David Atai
CRESCENDO
Music Industry Mentor
Meet the multi-faceted musician and artist with over 20+ years of experience, best known for his work with Nesian Mystik as a guitarist and producer. David Atai has collaborated with an extensive list of chart-topping artists both in New Zealand and abroad, and has made considerable contributions to foundations of Polynesian & Maori music in New Zealand. David is well versed in production, recording, engineering across all genres, management, business, composition and captivating performances from intimate gatherings in bars and cafes, to massive crowds of 40k+. David has also been instrumental in developing programs that encourage and strengthen the musical abilities of aspiring musicians, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to pursue a career in music. David Atai is a true visionary, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry while empowering the next generation of talents.
David can mentor on most areas of the music industry, especially Production.
Pippa Ryan-Kidd
ARTIST MANAGER
Tami Neilson, Delaney Davidson, Jenny Mitchell, Kylie Price, Keith Pereira
Working both internationally and locally in artist management, music distribution, retail and publicity. Having worked in the corporate field in Product Buying, Sales & Management, Project Planning, Negotiation, Contracts and Employee Management. Chair of Independent Music New Zealand.
Pippa can mentor on Management, Touring, Branding, Record Labels, Strategy, Merchandise, Publicity, Publishing, A&R, Production, Radio, Digital
Oliver Kraemer
ARTIST MANAGER, CO-FOUNDER OF TENFOLD RECORDS
WHO SHOT SCOTT, PONZ, REPAIR, Wet Bandits, Joe Cole
Oliver Kraemer was born and raised in Germany, where he completed a BA in Music Business at the University of Popular Music and Music Business, Mannheim and an MA in Art and Media Management at HfMT Hamburg. He took his first steps in the music industry at MTV Germany, working in the Talent and Music department, before managing weekly live events and assisting with the management of German powerhouse Beatsteaks in Berlin.
Oliver immigrated to Aotearoa in 2009 and began working with local artists, supporting Solomon Crook with his early releases and helping Alien Weaponry develop their international touring career. He later co-founded Tenfold Records, where he manages and releases music from a diverse range of Aotearoa-based artists, including WHO SHOT SCOTT, PONZ, REPAIR, Wet Bandits, Joe Cole and many more.
Oliver can mentor on Management, Touring, Branding, Record Labels, Strategy, Merchandise, and A&R
Mazbou Q
ARTIST, PRODUCER & EDUCATOR
Mazbou Q is an artist, producer, educator and content creator with extensive experience in music production, branding, social media strategy and digital content. Also known as “The Rap Scientist,” he has built an international audience through educational and music-focused content that combines hip hop, rhythm theory and creative storytelling.
As an independent artist and lead producer at UNCHAINED XL Production Co., Mazbou has worked across music, commercial audio and branded content, collaborating with clients including ESPN, MGM, Foot Locker and Les Mills. His work as a content creator has grown an online community of more than 500,000 followers across platforms, while his educational work has taken him to institutions including Harvard University, Berklee College of Music and NYU.
As a mentor, Mazbou brings practical experience in developing a distinctive creative brand, producing professional music and audio, building engaged online audiences, and creating social media content that translates artistic ideas into compelling digital experiences.
Mazbou can mentor on Branding, Production, Content Creation, and Social Media Strategy
Tom Grut
AUGUST AVENUE
Manager, Photographer, Creative Director
Tom is a Tāmaki Makaurau-based artist specialising in creative direction, management and live music photography. Over the years, he has built a career deeply rooted in the local scene, collaborating with artists including Borderline, Double Parked, Bic Runga, Aidan Fine, Foley, No Cigar, Diggy Dupé, Dartz, and many more.
Alongside his editorial work, Tom has led the Laneway Festival media team for several years, and continues to take on commercial projects through Fish n' Clips and Fan Club.
Driven by a distinct visual voice and a passion for storytelling, Tom is constantly seeking to push the boundaries of artistic expression — finding new ways to capture the energy, emotion, and culture of the world around him.
Tom can mentor on Management, Branding, Music Video Production.