepted to the Camp. The song must be performed a capella. No entries with instrumentation or a band will be considered.

The videos must be 5-10mb and in any one of these formats: .mp4, .avi, or .mov. Each applicant can only apply once as either as a singer or as a songwriter. They cannot apply for both tracks.

The five-day camp will include workshops, lectures, talks, one-on-one consultations, group collaborations and presentations, etc. under the tutelage of some of the country’s top Artists including Ryan Cayabyab, Joey Ayala, Rico Blanco, Gary Valenciano, Jett Pangan, Noel Cabangon, Jim Paredes, Gabby Alipe of Urbandub, Ebe Dancel, Jungee Marcelo, Raimund Marasigan, Gary Granada, Jed Madela, Dulce, Jimmy Antiporda, Angeli Valenciano, and Jay Durias, among many others!
The application process is solely online and interested applicants may visit www.7101musicnation.com.ph.

Graduates of the First Camp pay it forward

Graduates of the First Elements National Songwriting Camp have their own stories to share. It has helped rap artists Q-York grow. Kate Torralba calls the experience “life-changing”. JM Quiblat even created his own video documenting his experience in Camp.

Even seasoned veterans like Gary Valenciano confess to have learned a lot from the entire experience. As Gary puts it, to be a part of the Camp is truly a blessing. Looking forward to the graduates of this year’s camp!

Q-York – Yuoy

Q-York is a rap duo featuring the combined powers of DJ Flava Matikz & MC Knowa Lazarus. Their piece is a fun combination of “Yo!” and “Hoy!”, symbolizing fusion between American (New York) and Filipino (Manila) culture.

JM Quibs – Tick Talk Take

Josemari “JM” Quibs or JQuibs is not just a talented musician, he is quite the videographer as well. He took videos of his entire experience from the first camp and compiled it into a nice little documentary full of wonderful memories.

In his song entitled “Tick Talk Take”, JM shows just how creative he can get, using tongue clicking, beatboxing and humming as sound effects to augment and add to the mood of his music. The song reminded somehow of Jason Mraz, Jack Johnson, and James Morrison.

Kate Torralba – Pictures

She may be able to design clothes with her eyes closed, but close your eyes and chill out as she sings her own piece entitled “Pictures”. The song has that real folksy touch and it somehow reminded of artists like Regina Spektor, Kate Nash, Joanna Newsom, Lily Allen, and Adele.

I first ran into Kate months ago at the Gin Blossoms concert. I adored how she danced her heart out to the music. Back then I thought wow – now there’s someone who truly appreciates music!

She may love fashion for being creative outlet, but it is only through music that she can truly express herself and share her emotions with the world.

Truly, Kate’s music is one to watch. She promises to release an album “before she dies”. In the meanwhile, you can catch her playing at local music lounges.

Jay Durias

Jay, if you’re reading this can you give me the title of the song? It slipped my mind. So sorry!

Event photos

[slickr-flickr search=sets set=72157626959612923]