MIAMI, FL. (Universal
Music Publishing Group) - Universal
Music Publishing Group (UMPG) announced that UMPG Nashville and UMPG Latin
America songwriters will collaborate for an intensive week of songwriting bringing together two diverse musical styles. The UMPG Song Camp will take place in Miami Beach from June 19 - 23rd and feature Nashville songwriters Amy Foster Gillies, Marcel, Kyle Matthews and Troy Verges. The Latin team of songwriters will include Marcello Azevedo, Javier Garcia, Manny Lopez, Willy Perez-Feria , and
Jorge Luis Piloto. Pat Higdon, SVP/General Manager for UMPG Nashville said, "We're very excited to bring two great writer rosters in the Universal family together. I'm certain the results will produce material that crosses the boundaries of the Pop, Country and Latin markets." Ivan Alvarez, SVP for UMPG Latin
America said, "UMPG has a history of bringing writers from diverse cultures together. Pat and I have found that our writers share a common passion for well-written songs. We expect only the greatest of things from this event."
NASHVILLE
Amy Foster Gillies was born in Victoria, British Columbia and is the daughter of Grammy Award winner David Foster. She recently had a No. 1 song with Michael Buble "Home" and has written songs for Josh Groban (on his debut album that sold 5 million), Diana Krall, Eric Benet, and Destiny's Child.
Marcel is originally from Grosse Pointe, Michigan. He has written songs for Faith Hill, LeAnn Rimes and Diamond Rio. He recently scored a No.1 hit with Josh Gracin, "Nothing To Lose."
Kyle Matthews is one of Christian music's most prolific songwriters. His song "My Heart Goes Out" was one of the 25 most performed songs of 2004 and earned him an ASCAP award.
Troy Verges has written No. 1 songs for Jessica Andrews ("Who I Am") and Martina McBride ("Blessed"). His songs have also been cut by the likes of Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Bon Jovi, Trisha Yearwood and Celine Dion.
LATIN AMERICA
Marcello Azevedo is originally from Rio De Janerio, Brazil. He has written and produced for top Latin artists such as Noelia, Chayanne, Paulina Rubio, David Bustamante, Shakira and Julio Iglesias. His 2001 hit for Noelia, "Ni Una Lagrima Mas" reached the top 15 on Billboard's Hot Latin Tracks while "Torero" for Chayanne and "Devuelveme" for Spanish pop sensation David Bustamante were international successes propelling sales of over one million copies each.
Javier Garcia hails from Spain but comes from Cuban and Irish heritage. He is currently writing for his next Surco/Universal release which will be co-produced by Gustavo Santaolalla. Among his recent writer cuts, Javier co-wrote "It's Alright" for Ricky Martin, which is charting in the US on Billboard's Hot Latin Tracks and in France with a version featuring the French artist Matt Pokora. His diverse collection goes between Caribbean sounds, rock, ska and Latin rhythms.
Manny Lopez is a native of Havana, Cuba and is one of the top recording guitarists in Latin music. He has had songs recorded by Christina Aguilera, Jaci Velazquez and Jennifer Pena. He co-wrote "Hasta El Fin Del Mundo" for Jennifer Peña with superstar songwriter Rudy Perez which became a top 20 single on Billboard's Hot Latin Tracks.
Willy Perez-Feria, also of Cuban Descent, is a seasoned songsmith who has provided huge hits for numerous artists including Gloria Estefan, Jon Secada, Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez,. Willy was right there with Secada to collaborate on songs which propelled his debut CDs to sales of over 11 million units in English and Spanish.
Jorge Luis Piloto has enjoyed a long and prolific career in contemporary Latin pop and tropical music, with songs consistently charting in Billboard's Hot Latin Tracks. He's written songs for Chayanne, Gilberto Santarosa, the late "Queen of Salsa," Celia Cruz and many more. He also penned the number 1 Billboard Hot Latin Track single "Quitame Ese Hombre" for Pilar Montenegro.
During the course of the Universal Music Publishing Group Song Camp, the writers will be teamed up each day with different UMPG hit-makers from the other sideand given new, current projects from both the Latin and Nashvilles markets to write for. Universal Music Publishing Group has hand-picked the collaborating teams based on their diverse backgrounds in order to achieve the most interesting combinations. The Universal Music Publishing Group Song Camp started in 2001 and rotates between the company's Nashville and Miami offices. This year's sponsors include ASCAP and BMI.
