Last November, 7 French artists had their 10-day CNM residencies in the Wisseloord Studios in Hilversum, the Netherlands. All artists just finished their stay in the acclaimed studios that previously welcomed multi-platinum producers and artists in earlier CNM residencies. Last November, Poundo, Sika Deva, Koji, MKL, Alchimeek, Scar and Shawass delved into Wisseloord’s creative atmosphere. They used the space to experiment and collaborate, building lasting connections with one another.
‘It pushed me to experiment and step outside my comfort zone’The Centre National de la Musique is a French organization designed to accompany and support the various stakeholders in the music sector, from artists and songwriters to labels, music publishers and sound engineers. Wisseloord has been collaborating with CNM, alongside Bureaus of Export of other countries, for several years now.
Last November, Poundo was one of the artists who stayed at Wisseloord for ten days and nights, working with different producers and artists during every session. Poundo: ‘Working with the other artists and producers was incredibly enriching. The sessions organized by the studio were like a creative explosion — everyone brought unique perspectives and skills to the table. Collaborating in such a dynamic and focused environment not only boosted my creativity but also pushed me to experiment and step outside my comfort zone.’
Being part of an extended creative family
‘I absolutely loved meeting the other residents. Not only did I get the chance to create with local artists, but I also met two remarkable fellow residents, Sika Deva and Koji. We even collaborated during the residency, and I know we’ll continue to work together back in France. The fact that we were all living and creating under the same roof added a deeper level to our connection. It felt like being part of an extended creative family. The connections I built with the local artists were also meaningful—we’ve already started finalizing some of the tracks remotely.’
‘There were so many highlights, but one unforgettable moment was when I pushed myself to work for almost 48 hours straight. I was so energized by the creative environment and the amazing tools at my disposal that I didn’t even feel tired. Recording vocals with the exceptional microphones available was a particular high point—I felt like I had to make the most of every moment there. The fact that we were sleeping on-site made it even easier to stay in the flow and fully embrace the experience.’
Want to know more about our residencies? Read more here!