A couple of weeks ago, Talentist Timeless ran a first-of-its-kind songwriting retreat in the French Alps with Grammy-winning songwriter Daisy Chute leading the way.

It was an unbelievably moving experience to take so many artists from all corners of the globe through a true artistic retreat where the focus was on creating new material, experimenting with different styles, studying the craft of songwriting, and being inspired by the mountains and the good company. Here’s what one some of our artists had to say:

“I’ve had a few inquiries about what a songwriting retreat is like. I’ve participated in many songwriting workshops over the years, some as a participant and some as a mentor. In short, I think the intent is to encourage creativity, on any level. A gentle poke out of the box we tend to sit in so comfortably, as artists, that can sometimes also feel limiting. A half-day workshop associated with a festival or conference can be a very positive lesson in perspective. A songwriting retreat is more like a full emersion into a place where songwriters from any genre or discipline or nationality can converge in a safe environment and through time spent together, barriers drop, preconceptions fall away and all that’s left is a safe place to grow as a writer. Like with anything in life, a positive attitude and an openness to learn are the conduits through which your personal growth can move and flow. This recent retreat was all of that for me and more. I’ve had a career filled with no shortage of inspiration, or challenges and that’s helped me stay prolific and engaged, but I’ve come away from this experience with lots of new perspectives, all of which, I hope, will make me a better writer…and maybe a better person. If you’re committed to your craft, I strongly recommend an immersion into it with some peers…I smiled and laughed, I cried and I slept every night at peace…AND was inspired and accepted. I think the value I’ve gained far outweighs the investment in time and resources. DB.” Dean Batstone

“I was at a stage in my musical journey where I knew I needed something, like when you’re cooking and you know there is a missing ingredient, you just can’t quite think what. So when the opportunity arose to go on the Alpine retreat, I swallowed my fears and grabbed it. And I am so glad I stepped beyond my familiar. Whatever fears I had slowly melted away with the beautiful welcome and stunning setting. It was clear from the start this would be a safe place to create and share.Whilst there was a rough schedule there was freedom to take part and also, do your own thing. We were lucky enough to be guided by the phenomenal talent that is Daisy Chute who did an incredible job of coaching us both individually and in a group. If I was to sum up my experience I would say I was seen, heard and encouraged. We shared we laughed we cried. We were also fabulously well fed! (Even me being an awkward coeliac!). I will take this week with me forever. Thanks to Saskia, Jenna, Pablo and Mary who made it all happen. And to the new friends I journeyed with! What I came away with was an increased confidence, pride in my music and momentum to do more! In short…a whole new pantry of ingredients!” Sharon Maher