Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has launched its newest global partnership with Abbey Road Studios. This collaboration is to create a music program that supports tomorrow’s talents. The creation of “Center Stage” pairs emerging and established artists and provides studio time and suite time to foster musical collaboration and mentor the creative process. Over the next three years, Fairmont, with the support of Abbey Road Studios, will provide 1000 hours of studio time and 1000 hours of suite time to up-and-coming artists across the globe. While documenting their artistic journeys from writing and recording to live performances.
The Center Stage program was launched on February 8, 2023, in the Beaufort Bar at The Savoy, a Fairmont Managed Hotel in London. Rema and 0207 Def Jam’s rising star, Debbie, kick off the event with intimate individual performances. Notable guests included Dylan Llellwyen (Derry Girls), Saffron Hocking (Top Boy), Georgie Farmer (Wednesday), Naomi J. Ogawa (Wednesday), and more. In addition, Fairmont lifted the curtain on the music-writing process at the event by sharing a documentary of its first collaboration. This included the evolution of a track during a studio session, delving into the meaning behind the song, and the artist’s inspiration.
The Docuseries
The chronological docuseries began in The Royal Suite by Gucci at The Savoy, highlighting how brilliance often strikes in meaningful settings. The artists were then followed to Abbey Road Studios’ Writing Rooms, where they shaped their creations with the help and support of their paired mentors and Abbey Road’s world-class engineers and experts.
Nigerian singer and rapper Rema has been making waves worldwide with his gently provocative sound. Rema’s signature Afrorave style weaves African, Arabian, and Indian influences for an upbeat sound that reverberates with good vibes and rave energy. Rema got his first break in 2018 when D’Prince spotted him freestyling to “Gucci Gang” on Instagram. This led to a record deal with Jonzing World. Following his first breakout hit, “Dumebi,” Rema gained global attention when his track “Iron Man” was included on Barack and Michelle Obama’s Summer Playlist 2019. The following year, “Beamer” was selected for the FIFA 2021 soundtrack. In 2022, he collaborated with Selena Gomez on a remix of his hit single “Calm Down.” The hit debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 and is No. 6 on the UK Official Charts.
“Center Stage is an incredible program that Fairmont and Abbey Road Studios have put together, and I’m honored to be included as a performing artist. They are using their power and resources to reach out to young, talented artists. Not only by giving them a platform to access the world with their music, but by helping them along the way to shape and refine their sound, their vision, and their community. It’s very inspiring, and I love being a part of it.”
– Rema (Nigerian Artist)
Center Stage is designed to not only identify new musical talent. However, it also offers tools and initiatives to support emerging artists during the launch and development of their careers. This includes access to Abbey Road Studios’ annual Amplify festival. Designed to inspire and empower the next generation of creators, it will feature masterclasses, interactive sessions, workshops, and Q&As. There are also live talks with industry leaders who share their knowledge and provide insight into the music business. Fairmont and Center Stage artists will also have access to Abbey Road’s modern tracking studios, the Gatehouse and Front Room, which were built for the next generation of music artists working alongside Abbey Road’s world-class engineers.
From The Execs
“Fairmont is where guests experience the grandest of feelings. We are passionate about delivering authentic experiences that share the best that our destinations have to offer, and music plays a significant role in making those connections.”
– Mansi Vagt (Global Vice President of Fairmont Brand, Accor.)
Vagt also believes that music is highly emotive and can be a powerful way for travelers to connect to their favorite memories. “Through our work with Abbey Road Studios, we look forward to tapping into many diverse genres of music that will resonate with our Fairmont guests and our local communities around the world.” He added.
“Fairmont has a long history of supporting the arts and musicians, which is why we are happy to support Center Stage and its efforts to find and develop new and exciting talent.” Jeremy Huffelmann, general manager of Abbey Road Studios, stated, “We believe it is so important to cast a wide net and foster emerging artists from around the world who might not otherwise have a platform—helping them to reach higher levels in their careers and providing them with opportunities to showcase their talent.”
History
Fairmont suites have hosted countless musicians, icons, stars, and celebrities for generations, all while providing guests with unforgettable musical moments. From the Celine Dion Suite at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac to the Quincy Jones Suite at Fairmont Le Montreux Palace and John Lennon & Yoko Ono’s Bed-In for Peace in Suite 1742 at Fairmont Queen Elizabeth, some of music’s most influential performers have been inspired during their stays at Fairmont.
Since 1907, Fairmont has created magnificent and unforgettable hotels. They’re rich with character and deeply connected to the history and community of their destinations. It is famous for its engaging service, awe-inspiring public spaces, locally inspired cuisine, and iconic bars and lounges. It’s located in some of the most attractive locations. The Plaza in New York, The Savoy in London, The Fairmont The Palm in Dubai, and others.
Participating Hotels
Artists in the Center Stage program will have access to their own ‘suite time’ at one of several extraordinary Fairmont properties around the world. Some participating hotels include The Fairmont The Palm, The Presidential Suite, UAE, The Fairmont Century Plaza, and Specialty Suites, USA. You can find out more on their website.
The Social Scene
Artists will be able to apply for opportunities using Gixon. The fully automated delivery app aims to change how people book and consume live music and provide reliable opportunities and income to artists and musicians. In addition, Gixon will help curate a local roster in each location where the program is implemented. It’ll also provide a talent pool for Fairmont hotel teams to enrich their entertainment offer by booking local artists to perform at their hotels.
For more information on this initiative, visit their website here.
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