Photo: Daniel Motta/FMO
Folk Music Ontario (FMO) and SOCAN presented a songwriting masterclass with AHI on Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, during the FMO Conference, at the Doubletree by Hilton in London, Ontario.
From charting on Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon, to delivering captivating performances on CBS This Morning & NPR Tiny Desk Concerts (both in the U.S.) and touring internationally with Mandy Moore and Milow for his latest album Prospect, AHI has amassed more than 80 million streams worldwide in a few short years.
AHI offered stories from his life, and insights into the art and craft of his songwriting, in a conversation with SOCAN Creative Executive Houtan Hodania. He discussed what inspired him to become a songwriter; growing up in a multi-cultural environment like Brampton, and how it influenced his songwriting; his tour with Mandy Moore; how to navigate specific songwriting communities, like Nashville; his songwriting process, and how he approaches songwriting from scratch; and what he believes makes a song truly stand out and connect with listeners on a deep level.
Among the SOCAN members officially showcasing at the 2023 edition were Kaia Kater, Ammoye, Tara McLean, Aleksi Campagne, Barbra Lica, Adrian Sutherland, Onion Honey, Rory Taillon, Meredith Moon, The Bombadils, Lonesome Ace, Quote The Raven, Brooke Blackburn, The Pairs, The Barrel Boys, Twin Flames, David Laronde, Steph Larochelle, Pressgang Mutiny, and Sarah Jane Scouten.