SOCAN, the SOCAN Foundation, and IPRS (the Indian Performing Rights Society) held a seven-day songwriting camp, KOLAB 2025, that witnessed an inspiring confluence of talent at the True School of Music in Mumbai, from Aug. 23-29, 2025.
Over the course of the week, participating songwriters, producers, and performers engaged in collaborative songwriting, mentoring sessions, listening rooms, and cultural immersion – resulting in fresh sounds that blend Indian and Canadian influences. More than 56 original songs were written across multiple languages, cultures, and genres, underscoring the spirit of musical synergy that defines KOLAB. The camp also marked IPRS’s Foundation Day celebrations, symbolizing its role in encouraging creativity, protecting rights, and opening global doors for Indian music.
SOCAN member participants at this third edition of IPRS’s flagship cross-border songwriting initiative included SOCAN members Tesher, Jonita Gandhi, Mitika, JP47, Mad Mix, Zafar Sandhu, and Shriya Rao. Other participants were Vickky, Happy Raikoti, Jaani, Jassi X, Pree Mayall, Sweetaj Brar, Basant Kaur, Sparsh Dangwal, Durba Banerjee, Jeevana, Josh Brar, Aagaaz, Shamita Bhatkar, Rucha Govani, and Shubham Semwal.
Creative direction was led by three of India’s most respected music professionals: Bunty Bains, the lyricist and producer behind many Punjabi chart-toppers; Mayur Puri, an acclaimed lyricist, screenwriter, and director; and Mannan Shah, a Bollywood music composer and producer. These three mentored participants through collaborative songwriting, genre exploration, and co-production processes, enabling them to craft songs that are musically rich, commercially viable, and globally resonant. The camp was hosted by IPRS’s Rumpa Bannerjee, SOCAN Creative Executive Houtan Hodania, and SOCAN Foundation Executive Director Charlie Wall-Andrews.
“We’re proud to have partnered with IPRS and SOCAN Foundation on the KOLAB camp, a truly special and important initiative,” said Hodania. “Camps like this not only bridge cultures and spark creativity, but also strengthen the global community of music creators.”