Ready for a real music adventure?
Apply today to join us this November in Costa Rica!
About Our Costa Rican Retreat
"It's a music adventure like no other."
Ready for a New Kind of Music Retreat?
When you leave the comfort of what you're used to, you find out how much more you can grow...
Neverland Retreats is the only music workshop that couples up-and-coming talent with current hit-making Producers, A&R's, Music Supervisors, Songwriters, and other Industry professionals for a week long mentorship program in the beautiful surf village of Nosara, Guanacaste in Costa Rica.
Our workshops contain only the highest caliber of Mentors & Attendees.
Submit to join us in the beautiful jungles of Costa Rica for an exclusive music workshop on the Pacific Coast. Our event is for the top tier of up-and-coming singers, songwriters, producers and other aspiring music industry professionals. The Neverland Retreats experience offers daily activities and advice on how to become successful in the music industry, while taking in the jungle & beach experience.Overview
• Experience songwriter tutorials and critiques.• Group open mics at local jungle venues.
• Mentor sessions from industry professionals.
• Venture on your own! Nosara is world renown for it's amazing beaches, surf and jungle surroundings. Take a horse ride on the beach, rent an ATV, or zipline above the trees. This is YOUR RETREAT!
ADVENTURE.
Leave the norm behind, and experience jungle life away from distractions.
RELAX.
Use your downtime to relax in all of Nosara’s scenic offerings.
MAKE NEW FRIENDS.
Collab and make new friendships that’ll last a lifetime, and further your career.
EXPLORE.
Escape from the norm and use downtime to explore the Pacific Coast.
Our Host Hotel & Venue
"Welcome to the jungle."
The Gilded Iguana
Nosara, Costa Rica: June 3rd - 8th, 2019
Our host hotel is centrally located within the vibrant jungles of Nosara, Guancaste and just a quick walk away from the beach!With broad and unobstructed western exposure to the Pacific Ocean, large tide swings, a sandy bottom and prevailing off-shore winds, Guiones is diverse beach break that always has waves.
Yoga studios, shopping, restaurants, bars, and board rentals are all within walking distance as well.
Official Gilded Iguana Website
Gilded Iguana Instagram
Why Nosara?
Nosara is a gem hidden on the Pacific Coast of beautiful Costa Rica. It's a vibrant paradise where you will get to experience jungle living at it's finest!• It has recently been named the #1 Travelers Choice Costa Rican destination by Trip Advisor for 2017.
• Nosara was also recently covered as one of CNN Travel's top 20 travel spots not to miss!
This Year’s Speakers
2019 Mentors To Be Announced Soon!
Co-Founders & Additional Mentors Also Attending
ADAM MCINNIS, Singer/Songwriter & Music Consultant
Adam McInnis is a Singer/Songwriter most known for his work on tv/film (Leap, The Voice, Hart of Dixie, EndGame etc) as well as collaborating with top dj's in EDM. Adam was a winner of Russel Simmon's "Race to be: The next music entrepreneur". Adam's online platform, where he gives out free information and advice regarding the music industry has gained a vast following. He truly loves to help upcoming artists understand the blueprint for success.Links: Instagram: Music Industry Contact, IMDB
SAM "HEIGHTS" GARAY, Mixer, Music Producer & Songwriter
Sam Garay has over a decade of experience producing, writing and recording music for TV/Film and licensing opportunities. He has worked with such clients as Lionsgate, Blumhouse, NBC Universal, MTV, E! Networks and various other media companies.Links: IMDB, Instagram: Sam Heights
Past Speakers & Mentors
See our past roster from previous events.
LINDY ROBBINS, Multi-Platinum Songwriter
Lindy Robbins is a multi-platinum selling and award-winning songwriter from Los Angeles who’s hits include songs by many of the top artists in the industry.She was also a recently featured guest on the hit songwriting podcast "And The Writer Is..."
Recent #1 Radio Hits include: the worldwide smash "Want to Want Me" by Jason Derulo; the international hit by David Guetta (feat Sam Martin), "Dangerous;" and Hot Chelle Rae’s #1 Adult Top 40, "Tonight, Tonight." Other chart toppers include: “Skyscraper” by Demi Lovato; “Classic” by MKTO; “Slow Down” by Selena Gomez; "It Girl" by Jason Derulo; “Miss Movin’ On” by Fifth Harmony; “Kiss Me” by Olly Murs; “Hurts so Good” by Astrid S and “Crybaby” by Paloma Faith.
Links: LindyRobbins.com
RICK BARKER, Manager & Mentor
Between formerly managing music superstar Taylor Swift, serving as the Social Media Mentor to finalists on FOX’s American Idol, and working as a private consultant to entities such as Big Machine Label Group and Live Nation, Rick Barker’s influence on the music industry is without question. Utilizing his extensive experience in radio, Rick created the “Nashville To You” radio tour, which played an important role in the early development of several acts, including Taylor Swift and Sugarland.With marketing tactics featured in Billboard and other well-known publications, Rick has dedicated his life to helping independent artists plot out the most efficient strategies for turning their music into a career.
He was the first record promoter hired by Big Machine’s Scott Borchetta, where he had a role in the label’s first Number One record with singer-songwriter Jack Ingram. Rick later went on to found his own marketing and consulting firm, at which his first client was Sony Music Nashville. He is also the mastermind behind Music Industry Blueprint, a development service teaching artists from around the world everything they need to know about the complicated music business.
Links: RickBarker.com, The Music Industry Blueprint
DAMON SHARPE, Songwriter & Producer
Damon Sharpe is a Grammy award-winning record producer and songwriter ("Chicago", Best Soundtrack), and has been involved with the production of various popular albums that have sold over 40 million copies cumulatively.He has worked with various contemporary artists such as Jennifer Lopez ("Love Don't Cost a Thing"), Ariana Grande, Pitbull, Alesso, Kylie Minogue, Kelly Rowland of Destiny's Child, New Boyz, Monica, Big Time Rush, and Nelly.Links: Wiki Page & Discography
SHELLY PEIKEN, Songwriter & Author
Shelly Peiken is a multi-platinum Grammy nominated songwriter who is best known for her #1 hits "What a Girl Wants" and "Come On Over Baby". She earned a Grammy nomination for the song "Bitch" recorded by Meredith Brooks. Her current credit list includes artist such as: Miley Cyrus, Ed Sheeran, Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, Celine Dion, Jessie J, and Britney Spears.Links: Facebook: Confessions of a Serial Songwriter, ShellyPeiken.com
Linda Septien, Artist Development Professional
Linda Septien is a music artist development professional with 25+ years of experience. With over 15,000 students to her legacy, including branded icons Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez, Kacey Musgraves, Kidz Bop Kids, Leggo Friends L2M Group, Ryan Cabrera, Ashley Boetcher, Malise Jow, and Jessica Simpson, among many more, Linda prides herself on her ability to recognize talent & create an effective development strategy to launch a branded long term career artist.Links: The Septien Group
SUZAN KOC, Songwriter & Publisher
Suzan is a true international publisher. She started her career at Warner Chappell in Paris, France, where she signed the Swedish pop band Ace of Base.She was also instrumental in developing the career of songwriter Shelly Peiken (What a Girl Wants, Christina Aguilera - Almost Doesn’t Count, Brandy - Who You Are, Jessie J).
Links: suzankoc.com (Songwriters Rendezvous), Facebook
Adam Zelkind, Songwriter & Producer
Eight time award winning songwriter/composer/producer Adam Zelkind has created cutting edge music for more than 650 hit television episodes as well as various feature films & commercials. His accolades include winning ASCAP's Most Performed Music on Television for two consecutive years.Links: IMDB Credits
VICTORIA GRACIE, Mentor & Entertainer
Victoria Gracie has been working in the entertainment industry for over 15 years. Actress, dancer, model and choreographer, her work can be seen in commercials, music videos, awards shows, modeling, world tours, and live shows with major music artists including Rihanna, Justin Timberlake and Chayanne.She’s also been featured and danced on television shows and feature films including Glee, 90210, Show Me The Money, Iron Man 2, Rush Hour 3, and even the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.
Links: VicGracie.com
Livia Piomelli, A&R Manager (Arthouse Ent.) / Event Manager
Livia manages the creative day-to-day operations of Arthouse Entertainment, home of artists and writers, Jon Bellion and Kara Dioguardi. She is integrally involved in all facets of the company's operations, including A&R, marketing, management and business affairs.Links: Arthouse Entertainment
Noah Neiman, Songwriter, Producer & DJ
Being no stranger to rocking some of the biggest EDM hubs in North America, Noah has played Marquee Night Club in Las Vegas, Soundbar in Chicago, Liv in Miami, and StereoLive in both Houston & Dallas. He has headlined and shared the stage with acts including Morgan Page, Tritonal, Fenixpawl and others. His production credits include collabs with R3HAB and past Neverland Retreats Scholarship winner, Miranda Glory ("We Do"), and official remixes for The Chainsmokers.Links: Spotfiy Artist Link
June 2019 Schedule
"Pack your bags, we're doing it again!"
Schedule
DAY ONE (Mon, June 3rd): Arrival & Transport to Nosara
You'll fly into Liberia Airport where you will be met by our trusted shuttle company and local guide to transport you to the surf village of Nosara! Estimated travel time is about 2 hours, so please do not hesitate to ask your driver to stop for snacks or breaks.You will be meeting with other members of from the retreat, so be sure to use the journey to make some new friends! Travelling through the Central American rainforest is your first taste of jungle life.
DAY TWO (Tues, June 4th): Sessions
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM: Welcome Breakfast / Orientation9:30 AM - 10:45 AM: PANEL SESSION w/ TBD Mentor
10:45 AM - 12:00 PM: PANEL SESSION w/ TBD Mentor
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM: Lunch / Break
1:30 PM - 2:45 PM: PANEL SESSION w/ TBD Mentor
2:45 PM - 3:00 PM: Break
3:00 PM - 4:15 PM: PANEL SESSION w/ TBD Mentor
4:15 PM Break for own activities
DAY THREE (Wed, June 5th): Sessions
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM: Breakfast @ The Gilded Iguana9:30 AM - 10:45 AM: PANEL SESSION w/ TBD Mentor
10:45 AM - 12:00 PM: PANEL SESSION w/ TBD Mentor
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM: Lunch / Break
1:30 PM - 2:45 PM: PANEL SESSION w/ TBD Mentor
2:45 PM - 3:00 PM: Break
3:00 PM - 4:15 PM: PANEL SESSION w/ TBD Mentor
4:15 PM Break for own activities
DAY FOUR (Thurs, June 6th): Sessions
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM: Breakfast @ The Gilded Iguana9:30 AM - 10:45 AM: PANEL SESSION w/ TBD Mentor
10:45 AM - 12:00 PM: PANEL SESSION w/ TBD Mentor
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM: Lunch / Break
1:30 PM - 2:45 PM: PANEL SESSION w/ TBD Mentor
2:45 PM - 3:00 PM: Break
3:00 PM - 4:15 PM: PANEL SESSION w/ TBD Mentor
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Break for own activities
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Open Mic & Showcase @ The Gilded Iguana
DAY FIVE (Fri, June 7th): VIP Adventures & FREE DAY :)
Take time to enjoy the village of Nosara and book your own adventures, explore the surroundings, or just relax! If you have a VIP experience package purchased, get ready to wrap up the week enjoying exclusive adventures with our Mentors. Take the time to further build your music business relationshipos and ask for advice on your career.MORNING: Adventure Tours w/ Mentors (if purchased)
5:00 PM: Farewell beach sunset dinner at La Luna
DAY SIX (Sat, June 8th): Departures
Shuttles will arrive in the early morning to transport guests back to Liberia airport for departures.*Schedule subject to change.
The Neverland Team
"Created by music creators, for music creators."
Sam “Heights” Garay
Co-Founder / Design & Logistics
Sam has years of experience assisting and coordinating music conference events. He is also a professional music producer/songwriter and audio engineer.
Adam McInnis
Co-Founder / Marketing & Video
Adam is a songwriter, producer, and artist from New York. He believes in helping next generation artists understand the music business.
Mentors Wanted!
Are you a music producer/songwriter or executive? Want to join us in Costa Rica? Email: info@neverlandretreats.com