Atlantic Records Germany, a label backed by Warner Music Central Europe, and music publisher Warner Chappell Music Germany are set to come together and host SHE – a first of its kind, all-female rap songwriting camp.
Taking place on 11th-15th April, in a state of the art Berlin studio complex, the week-long camp will bring together world-class female hip-hop artists and songwriters from the US, UK, Asia, South America and Europe to work alongside female producers, engineers and videographers.
The week will also act as an educational space, with sessions focused on empowerment, a mentoring scheme, and keynote talks from leading female executives at major labels, publishing companies and law firms.
The concept for SHE was thought up by Natascha Augustin, VP of Warner Chappell Music Germany; Steph, the renowned German presenter, interviewer, media personality and music journalist; and Doreen Schimk, Co-President of Warner Music Central Europe, the parent company of Atlantic Records Germany.
Natascha Augustin said: “This is a historic moment for hip-hop, as we’re bringing together so many incredible women from across the world for the first ever all-female songwriting camp. Hip-hop is the most popular style of music in the world right now, but women are massively underrepresented in all aspects of the genre. However, we believe SHE can act as a catalyst for change as we empower and shine a spotlight on the brilliant women working in this area.
“We’ve got amazing female songwriters, artists, producers and engineers signed up for the week and I can’t wait to hear the music that they’ll create. SHE is for women from women. I hope we’ll see similar events replicated across the industry soon.”
Steph added: “Over the last few years we’ve become disheartened by how few women there are working in hip-hop and how many newcomers are discouraged from participating in the genre. SHE is a space for the unbelievably talented artists, writers and producers scattered around the world who identify as female. We want to provide a diverse feminine creative space, where women from all over the world can have an artistic exchange and form a new empowering global network. This recurring event will provide guidance and mentorship, and will showcase beautiful, supportive women and their amazing talent.”
Doreen Schimk was made Co-President of Warner Music Central Europe last year and shortly afterwards launched Atlantic Records Germany. The label is dedicated to discovering and promoting German hip-hop, with a special focus on underground rap, which has exploded in popularity in recent years.
Natascha Augustin has also been a key player in the growth of Germany’s rap and hip-hop scene. She was recently promoted to VP of Warner Chappell Music Germany, where her work has been a major factor in the company holding the number one domestic publisher spot for the last three years running. She is a strategic consultant for Atlantic Records Germany and is working with Schimk to set a strategic direction for the label.
Steph’s work as a presenter and journalist has seen her interview some of the biggest names in and around rap and hip-hop culture. She is also working as a Manager of International Collaborations for Atlantic Records Germany.