Inside Pro7ect: Four Days of Creative Fire at Rockfield Studios
By McKayzer
From May 20th to 24th, I had the absolute privilege of attending Pro7ect, a four-day songwriting retreat held at the legendary Rockfield Studios in Monmouth, Wales. For any songwriter, producer, or music lover, the name Rockfield alone carries weight. This is the birthplace of iconic records from Queen, Oasis, Coldplay, Black Sabbath, and The Stone Roses. Walking those hallways and sitting in the same rooms where Bohemian Rhapsody came to life? It was surreal.
The camp kicked off on the 20th of May with a warm welcome meeting hosted by the lovely P7 director Lisa Fitz, a hearty dinner, and then a tour of the studios. This wasn't just a look around, it felt more like being handed the keys to a musical time machine. The vibe was electric, eyes were wide, and we were already connecting over our shared passion.
The first morning began with a killer breakfast (shoutout to the chefs – seriously, A1), and then we’d meet to be assigned into groups. There were five featured residential producers, and fifteen attendees, forming five teams of four. Every day, we were paired with a different producer, and the mission was simple but ambitious: write, record, and produce a full track for the featured artist in a single day. The featured artists were chosen by the organisers, from details on the application asking if anyone was working on material for an E.P or Album. I, Unfortunately missed this part, and wasn't selected as a featured artist. Lesson learned.
The sessions were intense but inspiring. Each day started with the artist playing 3 of their favourite songs, then opening up, talking through their life, creative journey, musical influences, almost like a group therapy session with instruments nearby. While the artist spoke, the rest of us scribbled ideas, played around with chords, and brainstormed melodies. Everyone brought something to the table, whether it was lyrics, arrangement ideas, production flair, or just infectious energy. Skill levels varied, but the chemistry was real.
The producers? Next level. Each one brought a different working style, but they all had that magical combo of speed, instinct, and razor-sharp musicality. You could tell you were in the presence of people who live and breathe this craft at the highest level.
And then there was the setting. Writing in the same rooms where music history was made added a constant buzz to the process. Whether it be the main studio where Bohemian Rhapsody was written, or The Coach House where What's The Story (Morning Glory) was recorded, the pressure was definitely on, but it was the kind that fuels creativity. Every night, the completed tracks were played back in the very rooms they were made in, followed by group discussions about how they came together. These listening sessions felt like mini-celebrations of everything we’d poured into the day.
Afterward, it was back to the communal lounge, drinks, debriefs, and big laughs. I was bunking with John Williams, a songwriter from Canada, and we quickly became engrossed in chatting all things music. The accommodation was comfortable, clean, and gave just enough separation from the studio madness to reset for the next day.
One of the standout days was the Live Lounge session, same rules as the other days, except we performed the song live for the whole camp, with the in house engineer capturing a live of recording of the days track. The stakes felt even higher, but the energy in the room was electric.
We were lucky to have photographer Ian Wallman around the whole time, capturing every magic moment with stunning detail, a real behind-the-scenes chronicle of the creative madness.
On the final day, there was an optional masterclass with Grammy-winning writer/producer Sam Williams. I went, and I’m glad I did. Sam took time with each of us, listened to our songs, offered thoughtful advice, and even grouped us up to rework and refine some of our ideas. It was like getting a mini one-on-one mentorship session with someone who’s truly at the top of the game.
By the end of the retreat, we’d created 15 full tracks, all collaborative, all equally credited, and all the result of throwing ourselves headfirst into the process. It was an unforgettable experience: four days of music-making with fellow musos and music geeks, in a place soaked in sonic history.
If you're considering Pro7ect, my advice? Do it. They run two retreats a year at Rockfield, and if you’re serious about your craft, this is one of those rare chances to elevate it, fast, collaboratively, and in a truly iconic setting.
