Summit songwriters included (from left rear) Brent Setterington (Universal), Ken Bowman (EMI), John Acosta (EMI), Dave Bowman (EMI), Kim Stockwood (EMI), Justin Gray (BMG), Marshall Altman (EMI), Chin Injeti (EMI), Ben Dunk (BMG), Vincent Degiorgio (BMG), Rob Wells (Indie) (FRONT) Rupert Gayle (BMG), Troy Samson (Warner Chappell), Mike James (Indie), Bryan Potvin (BMG), Stan Meissner (BMG), Blair MacKichan (BMG U.K.), Mike Abatzidis (Indie), Richard Barraclough (BMG U.K.) (Not Pictured) Dave Martin (Sony/ATV), Kevin "K-Cut" Mackenzie (Indie)

Story courtesy: Music Publisher Canada, Winter 2002 Vol. 1, No. 3

CMPA sponsors wrap party for historic 'songwriters summit'

In October a groundbreaking summit of Canadian songwriters was convened at Toronto's Metalworks Studios. Organized by songwriter/producer Justin Gray and supported by the Canadian Music Publishers Association (CMPA) and its members, this remarkable event brought together 21 songwriters from across Canada, the U.S., andthe U.K. to collaborate on new songs for the second installment of Canada's PopStars series. CMPA hosted a wrap part for the event Oct. 25, which brought out a strong music industry contingent to hear the 33 songs that were written and demoed during the four-day event.

CMPA president Robert Ott (GM, BMG Music Publishing Canada) says of the summit, "This was an unprecedented event in Canada. The level of talent, co-operation, and sheer excitement that I witnessed during this special week, made it one of the purest musical moments that I have been fortunate enough to be a part of. I know that my colleagues in publishing felt the same way."

Michael McCarty, chairman of CMPA's licensing subsidiary, the Canadian Musical Reproduction Rights Agency Ltd. and president of EMI Music Publishing Canada, characterized the event as, "An historic moment for the Canadian music industry."

Continues Ott, "CMPA felt it was important to support this special occasion, just as we support these types of collaborative and career-building initiatives on a smaller scale with individual artists every day."

Gray, executive producer of PopStars II said "The reason for creating this summit was twofold: to write hit songs for the project and to help grow a solid writing community in this country. I was gratified by the selflessness of the writers and amazed at the quality of the work they did."

Said Deane Cameron, president of EMI Music Canada, who was also in attendance, "This method of creative songwriting collaboration happens in many countries and it's an effective way of producing great songs and new artist relationships. I applaud Justin, the writers and the Canadian music publishers fortheir creative vision. Let's do it more often!"

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