UPSTAGE: Elevating Local Artists to a Global Stage

A new pilot initiative is set to amplify the voices of emerging Hawke’s Bay musicians, providing them with professionally produced content, allowing them to share their original music with the world. UPSTAGE, a collaborative project between Backline Charitable Trust, Toitoi Hawke’s Bay Arts and Event Centre and Ideaschool@EIT, is breaking down barriers by offering local artists high-quality video and audio recordings of their work.

The recordings are professionally produced and showcased on UPSTAGE’s YouTube channel, with all content shared with the artists for their own streaming platforms and promotional use. Sarah Terry, Toitoi’s Producer - Community Outreach says “The goal is to build capacity, celebrate local stories, and foster pride in our region’s creative talent on a global scale.”

“Access to high-quality recording facilities can be a major hurdle for many emerging artists in our region,” Terry continues, “There are only a few studios available, and the high costs—especially factoring in travel outside Hawke’s Bay—make it a significant expense.  UPSTAGE is about supporting artists—helping them grow their careers without having to leave home. We’re thrilled to partner with local industry practitioners to bring this project to life.”

Through UPSTAGE, artists not only gain industry-standard recordings but also valuable experience in a professional production environment. The initiative is a rich learning environment, offering EIT students and staff opportunities to work alongside experienced industry practitioners to film, record and produce this work. This collective approach benefits both emerging musicians and the local creative sector as a whole.

“For us, investing in the next generation of musicians is vital,” says Kevin Murphy from Backline Charitable Trust. “Hawke’s Bay has incredible talent, and projects like UPSTAGE give our artists the skills, resources, and confidence to take their music further. When we invest in them, we invest in the future of our creative community.”

The first artist to participate in UPSTAGE, Nick Herbison, enjoyed his experience.

“Upstage has given me 2 songs professionally recorded as video. These two songs are shared on social media which has been engaged with by my followers but also non-followers. The video gives a great overview of how I sound when playing live. This is great for engaging listeners that want to know my live sound and help them decide whether to see me live. The videos are also great for pitching venues and events that I would like to play. The audio is also mixed and recorded well which gives me the opportunity to upload it as a ‘live version’ to streaming platforms. The artists were given a lot of support throughout the day which was appreciated.”

The next UPSTAGE release drops on Wednesday, March 12, and will feature up-and-coming local musician Liberty.

Follow the journey:
📍 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UpstageHB

Thanks Wellington! Jim Beam Homegrown’s Swan Song in the Capital

After 18 unforgettable years, Homegrown bids farewell to Wellington in 2025

This March will be the last time Jim Beam Homegrown graces the Wellington Waterfront. The iconic festival is set to move cities in 2026, a massive and bitter-sweet change for organisers.

“For a myriad of personal and logistical reasons Homegrown is moving cities after this year. We couldn’t be more grateful for the unwavering support we’ve had from fans and the city. The support from WellingtonNZ and Wellington City Council has been massive over the years so we’re keen to knock this last one out of the park as a heartfelt thank you to Wellington”, says Andrew Tuck, Festival Director.

Since its inception in 2008 the beautiful Wellington Waterfront has served as the perfect backdrop for a festival dedicated to the celebration of Kiwi music. The festival has grown over the years from 10,000 to 23,000 fans and the wide range of genres on offer makes the Homegrown crowd one of the most diverse in the industry.

The Waterfront’s layout makes the festival truly unique, allowing fans to come and go from each of the 5 stages, all while the Waterfront remains open to the public.

“One of our favorite things about the Waterfront is seeing the general public and tourists from the cruise ships wandering wide eyed through the festival crowd; it’s gold and adds a whole other dynamic to the festival”, reflects Tuck.

To sign off in style, organisers are adding an extra night to this year’s schedule. Friday 14th March will serve as the perfect warm up with acts including Che Fu, Lee Mvtthews, and Stan Walker before finishing off with ‘Synthony’, providing an unparalleled experience where the biggest dance tracks are reimagined with a full live orchestra and light show.

Saturday 15th March will see 5 stages bursting with over 50 of the best acts in Aotearoa including, Shapeshifter, Shihad, Sir Dave Dobbyn, Kaylee Bell, Nesian Mystik, Alien Weaponry, The Black Seeds, Mitch James, Katchafire, I Am Giant, The Beths, Elemeno P, The Beths, SWIDT, Aaradhna, Kings and Drax Project.

One performance will be extra fitting for Homegrown’s farewell to the Capital. Wellington Rock legends Shihad will be playing their last ever gig!

WellingtonNZ Events and Experiences General Manager Heidi Morton said while it was sad to say farewell to Homegrown, the city had a wealth of memories from the festival. “Homegrown has been a summer staple that was always highly anticipated by New Zealand music fans. We are very proud to have supported the event as it has evolved over its almost two-decade journey in the capital”

As the team behind Jim Beam Homegrown looks toward the future, this final festival in Wellington is an opportunity to celebrate not only 18 years of incredible music and memories but also the passionate community that has made it all possible.

Jim Beam Homegrown always sells out - don’t miss your chance to be part of the magic one last time in Wellington! Limited tickets for Jim Beam Homegrown 2025 are available now at www.homegrown.net.nz, with Afterpay and payment plans to make it easier to secure your spot.

EXPLORE AND ELEVATE YOUR DIVERSE SKILLS

The Skills Discovery Workshop is a collaboration between Auckland City of Music, UK training provider CLOCK, and Auckland education provider SAE Creative Media Institute. The workshops have been run in Melbourne by the Victorian Music Development Office for the last 2 years, and it now comes to Auckland for the very first time.

As creatives we can take for granted or miss the value in the many integrated and transferable skills we acquire throughout a career. The 3-hour CLOCK Skills Discovery Workshop is a space where our team of CLOCK mentors help you:

·       Uncover your sector-specific and transferable skills.

·       Recognise, appreciate, and value all the skills you have learned and developed in any context.

·       Gain a deeper understanding of your strengths and use that insight to move forward with your creative projects and ideas with renewed confidence and belief.

The CLOCK Skills Discovery Workshop is suitable for anyone at any stage of their career. Whether you work in the Auckland music community as an employee, freelancer, volunteer, trainee, intern, senior manager, or entrepreneur, come join us!

SKILLS DISCOVERY WORKSHOP
SAE Creative Media Institute
12 Heather Street, Parnell, Auckland
Saturday 22 February and Sunday 23 February*
*Two workshop session times per day available, limited to 12 participants per workshop.
Cost: $250 per person

FACILITATORS
Denise Stanley - CLOCK Founder
“I am passionate about practical learning and the EU directive of 2012 that states: ‘Every citizen has the right to have their learning recognised and validated irrespective of the context in which it occurred.’

My current role is developing strategic Peer-to-Peer Learning Programmes and engineering positive cultural changes and inclusion for industry, charities and education contexts.

The groundbreaking CLOCK Programme is an example of this. CLOCK is based on 13 years of field research with employers and practitioners in the creative and cultural industries across 15 countries. CLOCK creates a level playing field for skilled creatives and entrepreneurs irrespective of where or how they learned their skills, and creates a pathway for non-formal and creative learners to access Higher Level learning and qualifications. CLOCK makes invisible skills visible and valued.”

N’Fa Jones - CLOCK Peer Reviewer

N’fa F-Jones is an Australian/Sierra-Leonean music artist, university lecturer, workshop facilitator, documentary producer, and CLOCK sector expert. N’fa’s journey in the music industry began with his ARIA award-winning Hip Hop band “1200 Techniques,” which played a crucial role in solidifying the Australian Hip Hop movement. Touring both locally and internationally with his multi-award nominated Afro-beat group “Cool Out Sun,” N’fa has gathered a wealth of experience and cultural insight. His commitment to the local musical community aims to inspire and nurture the diverse landscape of music and industry experts.

THE OFFICIAL AOTEAROA MUSIC CHARTS 2024 END OF YEAR CHARTS HAVE BEEN PUBLISHED AT AOTEAROAMUSICCHARTS.CO.NZ

Compiled by Recorded Music NZ, the End of Year Charts are the only charts to combine all major sources Aotearoa music fans use throughout the year to buy and stream their favourite music. Data from sources including Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, YouTube, Bandcamp, gig sales and other physical retail provide the authoritative snapshot of what New Zealanders were buying and listening to over the course of 2024.

Taylor Swift once again takes top honours on the Kōpae Tiketike 50 Ōkawa | Official Top 50 Albums End of Year Chart with The Tortured Poets Department. The triple-platinum collection went to #1 in April and stayed there for four weeks. Doing so bumped Swift to become the solo artist with the most #1 albums in Aotearoa,14. She leads a cohort of female artists at the head of the End of Year Album Chart – the top five is completed by Billie Eilish (#2), SZA (#3), Sabrina Carpenter (#4), and Chappell Roan (#5).

US artist Teddy Swims' remarkable connection with Aotearoa continues as his five-times platinum ‘Lose Control’ takes the premiere spot on the Tukutahi Tiketike 50 Ōkawa | Official Top 50 Singles End of Year Chart. The song first charted in 2023 but it was not until this year that it really took off, spending almost the entirety of 2024 (40 weeks) inside the Top 10. The artist, who played three sold out shows locally in July, has credited his fans in Aotearoa with sparking his global viral success.

L.A.B top the Kōpae Tiketike 20 Ōkawa o Aotearoa | Official Top 20 Aotearoa Albums End of Year Chart with their Introducing L.A.B compilation, also charting at #3 with L.A.B VI. Six60 take the #2 spot with The Six60 Collection – while Kaylee Bell (#7), DARTZ (#10) and Georgia Lines (#17) all land in the End of Year Top 20 for the first time.

L.A.B also hold five positions in the Tukutahi Tiketike 20 Ōkawa o Aotearoa | Official Top 20 Aotearoa Singles End of Year Chart, with 'Casanova' (#2), 'Take It Away' (#3), 'Oh No (Pt. 2)' (#12), 'Ocean Demon' (#14) and 'Give Me That Feeling' (#16) – although they surrender the top spot to Corrella and their double-platinum banger ‘Blue Eyed Māori’, which was awarded Te Tino Waiata ā-Iti Rearea o te Tau | Breakthrough Single of the Year at the 2024 Aotearoa Music Awards.

Another artist familiar with topping charts, Stan Walker, secures the remaining End of Year #1 in 2024. ‘Māori Ki Te Ao’ has ruled the weekly Tukutahi Te Reo Māori Tiketike 10 | Te Reo Māori End of Year Chart for 41 consecutive weeks. TAWAZ follows at #2 with the track that propelled him to win both Mana Reo and Te Manu Taki Māori o te Tau | Best Māori Artist at the 2025 Aotearoa Music Awards, 'He Aho'.

The Official 2024 End of Year Charts are based on sales and streaming data for all singles and albums that were eligible to appear in the weekly Official Aotearoa Music Charts for some or all of 2024.

The weekly Official Aotearoa Music Charts are published at aotearoamusiccharts.co.nz every Friday at 4pm, including through the holiday period.

Top 50 Singles of 2024
Spotify
YouTube
Apple Music
 
Top 20 Aotearoa Singles of 2024
Spotify
YouTube
Apple Music
 
Top 20 Te Reo Māori Singles of 2024
Spotify
YouTube
Apple Music

Taite Music Prize 2025 Nominations are now open

Taite Music Prize ceremony is confirmed for April 15th, 2025
Q Theatre, Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland

For the full detail on specific eligibility and nomination forms please visit:
www.indies.co.nz 

Nominations for the Taite Music Prize close at 5.00 pm on Tuesday, 31st January 2025. 

Independent Music New Zealand (IMNZ) with the support of Founding Partner Recorded Music NZ announce the return Taite Music Prize for 2025. This event continues to celebrate the vibrant and diverse voices of Aotearoa's music community. IMNZ now welcomes nominations for various prestigious categories: the Taite Music Prize, the Auckland Live Best Independent Debut Award, and the NZ On Air Outstanding Music Journalism Award.

Named after the legendary journalist Dylan Taite, this prestigious award celebrates artistic excellence in music, regardless of genre, sales, or label affiliation. Dylan's legacy as a pioneer in music journalism lives on, not only through his trailblazing interviews but also through his passion for championing New Zealand artists and their stories.

IMNZ remains committed to showcasing the exceptional talent across Aotearoa's music scene. This award recognises albums from all genres, focusing solely on artistic excellence, without regard for genre, sales, or label affiliations. Any album released by Aotearoa/New Zealand artists during the 2024 calendar year is eligible. The recipient will be awarded a $12,500 cash prize, generously provided by Founding Partner, Recorded Music NZ. Last year, the Taite Music Main Prize was awarded to Vera Ellen for her album Ideal Home Noise released on Flying Nun Records.

IMNZ's Chairperson, Pippa Ryan-Kidd, remarks,  "2024 was a year of significant achievements for our independent musicians, who excelled in their musical releases, awards, and tours. The Taite Music Prize is testament to Aotearoa’s thriving Arts Culture - both with Creators and Audience. IMNZ is immensely proud to support and contribute to the work of our diverse and vibrant Independent artists and it’s so great to see them kicking goals - whether it’s Vera Ellen playing all the Australian dates with Crowded House, or Princess Chelsea touring all over the USA with The Beths.”

As a founding partner of the Taite Music Prize, Recorded Music NZ CEO Jo Oliver says, “We are very proud to continue to support the Taite Music Prize and celebrate the artistic excellence of the independent music sector in Aotearoa.”

In 2025,  the awards ceremony will once again usher in NZ Music Month with the event taking place on April 15th.  This event, deeply entrenched in celebrating artistic talent, invites the Aotearoa music community to join in the festivities.

The Auckland Live Best Independent Debut Award recognises emerging talent in Aotearoa. It is awarded to debut albums or EPs (minimum four tracks) released by IMNZ members in the preceding year. 

The selection process for these awards involves a diverse academy of IMNZ members, musicians, and industry experts who shortlist the finalists. An independent panel then determines the winners after a thorough deliberation.

The ceremony will also feature the Independent Music NZ Classic Record Award, NZ On Air Outstanding Music Journalism Award and The Independent Spirit Award.

For complete details on eligibility and nomination forms, please refer to the information provided at the end of this page.

The Taite Music Prize nominations close at 5.00 pm on Friday, 31st January 2025.

SOLE Music Academy Launches National Songwriting Competition and New Scholarship Opportunity

SOLE Music Academy in Ōtautahi is excited to announce the launch of its annual National Songwriting Competition! Open to solo songwriters across Aotearoa from all genres, aged 15 and above, this competition seeks to discover and cultivate emerging talent nationwide. 

Submissions are open now and will close on 1st December 2024.

ENTER HERE

The competition will be judged by world class artists, including SOLE founder Sacha Vee, Sarena Close (Mousey), and Will McGillivray (Goodwill, nomad), who will apply their decades of expertise to select the most promising song. The winner will be announced on 10th December and will receive an exciting prize package valued at over $1000, to professionally produce, mix, and master their single, and receive a one-on-one artist development session with Sacha Vee to guide them through the release process and create a release strategy. Two runners up will also be chosen, receiving prizes valued at $300+ courtesy of SOLE Music Academy and Music Works Christchurch.

“We are thrilled to hold the competition again as we were amazed to hear all of the talent come out of nowhere! It is wonderful to give people from small towns across Aotearoa a chance to showcase their work and give them the opportunity to further their talent” – Sacha Vee, SOLE Music Academy

Previous winner Jaz Paterson from Geraldine has gone on to excel in her music career. Jaz went on to complete SOLE’s Artist Release Programme and received over 35k from NZ On Air Funding with the guidance of SOLE and has been releasing and performing ever since. 

In addition, SOLE Music Academy is proud to announce the launch of a new scholarship for their 2025 Artist Development Programme, valued at $1000. This scholarship will be awarded to an aspiring artist aged 16+, providing financial support towards SOLE's comprehensive 1-year specialised programme. Specifically designed for skilled singers, songwriters, producers, and bands, this programme helps artists build their unique identity, image, and sound. Participants have the opportunity to create original music, elevate their performance skills, and gain professional-level knowledge, networks, and experience in the music industry. “SOLE’s main mission is to help ‘bridge the gap’ into the industry by helping people turn their talent into a business” explains Sacha.

With a proven track record in shaping the early careers of artists like Nat Hutton (There’s A Tuesday), Sam Heselwood, Jaz Paterson, Miranda Easten, Niamh Crooks and Castaway, SOLE is exceptionally equipped to offer winning participants the mentorship and tools they need to launch successful music careers.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ARTIST DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME HERE

Applications are open now for both the Songwriting Competition and the 2025 Artist Development Programme and will close on 1st December. Don’t miss the chance to develop your music career and gain invaluable industry expertise!

THE OTHERS WAY FESTIVAL RETURNS FOR 2024

Saturday 30th November
Across Karangahape Road
Auckland

Sign up for further information here

ALERT! The Others Way Festival cauldron is boiling again. Bubbling with sumptuous and wild ingredients, Tāmaki Makaurau's favourite street party is back to take over the Karangahape Road precinct on Saturday November 30, 2024.

Auckland's most beloved multi-venue music festival will feature over 30 acts playing at venues up and down the city's iconic Karangahape Road and its surrounds, including an all ages zone, alluring international acts, and Aotearoa’s freshest and finest local talent.

Making a cherished home in music lovers' hearts since 2015, The Others Way has captured a dedicated audience of music enthusiasts and tastemakers by bringing a diverse and eclectic lineup of indie, pop, electronic, hip-hop, soul, punk, metal, folk and more. 

Save the date, prepare your crew and get excited for the mighty return of The Others Way on Saturday November 30, 2024. Artist announcements will be revealed in the coming weeks, so stay tuned for the full festival lineup and updates on The Others Way via the festival’s Facebook and Instagram.

Don’t miss out—super earlybird tickets are on sale now via Moshtix and include buy now pay later options via Zip. You can also get them instore from our great pals at Flying Out, 80 Pitt St. Grab your tickets today and prepare for an epic day of music and celebration!

For more information and press opportunities in relation to

WOMEX DELEGATE GRANTS OPEN

The New Zealand Music Commission is pleased to announce that delegate applications to attend WOMEX 2024 are now open.

WOMEX is the World Music Expo. It is an international networking platform for the world music industry. The annual five-day event comprises a bustling trade fair, showcase festival, conference, and film programme, as well as festive Opening and Award ceremonies. The market has a focus on contemporary music in the world, roots, reggae, dub, contemporary soul and traditional forms.

WOMEX is held in different cities every year. This year WOMEX will be held in Manchester UK from Wednesday 23rd to Sunday 27th October 2024.

More information can be found here: www.womex.com

Outward Sound Delegate Grants

Since July 2013 Outward Sound have offered Targeted Tradeshow grants to support our managers, labels and musicians at selected and targeted trade events of which WOMEX is one.

Outward Sound offers successful WOMEX applicants 50% recoupable support up to $3,000. Recoupable costs are limited to airfares Manchester, UK, accommodation (up to 5 nights) and per diems (up to 5 days).

Contact the Outward Sound office to discuss your project and receive a link to the application form.

For further information please contact international@nzmusic.org.nz

Applications for WOMEX delegate grants close 5pm August 26th 2024.