NZ MUSIC MONTH summit 2025
PROGRAMME - SATURDAY 24 MAY
10.45 am
Welcome to the NZ Music Month Summit / Karakia
11.00 am
Touring 101 (40 mins)
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.
Audrey Siataga (Artist Manager)
Jazmine Mary (Artist)
Richard Barnacle (Venue Owner - Space Academy)
Stormie Kereopa-Lloyd (Artist Manager)
Moderator: Nick Lindstrom (95bFM, The NZ Music Commission)
11.45 am
Promoting Your Gig (50 mins)
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.
Chris Cudby (Under The Radar)
Heidi Ettema (Broken Record Publicity)
Leah Harris (Spotify Australia & New Zealand)
Nela Fotu (AS Colour)
Stella-Rae Morris-Matchitt (RadioActive)
Moderator: Charlotte Ryan
12:40pm
Putting Together The Show (40 mins)
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.
Amelia Murray (Artist - Fazerdaze)
Laughton Kora (Artist - Black Comet, Kora)
Shaquille Wasasala (DJ - HalfQueen & Event Organiser)
Rowan Pierce (Artist & Sceneographer)
Moderator: Sarah Thomson (APRA AMCOS, 95bFM)
1:20pm - 2.00pm
Lunch
Lunch will be provided for attendees
2:00pm
Put Your Best Pitch Forward (40 mins)
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.
Cuillin Hearty (Artist Manager)
Gavin Downie (Booker - Music in Parks Auckland)
John Minty (Owner & Music Booker - Splore)
Moderator: Cushla Aston (Artist Manager, MMF Aotearoa)
2:40pm
Stories From The Road (40 mins)
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.
Mark Williams (M.C.Slave of Fat Freddy’s Drop, Broadcaster, DJ, Musician, & Director)
Priya Sami (Artist - The Sami Sisters, Bub)
Vera Ellen (Artist)
Moderator: Rachel Ashby (The NZ Music Commission)
3:25pm
Closing Karakia
3:30pm - 4:30pm
NZMM Summit Mixer (60 mins)
A casual in-person opportunity to meet with other attendees and some speakers from the day's panels.
2025 Speakers & Sessions
11:00am - Touring 101 (40 mins)
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.
11:45am - Promoting Your Gig (50 mins)
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.
12:40pm - Putting Together The Show (40 mins)
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.
2:00pm - Put Your Best Pitch Forward (40 mins)
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.
2:40pm - Stories From The Road (40 mins)
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.