ATL Collective’s 2024 Songwriters Showcase
Story and Photography by Terry Check
The Atlanta music scene has long been a hub for innovation, creativity, and powerful live performances. Over the years, the city has produced an impressive array of talents, ranging from the pioneering sounds of hip-hop to the soulful rhythms of R&B, and more recently, a flourishing independent music scene. At the heart of this ecosystem lies ATL Collective, an organization dedicated to supporting the next generation of musicians by providing a platform for them to connect, create, and share their craft.
On September 18th, ATL Collective hosted its 2024 Songwriters Showcase, an event designed to highlight emerging artists performing original, unreleased songs created during Camp Collective 2024. The evening offered a rare glimpse into the creative processes of some of Atlanta’s most exciting new voices. It also featured the premiere of a short documentary by filmmaker Rich Perez, capturing the essence of collaboration and creativity that defines Camp Collective. With celebrated musicians David Ryan Harris and Prisca hosting the event, the showcase was an unforgettable night of music, storytelling, and connection.
The Atlanta Music Scene: A Rich Legacy
Atlanta’s music scene is one of the most influential in the world. From the rise of OutKast and the Dungeon Family, to the explosive success of LaFace Records in the 1990s, to today’s chart-topping artists like Lil Baby, Janelle Monáe, and Childish Gambino, Atlanta has long been a city where innovation meets tradition. The city’s soundscape is as diverse as its population, with genres such as hip-hop, R&B, gospel, and indie rock all thriving in its neighborhoods.
Beyond its commercial success, Atlanta has also been a city where live music reigns supreme. Venues like The Tabernacle, The Fox Theatre, and Center Stage have hosted legendary performances, while smaller, more intimate spaces such as Eddie’s Attic have provided platforms for emerging singer-songwriters to hone their craft. This rich history of live music has made Atlanta a city where audiences and artists alike thrive on the energy of live performance.
ATL Collective: A Beacon for Emerging Talent
Founded with the goal of sustaining Atlanta’s vibrant music culture, ATL Collective provides local musicians with resources, connections, and opportunities to grow their careers. The organization fosters an environment where artists can share the stage with one another, learning from different genres and backgrounds, while also forming deep connections within the music community.
ATL Collective is known for recreating iconic albums in their entirety through live performances, paying homage to the classics while giving a platform to new talent. However, their work extends far beyond these shows. Through initiatives like Camp Collective, ATL Collective provides an intensive and collaborative environment where artists can sharpen their skills, develop their voices, and create music in a nurturing and supportive setting.
Camp Collective: Where Creativity Flourishes
At the core of ATL Collective’s mission is the idea that music is a collaborative art form. This belief is embodied in their Camp Collective program, an annual retreat where emerging artists gather to write, record, and perform original songs. The camp fosters a spirit of collaboration, encouraging songwriters to step outside their comfort zones, explore new sounds, and connect with fellow musicians on a deep, personal level.
One of the highlights of this year’s camp is the premiere of a short documentary by filmmaker Rich Perez, which captures the magic of the creative process at Camp Collective. The film offers a behind-the-scenes look at the artistry and collaboration that define the camp experience, showcasing how music can bring people together and foster a sense of community.
Songwriters Showcase: A Night of Connection and Collaboration
The Songwriters Showcase gave music lovers and media alike the chance to experience the magic of Camp Collective firsthand. The showcase, inspired by Nashville’s In-The-Round tradition, featured artists performing their unreleased songs in an intimate, collaborative setting. Unlike traditional performances, where each artist takes the stage individually, this format encourages performers to share the stage together, bouncing ideas off one another and blending their sounds in real time.
David Ryan Harris and Prisca, two celebrated musicians who have made significant contributions to Atlanta’s music scene, hosted the event. Their presence not only lends credibility to the showcase but also reflects the supportive, collaborative spirit that ATL Collective champions. Harris, a renowned guitarist and songwriter, has worked with artists such as John Mayer and India.Arie, while Prisca is a celebrated singer-songwriter known for her powerful voice and raw, emotional lyrics.
The artists at the showcase performed their original songs in a way that gives audiences insight into the songwriting process itself. These performances highlighted the emotional depth, creativity, and collaboration that go into crafting a song, offering a rare opportunity to witness the artistry that happens behind the scenes.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining Atlanta’s Musical Legacy
The work of ATL Collective is essential to ensuring that Atlanta’s music scene continues to thrive. By providing resources, mentorship, and opportunities for emerging artists, the organization helps sustain the careers of musicians who might otherwise struggle to navigate the challenges of the industry. In a world where music is increasingly consumed digitally, ATL Collective’s focus on live performance and human connection serves as a vital reminder of the power of music to bring people together.
As Atlanta continues to grow as a cultural and artistic hub, events like the Songwriters Showcase are critical in preserving the city’s musical legacy. By supporting local talent and creating spaces for collaboration and creativity, ATL Collective is ensuring that the next generation of musicians will have the tools they need to succeed.
Join the creative happenings at ATL Collective at www.atlcollective.org. Donations, the lifeblood of the organization, are always appreciated for future projects.
