BumaStemra and Dutch Music Export join forces with HIT BY THE WINDMILL for a creative mission to Seoul, South Korea.
The global success of K-pop is undeniable. In the Netherlands, K-pop acts effortlessly sell out the largest venues and dominate streaming charts. South Korea has now become the world’s fourth-largest market for recorded music. Increasingly, Dutch songwriters and producers are making a name for themselves there, independently achieving success and writing hits for major acts. This proves that opportunities exist for Dutch talent, but strong collaboration, support, and knowledge-sharing are still lacking.
To build on this momentum, BumaStemra and Dutch Music Export are teaming up with HIT BY THE WINDMILL. In collaboration with local partners such as the Dutch embassy and K-pop labels, they are organizing a trip to Seoul from May 3 to May 11. This initiative will give Dutch songwriters and producers the opportunity to participate in writing sessions with K-pop artists and gain in-depth insights into the local market.
ABOUT HIT BY THE WIND MILL
HIT BY THE WINDMILL is a Dutch platform dedicated to expanding the success of Dutch copyrights in the global pop music industry. They achieve this by fostering valuable connections between Dutch and international creators, leveraging established networks in Europe, the US, and Asia, with a strong focus on South Korea. HBTW is an initiative by Bobby Sukhraj (HOUSTON COMMA) and Thomas de Raad (TOMMY ADVICE), two independent music publishers based in Amsterdam. Over the years, they have built a strong international network spanning Amsterdam, Stockholm, Berlin, and South Korea. HOUSTON COMMA’s roster includes releases with K-pop stars such as TOMORROW X TOGETHER, OneW, OH MY GIRL, Super Junior, and Red Velvet. Meanwhile, TOMMY ADVICE’s songwriters have achieved international success, including releases in Korea with KAI (EXO), Ha Sung Woon, YOUHA, and Weeekly.
WHAT DOES THE MISSION ENTAIL?
This exclusive mission is designed for BumaStemra members with experience in the K-pop market. Alongside other Dutch professionals, you will work on music for some of the biggest K-pop artists in the world. The mission includes songwriting sessions for various labels, guided by local A&Rs and Dutch experts. Participants will collaborate with top composers from Korea and internationally, working directly on briefs from K-pop labels. Beyond songwriting, this trip offers the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the Korean music industry, explore business opportunities, and experience the local culture and working methods. Of course, there will also be plenty of chances to network and build valuable industry connections.
Later this year, a follow-up event in the Netherlands will bring in Korean experts to share knowledge and experiences, ensuring that the connections made during the mission continue to grow and evolve.
WHO IS THIS MISSION FOR?
This mission is aimed at Dutch producers, composers, songwriters, and topliners who have already achieved some success in the K-pop market and are looking for support to turn it into sustainable growth. It is designed for rights holders who are eager to collaborate, learn from each other, and build a strong network in Korea.
Participation Criteria:
You have clear focus to write and/or produce for K-Pop the coming years.
You have full availability for May 3th - May 11th
You are a BumaStemra member for Europe & South Korea
You will contribute €1000 for this trip (approval from your publisher beforehand to finance this).
All songs created during the trip need to be finished to final demo's during or shortly after the sessions
SIGN UP
Would you like to join this creative mission to Seoul? Sign up via the button below.
📅 Application Deadline: February 28, 2025
📢 Announcement of Results: March 13, 2025
Don’t forget to include the following:
A link to at least one K-pop release (or an upcoming release).
Five recent K-pop compositions you’ve worked on.
A brief motivation explaining why you should be part of this mission.
COST COVERAGE
Dutch Music Export and its partners will cover the costs for the organization and reimburse expenses such as travel, accommodation, and other local costs. We request a contribution of EUR 1000 from participants. If you have a publisher who will cover these costs, please ensure you obtain prior approval from your publisher.
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