Girls Rock! Pōneke is going online, baby!

It's been a rollercoaster few months - but we're excited to announce that Girls Rock! Pōneke will be breaking new ground with our first online programme taking place in the July school holiday programme so you can rock out from your house!

Girls Rock! Pōneke have made the decision to move our July 2020 programme online. 

Due to the uncertain nature of Covid-19 we are unable to plan for a physical programme. What we can do is plan an online programme that will keep the Girls Rock! spirit alive until we can meet in person.

While we are sad we will not be able to have a physical programme this July, we are looking forward to being able to create together online. We have an exciting schedule planned that we can’t wait to share with you. This will still involve songwriting, forming bands, learning instruments, workshops – and we have a few extra special treats in store which could only be made possible through the power of the internet!

We believe that this online programme will also grow Girls Rock! Aotearoa as an organisation and help us create resources that will make aspects of our programme accessible to more people.

Part of what Girls Rock! is all about is building community and a creating sense of belonging as well as rocking out! and we want to continue to build this. The Girls Rock! team is full of people who are passionate about finding solutions and creating positive spaces in this world and we think that by forging ahead with an alternative programme we are committing to these values. We want to hold up the kaupapa of Girls Rock! no matter what the world looks like.

About Girls Rock! Pōneke

Girls Rock! Pōneke is a week-long holiday programme where young women, trans and gender-non-conforming people can build confidence and make great music. Girls Rock! Pōneke will take place from the 6 - 11th July 2020.

Over the course of one week, up to 40 participants aged 12-17 will form bands, learn an instrument of their choice and write an original song - mentored along the way by female, trans and gender-non-conforming professional musicians.  

The first Girls Rock! Camp was founded in Portland in 2001 as a summer day camp. Since then it has grown into an international community of youth-focused arts and social justice organisations. The kaupapa of Girls Rock! Aotearoa is to empower young women, transgender and gender non-conforming youth by giving them practical skills and role models in a safe, supportive space.

Girls Rock! Pōneke is run by a dedicated and enthusiastic group, who care deeply about imbuing young people with the confidence to get involved in music. Between them, the team offers a wide range of music industry experience, from being in rock bands, to teaching music and artist management.

Participant applications - Apply today! 

We're pleased to be able to present this programme at very reasonable cost to participants (some scholarships available) thanks to our amazing donors and sponsors. If you'd like to support our online programme and our mentors and tutors, you can donate via our Give A Little campaign.
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6 - 11 July, 8.45am - 4pm, Online (Girls Rock! online hub)

For further information, email us: girlsrockcampwellington@gmail.com
Open to New Zealand residents.

www.girlsrockcamp.co.nz

LIVING IN A TIKTOK WORLD

The MMF UK sat down with the Paul Hourican, Head of Music Operations UK, TikTok, to ask him a few questions.

Hi Paul, How important is music to TikTok's overall business?

TikTok’s mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy to our users - and artists and their music have been a central part of this creative process since the app launched. Every day, people discover and create videos using millions of songs on TikTok, driving unprecedented music discovery and trends.

Moving forward we want to continue to supercharge artist engagement and music discovery, working closely with the entire industry to maximise this opportunity and bring the most exciting music related content to our creative global community.

What advice would you give to a manager or artist looking to use the platform?

Be consistent, experiment regularly and embrace the platform. 

Building an authentic connection with fans is part of an artist’s DNA, so give people a reason to follow up and watch your videos, by creating content that makes people feel something and want to share your videos with their friends. 

It’s always good to think about how you can combine creative content for your own videos with what is already happening on the platform. Think about behind the scenes situations, recording sessions, fun interactions with fellow musicians or joining in with a wider trend - the main thing is to just be yourself, authentic and share a moment of your life that you’re passionate about. Basically, just get started and have a go! And please, use our team - we’re here to help you.

How can TikTok help them grow their business and boost their campaigns? 

Music discovery is a natural result of TikTok’s short-form video format, shining a light on artists and their music that transcends the platform. Doja Cat for example has had an incredible last 12 months, in major thanks to the numerous TikTok trends that have utilised her catalogue and her inimitable style. In particular, 'Say So' has inspired a generation to perform a memorable dance routine that's now been performed by millions of TikTok users. The track has amassed hundreds of millions of streams across multiple DSPs, and subsequently charting globally. 

Our users consume content and also create their own in response to a trend/song. This means that artists can build a profile and produce content to engage with their fans in a truly creative and direct way with us. 

What music-related campaign has really stood out for you this year?

It’s so difficult to choose just one, but I’ve really loved some examples from just the past few weeks, of artists finding creative ways to engage with the TikTok community, whilst we’re all in lockdown.

Tinie has been asking fans to send him requests for a freestyle he does on Sundays, Little Mix have created their own Stay At Home Break Up Song video (and encouraging fans to do their own version), whilst Rita Ora and Ella Eyre have been giving fans insight into their cooking habits. Nina Nesbitt has been sharing hairdressing do’s and don’ts, and Robyn’s #onmyown challenge has generated nearly 1bn views already, with fans showing how they’re dancing on their own in lockdown against this classic and very of-the-moment track.  

Celebrating Aotearoa’s outstanding country musicians

Today, Recorded Music NZ and APRA are proud to recognise the outstanding contributions to New Zealand’s country music scene from the past year.

The finalists for Recorded Music NZ Te Kaipuoro Tuawhenua Toa | Best Country Music Artist are Delaney Davidson and Barry Saunders, Katie Thompson and Kendall Elise, while the finalists for APRA Best Country Music Song are ‘Any Fool With A Heart’ and ‘Hey Bus Driver’, both by Tami Neilson, ‘That Summer’ by Kaylee Bell and ‘West Coast’ by Katie Thompson.

The winners will be announced live on Radio New Zealand’s Music 101 on Saturday 30 May.

For Delaney Davidson, it all started when he met Barry Saunders at church. They were sound checking for the Churches Tour with Marlon Williams and Tami Neilson - Barry playing old gospel songs and Delaney chugging out his signature blues trance thump.

Since then, the two collaborated on the album Word Gets Around, which was released in April 2019. A nationwide tour followed the release, and they now are up for the 2020 Recorded Music NZ Best Country Artist award.

For her third studio album Bittersweet, the talented Katie Thompson worked alongside award-winning producer Ben Edwards at The Sitting Room studio in Lyttelton to create an unpretentious, confidently personal release.

This winning combination resulted in the record peaking at #7 on the Top 20 NZ Albums chart with an album drawing from classic country music in the choice of instruments, the range of tempos and moods, and the lyrical honesty of life’s mixed emotions laid bare. This can be seen on the track ‘West Coast’, which is also nominated for the APRA Best Country Music Song this year.

In 2016, Kendall Elise launched her solo career with the debut single ‘Heart Full of Dirt’, which paved the way for the Kiwi singer-songwriter’s self-produced debut EP ‘I Didn’t Stand A Chance’, released in March 2017. This first release saw her selected as a finalist for the APRA Best Country Music Song in 2017.

After recording at Neil Finn’s famed Roundhead Studios, Kendall released her Kickstarter funded debut album “Red Earth” in May 2019. A deeply introspective album of intricate storytelling brought to life with evocative instrumentation; meaningful lyricism and a golden voice.

Alongside Katie Thompson, Tami Neilson and Kaylee Bell are finalists for the APRA Best Country Music Song this year.

No stranger to the Country Music Awards, Tami has been nominated for two songs – ‘Any Fool With A Heart’ and ‘Hey Bus Driver’ – both from her 2020 album CHICKABOOM!

Tami has previously won Best Country Album four times (2009, 2010, 2012, and 2015) at the New Zealand Music Awards, and Best Female Artist at the New Zealand Country Music Awards in 2010, 2011 and 2014.

And Kaylee has had a whirlwind year as the first Australasian artist to play C2C (Country to Country) London in 2019 after being handpicked for Key West Songwriters USA and C2C Australia. Her song ‘That Summer’ is the fourth finalist for the APRA Best Country Song award this year. 

Recorded Music CEO Damian Vaughan says despite the unprecedented circumstances we find ourselves in, celebrating the achievements of our artists is essential. 

“It’s important we recognise the calibre of our talented musicians, especially with the wealth of exceptional country music which was released over the last year,” says Vaughan.

“Congratulations to this year’s finalists and while we might not be able to gather in person, you should feel proud of your achievements. I look forward to hearing the songs created after this challenging period.”

APRA Head of NZ Operations Anthony Healey adds: "Kaylee, Tami and Katie are writing great songs, playing electrifying shows and making real waves at home and around the world. Each of these amazing songwriters are absolutely at the top of their craft and it's so exciting to honour and celebrate them here in New Zealand."

Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, the Top Paddock Festival and the MLT Songwriting Award which usually take place in Gore, have been cancelled for 2020. However we look forward to seeing their return in 2021.

Finalists for Recorded Music NZ Te Kaipuoro Tuawhenua Toa | Best Country Music Artist

·         Delaney Davidson & Barry Saunders – Word Gets Around

·         Katie Thompson – Bittersweet

·         Kendall Elise – Red Earth

Finalists for APRA Best Country Music Song

·         Tami Neilson – ‘Any Fool With A Heart’

·         Tami Neilson – ‘Hey Bus Driver’

·         Kaylee Bell – ‘That Summer’

·         Katie Thompson – ‘West Coast’

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