What are SURF Sessions?

SURF Sessions is a cloud-based storage and file sharing system to facilitate collaborative projects with a diverse community of music creators in various markets globally.

Highlight Features:

• How do I navigate Sessions?
• How do I create a new Session?
• How do I apply to collaborate in a Session?
• How do I navigate my Sessions Dashboard?
• How do I use the SURF Drive?
• What notifications do I receive on Sessions?

How do I navigate Sessions?

1. All Sessions Tab
   1. In the All Sessions tab, you can view all active and public Sessions. Browse and apply to collaborate in various projects that fellow SURF members have created. 
      
   2. Click "Read More" under each Session to view its details (description, references, sample, genre, etc.). Files and confidential details can only be viewed by the owner and collaborators.
      
2. My Sessions Tab
   1. View all of your Sessions which you own and/or are a collaborator in the My Sessions tab.
3. Pending Tab
   1. View all Sessions which you have a pending collaborator request in the Pending tab. You will receive an in-platform and email notification once your request is accepted by the Session owner.
      

How do I create a new Session?

1. Use the + button in the bottom right of Sessions to create a new Session.
2. Input the Session name, Creator types you are looking to collaborate with, and add an image
   

   NOTE: A visual reference will help collaborators better understand your creative vision with the Session. You can use our search function to browse through ready-to-use images by clicking the upload icon (⇪) if you do not have an image already on hand.

    

3. Add general project details, reference URLs, and select tags.
   
4. Upload initial sample and stem files, if applicable.

   NOTE: The "Sample File" will display in the Sessions Details page as a 30-second sound clip from the middle of your track.

   
   

   

When would I create a Session?

There are endless opportunities to use SURF Sessions, whether that be from finding a brief on SURF Music, finishing up a personal project, or receiving an external request.

Example: You received a brief from an A&R requesting songs for a major pop artist. You found an unfinished instrumental track in your catalog that would be fitting for the project, but it needs a stronger concept and some vocals. Create a Session to request a top liner and lyricist! Add your sample track and details about the project, then choose your collaborators and seamlessly share ideas via the SURF Drive and Session Chat.

How do I apply to collaborate in a Session?

1. Click "Apply to Collaborate" on the Session Details page.
   
2. Add a message (optional) to the Session owner and attach a file (optional) relevant to the project.

How do I navigate the Session Dashboard?

Each Session has its own Dashboard, which includes the SURF Drive, Session Details, Collaborators, and Session Chat.

1. SURF Drive: The SURF Drive hosts all files, including audio, image, documents, etc. to share among collaborators. Scroll down to "How do I navigate SURF Drive?" to learn more.
   

   NOTE: All files uploaded to the Drive are immediately synched with your collaborators' view, meaning everyone will be updated real-time with all project assets.

2. Session Details: Session Details include the general description, sample audio, reference audio, and track requirement tags to provide an overview for the project.
   
3. Collaborators: Invite and manage collaborators, both existing SURF members and/or external partners via search across the SURF platform, email, and sharing links.
   
4. Session Chat: In addition to leaving comments on specific files in the SURF Drive, this chatroom is the main communication channel between collaborators.
   

   NOTE: Use our integrated, real-time translation feature (currently supporting English, Japanese, and Korean) to chat with creators around the world by toggling the Language menu in the upper right-hand side of the chatroom.

   

How do I use the SURF Drive?

You can organize your files in folders, comment on each individual file and/or folder, and create  sharing links (with an option to allow downloads). 

1. Below is an example of a SURF Drive:
   

   NOTE: All files uploaded to the Drive are immediately synched with your collaborators' view, meaning everyone will be updated real-time with all project assets.

2. Click "Upload Requests" to request file uploads from external partners. This allows non-collaborators, including those that do not have a SURF account, to add files into your SURF Drive.
   
3. Click the Comment button on each individual file to open its Comment section and communicate with collaborators or add personal notes.

What notifications do I receive on Sessions?

In-platform push notifications and email notifications are sent out when there are updates to your Session, including collaborator requests, chat messages, comments, and file uploads. You can also find notification updates in the notification bell at the top right.