International songwriting symposium explores creative processes and innovation in music
The Concert Hall at Kraftverk/BARE studenthus in Kristiansand witnessed a harmonious blend of artistic insights and research at the International Songwriting Symposium: “Dialogues on Songwriting: Creativity, Methods and Contexts” held on Thursday, November 9, and Friday, November 10.
Thursday, November 9: A Day of Dialogues and Presentations.
The symposium commenced with a warm welcome during the registration at 09:00, where participants gathered for the official launch and opening remarks. The morning dialogue session, featuring Tone Aase, Harpreet Bansal, and Torun Eriksen, delved into the intricate world of “Songwriting in Arts and Research.”
After a brief coffee break, Session A began with presentations exploring diverse aspects of songwriting. Highlights included Jonas Howden Sjovaag’s insightful presentation on “Distance and trust in the mirror box” and Jan-Tore Disen, Kari Iveland, Pal Erik Jensen’s exploration of “Microphones, Sound, and Performativity.”
The lunch break provided an opportunity for networking and discussions, followed by the engaging Dialog 2: “Songwriting in Music Education,” featuring Andrew West, Simon Barber, and Kari Iveland.
The afternoon session, Session B, included presentations by Audun Molde, Sophie Daniels, and a unique collaboration between Andrew West and Askil Holm titled “21 Questions For the 21* Century on the Art of Songwriting.”
The day concluded with Session C, where Katherine Williams, Simon Barber, and Ingrid M. Tolstad shed light on “Creative Productivity in Commercial Songwriting Camps.” The evening featured a live performance and aperitif at Galleriet, Bare Student House, followed by dinner at Teateret in Kristiansand.
Friday, November 10: Exploring Creativity and Innovation
Day two kicked off with morning coffee and Dialog 3, featuring Martin Sjolie, Anne Danielsen, and Eirik Askeroi, discussing “Songwriting, Performance, and Production.” Session D followed, with presentations by Ingvild Koksvik on “Exploring mental imagery as a creative resource in song-making and record production,” Odd Torleif Furnes on “Knowledge, creativity, and music-making in the age of AI,” and Andreas Waaler Roshol on “A practice-based view on self-authentication in contemporary songwriting and production.”
The symposium concluded with a thought-provoking Concluding Panel titled “Methods, Creativity, and Contexts” at 13:30. Participants shared insights, discussed the evolving landscape of songwriting, and explored future possibilities.
As the clock struck 15:30, participants bid farewell, enriched with new perspectives and ideas, marking the end of an enriching symposium on songwriting and creativity.
Photo by CreaTeME // Askil Holm