NZ MUSIC COMMISSION ANNOUNCES ITS PILOT INDUSTRY INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME

The NZ Music Commission is excited to announce the launch of its pilot Industry Internship Programme for 2018, which will run from March.         

The programme seeks to partner eight interns and eight NZ music businesses together with the intent to add value to one another, and develop the knowledge, networks and career potential for the interns.

Internships are available nationwide where it is possible to match a potential intern with an appropriate host music business or organisation.

The Internships will run for 55 days either part-time over an 18 week period or full-time over an 11 week period. Thanks to the generous support of Creative New Zealand for this pilot scheme, all interns will be paid for their internships (in accordance with living wage recommendations). The host companies will be expected to make a modest contribution towards the intern's wages.

The New Zealand Music Commission invites both potential interns and host music companies or organisations to apply from 20 January 2018. 

The NZ Music Commission strongly believes that music is a vital and vibrant part of our culture and is excited to facilitate these partnerships as part of its ongoing work to support the growth of the NZ music industry.

To download the Intern application form click here.

To download the Host Organisation aplication form click here.

To download the FAQ's click here

BAY OF ISLANDS MUSIC FESTIVAL

The BAY OF ISLANDS MUSIC FESTIVAL is serving up an amazing mix of international and New Zealand roots, soul, funk and blues this Easter. The event takes place on Sat 31 March 2018 at the Copthorne Hotel and Resort, a stunning waterfront location adjacent to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

The first announcement features roots superstar JIMMY CLIFF (JAMAICA), the Island-style soul of BOBBY ALU (AUSTRALIA) and the absolute cream of Aotearoa roots, soul and funk including KATCHAFIRE, TEEKS, LOUIS BAKER and ROB RUHA. Several more artists will be announced in the coming month.

JIMMY CLIFF is one of the world’s most influential music icons. This Grammy Award winner and Rock n Roll Hall of Fame inductee is credited with bringing reggae to the world with his incredible catalogue of hits including Reggae Nights, The Harder They Come, I Can See Clearly Now, Many Rivers To Cross and Wild World. Jimmy Cliff’s career now spans almost 60 years, an unbelievable achievement made all the more incredible once you have experienced his live performances that burst with energy, passion and high kicks. Don’t miss this chance to see the legend live!

“We are proud to have secured this amazing event” said Andrew Whittaker, General Manager of the Copthorne, Pahia, “Festival-goers can expect world-class music and a taste of our Northland arts and culture in a truly beautiful setting.”

In addition to the musical feast, concert-goers will be able to enjoy gourmet food, local wines and craft beers, as well as arts and cultural activities.

Taking advantage of the hotel setting, one accommodation wing is transformed into a unique Festival VIP Zone. The VIP Rooms all have a balcony or deck over-looking the festival site, with a premium view of the stage and Te Tii Bay. These will be in hot demand and are limited in number.

Earlybird tickets go on sale to Jacman Entertainment and Eventfinda subscribers only this Wednesday, 24 January at 9am.  Tickets will be available to the general public from 9am, Thursday 25 January. Tickets are very limited due to site restrictions, so be quick!

BAY OF ISLANDS MUSIC FESTIVAL

COPTHORNE, BAY OF ISLANDS

1 TAU HENARE DR, WAITANGI

SATURDAY 31 MARCH 2018

GATES OPEN 1PM

BOOK AT EVENTFINDA.CO.NZ or 0800 BUY TIX (289 849)

2018 VODAFONE PACIFIC MUSIC AWARDS - NOMINATIONS OPEN

The Pacific Music Awards Trust are happy to announce that the 2018 Vodafone Pacific Music Awards will be held on Thursday 24 May 2018, at the Vodafone Events Centre, Auckland.

The annual Pacific Music Awards event celebrates Pacific music and Pacific artists.  The awards provides the opportunity to honour the achievements and success of our current Pacific artists and also pay tribute to legacy and developing artists.  

The 2018 awards celebrate the music released in 2017.  Pacific artists who have released singles, EPs or albums for sale during 1 January – 31 December 2017, will be eligible to enter.  All NZ Pacific artists can enter all the categories listed, except for Best International Pacific Artist, which is for artists from overseas.   To confirm an artist’s eligibility, please read the 2018 PMA Terms and Conditions document which is available on our website

Nominations are open for all the entered award categories and are due by Thursday 1 February 2018.  All nominations are completed online and can be submitted by the artist or their representative.  The entered categories for 2018 are confirmed as the following:

·       Best Pacific Group

·       Best Pacific Female Artist

·       Best Pacific Male Artist

·       Best Pacific Language

·       Best Pacific Song

·       Best Pacific Music Video

·       Best Pacific Gospel Artist

·       Best Pacific Urban Artist

·       Best Producer

·       Best International Pacific Artist

·       Best Pacific Music Album (nb: NZ Music Award ‘Tui’)

For those considering nominating an artist, please note the deadline of 1 February 2018.  To confirm the details to submit a nomination, please email:info@pacificmusicawards.org.nz

Details and profiles from the 2017 Vodafone Pacific Music Awards can be found through the online magazine 4/4

The Pacific Music Awards Trust is looking forward to planning the celebration of Pacific music and to sharing this special event with you, so please save the date of 24 May 2018!    

If you have any questions about the Pacific Music Awards or the nomination process, please contact us.  For more details about the awards, please go to:  www.pacificmusicawards.org.nz 

AUCKLAND JOINS UNESCO CREATIVE CITIES NETWORK

Auckland is now officially a City of Music, joining the UNESCO Creative Cities Network announced this morning.

The cultural arm of the United Nations, UNESCO, launched the Creative Cities Network in 2004 to promote social, economic and cultural development among cities who have identified creativity as a strategic factor and enabler for sustainable urban development. Auckland will join the 116 members from 54 countries around the world covering seven creative fields.

Councillor Alf Filipaina, a staunch supporter of the bid made by Auckland Council working with Recorded Music NZ and APRA (Australasian Performing Right Association), is thrilled to share Auckland’s distinctive sound with the world and strengthen music opportunities in the city.

“From indie folk and brass bands to waiata aroha, the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra and Lorde, there’s no doubt music is a part of us. It goes right to Auckland’s roots, with waiata woven into our history and everyday culture,” he says.

“Supporting Auckland as a creative city and growing our music industry will enrich city life, the cultural landscape and build community identity and liveability for all Aucklanders.

In 2016, Auckland Council adopted Toi Whῑtiki, an arts and culture strategic action plan designed to promote economic growth in the industry. The city is already home to around half of New Zealand’s creative sector, with more than 18,000 Aucklanders working in the field.

Recorded Music NZ, instrumental in driving the application, brought together key music industry stakeholders including APRA, NZ Music Commission and NZ On Air.

Mark Roach at Recorded Music NZ says he’s excited about the potential the new status will have for Auckland’s future. “Music is a transformative power, not only as a cultural staple but also as an economic driver for the city. We are thrilled to receive this good news; the designation will support the development of a creative eco-system, strengthen the social fabric and position of Auckland as the music capital of the Pacific.” 

Research reveals seven in 10 Aucklanders have attended a music event in the last three years, making the most of a plethora of concerts and festivals held in the city. Songwriter Moana Maniapoto, Pacific musician Opetaia Foa’i and Gin Wigmore, are among the many who have propelled Auckland music onto the world stage.

Ant Healey at APRA says, “Auckland is fortunate to enjoy one of the most diverse and unique music scenes in the world. We look forward to bringing together all aspects of the music community, leveraging their special skill sets and collective experience to showcase our musical strength internationally. We want Auckland to be a place where music can thrive for the benefit of everyone who lives here.” 

The global network will open up opportunities for collaborations between the music industry and other member cities, opening the door for international cooperation and knowledge exchange.

Aucklanders can be proud to know their city has been recognised alongside 18 other international cities of music, a “creative city” with music as its vital sign, as its heartbeat.

COASTELLA MUSIC FESTIVAL LINE-UP ANNOUNCED FOR 2018

Coastella Music Festival is proud to announce its line-up for 2018, for the return of the vibrant Kapiti summer festival on 17th February 2018. Building on the growing success of the first two festivals, the 2018 line-up showcases a diverse range of local and international music from energetic folk and indie rock to Japanese banjo, brass and Balkan madness!

Iconic New Zealand band The Black Seeds will bring their contemporary groove reggae rhythms, following the release of their new album Fabric. Singer/songwriter Nadia Reid (nominated for an Apra Silver Scrolls Award for her song Richard earlier this year) joins the line-up straight back from her UK/European tour, and the Hot Potato Band (Aus) blend world music influences with an Australian edge to create a sound of brass and drums ‘known to cause a severe case of happy fever’.

Other international offerings are George & Noriko (Jap/Aus) with a unique sound of Japanese banjo blues, their energetic and original music earning them a place as finalists on Australia’s Got Talent 2012 and favourites at CubaDupa 2017. My Baby (NZ/Nld) join us from Amsterdam with their roots driven hypnotic dance music, and The Young Folk (Ire) have a sound which has seen them compared with Fleet Foxes, Bon Iver and Crosby Stills & Nash. Jordie Lane and the Sleepers (Aus) play psychedelic rock reminiscent of The Beatles’ Sgt Pepper.

Our highly acclaimed homegrown talent includes Louis Baker with neo soul sounds, joined by his new band boasting some of the tightest, funkiest, and most solid of rhythm sections in the Wellington music scene. Mermaidens offer a mesmerising dip into the realms of post-punk and psych, and current radio favourites Glass Vaults blend subtle electronics and pulsating percussion to create a unique brand of transcendental psychedelic pop. The Frank Burkitt Band draw upon influences from folk, jazz, blues, swing, soul and all things American Roots, and Neko Ne Zna bring an energetic Balkan Gypsy brass extravaganza. On home turf in Kapiti are Jeep Road who play a mix of contemporary blues and soul. 

The music and dancing will continue into the night, with the Coastella After Party (R18), with Rhombus in Dub bringing their big rolling sound and lively stage show and Olmecha Supreme featuring New Zealandʻs champion Rap Boxer "King Home Boy" and Captain Imon Starr.

Coastella features a main stage set in a natural grassy amphitheatre, a lake stage offering an idyllic setting to relax with friends, and Tiny Town returns, the 10 foot shipping container converted into an intimate musical venue, offering a chance to get up close and personal with some of the bands. Food vendors will once again be hand-picked by Visa Wellington On A Plate.

With its stellar line up and unique natural setting, Coastella is a chance to enjoy a summer musical discovery in the heart of Kapiti.

A limited 500 Adult and 100 Family Early Bird tickets are now on sale from Eventfinda until sold out. Tickets are limited so pre-booking is recommended. Coastella Festival is at Southward Car Museum, on Saturday 17 Feb 2018 and is being produced with funding from Kapiti Coast District Council.

Return buses will travel from the Wellington CBD. All details at coastella.co.nz. The bus stop is outside Pipitea Marae across the road from Freedom Furniture. 

Full Coastella 2018 Line-up:

The Black Seeds
Hot Potato Band (Aus) 
Nadia Reid
Louis Baker
My Baby (Nld) 
George & Noriko (Jap/Aus) Mermaidens
Glass Vaults
Jordie Lane & the Sleepers (Aus) 
The Young Folk (Ire) 
The Frank Burkitt Band (Scot/NZ) 
Niko Ne Zna
Jeep Road

Afterparty with Rhombus In Dub Olmecha Supreme
NB: Shows after 9pm will be held in the venue and are R18.

Website: www.coastella.co.nz
Twitter: www.twitter.com/coastellanz
Facebook: www.facebook.com/coastella

ICONIC HEADLINERS ANNOUNCE THE RETURN OF AUCKLAND CITY LIMITS 2018

Musical icons Beck and Grace Jones sit atop the lineup released for the 2018 AUCKLAND CITY LIMITS music festival.
 
The festival is back to Western Springs Stadium and Park on 3 March 2018 and headliners also include French acts with incredible festival pedigree in the form of house duo Justice and synth-pop stars Phoenix.
 
Auckland City Limits today released a first announce line-up featuring:
 
BECK – JUSTICE – GRACE JONES – PHOENIX – PEKING DUK – TASH SULTANA— GEORGE EZRA — THE LIBERTINES – THUNDERCAT – THE HEAD AND THE HEART – THE AVALANCHES – OH WONDER – THE D4 – CAR SEAT HEADREST – THE STAVES – SIGRID – AARADHNA – HEAD LIKE A HOLE – KATCHAFIRE – SWIDT – DRAX PROJECT AND THE RETURN OF THE GOLDEN DAWN @ ACL WITH FABULOUS/ARABIA, DISASTERADIO, SCOTT MANION (TOKEY TONES), MAGIC FACTORY, THE BETHS, JON LEMMON, HEAVY, TOURETTES AKA DOMINIC HOEY, DJ TINA TURNTABLES, DJ LINDA T AND MC PAUL AMOS & THE TALK SHOW AND TELL COMEDY GANG

Auckland City Limits will announce additional performers as well as details about Auckland Eats, local artworks, an artisanal market, Auckland Kiddie Limits and more soon.
 
A limited number of Earlybird tickets at $179.90 go on sale to the general public via Ticketmaster at 9am on 1 November, preceded by an exclusive pre-sale for Spark customers commencing on 30 October.
 
Inspired by and aligned with the world-class Austin City Limits Music Festival in Austin, Texas, Auckland City Limits fuses the best elements of Austin’s premier festival with a New Zealand flavour and spirit, creating an event that celebrates the spirit and heritage of Auckland.
 
ABOUT THE LINE-UP:
 
Musical maverick Beck arrives in New Zealand for the first time in more than two decades, fresh off the back of the release of his brand new and critically lauded album “Colors”. Beck’s transformative influence on the musical landscape extends back to his hip-hop folk debut ‘Loser’ and classic albums of the 1990s like Odelay and Mellow Gold while his latest albums continue Beck’s brilliantly eccentric path between troubadour pop persona and wild funk fun. As US publication Journal Sentinel noted of a recent show, “from hip-hop prankster to futuristic funk master to sensitive folkie, Beck's chameleonic career, well represented across 90 minutes, has a consistent throughline. His strongest songs are imaginatively created, impeccably executed, incredibly catchy and as alive as music can be.”
 
Grace Jones needs little introduction. The Jamaican born star is one of the most unforgettable artists to emerge from the 1970s New York disco scene, going on to become one of the biggest acts of the 80s as, aided by Sly & Robbie, she created a string of reggaefied rock hits. Her stage shows are legendary – expect to see costume changes (or just plain old body painting!) and – yes – hula hooping along with all her classic songs. As the UK Telegraph noted of her recent headline performance at the Wilderness festival, the 69 year-old superstar has “become one of the most consistently entertaining festival headliners in recent years”.
 
Justice come to Auckland having played mind-melting sets at Coachella, Lollapalooza and Glastonbury this year packed with their spectacular visual effects and massive production. The duo manage to carve out a show encompassing elements with everything from rock to disco into a show at Coachella that Dancing Astronaut claimed showed they “aren’t simply good DJs – they’re the best dance-rock band in the f**king world”.
 
The '1901' and 'Lisztomania' hitmakers Phoenix have returned in 2017 with an acclaimed sixth album and an international tour showcasing old songs and new with breathtaking visuals packed with striking optical illusions that NME’s review of Shaky Knees festival in Atlanta said “had the power to turn a dusty park into a futuristic disco utopia”.
 
Heading deeper into the festival bill takes in acts as diverse as Los Angeles cosmic funkateer Thundercat, whose album Drunk featuring Kendrick Lamar, Wiz Khalifa and Kamasi Washington is one of many critics’ outstanding albums of 2017. Flying out from Seattle are indie folksters The Head and The Heart and lo-fi artisans Car Seat Headrest, the latter coming back on the heels of an inspired performance at Laneway 2017.
 
Its UK contingent boasts the ever-controversial indie guitar legends The Libertines making their first ever appearance here, blues-pop balladeer George Ezra, electronic pop duo Oh Wonder and Bon Iver-endorsed folk siblings The Staves.
 
Norwegian electronic pop sensation Sigrid promises not to kill our vibe and Auckland City Limits also brings out the most alluring Australian contingent to head over the Tasman in memory. Peking Duk have delivered a string of huge pop electronic hits in recent times, while few acts of the past decade can match the influence of The Avalanches. The wave of worldwide excitement for the phenomenon that is Tash Sultana is something very special and the multi-instrumental solo genius has sold out every show she has played this year including an incendiary NZ tour in May.
 
Highlights of the local lineup include the thrilling return of sweat-soaked rock’n’rollers The D4after a decade away from the stage, r’n’b soul diva Aaradhna, thundering veterans Head Like A Hole, globe-trotting reggae act Katchafire, Onehunga’s finest representatives SWIDT and Drax Project, the Wellington youngsters many pick as the most exciting new live act in the country.
 
Plus there is the return of a packed line-up of indie fun and comedy frolics in The Golden Dawn @ ACL, bringing Ponsonby Rd’s most legendary venue since the Gluepot back to pop up at the festival with musical highlights like Mike Fabulous of The Black Seeds and Lawrence Arabia’s joint offering and more.

GIRLS ROCK! CAMP COMES TO AUCKLAND AND LAUNCHES CROWD-FUNDING CAMPAIGN

Feminist music programme Girls Rock! Camp Aotearoa is coming to New Zealand for the first time in 2018.  

Launching at MAINZ in Auckland from 15-19 January 2018, Girls Rock! Camp is a week-long holiday programme for young women*, where music is the medium to build confidence, empowerment and foster social change.

Up to 40 campers between the ages of 12-17 years will fhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dbx5PM8jH3worm bands, learn instruments, attend workshops and write an original song to be performed at a concert for friends and family at the end of the week. 

The kaupapa of Girls Rock! Camp Aotearoa is to create the world we want to live in - a more equal and inspiring place. That's why today we're launching a crowd-funding campaign! Check out our video to learn more:

We are a group of feminist musicians from bands like Street Chant, The Beths, Wax Chattels and more, alongside music lovers with years of music industry experience. We are committed to guiding the advancement and empowerment of young women- but we need the support of the public!

We have received generous funding from APRA, Recorded Music New Zealand, the NZ Music Commission and MAINZ, but we need you too.
Our goal is to hold a professional and affordable programme, so we have launched a crowd-funding campaign via Boosted to raise our funding goal of $7000.

Donations will go toward crucial costs such as equipment hire and tutor fees, helping to put on the best quality camp possible and keep the programme accessible for all. We want to provide free scholarship placements for families that need it, and the more money we raise, the more scholarships we can offer.

Please head to our Boosted page and donate today. Your generosity will help provide young women, trans and gender nonconforming youth with the chance to create, learn and grow, and make some noise!

To read more, or to apply to be a camper or mentor, head to our website www.girlsrockcamp.co.nz. 

*"Young Women” includes female, trans and and gender non-conforming youth.

FINAL MOMENTS

Meow & Caroline announce joint New Year’s party Final Moments
 

Meow and Caroline are excited to announce their joint New Year’s party Final Moments. The multi venue, three stage event will take place on Sunday 31st December with support from a diverse range of New Zealand artists. Early Bird tickets are available now from Just The Ticket.

The mystery lineup features a range of electronic and alternative music from across the country as well as a classic New Zealand BBQ to kick off the evening! With two stages going at Caroline and Meow being just a stone’s throw away, Final Moments is going to be a fun and accessible event for all.

Meow and Caroline owner Damian Jones says he’s really excited for the inner city event.

“This is the first time we’ve brought together both venues for one event and I’m stoked with how much effort the organisers are putting into creating this inner city New Year’s party.”

Although the lineup is going to be kept a mystery for now, he can confirm that 2017 will be going out with a bang(er). One of the confirmed mystery artists has expressed their excitement with the following statement:

“Cannot wait for 2017 to be over purely because I am so glad to be playing what I know will be the best New Year’s party in NZ! I’m looking forward to so many moments to cherish, cannot wait to dance, dance for hours and take selfies in the bathroom”