THE APRA SILVER SCROLL AWARDS ARE HEADING TO DUNEDIN!

APRA NZ are delighted to announce the great southern city of Dunedin will host the APRA Silver Scroll Awards for the first time in 2017.
 
The much loved and anticipated date on the music calendar will take place on Thursday 28th September at the Dunedin Town Hall, and will include the usual line up of stellar performances, acclaimed awards, and moving tributes.
 
The APRA Silver Scroll Awards have been held in Christchurch and Wellington in the past with great success, and this year it is the turn of the many hundreds of songwriters from the south to share in this annual celebration of New Zealand’s best music.
 
“The APRA Silver Scroll Awards are unique and it’s a privilege to showcase great New Zealand music in a city so steeped in its own musical heritage. There are more songwriters in Dunedin per capita than any other city in the country so it’s time we shared this celebration with them” says APRA’s Head of NZ Operations, Anthony Healey.
 
We’re also very excited to announce the Music Director for 2017 is the illustrious Shayne Carter. The man behind Straitjacket Fits, the Double Happys, and Dimmer, a prodigal son of Dunedin himself will be taking the helm and curating all the excellent musical performances which take place throughout the night.

“It'll be fun playing musical match ups and trying to find an interesting, and hopefully not so obvious array of artists to perform the songs and maybe find angles in them that the writers may never have thought of” says Shayne.

The awards (as always) will comprise the presentation of the APRA Silver Scroll Award, the SOUNZ Contemporary Award, the APRA Maioha Award, the APRA Best Original Music in a Feature Film Award, and the APRA Best Original Music in a Series Award, as well as an induction of one legendary act into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame.
 
Entries for all awards will open on Monday 1st May.
Keep your eyes peeled for more details in coming months, but for now, save the date:
Thursday 28th September at the Dunedin Town Hall.

TAITE PRIZE 2017 - CONGRATULATIONS STREET CHANT!

The winner of the eighth annual Taite Music Prize 2017 is Street Chant for the album ‘Hauora’ released on Arch Hill Recordings.

Henry Oliver, a member of this year’s judging panel reviewed the album for North & South on it’s release. He said "Hauora is a portrait of the lives of a certain breed of the twenty-something, creative middle/under-class; over-read and under-employed, drinking too much and earning too little, busing from an existential crisis to a house party, walking from breakup to hangover."

Named after the late Dylan Taite, one of New Zealand’s most respected music journalists, the prize-winner receives a cash prize of $10,000 to be spent as they wish, thanks to 

Taite Music Prize founding partner Recorded Music NZ; recording time at Red Bull Studios Auckland; a year’s supply of Red Bull product; and a year’s supply of Corona beer!

This year the Taite Music Prize was announced at a presentation at The Civic’s Wintergarden in Auckland. IMNZ members Lil’ Chief Records curated special live performance sets for the gathered guests. Alongside the main prize, two additional awards were presented at the ceremony: the Independent Music NZ Classic Record Award for The Clean’s ‘Boodle Boodle Boodle’ and the newly created Auckland Live Best Independent Debut Award awarded to Merk ‘Swordfish’, which includes a $2,000 cash prize and a live performance slot at Auckland Live Summer in the Square 2017/2018 – Auckland’s biggest backyard summer party.

The ceremony was live-streamed to the public thanks to 95bFM.

TAITE MUSIC PRIZE 2017

TUESDAY 18th APRIL – WINTERGARDEN, at The Civic

Presented by: Independent Music New Zealand (IMNZ)
Founding Partner: Recorded Music NZ
Official Partners: NZ On Air / The Taite Family
Event Partners: Auckland Live
Supporting Partners: NZ Music Commission / APRA AMCOS / Loop / Media Arts Lawyers /
Songbroker / Red Bull Studios Auckland / Commotion Ltd. / McCarthy Design /
Corona / Yealands Estate / Spotify
Media Partners: 95bFM
Charity Partners: The NZ Music Foundation

Previous Taite Music Prize winners:
2010 - Lawrence Arabia - Chant Darling (Honorary Bedouin Records)
2011 - Ladi6 - The Liberation Of (What? Music)
2012 - Unknown Mortal Orchestra – Unknown Mortal Orchestra (Seeing Records)
2013 – SJD - Elastic Wasteland (Round Trip Mars)
2014 – Lorde - Pure Heroine (Universal Music NZ)
2015 – Jakob – Sines (Shoot The Freak)
2016 – Silicon - Personal Computer (Weird World/Domino Recordings)

Previous Independent Music NZ Classic Record recipients:
2013 - Gordons – Gordons (Flying Nun)
2014 – Various Artists - AK79 (Ripper Records)
2015 - Herbs – What’s Be Happen? (Warrior Records)
2016 – Upper Hutt Posse – E T? (Jayrem Records)

SONGBROKER LAUNCHES PUSH TO EXPORT MORE NEW ZEALAND MUSIC COPYRIGHTS

New Zealand independent music publisher Songbroker hasn’t been around for long but is already having an impact on the prospects and livelihoods of local songwriters and composers.

With music royalties tanking in the past few years, most local musicians have suffered an income hit which hasn’t been replaced by the growth of streaming; despite a few good- news stories, it’s never been tougher to make a living from music.

Songbroker is unashamedly focused on finding income opportunities for Kiwi songwriters, mainly through placement of songs on films, TV shows, advertisements and online content.

Songbroker artists regularly feature on local shows such as Shortland Street, Brokenwood Mysteries and Filthy Rich - and also on NZ films, documentaries and TV commercials.

“We have a great relationship with local content makers, and really appreciate their enthusiasm for using as much original New Zealand music as possible. They’ve been amazingly supportive to our artists”, says Songbroker founder Jan Hellriegel.

International scope for NZ music copyrights “huge”

Songbroker is now turning its attention to the other 99% of the potential music licensing market, with the launch of a web platform representing NZ music to international users.

“The Songbroker offering is quite unique. We represent the works of about 180 talented songwriters and composers, and unlike many of the world’s online music libraries, this is authentic art - it’s the real deal, it’s coming from a very creative nation, and that’s a key point of difference.” says Hellriegel.

Hellriegel adds the export scope for Kiwi musicians is “huge”.

“You can only sell a kilo of milk powder or a bottle of wine once. However, a song can be licensed many, many times over its copyright lifetime. Music also costs nothing to ship, and crosses borders without attracting tariffs.
 

World-class product

Hellriegel has spent the past several years building up Songbroker’s roster of artists and is proud to be representing such a strong catalogue of original music.

She says securing a sync on a show, or a commercial soundtrack deal never fails to make everyone in the office smile.

“Nothing’s a better buzz than calling a struggling songwriter and telling them there’s a licensing fee on the way to their bank account. It’s great to know someone not only likes your music but is happy to pay to use it. ”

Songbroker’s new platform launches at Seafarers in Auckland on Wednesday 22 March with guests including the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Hon. Jacqui Dean

BOTTLECAP LIFTS THE LID ON WELLINGTON’S FRESHEST NEW MUSIC WITH OPENING NIGHT

This year, Newtown venue Moon will host some of Wellington’s most exciting new musicians, courtesy of Bottlecap Music (Callum Campbell). Opening Night will see a range of new artists performing live across three nights in March, April and May, premiering brand new material, and putting a fresh spin on old formats.

While each Opening Night will offer a different flavour, all will serve to give our future musical storytellers the opportunity to cut their teeth in a live music environment. Artists performing are students of Massey University’s Bachelor of Commercial Music programme, with styles ranging from singer-songwriter to hip-hop and electronic.

Entry is free, so come along, hear some great local music, and bear witness to a new wave of groundbreaking performers on their Opening Night.

Bottlecap Music presents 'Opening Night'

Thursday March 16 / April 27 / May 18

8pm

Moon Bar, 167 Riddiford St, Newtown, Wellington

Entry: Free

Bottlecap Music is a new record label and artist management company which has also arisen from the Commercial Music programme. It is based in Wellington, was formed with students in mind, and is focused on helping young musicians take meaningful steps in their music careers.

2017 AMERICANA MUSIC FESTIVAL & CONFERENCE 'CALL FOR PROPOSALS' IS NOW OPEN

The call for proposals for the 2017 Americana Music Festival & Conference is now open.

The event brings together fans and music industry professionals alike, offering six days of celebration through seminars, panels and networking opportunities by day and raw, intimate showcases each night.

The 18th Annual Americana Music Festival & Conference (AmericanaFest) will take place September 12-17, 2017, gathering thousands of artists, fans, and industry professionals from all over the world in Nashville, TN. With planning already underway, 2017 promises to once again be the must-attend event for anyone who loves great music. Each year, the Americana Music Festival & Conference brings together legendary artists, the next generation of rising stars, fans, and industry professionals for six days of music and education.

New Zealand artists Marlon Williams and Tami Neilson both performed at the 17th Annual Americana Fest in 2016.

The deadline for proposals is Wednesday, 22 March 2017.

For more information about applying to participate in the 2017 Americana Music Festival & Conference, visit http://americanamusic.org/showcase-submissions

MONDO.NYC RETURNS OCTOBER 4-8, 2017

Annual Summit & Festival
Empowering Artists & Innovators

Celebrates NYC:
Music Capital of the World
& Innovation Hub
 

Artist Submissions NOW OPEN

The second Annual Mondo.NYC festival and global business summit of music and tech industry insiders and innovators, emerging artists and their fans returns to New York City October 4-8, 2017. Mondo connects fans and creators in a shared mission of empowering artists and advancing ideas in an ever-changing music business.

The 2016 debut three-day business summit & five-night music festival featured 160+ bands, 1900 conference delegates and 220+ speakers. 

Mondo’s daytime business summit is held in partnership with New York University (NYU). Bringing fans, bands, professionals, entrepreneurs, innovators, brands, media and students together in New York City, Mondo.NYC is an opportunity to be at the heart of music, media and technology. Industry professionals gather at Mondo.NYC to collaborate, educate, discuss, learn and connect through a series of dynamic panel discussions, seminars and keynotes featuring local and global leaders, practitioners and commentators. 

The summit will feature business workshops, panels, seminars, and events centered on music, technology and innovation. Last year's speakers included keynote Daniel Glass (President and Founder of Glassnote Entertainment Group), and representatives from the Recording Association of America, A2IM, Google, IDG.tv, Sony/ATV Music Publishing, Beggars, the U.S. Copyright Office, Pandora, BMI, TuneCore, Sony Music Entertainment, Pirate!, ASCAP, the U.S. House of Representatives, WSOU, Universal Music Group, PledgeMusic, NPR, SoundCloud, the New York Times, Vevo, Music Glue, Roc Nation, Littlstar, Recode and more. 

At night, Mondo.NYC curates and presents a compelling line-up of national and international artists -- from the new and emerging to those on the precipice of global success, playing in the music capital of the world, New York City.

Mondo.NYC is proud to partner with quintessential New York City music venue Rockwood Music Hall. Rockwood will be Mondo’s home base for nighttime events and artist showcases. 

According to Mondo’s Bobby Haber, “Since Rockwood opened in early 2006, it has become one of New York’s go to spots to see exciting new and emerging live music from talented local and international artists. Located in New York City’s Lower East Side, Rockwood’s three stages will host nightly performances, featuring local, national and global artists. Rockwood's intimate rooms and world-class sound provide an environment in which the artist and their audience get up close and personal, providing the perfect stage for music discovery.”

Rockwood’s Ken Rockwood and Matt Currie added “We are excited to be Mondo.NYC 2017’s nightly home base for both showcasing artists and the thought-forward music and tech business entrepreneurs who will travel to NYC from around the globe for this event. We look forward to opening our stages to many talented and yet to be discovered artists. It is an exciting and rapidly changing time in the music business and we hope to provide an environment in which there can be engaging and thought provoking conversations about what lays ahead.”

During Mondo.NYC, Rockwood will be joined by multiple iconic venue affiliates in Manhattan and Brooklyn showcasing a diverse and dynamic slate of domestic and global artists. 

Our exclusive Apply to Play partner for Mondo.NYC 2017 is Music Glue. Music Glue is a specialist e-commerce platform for the music business that makes it easy for fans to buy music, merchandise, tickets and experiences directly from the artists they love, in one simple transaction. Artists, managers, labels, merchandisers and promoters use Music Glue to control their online presence and e-commerce with ease, owning their data and selling anything, to anyone, anywhere, via any device, in over 25 languages and currencies. Music Glue was founded in 2007 and is global, with offices in London (HQ), New York and Sydney. It is free for artists to apply via Music Glue.

Artists wishing to be considered for showcase performances should apply HERE.

AUCKLAND ARTS FESTIVAL’S WHĀNUI

Auckland communities tell the stories of our incredibly diverse city

AAF IN COLLABORATION WITH PARTICIPANTS FROM GLEN INNES, SANDRINGHAM, MĀNGERE, FLAT BUSH, NORTHCOTE, OTARA, HENDERSON AND MORE.

In 2017, for the first time, Auckland Arts Festival is producing Whānui – five large-scale, community-based projects that will widen the Festival’s embrace from Otara to Northcote, Henderson to Glenn Innes and Flat Bush.

Whānui is a series of participatory works commissioned by the Auckland Arts Festival in collaboration with established artists and community representatives. All five projects culminate in a free event, giving as many people as possible the opportunity to see the power of community art in practice.

Featuring hundreds of participants, including 40 photographers aged 6 to 12yrs, Whānui is a celebration and showcase of the diversity of our Tāmaki Makaurau.

Auckland Arts Festival Artistic Director, Carla van Zon says, “Diversity is at the heart of the Auckland Arts Festival’s programming philosophy, and we are committed to engaging with the many different people who call Auckland home. The Festival not only wants to connect with this vast audience, but also with each community’s stories, ideas and performances.

“While we have collaborated with a wide range of artists in the past, Whānui is an exciting new collaboration between the Festival and a number of different communities and age groups, where the artwork is developed by the participants to enjoy with their families and friends. Already our hearts have been warmed by the delight on children’s faces as they receive their cameras in the Eye Spy project, and we are so excited by the unique photographs they are producing. We can’t wait to share these and many more stories, sounds and flavours of Auckland in March.”

Whānui is supported by Creative New Zealand and Foundation North through The Auckland Diversity Project Fund.

The five projects are:

He Korowai Hapori (Our Community Cloak) 
Blessing & Opening at 1-12.30pm on Saturday 18 March
Exhibition at Te Whare Piringa, 29A Fenchurch Street, Glenn Innes, 18-26 March

Auckland’s landscape is changing at lightning speed, with Glen Innes as one of the epicentres of the housing developments.

He Korowai Hapori is a project lead by Ruapotaka Marae to create a large-scale korowai, that will incorporate 7,500 tiny perspex houses. Throughout February, dozens of people from a cross-section of community groups are joining in the creative process at Ruapotaka Marae and Te Whare Piringa Fenchurch.

Samaroh – The Great Indian Carnival
Saturday 18 March 6-10pm at Sandringham Road Reserve

Sandringham is already famous for its abundance of eateries from across the South East Asian region. In March, Prayas Theatre Company will be ramping up the spice and colour saturation, transforming Sandringham Road Reserve with the hustle, bustle, sights and sounds of an Indian night market. With street performers and live music, there’s also a special don’t-miss mention for the Bollywood karaoke. 

Fonua
Saturday 11 & Sunday 12 March 8pm at Māngere Arts Centre

The Pacific Islands are amongst the first countries in the world to be affected by climate change, as their precious landmass succumbs to rising sea levels.

Created by a group of some of Auckland's emerging Pacific theatre artists alongside as many as 50 community members, Fonua (Tongan for Land) is a performance piece from our Polynesian community, incorporating dance, music, and song.

Repertoire: Hip Hop Frequencies & Visual Sequences
Saturday 11 March 11am-3pm at Tōia, Ōtāhuhu (watch the creation of street art) & Saturday 18 March 10pm-1am at Basement Theatre and Bar, Auckland (MC event)

In an age where contemporary American culture dominates our screens and airwaves, it’s often the case that our own NZ stories are left unknown and untold.

Working in collaboration with radio REPFM, six MCs from all over Tāmaki Makaurau, and six street artists from FDKNS (Forever Def Kings Never Surrender) will embark on an Auckland-wide bus-tour to learn stories from their own communities, before responding to these insights through hip hop and art. 

Eye Spy

Give 40 cameras to 40 kids, add in some professional photography guidance and workshops, and the result is a fresh perspective on young lives and what is important to them. 

With the chance that among these young creatives are tomorrow’s leaders and decision makers, their young view of the world should be noted. Giving them these new skills are four respected professional photographers: Brendan Kitto, Emily Mafile’o, Raymond Sagapolutele and Jos Wheeler.

Exhibitions:    
Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple in Flat Bush, 8-23 March
Northart at Northcote Shopping Centre, 11-23 March
Otara Leisure Centre, 8-26 March
Corban Estate Art Centre in Henderson, 17-20 March

One photo from each child will also be exhibited in the Festival Garden for the duration of the Festival. And be sure to look out for Phantom posters around the central city!

DETAILS

ABOUT THE AAF

Taking place annually in March, the Auckland Arts Festival is a globally recognised event that celebrates people and culture, and showcases the unrivalled location, cultural diversity and vibrant energy of New Zealand’s largest city. Over 1.6 million people have attended the Festivals to date.

Auckland Arts Festival is governed by the Auckland Festival Trust. Trustees are John Judge (Chair), Rick Carlyon, Evan Davies, Sarah Judkins, Tarun Kanji, Margaret Kāwharu MNZM, Jim Moser, Ben Taufua, Angela Clatworthy and Fred Ward. The Trust receives core funding from Auckland Council through the Auckland Regional Amenities Funding Act, and Creative New Zealand through the Toi Tōtara Haemata programme.

The Executive Team comprises Chief Executive David Inns and Artistic Director, Carla van Zon.

Significant support for AAF 2017 is received from Foundation North, Pub Charity, NZ Community Trust and The Lion Foundation.

GIBBS FARM OPEN DAY – THE NEW ZEALAND MUSIC FOUNDATION

Gibbs Farm, the private Kaipara sculpture park owned by entrepreneur Alan Gibbs, is to open its gates on Thursday March 23in a fundraiser for music charity The New Zealand Music Foundation. 

As the Farm is rarely open for the public to visit, the fundraising day is a special opportunity for supporters of The New Zealand Music Foundation to view Gibbs’ unique collection of 22 artworks by renowned sculptors from around the world. 

The New Zealand Music Foundation General Manager, Peter Dickens, says: “The creative drive within those in the visual arts and music is equally powerful and one we fundamentally understand. Those who attend this event will experience a blend of built and natural landscape that will affect them in ways they haven’t experienced before. We’re very grateful to the Gibbs Farm trustees for supporting our work to change lives through music with this rare opportunity.”

Tickets are on sale now from NZ Tix, with the proceeds contributing to support the efforts of The New Zealand Music Foundation. 

Private car parking is available on site, and The Foundation will also be providing bus travel to the farm from the Auckland CBD at an additional cost. 

No beverages or food are available for purchase onsite, but food can be brought into the park and pre-ordered picnic lunchboxes are also available at an additional cost.

Full details’ regarding transport and food options is online at NZTix

In brief:

Gibbs Farm Open Day, sculpture walk (3-4km total). www.gibbsfarm.org.nz

Gibbs Farm, 2421 Kaipara Coast Highway, R.D. 4, Warkworth, 0984

Thursday 23 March, 10am – 2pm

Tickets:                     

$80.00 - numbers strictly limited

Transport:                

There is private car parking onsite. The NZ Music Foundation will also be providing bus travel to the farm from the Auckland CBD at an additional cost.

Food:

Pre-ordered picnic lunchboxes are available at an additional cost.  No beverages or food are available for purchase onsite and alcohol is not permitted.

Tickets, picnic boxes and bus passes are all available to purchase from NZTix