Back to Basics Returns - Pōneke, Ōtautahi, Tāmaki Makaurau

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.

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PŌNEKE | WELLINGTON
When: Tuesday 28 October
Time: 6pm – 7.30pm
Venue: The Cinema, Block 10 Tokomaru, Massey University
Former Dominion Museum, Wellington 6021 (Enter through Pukeahu Park Entrance D at the top of Tory St)
Guest Speaker: MĀ – Artist

RSVP - WELLINGTON

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RSVP - WELLINGTON ::

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

RSVP - CHRISTCHURCH

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RSVP - CHRISTCHURCH ::

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

RSVP - AUCKLAND

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RSVP - AUCKLAND ::

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SPEAKERS

MĀ

(Artist)

Somewhere between a singer, rapper, spoken word poet, beatmaker, producer, and bandleader, MĀ is an autodidact Māori musician and artist from Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Aotearoa.

Since releasing her self-produced debut album, Breakfast With Hades, she has been celebrated by Radio New Zealand, Rolling Stone, and Vice, toured with Avantdale Bowling Club, and opened for Ice Cube, Souls of Mischief, Clear Path Ensemble, and Homebrew.

In April 2025, MĀ completed her first headline tour across five cities in Aotearoa, selling out four out of five shows. She also toured internationally, performing three shows in Wales in May and appearing in Sydney in June.

Over the last three years, MĀ has won over audiences around her home country with a distinctly Indigenous blend of abstract downtempo rap, DIY neo-soul, and lush ambient music. Born from grief, self-love, and an attentive awareness of the natural world, her songs value te taiao, whakapapa, manaakitanga, humour, and emotional honesty.

She has been performing at various events and shows since Matariki at the end of June, with several more booked throughout the year. MĀ is currently working on a new album set for release in November 2025, which she will tour across Aotearoa over the summer.

Her waiata “Pūhā Me Te Porohewa” is a finalist for the Maioha Award, recognising excellence in waiata reo Māori.

Minnie Robberds

(Artist - There’s a Tuesday)

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.

Bella Bavin

(Artist - Coast Arcade)

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.

AUDREY SIATAGA

MIDNIGHT SWAN (Manager of Christoph El Truento, Mokomokai, Noe, and co-manager - Ladi6)

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.

Cushla Aston

(Manager - Louis Baker)

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.

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Music Managers Forum Aotearoa is the collective voice for music managers and self-managed artists, both signed and independent. The MMF Aotearoa is an independent, non-profit trade association dedicated to helping grow artist manager businesses through education, networking and advocacy. The MMF Aotearoa work towards a fairer, honest and more transparent music industry which operates with the highest of integrity in the interests of the artists our members represent.  We aim to represent the wide diversity of voices and backgrounds of music managers and their artists.

The New Zealand Music Commission Te Reo Reka O Aotearoa is a government funded organisation that promotes music from New Zealand and supports the growth of New Zealand music businesses – both culturally and economically, at home and abroad. The hub of NZ Music Month, the Music Commission also deliver contemporary music programmes in schools, including the Musicians Mentoring in Schools Programme; provides music upskilling tools and resources; and runs the international market development & trade show programme Outward Sound.

NZ On Air is an independent government funding agency that funds the recording and promotion of single songs and multi-song projects that reflect Aotearoa New Zealand and have the potential to reach both significant broadcast and online audiences. We do this by funding artists and musicians to professionally create, record, release and promote new music that aims to resonate and engage with audiences.

Recorded Music NZ® represents recording artists and right holders in Aotearoa through licensing, advocacy and promotion.  Recorded Music collects broadcast and public performance income from music users and distributes it to right holders and recording artists, advocates to government and others on behalf of recording artists and right holders and promotes artists and recorded music through initiatives such as the Aotearoa Music Awards. Recorded Music NZ also operates The Official NZ Music Charts® and data analysis services and supports the wider music community through collaborations and its music grant programme.

APRA AMCOS Aotearoa are all about fostering respect and value for songs and songwriters. Music and songwriting has great cultural and economic value, and songwriters need to be rewarded for their work. We create pathways for music to be legally shared. APRA AMCOS is an Australasian member-owned society representing around 120,000 members across Aotearoa, Australia, and the Pacific. 

TOHU ft A-Kla$$ Drop “Whakapapa Driven” A Bold Statement of Ancestral Pride and Cultural Legacy

Māori artist TOHU returns with a powerful new single, “Whakapapa Driven”, featuring **A-Kla$$*. A bilingual hip-hop track infused with haka-inspired energy, the song is a proud celebration of whakapapa, whānau, and cultural identity.

“Whakapapa Driven is deeply personal,” says TOHU. “My whakapapa ends with me, and that’s why this song means the world. But my music, my reo Māori, and my story continue carrying the mana of my ancestors forward for all to hear.”

The accompanying music video brings this kaupapa to life, showcasing Aotearoa’s landscapes, kapa haka performances, and symbolic imagery of kākano — the seed representing the continuation of Māori identity and culture.

Produced by Nextwavez, recorded at Studio 11B, and mastered at KOG Studios, Whakapapa Driven combines hard-hitting beats with deep lyrical storytelling. The track honours the strength of tūpuna while carrying forward the richness of te reo Māori and the resilience of whakapapa.

This release is proudly supported by Te Māngai Pāho and will be available on all major streaming platforms.

ABOUT TOHU

TOHU (Tamarakau Hiini) is a Māori musician from Te Araroa/Hicks Bay, of Ngāti Porou and Te Arawa descent. His sound blends rap and melodic vocals with bilingual storytelling, weaving together contemporary hip-hop and deep cultural roots.

With previous charting singles including Nōku Nei Te Aroha (#19 Hot NZ Charts) and Tū Mai Te Reo (#9 Hot NZ Charts, #3 Reo Māori Charts), TOHU has established himself as a unique voice in Aotearoa’s music scene. Whakapapa Driven is his boldest release yet — a statement of cultural pride and ancestral legacy.

Through waiata, TOHU carries the stories of whānau, whenua, and whakapapa forward, connecting generations with music that is both modern and timeless.

Follow Tamarakau Hiini 

https://linktr.ee/tohu_music

BROTHER SISTER ANNOUNCE NEW SINGLE “TOKYO” FT. I LUV ME + JAPAN TOUR 2025

Tāmaki Makaurau, NZ – 2nd October – New Zealand electro-pop siblings Brother Sister are back with a glittering new single, “Tokyo”, dropping just in time for their Japan Tour 2025.

Featuring guest vocals from Japan-based artist I Luv Me, Tokyo is a pulsing, retro-futuristic party anthem infused with neon nostalgia and late-night city dreams. With nods to J-pop, retro arcade games, and classic anime icons like Mario and Totoro, the song blends shimmering synths, electro beats and playful lyrics into a singalong celebration of friendship and nightlife.

“‘Tokyo’ is the kind of song we imagine playing on a boombox in Shibuya at 2AM – it’s fun, a little surreal, and full of heart,” says vocalist Taz Thomson.

The single is the latest offering from the sibling trio — Dave, Taz, and Ben Thomson — who grew up on a steady diet of 80s TV, movie soundtracks, and radio hits. Known for their vibrant live shows and VHS-era visuals, Brother Sister have become cult favourites in the indie synth scene across Aotearoa.

Following the single’s release, Brother Sister kicks off their Japan Tour 2025, with five shows across Tokyo, Kobe, Kyoto and Osaka. The tour will debut new material, exclusive merch, and freshly pressed vinyl via Leather Jacket Records. But before flying out, they’ll throw a hometown party in Auckland for fans to get a first taste of Tokyo live.

TOUR DATES

AUCKLAND LAUNCH SHOW
3 October – Geihinken Japanese Karaoke Bar – Auckland, New Zealand

JAPAN TOUR 2025
23 October – Ruby Room – Tokyo
24 October – Makeshift – Kobe
25 October – Pop Pizza – Kyoto
30 October – Club Stomp – Osaka
31 October – The Den – Tokyo

Tavita & Bay Road Find Clarity in the Chaos with Diamond & Balloon

Pōneke’s Tavita & Bay Road release their new single Diamond & Balloon this Friday, October 3rd — the first single from their forthcoming EP, due out November 21st. Shaped by groove, melody and meaning, the track is stripped back yet resonant.

Written by Tavita De Seymour, the song sets the diamond against the balloon: one hard and enduring, the other fragile and fleeting. It’s a metaphor for how we move between what lasts and what falls away — and how easily what glitters can draw us off course. Threaded through is a sense of uncertainty: distraction, hidden powers, and AI blurring the line between real and imagined.

Musically, Diamond & Balloon is lean and unhurried. A simple chord progression underpins deep bass and crisp percussion, with piano adding warmth and texture. Each element is given space to breathe. The track was developed with the Bay Road crew, recorded at Tiny Triumph Recordings with producer Toby Lloyd, and mastered by Mike Gibson.

“This started with a few chords on guitar,” says Tavita. “The lyrics just came out that way — there was no plan. It feels less like an answer and more like sitting inside the tension of it all.”

Accompanying the release is a music video, out now on YouTube. It traces a ruby-red balloon with a diamond at its centre as it drifts through forests, cities, oceans and deserts before landing in the hands of a lone girl. The ending is left open — hopeful yet uncertain.

For Tavita & Bay Road, Diamond & Balloon marks a moment of clarity: music that is spacious, groove-driven, and carried by rhythm, story and feel.

Listen / Follow:
DRM: https://music.drm.co.nz/diamond-balloon
YouTube (Music Video): https://youtu.be/hDx4pLK6dPQ
Instagram: https://instagram.com/tavita.bayroad
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/tavita.bayroad

From Aotearoa to Palestine: Sabreen releases heartfelt Desi-folk single ‘The End’

Bengali-NZ singer-songwriter Sabreen returns with her latest offering ‘The End’, a cinematic Desi-folk ballad penned as a love letter to Palestine.

PRE-SAVE ‘THE END’ HERE

Through skilful storytelling and soaring instrumentation inspired by her South Asian roots, ‘The End’ details holding on tight to your loved ones even as the world feels as though it is ending. Inspired by the love shown by Palestinians in Gaza, the intimate ballad seeks to connect our common humanity from Aotearoa to Palestine. Produced with long-time collaborator Nate Selway, the track features lush cellos, rich harmonies and a dazzling sitar played by Sargam Madhur, as a tribute from Sabreen’s Desi heritage.

Blending history, personal storytelling and song-writing, ‘The End’ continues down the path of Sabreen’s previous single ‘Countryman’, which uncovered the forgotten story of Chinese-New Zealander Joe Kum Yung. A live performance, filmed with a full band at Parachute Studios, is set to be released in October.

Auckland-raised, Bengali singer-songwriter Sabreen is an artist, author and songwriter who crafts cinematic, heart-wrenching stories. She released her debut P ‘room service’ in 2023 (RNZ, SRN stations, 95bFM Fancy New Band Showcase, NZ Music Commission Celebrating Wāhine, NZOA Fresh Cuts), following extensive performances across Aotearoa including a full-house show at Auckland’s BIG FAN and opening for global indie sensation
Prateek Kuhad’s Silhouettes Tour. Her latest single ‘Countryman’ received funding from NZ On Air to create an accompanying music video with Angle3 Pictures. Sabreen is also a published poet, and was selected as a semi-finalist for the International Songwriting Competition for her song ‘Glow’. In 2025, Sabreen was selected as a YWCA Y25 laureate for creating positive change in Aotearoa for ‘Countryman’, which is also set to receive a Blues Award from the University of Auckland. Proudly Bangladeshi and Muslim, Sabreen is a fierce advocate for her community, which often finds its way into her music.

‘The End’ will be released on all streaming platforms on Friday 3 October.

Nearer - the New Album and Release Gig from Te Whanganui-a-Tara’s Hail, Meteor!

Hail, Meteor! weave post-rock, dream pop and indie into powerful, bilingual tracts of song that explore grief, belonging, and aroha. Their new album, Nearer, is an album of delicate vastness; both nostalgic and immediate, it has a tone affecting  the many generations that make up both the band’s audience and members.

Based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, the members of HM! have roots in multiple past projects and have shared the stage with the local as well as international acts. HM! played support for Scotland’s Mogwai at the Wellington Opera House in February 2024 and headlined the Gathering Shadows festival the month previous. This October 10th they play at Moon in Newtown to launch their forthcoming album.

Nearer further deepens their signature sound, broadening the scope suggested by their 2023 debut, 4th Horse. With ten songs dripping with sonic, lyrical and exploratory intent, it is their honour to let it loose on both vinyl and streaming. Its shoe-gazing lead single, ‘Sweet’, was a hit on student radio back in the autumn, topping the SRN charts for weeks on end. Nearer’s next single, ‘Most at Ease’, drives home their pop intent with forceful synths, dark guitars and sweet harmonies.

An all-in-house production team, the album was recorded and mixed by David Coventry at Meteor HQ, Aotearoa, with artwork by Isobel Te Aho-White and design by Simon Waterfield.

Album release:

10 October @ Moon, Wellington

with support acts Welder Inc. (Melbourne) & Deaf Edge (WGTN)

OCTOBER MEMBERS ONLY ONLINE SESSION: Social Media with Mazbou Q

Social media is one of the most powerful tools artists have to grow their careers. In this session, artist, educator, and content creator Mazbou Q will share practical strategies to help you navigate platforms, grow your audience, and market your music effectively.

In this session you’ll learn how to:

• Promote yourself on platforms like TikTok and Instagram

• Build and nurture an engaged fanbase

• Create compelling and sustainable content

• Authentically connect with your audience

Mazbou Q is a UK-born, Aotearoa-based Nigerian hip hop artist, producer, educator, and content creator. Known online as The Rap Scientist, he’s built a strong following by breaking down rap flows, lyricism, and music theory on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Alongside his acclaimed releases blending hip hop, afrobeat, and soul, Mazbou Q has guest-lectured at Harvard, Berklee, and Louisiana State University.

MMF AOTEAROA OCTOBER MEMBERS ONLY SESSION

SOCIAL MEDIA WITH MAZBOU Q

Date: Tuesday 14 October

Time: 6pm – 7pm

RSVP: For MMF members only. RSVP to Rachel admin@mmf.co.nz. 
Spaces are limited so RSVP is essential.

Due to the limited places please note if you RSVP and then fail to attend the session without notifying us, unfortunately you will not be eligible for future sessions

Applications Now Open for MMF Aotearoa’s 2025 Festival Bookers Speed Networking Sessions

The Music Managers Forum Aotearoa is excited to announce that applications are now open for the 2025 Festival Bookers Speed Networking Sessions – a unique opportunity for MMF members to connect directly with some of Aotearoa’s top festival bookers.

Held online over two evenings – Wednesday 11 June and Wednesday 18 June 2025, from 6pm to 8pm – this annual event is designed to help get artists booked onto festival lineups and to provide valuable insights into what festival bookers are looking for.

These fast-paced virtual sessions give members the chance to showcase their artists, build relationships with key industry players, and receive expert advice on how to pitch successfully.

Applications are open now, with limited spaces available. MMF members keen to participate will need to submit a brief artist bio, musical styles, live performance links, and a list of preferred festival targets.

• Applications close: Thursday 17 April 2025

• Successful applicants notified by: Wednesday 7 May 2025

Please note: as this is a contestable process, submitting an application does not guarantee selection.

The Festival Bookers Speed Networking Sessions are just one of many initiatives MMF Aotearoa runs to support and strengthen the local music industry. To find out more or become a member, visit www.mmf.co.nz.

FESTIVAL BOOKERS

VIRTUAL SPEED NETWORKING SESSIONS 2025

(MMF MEMBERS ONLY)

Wednesday 11 June & Wednesday 18 June
6pm - 8pm each night

Bookers from the festivals below will be meeting with MMF members

• CubaDupa (Wellington)

• Craft Beer & Food Festival (Dunedin) / Otago Orientation (Otago)

• Electric Avenue/ Nostalgia / South Island Wine & Food (Christchurch) / Great Kiwi Beer Fest (Christchurch)

• Homegrown 

• Meatstock (Hamilton)

• Music in Parks (Booking Auckland acts only)

• Newtown Festival (Wellington)

• Northern Bass (Kaiwaka) - 11 June only

• Rhythm & Alps (Wanaka)

• Rhythm & Vines  (Gisborne)

• Shipwrecked Music & Arts Festival (Te Arai, Auckland)

• Soundsplash (Raglan) 

• Splore (Ōrere Point)

• TSB Festival of Lights (New Plymouth)

• WOMAD (New Plymouth) - 11 June only

The event is open to MMF members only.
To join please visit www.mmf.co.nz or email lorraine.owen@mmf.co.nz

Applications are open from today, Wednesday 9 April 2025, and will close 5pm on Thursday 17 April, or until all slots are taken.