Ready for a real music adventure?
Apply today to join us this November in Costa Rica!
About Our 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!
Our Host Hotel & Venue
"Welcome to the jungle."
The Gilded Iguana
Nosara, Costa Rica: Nov 12th - 17th, 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!
Upcoming Mentors
ANDREW GOULD, Senior VP & Head of A&R, Downtown Music Publishing
Gould oversees Downtown's A&R, writer relations and creative development operations in North America, focusing on contemporary pop songs and songwriters.With over 17 years of experience in the music industry, Gould started his career as an assistant, then talent scout, at Epic Records, before moving to EMI Music Publishing, where he was an early champion of Sia and hit-makers Savan Kotecha, Jim Jonsin, and Toby Gad. Gould, a classically trained pianist, received his MBA from The Wharton School and remains passionate about music industry advocacy. This past June he was elected to the L.A. Chapter of the Grammy Board, where he co-chairs the Advocacy Committee.
Links: Downtown Music Publishing, Instagram
+ More to be Announced Soon!
Co-Founders & Additional Mentors 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
NICK "RAS" FURLONG
, Multi-platinum Songwriter & Producer Multi-genre producer/singer-songwriter Nick “Ras” Furlong has come a long way from the makeshift bedroom studio that fueled the music he composed for video games. Developed by OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder from 2011 until 2013, Furlong’s credits include Avicii’s "The Nights," 5 Seconds of Summers’ "Everything You Didn’t Say," Steve Aoki’s "Bring You To Life," Diplo’s "No Problem," All Time Low’s "Dirty Laundry," and more. Most recently, Furlong is credited as a co-writer, producer, and the executive producer of Papa Roach’s tenth full-length album Who Do You Trust?, released on 1/18.Links: Official Website, Instagram
"MAMA JAN" SMITH, Grammy Nominated Producer and Multi-Platinum Vocal Coach
A nationally recognized singer/songwriter/musician, Jan Smith is also a Grammy nominated producer, GA Music Hall of Fame inductee, and a multi-platinum certified vocal coach/vocal producer who has tended to some of the most distinctive voices in the business. Owner of Jan Smith Studios in Atlanta, a state-of-the-art vocal coaching, artist development, and production facility offering services nationwide to record companies, artists, producers and motion pictures. Clients include Usher, Rob Thomas/Matchbox Twenty, Shania Twain, Justin Bieber, The Band Perry, Jill Scott, India Arie, David Crowder, Sugarland, Drake, Mastodon, Nicki Minaj, FLA/GA Line, Jesus Culture, etc. (www.jansmith.com)Links: JanSmith.com
AL SHERROD "A-ROD" LAMBERT, Grammy Nominated and BMI Award Winning Songwriter & Producer
Lambert co-wrote the breakout smash single "The Way" for actress/singer Ariana Grande which featured Mac Miller. The record was a huge success, and reached number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and 2 on the rythmic charts. It was officially certified Platinum by the RIAA and has sold over 4 million copies worldwide. The record earned him his first BMI Pop Award as one of the highest earning songs of 2013. He also co-wrote her follow up hit "Right There" ft. Big Sean which gained him his second BMI award and was the first song with a rap feature to be performed at the White House. He went on to write 6 songs on Ariana's album and contributed to her sophomore release as well. Other Additional Credits Include: Drake, Janet Jackson, Kendrick Lamar, Michelle Williams, Jennifer Hudson, Jamie FoxxLinks: Partial Discography
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.
< 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
AUTUMN ROWE, Songwriter, DJ and Professional Vocal Coach
Autumn recently co-wrote the Billboard US top 20 pop single "Hello" with duo Karmin, longtime collaborators Stargate and Claude Kelly for Sony Music. In addition she was a featured vocal coach on Fox's "The X Factor USA", Season 2, working alongside Simon Cowell, LA Reid, Britney Spears and Demi Lovato. She has also recently taken up DJ professionally under the artist name of AFTRPRTY.Links: AFTR PRTY Instagram, Artist Wiki
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
Nov 2019 Schedule
"Pack your bags, we're doing it again!"
Schedule
DAY ONE (Tues, Nov 12th): Arrival & Transport to Nosara
You'll fly into Liberia Airport (Airport Code: LIR) 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 (Wed, Nov 13th): Sessions
7:30 AM - 9:30 AM: Welcome Breakfast / Orientation
9:30 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 (Thurs, Nov 14th): Sessions
7:30AM - 9:30 AM: Breakfast @ The Gilded Iguana
9:30 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 (Fri, Nov 15th): Sessions
7:30 AM - 9:30 AM: Breakfast @ The Gilded Iguana
9:30 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 (Sat, Nov 16th): 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 (Sun, Nov 17th): Departures
Shuttles will arrive in the early morning to transport guests back to Liberia airport for departures.*Schedule subject to change.
Facebook Rating
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