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
TĀMAKI MAKAURAU | AUCKLAND
When: Wednesday 5 November
Time: 6pm – 7.30pm
Venue: Big Fan, 25 McDonald Street, Morningside, Auckland
Guest Speakers: Bella Bavin – Self-managing artist, Coast Arcade,
Audrey Siataga – Manager, Christoph El Truento, Ladi6, Mokomokai
CLICK HERE TO RSVP
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Audrey is a full time Artist Manager based in Auckland, New Zealand, with a current roster including Christoph El Truento, Mokomokai, Noe, and Ladi6 (co-manager).
With eight years of experience as a Tour Manager and Promoter Representative, she has developed a practical understanding of the live music industry and a steady approach to supporting artists through the many stages of their careers.
Audrey is also the Director of Midnight Swan, a small boutique record label that operates as a Project Manager and Label Partner on independent album releases.
Her work is grounded in a strong appreciation for culture and community, with a focus on building sustainable pathways for artists, supporting creative development, and helping bring projects to life with care and attention to detail.
Bella Bavin is a dynamic songwriter, performer, producer, and music manager, balancing dual roles as the frontwoman of Coast Arcade and the creative force behind her solo project, Bella Rafflyn. Known for her grunge-pop and indie-rock sound, Bella’s raw lyricism, gritty riffs, and magnetic stage presence have established her as one of New Zealand’s most exciting emerging artists.
As the manager and driving force behind Coast Arcade, she has played a pivotal role in their chart-topping releases, international radio play, and festival appearances. From their debut single Tattoo to their breakout hit City Limits—which gained international attention, including support from BBC Introducing—Bella has led the band’s rise both in New Zealand and beyond.
Under her solo alias Bella Rafflyn, her career launched with “Overdrive,” which debuted at #4 on the Hot NZ Singles Chart and was quickly embraced by local and international audiences. Just two weeks after its release, she played a near sell-out headline show at Auckland’s Tuning Fork, proving her ability to command a stage as a solo artist.
Beyond performing, Bella is deeply involved in the business and creative aspects of the industry. She not only writes and produces for both projects but also manages their strategic growth, ensuring a balance of artistic integrity and industry success. Looking ahead, Bella is focused on expanding her international presence, continuing to push boundaries and redefine the modern rock landscape.
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.