Last April, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in an Erasmus+ project called “Make Music Not War 4” in Bremen, Germany. The project was organised by NaturKultur in Garlstedt, a peaceful and inspiring location surrounded by nature, the perfect setting for creativity, collaboration, and connection.

This unique initiative brought together 50 young people from seven countries, including Macedonia, Serbia, Croatia, Germany, Turkey, Greece, and even Guadeloupe. All of us were united by a shared passion for music and a desire to promote peace through creativity and collaboration.

The core idea behind the project was to demonstrate how music can bridge differences and build unity across cultures. Throughout our stay, we took part in a variety of engaging workshops, including sessions on creative writing, identifying and solving societal problems, and group collaboration. These workshops encouraged us to think more deeply, express ourselves more openly, and work more effectively as a team.

We were also divided into three bands: one focusing on pop music, one on traditional/experimental music, and one on rock. I was part of the traditional/experimental group, and it was one of the most creatively fulfilling experiences I’ve ever had. Each group wrote their own lyrics, composed music, practised, and eventually recorded their peace songs in a professional studio.

In addition to the musicians, there was a dedicated media team: a group of talented participants responsible for managing social media, promoting the project, and capturing behind-the-scenes moments. They took incredible photos and videos, shared daily updates, and helped shape the visual identity of our journey. 

After recording the songs in the professional studio, we filmed music videos for each song — an exciting and unforgettable experience. Together with the guidance of our main mentors, the media team also came up with the creative concepts for the music videos, working closely with each band to bring our songs to life on screen. We brainstormed storylines, chose outfits and locations, and acted out scenes that visually represented the messages behind our songs. It was amazing to see our work evolve from sound to story.

And then, there were the late-night jamming sessions. After long days of creating and collaborating, we would gather in the common area with guitars, drums, keyboards, and sometimes just our voices. These spontaneous sessions were filled with every genre imaginable, in every language you could think of. From traditional folk to R&B, rock, pop, Balkan sounds, rap, and more, everyone contributed something unique. It didn’t matter where you were from; in those moments, we were all just musicians, vibing together under the stars. These jam nights were some of my favourite memories of the entire project.

As a grand finale to our musical journey, we had the chance to perform in two unforgettable concerts. The first was a street concert in Bremen, where we played songs from all over the world and spread our message of peace to passersby. The second concert took place in a vibrant night bar in Bremen, where all three bands hit the stage and performed both our peace songs and cover songs from all over the world. Sharing our music with a live audience after days of hard work was electric. The energy, the unity, and the applause made it feel like all our efforts had come full circle.

Working with people from so many different cultures was eye-opening. Despite our different languages and traditions, we quickly found common ground through music. We learned to listen, to adapt, and to respect each other’s perspectives — all while having a lot of fun.

One of the most unforgettable moments happened in the studio on one of our final days. We were recording the last verse of our song, and our lead singer delivered it with so much emotion that I was moved to tears. In that moment, I realised how deeply connected we had all become. Music had turned strangers into friends and created bonds that felt timeless.

This project wasn’t just about making music; it was about growth, empathy, and shared humanity. I returned home with a new perspective on collaboration, creativity, and cultural exchange. I feel so lucky to have been part of something so meaningful.

If you ever get the chance to join an Erasmus+ project, do it! The memories, the people, and the emotions will stay with you forever.

Anastasija Ilievska