NEW ZEALAND MUSIC FOUNDATION RELEASES FINDINGS FROM COMMUNITY WELLBEING REPORT

The New Zealand Music Foundation provides support to members of the local music industry in times of illness, distress and hardship, and develops and assists projects across all areas of society that use music to positively influence the lives of those in need. 

The charity has today released a full report from its New Zealand Music Community Wellbeing Survey. Conducted in July this year, the survey is currently the world’s largest per-capita quantitative research project to examine the health and wellbeing of the music community. Over 1350 respondents answered 40 questions about their working hours and income, sleep, nutrition and exercise, drug and alcohol use, mental health, support networks and more.

Initial results from the survey, released in September, showed that over a third of songwriters, composers and performers report having been diagnosed with a mental health disorder - almost double the incidence in the general population (1)- and were two and a half times as likely to have been diagnosed with depression as the general population (2). 

The full report further reveals that songwriters, composers and performers are almost three and half times as likely to have an issue with hazardous drinking as the rest of the population. 

It also found that of the 140 survey respondents who reported making plans and preparations to commit suicide, 100 said they had gone on to make a suicide attempt (3).

Comments from those surveyed illustrate the difficulties of a life in music:

 “This is such an important issue for artists - many of us find ourselves supporting each other clumsily, through the power of solidarity alone. Others of us just don't talk about it with people at all.”

 “It has been a lonely road at times and one where I have watched a lot of friends die. My hope is for a better, healthier future for musicians, an environment in which they will be treasured and respected.”

Informed by the initial survey findings, the New Zealand Music Foundation Wellbeing Service was launched on September 29th, a world-first online, on the phone and in-person free professional counselling service for Kiwi music people experiencing hardship. Service Director Julie Crawley comments: 

“In the eight weeks the service has been in operation we’ve had an extraordinary response, higher than any other industry support line service of this type in my experience. While some calls have been general in nature, others have been serious with presenting issues including mental health, managing in the industry, the difficulties of financial sustainability, depression and anxiety, chronic health concerns and more.”

Julie feels the service is making a great impression:

 “Those who have been referred to in-person counselling have given feedback that the sessions have been of great relief and help. There is a genuine appreciation of there being a tailored avenue of support available for music people now, and I believe that use of The New Zealand Music Foundation Wellbeing Service will grow and develop.”

The full New Zealand Music Community Wellbeing Survey report can be found at www.nzmusicfoundation.org.nz/wellbeing/survey/

The New Zealand Music Foundation Wellbeing Service can be accessed now at www.nzmusicfoundation.org.nz/wellbeing, via email at wellbeing@nzmusicfoundation.org.nz, or by telephone on 0508 MUSICHELP.

OFFICIAL NZ CHARTS TO INCLUDE BANDCAMP STATISTICS

Starting tomorrow, both the Official New Zealand Music Charts and IMNZ Charts will include physical and digital sales from Bandcamp – an online community where artists and labels sell their music direct to fans.

The addition comes as Recorded Music New Zealand continues to evolve the Charts to accurately reflect all the ways that New Zealanders collectively consume music.

Bandcamp joins other popular online music services that contribute such as Spotify, Google Play and Apple Music and traditional physical retailers such as The Warehouse and JB HiFi.

Recorded Music New Zealand Data Manager Paul Kennedy says the changes are in line with the organisation’s commitment to reflecting how music consumption keeps evolving.

“Bandcamp has become a popular destination for local music fans, especially those looking to explore the full depth of independent and innovative music available out there today,” he says.

“Being able to fully reflect that diversity of music in both the Official Top 40 and the IMNZ charts is something we are very pleased to be able to do.”

This follows the inclusion of streaming in the Singles Chart in 2014 and the Album Charts in June this year.

Bandcamp’s Chief Curator Andrew Jervis says, “New Zealand has so many amazing labels and artists, many of whom use the site. From labels like Flying Nun to Loop Recordings, and a massive array of artists from established acts like Fat Freddy’s Drop and Connan Mockasin, to up and coming groups like Yoko-Zuna, the new New Zealand music scene is alive and kicking. We’re delighted that sales happening on Bandcamp will now count towards the New Zealand charts because it should help more fans find more amazing music.“

Dylan Pellett, General Manager of Independent Music New Zealand says the addition is a hugely welcome one.

“Bandcamp has become one of the easiest paths to market for New Zealand labels and artists. IMNZ is really happy to include their statistics into the charts ecosystem and we’re confident this will be of great benefit to all independent artists and labels.”

FOCUS SESSION - DUNEDIN

MMF MEMBERS ONLY
Monday 28 November 2016, 6 – 8pm

Following the success of the recent Back-to-Basics seminar in Dunedin, the NZ MMF is holding the follow up seminar, the ‘Focus Sessions’ on Monday 28 November 2016. 

 Open to MMF members only, the free Phase Two seminar is designed for artists and managers who could benefit from in depth discussions regarding challenges specific to their music career. 

 Moderated by Cushla Aston (Louis Baker, Thomas Oliver, Estere), the evening will focus on topics such as developing an artist, creating tools, touring, marketing and planning the release of a single, album or EP. 

Focus Session – Dunedin
Monday 28th November 2016, 6 – 8pm

Places for the focus group are very limited and RSVP is essential. Please contact lorraine.owen@mmf.co.nz to secure seat and venue details.

THE NEW ZEALAND MUSIC PRODUCER SERIES

The first New Zealand Music Producer Series will be held at Roundhead Studios in Auckland from January 16 – 20, 2017.

Hosted by producer and MMF mentor Greg Haver and supported by NZ On Air, Recorded Music New Zealand and APRA AMCOS the masterclasses will bring two international producer/engineers to Auckland to work with the country’s best studio professionals on recording and mixing, Q&A seminars plus one-on-one input and assistance on personal projects.

Roundhead Studios will be running tracking and mix sessions for groups of up to eight people, plus evening seminars for larger groups, to exchange ideas across all facets of the recording industry.

Grammy award-winning producer/engineer Guy Massey and renowned producer/engineer Dave Eringa are confirmed for the series.

Guy Massey started his studio work on a placement at the world-famous Abbey Road studios, assisting on seminal albums including Radiohead’s The Bends and Oasis’ Be Here Now. He was tasked with remastering the entire Beatles back catalogue, winning the 2010 Grammy for Best Historical Album. He has worked with artists as diverse as Paul McCartney, Ray Davies, Ed Sheeran, Van Morrison, Bill Fay and Paul Simon, Spritualized, The Divine Comedy, along with up-and-coming artists including Eliza and the Bear and The Soft Hills.

Guy, who has won the Music Producers Guild Best Engineer award in 2009 and 2013, along with nominations in 2014 and 2015, says he’s excited about the series. “I’m very much looking forward to meeting and working with the engineers and producers in New Zealand, with its diverse and vibrant music scene,” he says.

Dave Eringa began his career as the assistant at Robin Millar’s Powerplant Studios in North London, before moving onto the Kinks’ Konk Studios. Here he began a long- term working relationship with the Manic Street Preachers as engineer, producer and musician. His work includes the albums This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours (Including the single “If You Tolerate This You’re Children Will Be Next”) Know Your Enemy and Postcards from A Young Man. His credits also include The Who, Roger Daltrey, Idlewild, Nine Black Alps, Ash, Tom Jones, Kylie Minogue, Wilko Johnson and Ocean Colour Scene. He has recorded at many of the world’s best studios and is an expert in both analogue and digital recording techniques.

Dave, who will also be available for recording sessions post the event (apply via contact details below) has long been a fan of Kiwi music. "The New Zealand music scene has always punched far above its weight. From Split Enz to Crowded House and the Flying Nun label, right through to Lorde,” he says. 

“I can't wait to come and meet the next generation of producers, engineers and artists and work with them on recording techniques.”

Applications for the New Zealand Music Producer Series open from

November 14 - December 24,  2016.

Five Day Series: The module offers five days tracking, mixing, four evening seminars and two one-on-one tuition sessions. $1,380 including GST.

Two Day Series: Two-day tracking with one producer, including a one on one session and two evening seminars. $690 including GST.

Evening Masterclass: Individual evening sessions (approx. two hours). $57.50 Including GST. Each evening masterclasses will cover a specialist subject such as the development of recording techniques, how to work with and motivate artists, the changing face of the recording industry, recording industry career paths and all will include extensive Q&A sessions.

Block booking discount rates on evening seminars are available to all New Zealand recording and engineering courses.

For application details and further information, contact Greg Haver on greghaver@icloud.com

https://www.facebook.com/The-New-Zealand-Music-Producer-Series-1424744884221666/?view_public_for=1424744884221666

The New Zealand Producer Series is proudly supported by NZ On Air, Recorded Music New Zealand and APRA AMCOS.

Terms and Conditions:

• Applications must be submitted by 5pm, December 20, 2016
• Three examples of production/engineering work must be submitted as part of the application. Submissions by link (Soundcloud, Spotify etc.).
• Successful applicants will be informed by 5pm, December 24, 2016
• Payment must be received in full by 5pm January 7, 2017.
• A cancellation fee of 50% will apply after 5pm January 7, 2017.
• Travel, transfers, meals and accommodation are not included in the course fee and are the responsibility of the attendee.
• The New Zealand Music Producer Series reserves the right to amend or vary the content of the Series at any time.
• By participating, attendees grant The New Zealand Music Producer Series permission to use their names, photographs and video likeness for future promotion and marketing purposes without remuneration.

APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR NEW SCHOLARSHIP

Announced at the 2016 Vodafone Pacific Music Awards, the Pacific Music Awards Trust and MAINZ proudly announce that applications for a new scholarship are now open.  The Pacific Music Awards Trust is extremely thrilled to provide this scholarship opportunity to a Pacific student and look forward to working with MAINZ to confirm the inaugural recipient.

The scholarship is for a promising Pacific artist and is worth up to $8,500 towards tuition fees for the 2017 academic year.  The scholarship winner will have the choice of studying music, event management, audio engineering and production, business or live sound. The successful recipient may choose any of the fulltime programmes available at MAINZ, subject to complying with the entry criteria and selection process for the particular programme.   

The eligible full time programmes available for this scholarship include:

Bachelor of Musical Arts

Bachelor of Audio Engineering and Production

Graduate Diploma in Business and Enterprises

Diploma in Music and Event Management

Certificate in Foundation Sound and Music

Certificate in Contemporary Music Performance

Certificate in DJ and Electronic Music Production

Certificate in Live Sound and Event Production

Details for all of the MAINZ programmes and entry criteria can be found here: http://tpp.ac.nz/study-options/music-and-audio-mainz/

To apply for the scholarship, applicants need to send via email a CV and cover letter, confirming why they would like to receive this scholarship (up to 500 words) and their Pacific ethnicity, to the Pacific Music Awards Trust, on:  info@pacificmusicawards.org.nz    Applications are due by Friday 25 November.  

Massey offers scholarship for future music industry players

Katherine Winitana with one of her Massey tutors, Warren Maxwell.

Massey University is seeking applications for the 2017 Bachelor of Commercial Music Scholarship, which will provide full tuition fees to a promising student studying for the Bachelor of Commercial Music degree launched this year at the School of Music and Creative Media Production.

The three-year undergraduate degree is run by a number of notable musicians and industry experts including Warren Maxwell (from the bands Trinity Roots, Little Bushman and an ex Fat Freddy’s Drop member) and Devin Abrams (Pacific Heights, founding member of Shapeshifter).

Associate Head of School and Music Programme Leader, Dr Oli Wilson (who is also a keyboardist with alternative indie act The Chills), says the degree responds to significant demand from the music and creative media industries nationally and internationally for graduates who combine high-level skills with critical and creative thought processes.  “We teach our students to be multi-skilled practitioners who can excel in fields such as production and sound design, software and hardware design and event management.”

Demand from the music and creative media industries in New Zealand and worldwide means that graduates of the new commercial music degree will enter a strong job market too, he says.

The scholarship will be awarded to a student who is seen to be contributing to the music scene. “The scholarship is not just for performers, and could be awarded to somebody who is doing great things in the industry or community like organizing music events, developing exciting new music hardware or software, or using digital platforms or technology to make and distribute music in new ways,” Dr Wilson says.

Katherine Winitana was the recipient of the inaugural 2016 scholarship and has nearly finished her first year as a Music Practice major. The talented composer and performer was not only chosen for bringing a fresh creative approach to music, but also for her commitment to bringing about positive social change through music in her community of Flaxmere in Hawke’s Bay. A former head girl of Hastings Girls’ High School, Ms Winitana, was involved in organising many events in her community and sang at the national Waiata Māori Music Awards held in Hastings last year.  Her love for her community was acknowledged when she was chosen to feature in the 2015 Flaxmere Heroes Calendar that showcases the achievements of local people.

“Massey is so cool. I love my course. It’s challenging at times, but suited to what I want to do and is making me think differently.  The tutors are working in the industry now. They are in touch with the reality, they don’t sugar coat anything but they really want you to succeed,” Ms Winitana says.

“I have a passion music, but I am working on my song-writing and putting my own sound to things. The question for me is whether I continue jumping between genres or whether I am better spending time on one – I want to figure out where I sit in the industry.”

The Bachelor of Commercial Music, at the University’s College of Creative Arts in Wellington, focuses on mentoring students to have long-term careers in the highly competitive music industry. Majors are offered in Music Practice, Music Technology and Music Industry. The programme is technology-driven with a focus on originality and innovation and will be supported by new cutting-edge recording, multi-media, rehearsal and teaching facilities, due for completion in 2017.

Further information and application details for the 2017 Bachelor of Commercial Music Scholarship, open to all New Zealand residents, can be found at http://creative.massey.ac.nz/study/bachelor-of-commercial-music/

Applications for the scholarship close Sunday December 4, 2016.

Countdown to Volume: Making Music in Aotearoa at Auckland Musuem

A landmark exhibition on New Zealand music, Volume: Making Music in Aotearoa opens at Auckland Museum in just three weeks on Friday October 28.

Volume: Making Music in Aotearoa is the first major exhibition on New Zealand music ever staged, spanning over seven decades of music made on our shores.

Volume brings the music of our nation to life through hundreds of songs, stories, costumes, instruments, handwritten lyrics and images generously loaned by some of our best loved musicians.

View musical objects belonging to iconic Kiwi artists such as Lorde, Dave Dobbyn, Shihad, Fat Freddy’s Drop, Split Enz, Sharon O'Neill, Hello Sailor and many more. 

Lorde's 2014 Grammy Award, Split Enz's memorable stage costumes and Chris Knox's legendary TEAC 4-Track recorder are just some of the exciting objects that will be on display.

A hands-on, ears-on experience, the exhibition takes visitors on a journey through the decades via interactive experiences where visitors can try their hand at making music themselves.

Produce a song by music legend Che Fu in a recording studio; mix beats to tracks by artists like Ladi6,       P-Money, and Scribe in a DJ booth; browse an authentic 1980s record store; learn to play Dragon’s iconic hit ‘Rain’ in a replica of a 1970s pub venue and dance along with go-go girls on the set of 1960s TV show C’mon.

A huge undertaking, Volume has been in development for over two years with exhibition partners the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame Trust (Recorded Music New Zealand and APRA AMCOS). 

Auckland Museum Director Roy Clare said, “Volume is a chance for New Zealanders to re-discover and celebrate discover the rich history of music from Aotearoa and inspire the next generation of music makers through engaging experiences.” 

“The Museum is thrilled to be able to use our unique resources to present the first comprehensive survey of New Zealand music alongside our partners,” he said.

CEO of Recorded Music New Zealand Damian Vaughan said, “We are incredibly excited about this wonderful initiative celebrating the history of Kiwi music and those who’ve made it. Volume has been a labour of love for many people and we can’t wait to see it unleashed in all its glory.”

And APRA AMCO’s Head of New Zealand Operations Anthony Healey said, “We all know and love New Zealand music. Now we get to be a part of the history - to hear, touch and see the stories behind the music and the people that made it.”

Spark is amplifying Volume with an innovative digital experience that will let visitors put themselves in the exhibition story and experience it in a personal way.

Spark’s ‘All Access Pass’ brings visitors closer to the exhibition stories and music they love by offering them the chance to become the story, through 14 interactive tagging stations, where they can put themselves on the cover of Rip it Up magazine; collect artist-curated playlists and much more.

Spark’s General Manager Customer & Marketing Clive Ormerod said, “We know New Zealanders love music, and it’s something we’re focused on supporting and bringing to them through the amazing technology of the Pass.” 

“Visitors end up with great content they can take home, revisit the experience and share it with others. This is another example of Spark using technology in unexpected ways to enable awesome experiences for New Zealanders,” he said.

In addition to the exhibition, a series of Volume compilation CDs are being released by Sony Music, featuring over a hundred classic Kiwi songs from the 1950s to today across five albums, which will be available to purchase in the Volume Pop Up shop and JB Hi-Fi and Warehouse stores nationwide.

Volume runs for seven months until 22 May 2017 and is free with Museum Entry. 

NEW ZEALAND MUSIC FOUNDATION LAUNCHES WORLD FIRST WELLBEING SERVICE FOR LOCAL MUSIC COMMUNITY

The New Zealand Music Foundation provides support to members of the local music industry in times of illness, distress and hardship, and develops and assists projects across all areas of society that use music to positively influence the lives of those in need.

The charity has today announced the launch of its latest initiative to support Kiwi music people: The New Zealand Music Foundation Wellbeing Service.  A world first, the service offers 24-hour online, on the phone and in-person counselling, specifically tailored to the music community, in order to provide support for those who are experiencing emotional, physical and mental health challenges.

The Wellbeing Service reflects the commitment of the New Zealand Music Foundation in providing proactive assistance to those who make our music happen. The service is available free of charge to anyone working in the New Zealand music industry unable to access help due to hardship or other circumstances, and is staffed by registered professionals with experience in providing support to creative people.

The Wellbeing Service was established in response to the results of the New Zealand Music Community Wellbeing Survey conducted by the charity in July. With over 1350 participants, initial survey results already paint a detailed picture, showing that many in our music community are experiencing health and wellbeing issues at incidence rates often far in excess of the general population:

Songwriters, composers and performers report having attempted suicide in their lifetime at a rate more than double that of the general population.[1]

Over a third of songwriters, composers and performers report having been diagnosed with a mental health disorder, almost double the incidence in the general population. [2]

Songwriters and composers are two and a half times as likely to have been diagnosed with depression as the general population.[3]

84% of all those who responded to the survey report experiencing stress in the last year that has impacted on their ability to function day to day.  

Encouragingly, nearly two-thirds of those surveyed reported they would be likely to contact a servicesuch as The New Zealand Music Foundation Wellbeing Service if they were experiencing difficulty.

General Manager, Peter Dickens, comments “We’ve worked hard to listen to the voices of those making their way in music in New Zealand. It’s a vibrant, vital and exciting industry and we’re very proud to be able to launch this service today . We hope it will further support kiwi music people to enjoy healthy, productive and fulfilling lives in their chosen careers.”

The New Zealand Music Foundation Wellbeing Service can be accessed now at www.nzmusicfoundation.org.nz/wellbeing, via email at wellbeing@nzmusicfoundation.org.nz, or by telephone on 0508 MUSICHELP.