Fresco Sounds Celebrates Five Years of Collaborative Music Creation in Miami

Fresco Sounds, the weeklong songwriting camp organized by Warner Chappell Music, is marking its fifth anniversary this year with a vibrant gathering in Miami, bringing together a diverse array of global music creators. Billboard had an exclusive opportunity to immerse itself in the creative energy of the event, witnessing firsthand the collaborative spirit that has propelled numerous artists to chart success. The camp, which began its journey in 2022, has evolved into a pivotal platform for fostering international musical exchange and nurturing the next generation of hitmakers.

The genesis of Fresco Sounds can be traced back to the vision of Laz Hernandez, Senior Vice President of A&R for U.S. Latin & Latin America at Warner Chappell Music. His ambition was to create a dynamic environment where songwriters, artists, and producers could connect, network, and explore new creative territories. "One of the big tasks we have is to always put our songwriters out there and get them to connect and network," Hernandez stated, reflecting on the camp’s origins, which he began conceptualizing around the time of the global phenomenon "Despacito." "All my writers wanted to work in the general market and explore different things. We wanted to do a big one in Miami, keeping that same idea of using the global impact of Latin music and getting more representation and more activities in other places… and it evolved into Fresco Sounds."

This year’s iteration of Fresco Sounds is particularly noteworthy for its expanded international scope. Building on its established reputation, the camp has forged a strategic alliance with Warner Chappell Music Korea in Seoul. This collaboration has welcomed 15 artists and songwriters from across Asia to Miami, creating a unique cross-cultural exchange. Hernandez elaborated on the significance of this partnership, drawing parallels between the current global ascent of K-pop and the rise of Latin music a few years prior. "It’s kind of what happened with Latin on a global scale a few years ago," he observed. "Now, K-pop is having a similar moment. There’s similarities in the rhythm and in the cross-over with Latin. This is such a massive camp that we currently have 30 sessions a day." The sheer volume of creative output underscores the camp’s success in generating a high-energy, productive atmosphere.

The impact of Fresco Sounds is already evident in the success of its alumni. Colombian singer-songwriter Mike Bahía, a consistent participant since the camp’s inception, experienced a significant career milestone when his collaboration with Venesti, "Difícil," topped both the Billboard Latin Airplay and Latin Pop Airplay charts last fall. This achievement was particularly meaningful as "Difícil" was the first chart-topping song to emerge directly from a Fresco Sounds songwriting session.

Reflecting on his return to the camp this year, Bahía expressed a profound sense of familiarity and growth. "Exactly one year ago today I had that session in this very studio. It gave me a lovely sense of déjà vu," he shared with Billboard outside AF2 Studios in Miami. "It’s a place where I can be myself… I’m Mike, who loves making music all day long." He further articulated his evolving mindset: "I feel more confident this year. I’ve reached a place where I’m valued, respected, loved and I feel free – I feel at peace, without carrying any burdens. I always have my doubts – but as you evolve and mature, I’m now someone who arrives at the studio without any pretensions. I realized I have to enjoy what I do, and these days I make good moves. I come with a positive attitude."

This year, Bahía is venturing into new sonic landscapes. He is collaborating with Colombian newcomer Maisak on a vallenato song and exploring a minimalist merengue sound with Dominican hitmaker Cromo X. These diverse projects highlight the camp’s ability to push artists beyond their established genres and foster experimentation. The image accompanying this part of the story features Cromo X, Mike Bahía, and Miguel Angel, hinting at the collaborative energy within the camp.

The Fresco Sounds camp is not just about individual artistic exploration; it is also about building a robust ecosystem for music creators. In addition to its musical objectives, the initiative has partnered with Meta to provide comprehensive resources and support for the more than 150 participating songwriters. Ady Harley, Meta’s Head of Music Label Partnerships and Publishing BD for LATAM, emphasized the company’s commitment: "Our onsite K-pop-inspired Reels space and educational sessions were designed to empower artists and songwriters to express themselves authentically, build community and reach new audiences on Instagram. We believe in providing tools and platforms that help creators showcase their unique creative process, and we’re excited to see how these collaborations inspire music fans around the world." This partnership signifies a broader trend of tech companies investing in the music creation process and offering creators new avenues for visibility and engagement.

The inclusive nature of Fresco Sounds is a cornerstone of its philosophy. Hernandez reiterated that the camp is not exclusively a Warner Chappell Music initiative. "As a publisher, we work with everyone. It’s not an exclusive Warner thing," he clarified. "We have relationships with all the labels and work with artists such as Rauw Alejandro, who’s signed to Sony, and Jhayco, with Universal. We’re always finding the best new opportunities to collaborate with other international music creators or brands. We want to make the biggest impact we can." This open-door policy ensures a rich tapestry of talent and perspectives, maximizing the potential for groundbreaking collaborations and fostering a truly global music community.

The physical space of the camp itself is designed to facilitate creativity. While specific details about the studios are not provided in the original text, the mention of AF2 Studios in Miami suggests a professional and inspiring environment. The presence of photographers like Soren Knippen, whose work is featured with various artists and groups, underscores the visual documentation and professional output generated during the event. Images such as the one featuring Bullnene, Lia Kali, and Gale, and another showcasing Y.Siu, Jonathan Chan, Chalto, Jessica Chang, Holly Lai, Tat Tong, Eden, Elin Lee, and Dwayne, provide glimpses into the diverse participants and the collaborative sessions taking place.

The longevity and continued success of Fresco Sounds can be attributed to its adaptive approach and its commitment to staying at the forefront of music industry trends. By consistently evolving its international partnerships, embracing new technologies, and fostering an environment of genuine collaboration, the camp is not only celebrating its past achievements but also laying the groundwork for future musical innovations. The integration of K-pop creators this year, for example, taps into a rapidly growing global market and opens up exciting possibilities for cross-genre pollination between Latin and Korean music scenes. This strategic foresight ensures that Fresco Sounds remains a vital and dynamic force in the global music landscape for years to come. The camp’s ongoing mission to elevate songwriters and producers, providing them with the platforms and connections to thrive, solidifies its position as a crucial incubator for musical talent worldwide.