The Music Managers Forum Aotearoa (MMF) is proud to announce the return of Back to Basics, a free seminar series designed for those in the early stages of artist management — including self-managed artists — who are building the foundations of their music careers.

Back to Basics explores the essentials of artist development, release planning, and the business of music, with practical insights and first-hand experiences from artists and managers working across Aotearoa.

Guest speakers include:

• MĀ – Artist (Pōneke | Wellington) 

• Minnie Robberds – Artist, There’s a Tuesday (Ōtautahi | Christchurch)

• Bella Bavin – Self-managing artist, Coast Arcade (Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland)

• Audrey Siataga – Manager, Christoph El Truento, Ladi6, Mokomokai (Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland)

The sessions will be led by MMF Chair and Mentor, Cushla Aston (Manager – Louis Baker).

This year’s series is dedicated to the memory of Lorraine Barry, a long-time MMF advocate who passed away earlier this year. Lorraine led Back to Basics for many years and was deeply committed to helping emerging artists and managers gain the knowledge and confidence to navigate the industry.

A huge mihi to NZ On Air, Recorded Music New Zealand, APRA, and the New Zealand Music Commission for their continued support in bringing this important kaupapa to life.

Further sessions will be announced soon for Dunedin, Bay of Plenty, and Hawke’s Bay in early 2026.

BACK TO BASICS
ŌTAUTAHI | CHRISTCHURCH
When: Thursday 30 October
Time: 6pm – 7.30pm
Venue: The Chamber @The Piano, Centre for Music & the Arts,
156 Armagh St, Christchurch
Guest Speaker: Minnie Robberds – Artist, There’s a Tuesday

CLICK HERE TO RSVP

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CLICK HERE TO RSVP ::

Ōtautahi-born singer-songwriter Minnie Robberds is best known as one of the frontwomen of indie band There’s A Tuesday, alongside Nat Hutton, Gus Murray, and Joel Becker. The band has become a defining voice in Aotearoa’s alternative scene, known for their thoughtful lyricism, spellbinding harmonies, and heartfelt storytelling. Their debut album BLUSH reached the Top 20 charts, and their single Margo earned a Top 5 finalist spot for the 2025 APRA Silver Scroll Award.

Alongside the band, Minnie’s solo work offers a more intimate lens on her artistry—soft, raw, and sparse songs that lean into storytelling and imperfection. Her forthcoming debut EP, produced with Will McGillivray, was inspired by the simplicity of iPhone voice memos, capturing a sense of honesty and tenderness that reflects her evolving creative voice.

Cushla Aston (Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Pikiao) is the founder of Aston Rd, a boutique artist management company representing soulful singer-songwriter Louis Baker. 

Cushla is the current Chair of the Music Managers Forum Aotearoa, a Senior Lecturer in the Bachelor of Commercial Music at Massey University, and a former mentor for Te Māngai Pāho's Māori music development programme. 

After a decade living in the UK, she returned home in 2011 and immersed herself in the local independent music scene, working with platinum-selling artists such as Fat Freddy’s Drop, Kora, and Trinity Roots. In 2012, she was awarded MMF’s 'Upcoming Manager of the Year' and was a finalist for 'Manager of the Year' in 2014.

Her artists have achieved APRA Silver Scroll nominations, Critics Choice Awards recognition, and independently released albums charting in New Zealand’s Top 10. They’ve toured internationally across the UK, Europe, Polynesia, South Africa, and Australia.