East Coast Music Hour Song Commission
CBC Radio commissioned artists to co-write songs about community themes with established musicians and producers.
CBC Radio's East Coast Music Hour commissioned a collaborative songwriting project bringing together established artists with emerging musicians to create original songs centered on the theme of community. The opportunity paired artists including members of the band Lane Hall, JRDN, and producer Richard (Nulo) McNeil with emerging songwriters like Kailin Glasgow to co-write meaningful music addressing contemporary social themes.
The project structure included initial virtual meetings where collaborators introduced themselves and discussed creative direction, followed by intensive studio sessions with professional producers who guided the creative process. The collaborative environment was designed to foster creative development, with experienced mentors providing encouragement and guidance to emerging artists.
Participants worked together to develop original compositions that would be recorded, performed live, and featured in music videos. The resulting songs explored themes of human connection, community belonging, and overcoming isolation in an increasingly digital world. The project culminated in live performances and professional music video production, providing artists with recording credits and performance opportunities.
This type of commission demonstrates CBC's commitment to supporting Canadian artists through meaningful collaborative opportunities that combine emerging and established talent. The program emphasizes mentorship, creative growth, and the development of professional connections within the music industry.