With Gráinne Hunt & Megan O’Neill

Monday 7-Friday 11 July, Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge.

10am-3pm Monday-Thursday; 10am-5pm Friday.

This free programme, hosted at Riverbank Arts Centre, is open to 12 participants between the ages of 12-15, selected through an application process. Participants will be awarded a place based upon their passion for music, their willingness to collaborate and their goals for their future in music

Women+ Songwriting, Mentoring & Recording Camp is a week-long creative program designed to empower young female and gender-expansive songwriters through mentorship, collaboration, and performance. Inspired by Gráinne and Megan’s experiences as touring artists, the camp addresses the challenges women+ face in music, offering representation and support to keep young artists engaged.

Led by professional women+ musicians, the camp provides a safe and supportive space to explore songwriting, develop confidence, and connect with like-minded creatives. A passion for music and songwriting is necessary to partake. You don’t need to play an instrument, but if you do please bring it along.

Participants will receive one-to-one support and mentorship from women+ industry professionals. As part of the camp, we’ll have incredible women+ songwriters, producers, photographers, videographers and professional session musicians to learn from throughout the week – all of whom have multiple years of industry experience, touring globally and sharing stages with some of the world’s top musicians and artists.

The camp promotes collaboration and connection, helping participants develop their skills while building lasting creative relationships.

The first half of the week will be spent writing original songs with the guidance of Gráinne and Megan, followed by recording these songs with professional female producers mid-week. During the latter half of the week, participants will work on their compositions with a full band, developing a live arrangement for the final performance day. On our final day, each participant will have professional photos taken, a live performance video recorded with an opportunity for parents, guardians and family to attend the final concert on Friday at 4pm.

At the conclusion of the camp, participants will leave with a fully produced song, professional photos, a live performance video and invaluable music industry knowledge.

APPLY HERE

Please note, completion of this form does not guarantee a place on the camp.

Applications will be accepted until 2nd June 2025. All applicants will be notified by 6th June.

Artist Bios
Megan O’Neill
Megan O’Neill is a distinguished Irish singer-songwriter renowned for her captivating vocals and heartfelt songwriting. Described by American Songwriter as “one of the most commanding vocalists working today,” Megan seamlessly blends her storytelling prowess with a rich musicality.

Her recent releases, including singles “The Hard Way,” and “Love Like This,” showcase her evolution as an artist. These tracks, self-written and recorded at The Meadow Studios, mark her debut as a producer and were each featured on the RTÉ Radio 1 Recommends list for multiple weeks.

In collaboration with producer Richey McCourt, Megan released the EP “Time (Thought You Were on My Side),” which artfully merges her folk roots with electronic elements. Singles such as “Wildfire” and “Fail Better” not only charted in the Top 10 but also received extensive airplay on stations like RTÉ Radio 1 and Spin 1038.

Her sophomore album, “Getting Comfortable with Uncertainty,” released in March 2021, features the bonus track “Time in a Bottle” which was prominently featured in the Netflix series Firefly Lane. This exposure led to a live performance on RTÉ’s The Late Late Show, propelling the track to chart across various genres in Ireland.

Megan’s talent has led her to global tours and performances at prestigious events, including private Oscars parties in Los Angeles alongside artists like Gavin James. Her song “Don’t You” was featured on ABC’s Nashville, and she has opened for legends such as Sir Tom Jones and Lighthouse Family. The late Olivia Newton-John was among her admirers.

Beyond her solo endeavours, Megan is part of the indie-electronic project “Where the Waters Meet”. Their rendition of “Bette Davis Eyes” was commissioned by The Recording Academy (The Grammy Awards) in 2023.

Currently, Megan is recording a new album, set for release in 2026.

Gráinne Hunt
With a voice like complex coffee, Gráinne Hunt is a standout among Ireland’s most enthralling vocalists and songwriters, blending raw emotion with a quiet, commanding power. Described as ‘The Irish Joni’, her authentic songwriting had drawn comparisons to Tracy Chapman and Natalie Merchant. Her reputation as a powerhouse performer has landed her on stages alongside Glen Hansard and U2, and she’s opened for Gladys Knight and Eagle-Eye Cherry.

Supported by Creative Ireland and Kildare County Council.