What do Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody, Oasis’ (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? and Coldplay’s Yellow have in common? They aren’t just songs - they are moments that reshaped music history, and they all began at the legendary Rockfield Studios. Tucked away in the idyllic Welsh countryside, this iconic studio is more than just a place where records are made - it’s where magic happens. Every stone, every microphone, and every mixing desk hums with the echoes of creativity that have shaped decades of hits.
In this month’s Session Notes blog, Pro7ect creative director, Lisa Fitz, explores why Rockfield Studios, with its storied past and tranquil farm setting, is the perfect place to forge the future of music - and how the growing trend of residential songwriting retreats is changing the game for today’s songwriters.
For over 50 years, this unassuming farm-turned-studio has been the birthplace of iconic albums and career-defining songs. Its rustic charm and world-class facilities have attracted some of the most talented artists and producers on the planet. Walking into Rockfield feels like stepping into a time machine - a place where creativity hangs in the air, waiting for the next artist to pick it up.
Now, imagine adding your story to that legacy.
Legends have recorded here - and they still do. The Cure’s latest album was made in these very studios, and you’ll often find Royal Blood and Paolo Nutini working their magic here. Pro7ect invites songwriters, musicians, and producers to spend five unforgettable days in this legendary space, creating music in the rooms where so many iconic tracks were born. Whether you’re a pro, an aspiring or a returning songwriter, Pro7ect Songwriting Retreats let you dive into a creative, collaborative environment and experience what it’s like to create alongside like-minded artists.
Here's what makes it truly unique:
Writing a Song a Day: Creativity Unleashed
For three consecutive days, you’ll be part of a writing team tasked with creating and recording a brand-new song every single day. Whether you’re writing for someone in the room or to a brief, the energy is electric, and the productivity is phenomenal. By the end of the retreat, you’ll leave with three professionally written and mixed tracks that could form the foundation of your next project—or even your next big release.
Legendary Spaces, Unforgettable Experiences
Each day begins in the same studios where Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody and Oasis’ (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? were born. The atmosphere alone is enough to ignite creativity but combine that with cutting-edge facilities and world-renowned producers, and you’re set up for something truly special. From the cosy kitchen to the famous Quadrangle Studio, every corner of Rockfield feels alive with possibility.
Headline Producers: Guidance from the Greats
You’ll work with industry-leading producers who have collaborated with artists like Charli XCX, Badly Drawn Boy, Massive Attack, Manic Street Preachers, Bjork, Madonna, and many more. P7 Headline Producers bring unparalleled expertise and a knack for supporting collaboration, ensuring that every song created at Pro7ect meets professional standards.
Building Forever Connections
One of the most profound benefits of the camp is the relationships you’ll form. Collaboration is the lifeblood of songwriting, and these retreats bring together a diverse group of talented artists, musicians, and producers from around the globe. By the end of the week, you’ll have a new network of collaborators who understand your creative process and share your passion for music. Many of these connections turn into long-term creative partnerships, extending far beyond the retreat itself.
The Pro7ect Bubble: Focused, Intense, and Rewarding
Once you arrive at Rockfield, you step into the “Pro7ect Bubble.” For five days, your only focus is music. Nestled in the heart of the Welsh countryside, Rockfield Studios is located on a working farm, surrounded by rolling hills, fields of grazing sheep, and the occasional horse ambling past. This serene, rural setting is a world away from the distractions of everyday life, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the creative process. Whether you’re writing lyrics at 3 a.m., refining a melody over breakfast, or sharing your day’s creation during the evening listening session, every moment is infused with purpose and potential. With no other distractions, the combination of the peaceful surroundings and the iconic studio atmosphere creates a unique space to focus, create, and connect.