The MMF Aotearoa and the NZ Music Commission are thrilled to announce the return of the NZ Music Month Summit, a packed one-day programme featuring panel discussions and industry insight, held during NZ Music Month | Te Marama Puoro o Aotearoa 2025.
Presented with support from our industry organisation partners APRA AMCOS and Recorded Music NZ, the NZ Music Month Summit this year focuses on live music performance, promotion and touring. Attendees will witness a range of speakers from all corners of the music industry discussing topics including: advice and tools for successful touring in 2025; how to promote your upcoming live show; ways to make your live performance memorable; as well as pitching your music for festivals and live programming. In addition, attendees will get to hear from seasoned touring artists about some of their most memorable live music experiences, and network with other industry professionals and performers.
This year’s NZ Music Month Summit will be held for a limited live audience at the Tuning Fork in Auckland. To secure a free ticket for the in-person event, you can register at Moshtix.
Panel details & speakers for this year’s NZ Music Month Summit is below:
TOURING 101
Everything you need to know about taking your music on the road in 2025. The last 5 years has seen enormous shifts in the landscape of live performance at home and overseas. Whether it’s your first time touring or you’ve got plenty of live experiences under your belt, this panel provides practical tips and tricks to help you have a successful tour and look after yourself along the way.
With: artist & touring manager Audrey Siataga (Ladi6, Christoph El Truento, NOE), musician Jazmine Mary, venue owner Richard Barnacle (Space Academy), and artist manager Stormie Kereopa-Lloyd (Jordyn With A Why, MOHI)
Moderated by Nick Lindstrom (95bFM, The NZ Music Commission)
Promoting Your Show
Just as touring has changed a lot since 2020, so have the methods for getting the word out about your show. From local music journalism outlets, show listings and ticketing, publicity companies and radio, using Spotify For Artist Live Event tools, to social media and great merchandising - this panel is all about how to get an audience through the door to see your music live.
With: Chris Cudby (UnderTheRadar.co.nz), Heidi Ettema (Broken Record Publicity), Leah Harris (Spotify Australia New Zealand), Nela Fotu (AS Colour), Stella-Rae Morris-Matchitt (RadioActive)
Moderated by Charlotte Ryan
Pulling Together The Show
A lot goes into putting on a great live show. This panel explores all the elements that go into making your gig stand out and leave a memorable impression on an audience. Our panellists will discuss everything from the venue to the stage design, lighting, visual elements and performance styles- all the things that add up to make a live show spectacular.
With: musicians Fazerdaze (Amelia Murray) and Laughton Kora (Kora, Black Comet), DJ and event organiser HalfQueen (Shaquille Wasasala), and artist and scenographer Rowan Pierce
Moderated by Sarah Thomson (APRA AMCOS, 95bFM)
Put Your Best Pitch Forward
An insightful discussion on mastering the art of pitching your music to Bookers and Promoters for festivals and live performance opportunities. Our panellists will delve into the intricacies of effective communication, crafting compelling pitches, and building meaningful relationships in the industry. Whether you're an artist looking to navigate the booking process or a manager seeking to refine your approach, this panel is for you.
With: music manager Cuillin Hearty (There’s A Tuesday, Sofia Machray, Frank On Tap) and Gavin Downie (Booker, Music in Parks Auckland)
Moderated by Cushla Aston (manager Louis Baker, MMF Aotearoa Chair)
Stories From The Road
A chance to hear from some seasoned touring artists about their best and most memorable experiences touring at home and overseas. From the sold-out Sydney Opera house, to DIY couch surfing, trips through India and China, and countless circuits of Europe and America- not to mention show after show here in Aotearoa; our panellists have seen it all! Whakarongo mai nei for some choice stories of their adventures on the road.
With: DJ and broadcaster MC Slave (Fat Freddy’s Drop) and musicians Priya Sami (The Sami Sisters, Bub) & Vera Ellen
Moderated by Rachel Ashby (NZ Music Commission)
The NZMM Summit Mixer will close the day - a casual in-person opportunity to meet with other attendees and some speakers from the day’s panels.
The NZ Music Month Summit is presented by the MMF Aotearoa and the NZ Music Commission, with support from our industry organisation partners APRA AMCOS and Recorded Music NZ.
REGISTER TO ATTEND THE FREE IN-PERSON EVENT VIA MOSHTIX
NZ MUSIC MONTH SUMMIT 2025
SATURDAY 24 MAY FROM 10.45 AM
Tuning Fork: 42 - 80 Mahuhu Crescent, Parnell Auckland 1010