Demo Recording grant enables collaboration and creativity to thrive between producer and artist

Filipino-Canadian immigrant and theatre artist Argel Monte de Ramos considers his lived experiences the backbone of his artistry. The creative self-expression that this artistry unlocks enables him to reflect on and process these lived experiences – for better and for worse.

In 2022/23, a grant from Amplify BC’s Demo Recording program at Creative BC provided just such an outlet, and supported Argel’s mentorship with noted local pop/r&b/singer-songwriter producer Grace Chiang at Echoplant Studios, in Port Coquitlam. The collaboration proved fruitful, and resulted in the production of two songs – “Lose Myself Again”, and “Can’t Let Go”. The former will be released on August 24, 2023; the latter is slated for a January 2024 launch. Both form part of Argel’s inaugural EP release.

As Argel explains, “The Demo Recording grant was truly monumental for me. It was the first grant I received from Creative BC, and it has already resulted in many milestones for me and my artistry. It’s been a journey: honing songwriting skills, and writing empowering, truthful, and feel-good music. And, the opportunity was timely, as the songs in question were ready and waiting to be produced. Thanks to this grant, I also got to meet Grace – a talented producer who gave graciously of her time and skills and experience. Now, looking back, I can confidently say that I’ve leveled up my songwriting skills, and have developed my vocal abilities. Thank you, Creative BC!”

Echoing Argel’s sentiments, Grace adds, “Previously, Argel had worked with producers remotely, but thanks to this funding, I was able to bring him to Echoplant, where he got his first taste of being in a recording session. We were able to invest a lot of time and careful effort into his songs – not compromising his artistic integrity due to any budget or resource constraints. As a producer, being able to bring clients and income to the studio (especially the studio that I started off as an intern at) is huge. Argel and I figured out an effective workflow, and realized that we both work very well together.”

When asked to elaborate on the particular kind of workflow that her mentorship fosters, Grace continues, “I primarily work with artists from underrepresented communities, as I am passionate about representation and inclusivity in the music industry. In this realm, I aim to create a safe space for artists to express their creativity, and develop their artistry in the truest form. When I am not producing or writing music, I am curating events such as live shows and b2b opportunities for emerging artists, producers and songwriters. For example, I was the associate producer of the VAFF Asians in Music Sync Summit this past May. In July, I served as the stage manager for the EXNW Global Summit.”

When asked to consider and reflect on past projects that have underpinned more recent successes, Argel considers, and offers, “I am proud of the two music videos I co-produced, and my debut EP that I wrote. All of these taught me the importance of time and process. I also learned to enjoy making music and the process of storyboarding from my music videos. These experiences truly motivated me to engage in this project with Grace. It encouraged continued curiosity around how I can develop and grow my audience and to effectively convey and deliver my stories through music.”

To this same end, Grace notes, “I am currently working on a collection of collaborative songs that are co-written, produced, and engineered by me, featuring women and BIPOC artists. One of the songs called ‘Played’, featuring Vancouver artists Rebecca Sichon and Amanda Na, was released in March, and showcased at Artscape Daniels Launchpad in Toronto. Being able to work with a variety of different songwriters and vocalists has increased my versatility and ability to adapt to an artist’s particular style of performance and communication, which is crucial in a studio setting.”

Reflecting on the artistic and creative influences that drive his work, Argel says, “My music is heavily influenced by Motown artists like Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and Diana Ross, and today’s artists like Sam Smith, Adele, Beyonce, OneRepublic, and Of Monsters and Men. These artists have taught me to love music and to use it as a way for me to connect with people and tell my stories with confidence and courage. I am also inspired by my parents and my siblings’ sacrifices, in providing a better life for me and for our family. They are so supportive of whatever I do, and they are the catalysts to my successes.”

Considering her own inspirations, Grace says, “I turn to people like Jack Antonoff, Timbaland, and Ryan Tedder as some of the greatest producer-songwriters. I admire their ability to work with various artists, but still have their own style. I am inspired by local emerging artists (including Argel) that I meet all the time in Vancouver who are proudly and confidently living their most authentic life, and expressing themselves through music. Their fearlessness is always encouraging. I must also shout out fellow Vancouver artist and collaborator, Kristina Lao, who taught me to create the world I want to live in, instead of waiting for change to happen.”

When asked to reflect on the advice they’d offer to artistic peers and colleagues considering their own future grant applications, Argel and Grace respond with candor drawn from recent experience.

“I think it is really important to know what you need and what skills you want to develop when you apply for a grant,” says Argel. “Setting your goals clearly will help you find ways to achieve them. Grace and I were clear when it comes to our goals, and I am so happy that we were able to achieve them through this program.”

Grace concludes by offering, “Have a detailed plan in place, and leave no stone unturned (in the wise words of Mizzy Mejia). The environment is competitive. Apply your best project management and finance skills. This will make you stand out, beyond simply being a talented artist.”

You can learn more about Grace and Argel, and their work together, here and here.

Grace Chiang: Website | Instagram

Argel Monte de Ramos: Website | Instagram | Facebook

Photos courtesy of Grace Chiang and Argel Monte de Ramos.