Something Zesty: Blue Dungarees Of Funk
Something Zesty produce a big sound for just two people. Cooking up their funky fresh tunes in a sleepout, the Whanganui-born and bred duo have just released their second album, ‘Funk't Up 2’. Naturally ...
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Opportunities
Shure NZ Are Open To Your Extraordinary Sound
Shure NZ are running a fantastic promotion during NZ Music Month (and beyond into June), looking for five local artists who will enjoy Shure endorsement going forward, becoming representatives for the iconic microphone and headphone company. Rather than seeking established artists, the Shure 'Extraordinary Sound' campaign is targeted at up-and-coming’ NZ musicians, including those who are gaining traction through alternative avenues including the likes of streaming and TikTok. The five endorsement ...
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2022 Music Photography Award Winners
First and second prize-getters in the 2022 Music Photography Award have been announced, with rain being the evident common element for success. The first-place prize of $1500 went to photographer Dave Watson, whose winning photo captured Dave Grohl performing with the Foo Fighters at Mt Smart Stadium in 2018. The second-place prize was $750, which went to Shelley Te Haara for her photograph of Julia Deans performing at the first Songbirds Iin Suburbia event. Commenting on this photo the competition ...
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Co-Pilot Professional Development Program Announced For NZ
The Music Managers Forum Aotearoa has announced a flagship professional development program, Co-Pilot, in partnership with the Association of Artist Managers Australia and Spotify. For the first time this year, the mentoring program has been expanded from Australia to include two NZ managers. Participants will learn how to re-future their business models to the evolving music industry landscape, with a Spotify strategy being key to those plans. Participants will also receive $2000 funding upon ...
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2021 International Songwriting Competition Winners
The winners of the 2021 International Songwriting Competition (ISC) have been announced, with three Kiwi artists making it onto the ISC 2021 list. Christchurch-based children's music artist Music with Michal, aka Michal Bush, placed second in the Children's Music category with her song Brave, a co-write with Victoria and Andrew Knopp. Wellington artists Anabel Jamieson and Jonny Avery of Annie J received an honourable mention in the Folk/Singer-Songwriter category for their song Girl Who ...
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NewTracks New Artist
NewTracks New Artist: Jordyn With A Why
Raglan-based artist Jordyn With A Why has recently released her second single, a harmony-filled RnB soul song Brown Melodies. More upbeat than her first single Te Ao Mārama, this song speaks to embracing who she is and where she came from. NZ On Air Music included it on their NewTracks compilation this May. What's your full name and where are you from? Jordyn Fuala’au Awatea Rapana. On my dad’s side I whakapapa to Tainui Āwhiro in Whāingaroa, and on my mum’s side, I am from Mulifanua ...
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NewTracks New Artist: Yashar
Turkish-Kiwi artist YASHAR is an up-and-coming EDM producer from Tāmaki Makaurau. Brand new dancefloor-shaking tune Without You is his sixth single released in the last year or so – the man is prolific! NZ On Air Music have also noticed his knack for a great melody, and featured Yashar on their NewTracks compilation this May. What's your given name, where are you from and what instruments do you play? Hey, my full name is Mehmet Yasar (pronounced Yashar) Sert. I’m from Istanbul, Turkey ...
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My Song: Caitlin – Hardly
Singer-songwriter Caitlin (Caitlin Bradley) is currently balancing studying at Christchurch's Ara Music Arts alongside recording a new EP for release in August. High energy indie pop-rock track Hardly starts off her 2022 release schedule as the first single, with two more to follow before the EP. As she explained to NZM, it's a lyrically frank song of emotional confusion, a new direction for her. Hardly was written when I kept feeling frustrated with myself because the person I wanted ...
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NewTracks New Artist: Roonie
Taupo-born Michaela Pointon has spent the last year rebranding herself into dreamy pop artist Roonie. Her sound is playful, but the now Tāmaki Makaurau-based artist's intentions in the music scene are serious. NZ On Air Music included her latest single Alibi on their NewTracks compilation this May. Where are you from and what instruments do you play? Hey there! My name is Michaela Pointon (the artist Roonie!) and I’m 21 years old. I grew up in Taupo, but have been living in Auckland for ...
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My Song: Nigel Parry – The Day The Bank Closed Its Doors
Te Whanganui-A-Tara folk singer-songwriter Nigel Parry has released a new album enticingly titled, 'Tales of Common Folk, Salt & Sweet Kisses'. Storytelling is rife throughout, and reflective country-folk single The Day The Bank Closed Its Doors is full of warmth and nostalgia, any sadness lifted with a sense of dancing in old village halls. Parry kindly provided NZM with this in-depth explanation of the song and its genesis. Tales of Common Folk, Salt & Sweet Kisses by Nigel Parry The ...
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RMNZ CEO Damian Vaughan Departs
When Recorded Music NZ announced in February that Damian Vaughan was stepping down after nine years as CEO, the accompanying media statement noted that he would be leaving behind a lasting legacy across Aotearoa’s music industry. That’s an accolade not afforded many. Richard Thorne talked with Vaughan a few weeks before he farewelled the job. Damian Vaughan was happy to talk with NZ Musician when he first took on the role of CEO of Recorded Music NZ (RMNZ), and is enthusiastic with the idea ...
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Chelsea Jade: New Music Morsels
Following up her January-released song Optimist, Chelsea Jade dropped a second 2022 single called Good Taste, in February. Apart from Shark Attack, this new music is the first we’ve heard from the Dec/Jan 2019 NZ Musician magazine cover star since her debut album ‘Personal Best’. The singles herald a new album, and the now New York-based Kiwi artist chatted to Kat Parsons about Good Taste, album preparation, mouth guitaring, and feeling lyrically naughty. Made with the support of NZ On ...
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Event Guide
CubaDupa Announce Whanake Ringapuoro
The CubaDupa team has announced a series of art development sessions under the name Whanake Ringapuoro. There will be six free workshops designed to help Wellington-based musicians build industry knowledge and their careers. Weekly Tuesday night sessions will be held at the Exchange Atrium from May 31 until July 5, with each focusing on one specific area: May 31: Applying for festivals & support slots with guest Gussie Larkin (Live Nation, Mermaidens, Earth Tongue) June 7: Managing money ...
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2022 Music Month Summit
The MMF Aotearoa and the NZ Music Commission are clearly delighted to be able to bring back the 2022 Music Month Summit with an in-person + online format. In keeping with this year's Level Up Music Month theme the 2022 summit aims to provide useful, practical information for emerging artists and music professionals to grow, thrive and level up their careers. Topics being discussed will include what a good artist tool kit looks like - and why it matters; how to level up internationally; an update ...
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Synthesis: 3D Printed Instruments Exhibition
Synthesis is Aotearoa’s first 3D-printed musical instrument exhibition. The interactive exhibition will be on display throughout the month of May, with an opening night special performance on May 13. Synthesis is a free event hosted as part of Techweek and NZ Music Month at Depot Artspace. The goal of the exhibition is to demonstrate the intersection between art and 3D-printed technology, whilst also demonstrating the creative opportunities of additive manufacturing technology. The 3D-printed ...
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