NZ MUSIC T-SHIRT DAY SET TO ROUND OUT NZ MUSIC MONTH

NZ Music T-Shirt Day is a nationwide celebration of the music of Aotearoa and the power music has to make a positive difference in our lives. Raising funds for MusicHelpsLive, an appeal launched by the MusicHelps charity to directly help those working in the New Zealand music industry, Kiwis are encouraged to don their favourite Kiwi band or artist T-Shirt and make a donation on Friday 29th May.

Launched in 2019 around the Vodafone NZ Music Awards, the first event went on to raise $30,000. This year’s NZ Music T-shirt Day has moved to NZ Music Month to raise much needed funds to provide emergency financial and wellbeing support to those working in the live event and music space. An industry whose ability to earn a living has been severely impacted by the ongoing Covid-19 situation.

“The impact that Covid-19 has had and is having on the local music industry and those who rely on it for their livelihood is massive,” says MusicHelps Board Chair Campbell Smith. “NZ Music T-Shirt Day is a great way for kiwis to show support for the industry, the artists and the workers, as well as raise some much-needed funds to support our colleagues in this difficult time.”

Kiwis are encouraged to dig out their favourite piece of merchandise or band T-Shirt and encourage friends, whanau and workmates to do the same. Take a fabulous photo (or 3!) and upload to your favourite social media using the #nzmusictshirtday hashtag. It's then really easy to donate via your mobile phone by texting "MUSIC" to 2448 to contribute $3 to the MusicHelpsLive appeal. Alternatively, you can click the donation links at nzmusictshirtday.org.nz to donate to the appeal (at any amount) via Give A Little and PayPal.

For a full list of Kiwi bands and artists who are currently selling merchandise online, please click HERE: https://musichelpslive.co.nz/support-the-artists/

TROY KINGI WINS 2020 TAITE MUSIC PRIZE

The winner of the Taite Music Prize 2020 is Troy Kingi for his
deep-roots/reggae album  Troy Kingi & the Upperclass - Holy Colony Burning Acres

Auckland Live Best Independent Debut is awarded to Dunedin-based songwriter Millie Lovelock for
Repulsive Woman - Relief

Murray Cammick was presented with the Independent Spirit Award for his contributions to music through photography, journalism, radio and more!

The Independent Music NZ Classic Record award was presented to Shona Laing for her iconic album South released in 1987.

The annual Taite Music Prize awards ceremony took a slightly different stage this year due to COVID-19 regulations. Originally to take place at Auckland's Q Theatre in April, the awards ceremony found a new home via webstream on Facebook, YouTube and undertheradar.co.nz. Kiwis nationwide tuned into the prestigious awards alongside some of Aotearoa's finest musicians to watch winners accept their awards through video. 

Prime Minister, Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern delighted us with a quick appearance, presenting the main award and acknowledging the depth of loss COVID-19 has made on the music industry, "These are uncertain times but something I’m sure about is our [music] industry will be a vital contributor to New Zealand's recovery and we are working hard as a government - as we speak - to make sure that the arts are at the centre of our revitalisation."

The Taite Music Prize highlights outstanding New Zealand albums released in the past calendar year. The award is open to all genres of music from any record label and judged on artistic merit, regardless of genre or sales. Named after the late Dylan Taite, one of the country’s most highly respected music journalists, The Taite Music Prize recognises outstanding creativity in an entire collection of music contained on one recording.

The Taite Music Prize was awarded to the much-deserving Troy Kingi who delivered Holy Colony Burning Acres last July with his band The Upperclass. The album dives into worldwide indigenous politics, namely, colonisation and the crippling effects it has on today's social climate. Embedded in electrifying 70's-style deep roots/reggae, Troy Kingi takes these issues head-on with Marley-inspired political consciousness. Holy Colony Burning Acres is the third instalment in Troy Kingi's 10/10/10 series: 10 albums in 10 genres in 10 years. Keep an eye out for his next project due later this year!

Troy receives a cash prize of $12,500 from Taite Music Prize founding partner, Recorded Music NZ; recording time at the Red Bull Studios in Auckland; and a years supply of Red Bull product.

The Auckland Live Best Independent Debut was awarded to Repulsive Woman the solo project of Millicent Lovelock. One-half of alt/indie duo Astro Children, Millie has also been releasing music under the moniker Repulsive Woman since 2015. She spent 2018 at the Red Bull Music Academy in Berlin and in 2019 released her debut album Relief. The eight-track album is an elusive, guitar-driven exploration of self in the context of modern society. Millie uniquely crafts soothing melodies with intricate lyrics to convey inner-conflicts and societal pressures.

Repulsive Woman receives a $2000 cash prize and a live performance opportunity thanks to Auckland Live.

Graham Reid (esteemed journalist and founder of elsewhere.co.nz) presented the Independent Music NZ Classic Record, an award that celebrates an iconic New Zealand record that continues to inspire us today. This year's panel gave praise to Shona Laing's synth-soaked album South released in 1987 on Pagan Records (NZ). South marked a significant shift in Shona’s career where synth-pop suddenly took the reins, her insightful lyrics, both poetic and political, remained. Following South, Shona toured internationally, produced five more albums, received two APRA Silver Scroll awards and was inducted into the NZ Music Hall of Fame in 2013! Upon receiving the Classic Record award Shona expressed her joy in saying "It’s blissful. It’s the sweetest award I think I’ve ever had."

In 2019, Independent Music NZ introduced a new award to celebrate a New Zealand person whose work in the industry assists in the growth of local musicians and creatives alike. This year the Independent Spirit Award was presented to Murray Cammick who continues to be a highly influential figure in music. Cammick has been an exemplary all-rounder in the music industry since the '70s, having contributed through his work in photography, journalism, radio and more. He co-founded seminal music magazine RipItUp in 1977 and with Simon Lynch, launched Southside Records in 1989 (Moana and the Moa Hunters, Upper Hutt Posse, Ngaire). Cammick documented important cultural moments including Bob Marley's visit to Aotearoa in 1979. His "fly on the wall" approach meant he was able to capture rare and unique moments of big stars including Iggy Pop, George Benson, Debbie Harry and Siouxie Sioux. 

MC’s for the evening’s proceedings were 95bFM’s Sarah Thomson and IMNZ Chairperson and founder of Loop Recordings, Mikee Tucker.

The Taite Music Prize panel tasked with determining the finalists was made up of an extensive selection of music media/industry specialists. The finalist judges made their decision based entirely on the artistic merit on the album. Sales, genres, artist recognition or popularity are not contributing factors in their decision-making process.

FINALISTS ANNOUNCED FOR 2020 NZ CHILDREN’S MUSIC AWARDS

A tiny pony with a lofty goal, shuffling worms underground and Te Reo Māori are all thoroughly explored by this year’s finalists for the 2020 Children’s Music Awards – an annual presentation celebrating music written for kids.

The Children’s Music Awards celebrate the storytellers, the rhymers, the singers and groovers who write and perform the songs that ignite a love for music in New Zealand children.  Music universally brings a magical joy to the senses and plays an especially pivotal role in our children’s lives, spinning their stories and swaying their souls.

We are very pleased to announce the finalists for the 2020 APRA Best Children's Music Song, the Recorded Music NZ Te Kaipuoro Waiata Tamariki Toa / Best Children’s Music Artist, and the NZ On Air Best Children's Music Video.

APRA Best Children's Song finalists:
- Kath Bee and Doug Stenhouse for I Love Life (feat. Joelle)
- Aro for Korimako written by Emily and Charles Looker
- Ben Sinclair and Jeremy Dillon for Tony the Tiny Pony

Recorded Music NZ Te Kaipuoro Waiata Tamariki Toa / Best Children’s Music Artist finalists:
- Anika Moa
- Captain Festus McBoyle
- Chris Sanders

NZ On Air Best Children's Music Video finalists: 
- Little Ripples for Read To Me video by Emily Benge
- Chris Sanders for Tahi Tahi Tahi Ambulance Song
- Ben Sinclair and Jeremy Dillon for Tony the Tiny Pony, video by Ned Wenlock
- The Nukes for Worms, video by Parry Jones and Christian Tjandrawinata

Presented by Recorded Music NZ, APRA NZ and NZ On Air, the awards have the support of Kiwi Kids Music, the national association of children’s songwriters, creators and producers.  Formed by some of the most passionate creators of music for Kiwi Kids and currently chaired by Suzy Cato, the association supports NZ children’s music creators and seeks to advance the potential of all our children to live healthy fulfilling lives.

NZ On Air have created a special spotify playlist celebrating this years finalists available here.

Winners will be announced later this month at a special virtual awards ceremony – more details to come.

NZ MUSIC MONTH’S 20TH ANNIVERSARY KICKS OFF!

A HOST OF INNOVATIVE EVENTS PLANNED FOR THE MONTH OF MAY, AS KIWIS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SUPPORT AOTEAROA’S MUSIC INDUSTRY

Today marks the first day of Aotearoa’s iconic month-long NZ Music Month celebrations. Now in its twentieth year, the month of May is brimming with fantastic new releases from artists across Aotearoa, alongside innovative online events, promotions and awards for Kiwis to support New Zealand’s dynamic music industry.

As New Zealanders adjust to the new norm of living under Level 3, one thing remains unchanged and that’s the stellar music being made by Kiwi musicians. The theme for 2020’s NZ Music Month is: Support local. Stream local. Follow local. Buy local.

NZ Music Month’s Rodney Fisher commented: “This is a time to feel proud of our musicians and music industry as we find our feet again and make plans for the future… let’s all have a great month enjoying and supporting each other.”

It’s been thirty years since a 7-inch vinyl was pressed in Aotearoa, and the team at Holiday Records are excited to present a special promotion to select an aspiring artist to have their music pressed as New Zealand’s first 7-inch since 1987. Entries are open until Wednesday 13th May and the prize includes 300 x 7-inch records pressed and packaged by Holiday Records, recording time and mixing from Roundhead Studios, vinyl mastering from Munki Studios and artworks and creative services from Sunday Best. More information is available on Holidays Records’ website.

This year’s NZ Music Month Summit will return on Saturday 23rd May as an online event in collaboration with the NZ Music Manager’s Forum. There will be discussions with NZ artists and music industry professionals around the NZ Music Month theme of supporting our local music industry. More exciting details to follow on guest speakers and panels.

The hugely popular NZ Music T-Shirt Day returns on Friday May 29th, with Kiwis encouraged to wear their favourite music t-shirt and donate to the MusicHelps Lives appeal. The charity is providing vital support to Kiwi music people affected by COVID-19. New Zealanders can text MUSIC to 2448 to donate $3 or visit the Givealittle page. To make it even sweeter, Bandcamp are waiving their fees on Friday 1st May (PST) – so the team at NZ Music Month have put together a handy list of links to all of the New Zealand artist merch across the site.

The NZ Music Month schedule is packed with virtual events, awards, radio specials, online seminars and promotions. Here’s a list of what’s coming up, with additional information to follow next week:

• This year NZ Music Month is bringing back the Hallenstein Brothers partnership with three unique printed tees, designed by local NZ artists available to purchase from the www.hallensteins.com/nzmusicmonth. Proceeds from the T-shirt sales will be donated to MusicHelps. During Lockdown Hallenstein Brothers have been showcasing a great range of incredible local NZ artists live on instagram and they are planning to continue the 'Live in the lounge’ series every weekend throughout the month of May for NZ Music Month. Follow for updates: @liveintheloungenz @hallensteinbrothers.

• Connecting Aotearoa through music and storytelling, the NZ Music Commission have partnered with E NOHO to deliver a live stream from various regions this May to showcase emerging talent and new discoveries. The weekly stream will be hosted by Ed Waaka and will feature two acts per show, every Friday at 8pm via E NOHO and NZ Music Month’s Facebook pages. May 1st will present Alayna Powley from Rotorua and Khailana from Wellington.

• The Taite Music Prize will be announced online on Tuesday 5th May at 5:30pm via RNZ Music’s Facebook page. The prize recognises outstanding creativity in an album or EP, and Aldous Harding, Troy Kingi and JessB are among the finalists.

• Critically acclaimed music documentary The Chills: The Triumph and Tragedy of Martin Phillipps will premiere on free to air television this Sunday 3rd May at 8:30pm on Prime Rocks.

• Join The Nook & Cranny Music Festival on Sunday 3rd May for the ultimate music taster session. More than 50 Dunedin artists will be performing between bookstacks, in elevators, on tables, in the Nooks and Crannies of the Library. This virtual event is run in partnership with Dunedin Public Libraries, The Mentalist Collective, Dunedin City Council and with the support of Strawberry Sound Hire.

• Much-loved live music venue Darkroom in Ōtautahi Christchurch is running a two-day live fundraising stream party - the Darkroom Social Distancing Special – on Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd May from 6pm. After almost 10 years of providing a space for musicians and punters to enjoy live music, the venue is unsure it will be able to open its doors again in the wake of the Covid19 pandemic, without some help. For more information, visit Darkroom’s Facebook page. Darkroom’s Boosted campaign will run for the month of May. A hugely successful Boosted campaign for the Whammy Bar and The Wine Cellar is ongoing, with Wellington’s San Fran Bath House launching their Boosted page on 1st May.

• Spark NZ are connecting aspiring NZ artists during the month of May, streaming Facebook Live performances every Sunday and Wednesday night at 7:30pm. Kicking off on Sunday 3rd May, NZ’s finest operatic trio Sol3 Mio will perform from different locations across the globe.

• RNZ Music is celebrating NZ Music Month with fresh daily music, sharing a new song and video from an up-and-coming Kiwi artist every day throughout May, on-air and via RNZ’s social media and website. On weekdays, the tracks will be played on Jesse Mulligan’s show shortly after 1pm and on Saturday’s during Music 101 with Charlotte Ryan.

• Furthermore, RNZ will be showcasing covers of classic Kiwi songs every Monday at 3:30pm during May. A host of well-known Kiwi artists will be sharing their covers, so stay tuned for some nice surprises.

• All five student radio stations around the country, bFM, Radio Control, Radio One, Radio Active and RDU are confirmed to feature a week of 100% local music during NZ Music Month.

NZ Music Month is run by the NZ Music Commission, with support from APRA AMCOS, Independent Music NZ, the Music Managers Forum, NZ On Air and Recorded Music NZ.  The purpose of NZ Music Month to celebrate music from New Zealand, and the people who make it.

NZ Music Month 2020. Support local. Stream local. Follow local. Buy local.

Record number of entries showcase outstanding year for Pacific music

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s plenty to celebrate in New Zealand’s Pacific music scene. The finalists for the 2020 Pacific Music Awards were announced today after a record number of entries, resulting in 24 finalists across 13 categories.

Pacific Music Awards Trust spokesperson Rev. Mua Strickson-Pua said that despite the challenging situation we find ourselves in, it’s more important than ever to celebrate the successes of our artists.

“The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been felt, even by our humble 2020 Pacific Music Awards, requiring us to navigate through these times of uncertainty and great sadness. We acknowledge our traditional role and contribution to uplift the spirit and well-being of our people.

“We also take on the challenge of navigating the new economic reality and technology opportunities for our awards. Today we’re immensely proud to recognise this year’s finalists, who are exciting new and seasoned Pacific artists, that are making waves and taking Pacific music to new heights and realities. ”

Leading the finalists are hip hop duo Church & AP who are the fresh faces behind the next wave of New Zealand and Pacific hip hop. After being nominated for Best Hip Hop Album at the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards in 2019, they released their debut album Teeth the following day on 15 November.

Since then, they’ve been nominated for four Pacific Music Awards including Flava Best Pacific Group, Base FM NZ & Island Base Samoa Best Pacific Hip Hop Artist, Best Producer and Recorded Music NZ Best Pacific Music Album.

Alongside Church & AP, international Pacific star Olivia Foa’i is also in the running for four Pacific Music Awards. As the lead female singer and dancer for multi-award winning Polynesian band Te Vaka, she’s seen success for her contributions to Disney’s Moana soundtrack alongside her father Opetaia Foa’i, who received the Special Recognition Award for his contributions to the film at the 2017 Pacific Music Awards.

She released her debut solo album Candid in 2019 and has been nominated for Auckland Council Best Pacific Female Artist, SunPix Best Pacific Language, Best Producer (with her brother Matatia) and Recorded Music NZ Best Pacific Music Album.

Hip hop artist commonly referred to as ‘Poly Pac’ (in reference to West Cost hip hop legend Tupac Shakur), Poetik achieved huge success with his album HAMOFIED 2 EP last year and has been nominated for three awards at the 2020 Pacific Music Awards – NZ Music Commission Best Pacific Male Artist, Base FM NZ & Island Base Samoa Best Pacific Hip Hop Artist and Recorded Music NZ Best Pacific Music Album.

In a Pacific Music Awards first, Shepherds Reign are the first Polynesian heavy metal group to be nominated as finalists.

They’re up for Flava Best Pacific Group, SunPix Best Pacific Language and APRA Best Pacific Song for their single ‘Le Manu’ is inspired by the legend of an ancient Samoan warrior and is quite possibly the first heavy metal song sung in the Samoan language.

Recipients of the 2018 Manukau Institute of Technology Lifetime Achievement Award Punialava’a are back this year, proving their staying power as icons of the Pacific music community. This year they’re nominated for both PMN Best Pacific Gospel Artist and SunPix Best Pacific Language for the album Sili’aga I Fa’atufugaga, Beyond Our Stories.

Having carved a place for herself within Auckland’s vibrant music community over the past six years as a proud, second generation Samoan New Zealander, Lou’ana’s voice carries the stature of an old soul. She released her debut solo material in 2019, is nominated for Auckland Council Best Pacific Female Artist, Best Pacific Soul/R&B Artist and NZ On Air Best Pacific Music Video, and has plans to release her first album this year.

Both Noah Slee and Lepani are nominated for Best Pacific Soul/R&B Artist, as well as NZ Music Commission Best Pacific Male Artist, while rapper Melodownz is nominated for Base FM NZ & Island Base Samoa Best Pacific Hip Hop Artist for his song ‘No Mercy’ featuring American rapper Denzel Curry.

Other finalists include Lani Alo (SunPix Best Pacific Language, PMN Best Pacific Gospel Artist, APRA Best Pacific Song), Tomorrow People (Flava Best Pacific Group, Pato Entertainment Best Pacific Roots/Reggae Artist), General Fiyah (Pato Entertainment Best Pacific Roots/Reggae Artist, APRA Best Pacific Song), Bella Kalolo (Auckland Council Best Pacific Female Artist), JXN (PMN Best Pacific Gospel Artist), Jordan Gavet (Best Pacific Soul/R&B Artist), Lomez Brown (Pato Entertainment Best Pacific Roots/Reggae Artist), Raggadat Cris (Pato Entertainment Best Pacific Roots/Reggae Artist), Disciple Pati (NZ On Air Best Pacific Music Video), SWIDT (NZ On Air Best Pacific Music Video), KINGS (Best Producer), Mikey Mayz (Best Producer), HP Boyz (PMN Best International Pacific Artist), Josh Tatofi (PMN Best International Pacific Artist) and Kaiit (PMN Best International Pacific Artist).

There will be six other awards  announced for the 2020 Pacific Music Awards: Phillip Fuemana Most Promising Pacific Artist, NZ On Air Radio Airplay Award, NZ On Air Streaming Award, SunPix People’s Choice Award – Best Pacific Artist, Special Recognition Award and the Manukau Institute of Technology Lifetime Achievement Award.

The winner of the Recorded Music NZ Best Pacific Music Album category is presented with an official Tui and recognised at the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards later this year.

Pacific Music Awards finalists:

Auckland Council Best Pacific Female Artist:

• Bella Kalolo - ‘Ends of the Earth’

• Lou’ana - ‘Move Along’

• Olivia Foa’i - Candid

NZ Music Commission Best Pacific Male Artist:

• Lepani – ‘Pockets Full of Love’

• Noah Slee- Twice

• Poetik – HAMOFIED 2 EP

Flava Best Pacific Group:

• Church & AP - Teeth

• Shepherds Reign – ‘Le Manu’

• Tomorrow People – ‘Fever feat. Fiji’

NZ On Air Best Pacific Music Video:

• Disciple Pati - ‘The Boy Who Cried Woman’

  o    Directed by Shae Stirling and Sapati Apa

• Lou’ana- ‘Eye To Eye’

  o    Directed by Annie Duckworth

• SWIDT - ‘Bunga

  o    Directed by Anahera Parata

APRA Best Pacific Song:

• General Fiyah - ‘It’s You feat. Three Houses Down’

  o    Written by Charlie Pome’e and Nicholas Pome’e

• Lani Alo - ‘Alo I Ou Faiva’

  o    Written by Metitilani Alo and Livingstone Efu

• Shepherds Reign – ‘Le Manu’

  o    Written by Oliver Leupolu, Filivaa James, Joseph Oti-George, Gideon Voon, Shaymen Rameka

SunPix Best Pacific Language:

• Lani Alo - ‘Alo I Ou Faiva’

• Olivia Foa’i - Candid

• Punialava’a – Sili’aga I Fa’atufugaga, Beyond Our Stories

• Shepherds Reign – ‘Le Manu’

Base FM NZ & Island Base FM Samoa Best Pacific Hip Hop Artist:

• Church & AP – Teeth

• Melodownz – ‘No Mercy feat. Denzel Curry’

• Poetik – HAMOFIED 2 EP

Best Pacific Soul/R&B Artist:

• Jordan Gavet - ‘Hesitation’

• Lepani - ‘Pocket Full of Love’

• Lou’ana - ‘Move Along’

• Noah Slee - Twice

Pato Entertainment Best Pacific Roots/Reggae Artist:

• General Fiyah - ‘Its You feat. Three Houses Down’

• Lomez Brown - ‘Tell Me’

• Raggadat Cris - I Swear

• Tomorrow People - ‘Fever feat. Fiji’

PMN Best Pacific Gospel Artist:

• Lani Alo - ‘Alo I Ou Faiva’

• Punialava’a - Sili’aga I Fa’atufugaga, Beyond Our Stories

• JXN - ‘Talako Dragon’

PMN Best International Pacific Artist:

• HP Boyz - ‘Engineers’

• Josh Tatofi - Ua Kui A Lawa

• Kaiit - ‘Miss Shiney’

Recorded Music NZ Best Pacific Music Album:

• Church & AP - Teeth

• Olivia Foa’I - Candid

• POETIK – HAMOFIED 2 EP

Best Producer

• Church & AP - Teeth

  o    Producer: Dera Meelan

• Kings - ‘Hit That’

  o    Producer:  Kings

• Mikey Mayz - ‘Wild People’

  o    Producers: Tia Drumma and EDY

• Olivia Foa’i - Candid

  o    Producer: Matatia Foa'i

TAITE MUSIC PRIZE AWARDS CEREMONY CONFIRMED FOR MAY 5TH

The 11th
TAITE MUSIC PRIZE

2020

Streaming live on Facebook
Tuesday 5th May 2020
Watch the Taite Music Prize awards ceremony live straight from your living room on May 5th!

Today, Independent Music NZ (IMNZ) confirm details of the Taite Music Prize awards ceremony taking place Tuesday, May 5th at 6:30 pm. Alongside the main Taite Music Prize, winners of the Auckland Live Best Independent Debut, Independent Music NZ Classic Record and the Independent Spirit Award will accept their awards via live stream at the following media outlets: 95bFM, APRA AMCOS, Auckland Live, IMNZ, Native Tongue, NZ Music Commission, NZ Music Month, NZ On Air Music, Radio NZ, Recorded Music NZ, Red Bull Studios AKL, The Label NZ, Undertheradar. 

Save the date and celebrate the 11th annual Taite Music Prize with some of New Zealand's finest musicians. You won't want to miss it! Full list of finalists below.

Named after the late Dylan Taite, one of New Zealand’s most respected music journalists, the award recognises outstanding creativity for an entire collection of music contained on one recording. The prize-winner will receive a cash prize of NZ$12,500 to be spent as they wish, thanks to Taite Music Prize founding partner Recorded Music NZ; recording time at Red Bull Studios Auckland; and a year’s supply of Red Bull product. This year’s ten finalists, from a list of 54 nominations submitted by record labels both independent and major from across the country, are:

Aldous Harding - Designer (Flying Nun Records/4AD)Beastwars - IV (Destroy Records)JessB - New Views (JessB/The Orchard)L.A.B. - L.A.B. III (Loop Recordings Aot(ear)oa)Lawrence Arabia - Lawrence Arabia’s Singles Club (Honorary Bedouin Records)Louis Baker - Open (Louis Baker Music/Ditto Music)Mermaidens - Look Me In The Eye (Flying Nun Records)Miss June - Bad Luck Party (Miss June/Frenchkiss Records/The Orchard)Tiny Ruins - Olympic Girls (Ursa Minor)Troy Kingi - Holy Colony Burning Acres (Triple A Records)

The three finalists for the Auckland Live Best Independent Debut are:

Tom Ludvigson & Trevor Reekie - Roto (Jazzscore)Repulsive Woman - Relief (Independent) Mousey - Lemon Law (Independent)

Previous Taite Music Prize finalists returning with their latest albums include; Lawrence Arabia (three-time finalist and winner of the first-ever Taite Music Prize in 2010 for Chant Darling), Aldous Harding (two-time finalist and winner of the Taite Music Prize 2018 for Party), Beastwars (twice nominated for their self titled debut in 2012 and Blood Becomes Fire in 2014), Tiny Ruins (Taite finalist in 2012 for Some Were Meant For Sea and in 2015 for Brightly Painted One). 
Alongside the main prize, three additional awards will be presented at the ceremony: the Independent Music NZ Classic Record Award, the newly created Independent Spirit Award, awarded to a New Zealand person who assists our NZ musicians to grow and find their own unique pathways, and the Auckland Live Best Independent Debut Award, celebrating the freshest talent of Aotearoa. The winner receives a $2,000 cash prize and a live performance opportunity with thanks to Auckland Live.

NZ MUSIC MONTH 2020 ENCOURAGES KIWIS TO SUPPORT AOTEAROA’S MUSIC INDUSTRY

NZ Music Month kicks off on Friday, May 1st and the theme for this year is simple: Support Local. Stream Local. Follow Local. Buy Local.

This May marks the twentieth NZ Music Month, and while a big month of live events and retrospection was planned, the world has changed a lot in the past month – so NZ Music Month 2020 is set to look a little different to usual. While we are in our homes, there are still plenty of ways Kiwis can support local music, the people who create it, and the people who make it possible.

NZ Music Month’s Rodney Fisher commented: "So much has changed in the past few weeks and this May will be unlike any NZ Music Month we’ve seen before. However, one thing that has absolutely not changed is the fantastic music being made by artists right across Aotearoa. May is the perfect time to support your favourite New Zealand acts, and make some new local music discoveries.”

Initiatives planned for NZ Music Month 2020 range from digitally streamed events, radio specials, online seminars and hui. Below is a snapshot of what’s lined-up, with lots more detail to follow, particularly as the news cycle develops:

• The NZ Music Commission have partnered with E NOHO to deliver a live stream from various regions this May to showcase emerging talent and new discoveries. The weekly stream will be hosted by musician Ed Waaka and will feature three acts per show, every Friday at 8pm during May via E NOHO and NZ Music Month’s Facebook pages. E NOHO is a live stream music show created in response to COVID-19 to help promote mental wellbeing and connection through music and storytelling.

• Online seminars and hui will continue during May, with lots of great advice on building a music career and profile when musicians can’t go on tour. This includes Independent Music NZ’s Going Local seminars and the annual NZ Music MonthSummit, presented in conjunction with the NZ Music Manager’s Forum.

• A host of NZ Music specials are planned with various radio stations across the country, which we are looking forward to highlighting over the month.

• Two Daze are set to release their second compilation, featuring tracks from across Aotearoa that were recorded in just 48 hours.

• Holiday Records are running a campaign during the first half of NZ Music Month to choose the first 7” pressed in NZ since 1987.

• Many events that were in the calendar for May will go ahead online, including the Nook & Cranny Festival in Dunedin and Raglan Roast, which will now be a weekly show, streamed from a coffee shop each Saturday night. There is going to be a bumper crop of online events to enjoy from the comfort of your home, and the NZ Music Month Facebook Event page will have all of the details as they come to hand.

More information will be released in the coming weeks, but in the meantime, we encourage Kiwis to engage with the extensive catalogue of fantastic local music available to buy, listen to and support right now.

Some of the activities scheduled for this year that are unable to happen will hopefully be part of the celebration in 2021 – an art exhibition, an all age regional tour, seminars and a symposium. Think of it as a 21st of sorts, without the yard-glass.

NZ Music Month is run by the NZ Music Commission, with support from APRA AMCOS, Independent Music NZ, the Music Managers Forum, NZ On Air and Recorded Music NZ. The purpose of NZ Music Month to celebrate music from New Zealand, and the people who make it.

NZ Music Month 2020. Support Local. Stream Local. Follow Local. Buy Local.

Collective music industry news update - Monday April 20

As we dive into week four of lock-down, we have a few items to update and some news and info to share.

Aotearoa Music Industry Hui – The Sequel

First-up, the collective music industry organisations will be hosting another online hui this Thursday at 11am. The first one was held nearly two weeks ago, and we didn’t get the opportunity to address all the questions, plus there are some new developments to talk about, so representatives from the NZ Music Commission, NZ On Air, Recorded Music NZ, APRA AMCOS NZ, IMNZ, MMF NZ, Creative NZ, Te Mangai Paho, and SOUNZ will come to you via Facebook Live and YouTube for a chat. Everyone is welcome to watch and participate via the comments section.

https://www.facebook.com/events/532854024317552/

 Financial assistance available

Secondly, although many of you will be all over this already, we want to make sure everyone knows about the financial assistance available to them in these challenging times. Below is a round up of info, eligibility, what you get, and links to apply for the WINZ government subsidy, the Creative NZ Emergency Relief Grant, and the MusicHelps Emergency Grant.

Two particular things to note:

1)      The Creative NZ grant is open to a wide variety of ‘arts practitioners’, which includes not only the ‘artists’ themselves, but also those who are involved in bringing those art forms to the public, whose main source of income is derived from an arts practice. So this could include musicians and songwriters, as well as producers, engineers, managers, live crew, stage managers, publicists etc. Please check out the info from Creative NZ, and contact them if you’re not sure about your eligibility.

2)      The MusicHelps Emergency Grant is officially open for applications, but due to the large volume of applications received this morning, they have temporarily stopped taking applications while this first batch are processed. The application form will be live again at 5pm today. 

https://apraamcos.co.nz/news/2020/april/financial-assistance-during-covid-19/

There was also an excellent financial and accounting advice online seminar hosted by MMF NZ with Jeni Rowney from Entertainment Accounting last week. They provided advice and answers to questions about the various grants, and their tax implications , as well as sharing general advice about your accounting practices as artists. You can watch the video back here:

https://www.facebook.com/MMFNewZealand/videos/153361826094012/?epa=SEARCH_BOX

NZ On Air music funding announcements

In further funding news, NZ On Air have announced a boost to their next New Music Single funding round, with an allowance for 40 grants in the forthcoming round (the budget usually allows for usually 23-24 grants per round).

The application deadline is 4pm Thursday 23 April.

https://newmusicsingles.nzonair.govt.nz

They have also confirmed the focus round New Music Pasifika is taking place in May – with applications opening on 7 May and the deadline on Thursday 21 May. Guidelines will be issued before the end of this month.

While they remain open for contracting and payments please be aware that NZ On Air are experiencing a very high volume of claims and queries at the moment, so if you are putting through a claim for payment on a funded Single or Project please note there may be a delay. Please also ensure all your required paperwork is correct so we can process your claim as quickly as possible.

Recorded Music NZ Distribution

And on the subject of paperwork, Recorded Music NZ is calling all Direct-to-Recording Artist Registered Artists and Labels to make sure they have registered all new recordings released in 2019 with Recorded Music NZ prior to the deadline of 30th April 2020 for the 2019 calendar year distribution. This is more important than ever as it will assist Recorded Music to make an accurate and timely distribution. To register your recordings please do this by visiting your Recorded Music artist login page or contacting their member services team by email.

Government announces Tax Changes to Support NZ Business

The Government announced a further set of tax proposals to help businesses manage the impacts of COVID-19. Some of this information may be of assistance to you and your music business. Fact sheets and the full Government announcement is here.

SOUNZ online workshops and concerts

SOUNZ have been hosting a wonderful array of workshops/wānanga and concerts while we’re in lock down. On Friday evening they hosted the beautiful ‘Oro Atua - a Puoro Māori sound healing journey’ with Jerome Kavanagh. You can watch the video here: https://www.facebook.com/SOUNZnz/videos/559216481401116/

And you can also watch a wide array of SOUNZ Online concert series here: https://news.sounz.org.nz/sounz-concerts/

Te Māngai Pāho feedback survey

Te Māngai Pāho is seeking feedback on how Mate Korona (COVID-19) has affected you.

The survey is open to all their funded entities, including production companies, independent creators, broadcasters and media outlets as well as contractors. If you receive TMP funding and have been impacted by Mate Korona - they want to hear from you!

The information collected will help Te Māngai Pāho best respond to this unprecedented situation and shape their short-term mitigation planning. Survey responses will be confidential and can be made anonymously.

Take the survey now

Please have your responses through by 5:00pm Sunday 26 April

NZ Music Month – it’s happening

NZ Music Month kicks off on Friday, May 1st and the theme for this year is simple: Support Local. Stream Local. Follow Local. Buy Local.

This May marks the twentieth NZ Music Month, and while a big month of live events and retrospection was planned, the world has changed a lot in the past month – so NZ Music Month 2020 is set to look a little different to usual. 
Initiatives planned for NZ Music Month 2020 range from digitally streamed events, radio specials, online seminars and hui. Plans include live-streams to showcase emerging talent; IMNZ’s Going Local series; MMF NZ’s annual NZ Music Month Summit; NZ music specials across a variety of radio stations; a Holiday Records competition to be the first 7 inch pressed in NZ since 1987; and many virtual festivals.

Check out more info here: https://www.nzmusic.org.nz/news/commission/nz-music-month-2020-its-on-the-way/