THIRD ROUND OF AOTEAROA TOURING PROGRAMME OPEN NOW – CLOSES WEDNESDAY 27 JANUARY

The third round of the Aotearoa Touring Programme is now open.  The Programme is a new initiative run by the NZ Music Commission to grow the potential for original New Zealand artists touring across Aotearoa and enable more New Zealanders to experience live, local music.

The Aotearoa Touring Programme is a contestable fund intended to reinvigorate the live music sector and assist in the recovery from the effects of COVID-19 in the domestic touring market. This programme will invest in approved domestic touring costs, to enable more NZ artists to grow sustainable careers and increase the access to live music for NZ audiences.

The third round will close Wednesday 27 January.

Please go to the NZ Music Commission website (hyerlink https://nzmusic.org.nz/touring/) for a full overview of the programme, information about the tiers of funding and details of eligible costs.

Prospective applicants need to contact the Music Commission for access to the online application portal. When you get in touch with the office, you should know when your proposed tour would be taking place, where in the country you intend on playing, why you want to play in these towns (previously successful shows, good airplay on local radio, interest from the area etc), and approximately how much you intend to apply for. The application process will require you to have a full budget and business plan that will show how this investment will contribute to growing the artist’s business and career. Please email touring@nzmusic.org.nz

AOTEAROA TOURING PROGRAMME APPLICATION DATES 2021

• Wednesday 27 January 2021 - Round Closes

  Thursday 18 February – ATP Results Published

• Wednesday 24 March 2021 - Round Closes

  Thursday 15 April – ATP Results Published

• Wednesday 19 May 2021 - Round Closes

  Thursday 10 June – ATP Results Published

• Wednesday 21 July 2021 - Round Closes

  Thursday 12 August – ATP Results Published

• Wednesday 22 September 2021 - Round Closes

  Thursday 16 October – ATP Results Published

• Wednesday 24 November 2021 - Round Closes

  Thursday 16 December – ATP Results Published

NEW RESEARCH ON GENDER INEQUITY IN THE NZ MUSIC INDUSTRY INSPIRES ACTION

Massey University researchers have today released a report detailing widespread gender discrimination in the Aotearoa music community, in the first report of its kind in New Zealand.

READ THE REPORT HERE

The Amplify Aotearoa: NZ Music Community Diversity Survey report was developed by Associate Professor Dr Oli Wilson and Senior Lecturer Dr Catherine Hoad from Te Rewa o Punga School of Music and Creative Media Production of the College of Creative Arts, in partnership with APRA AMCOS New Zealand.

The researchers conducted the Amplify Aotearoa survey in 2019, which was disseminated to the wider music community and received over 1200 responses.

This report specifically looks at the responses of over 600 New Zealand songwriter members of APRA AMCOS (the member organisation representing songwriters and composers in Australasia), which provides a robust census for statistical stratification.

The survey collected quantitative and qualitative data with two key aims – to find out more detailed demographic information about the music community and to find out more about the challenges they’re facing, in a confidential and anonymous manner.

Across the responses, gender emerged as a key factor impacting opportunities, barriers, and experiences of discrimination, highlighting the need for analysis on intersectional issues that impact gender diversity. 

More than two-thirds of women in the music community (70.1 per cent) reported experiencing bias, disadvantage or discrimination based on their gender – seven times the rate of men (10 per cent). The qualitative responses included reports from women of being undervalued, overlooked, and patronised by their peers.

Almost half of women (45.2 per cent) reported that their safety in places where music is made and/or performed was a barrier to their success, over twice the rate of men (20.5 per cent). Among the confidential responses to the survey there were instances of sexual harassment, sexual coercion and assault, unwanted physical advances, and inappropriate comments pertaining to appearance.

A lack of gender diversity in live performance/festival and concert line-ups was regularly mentioned by respondents, and women reported instances of being turned down because an event had already fulfilled its ‘quota’.

The survey results also identified areas for future research in order to acquire a deeper understanding of what is happening, why, and where to act. These areas include challenges and discrimination based on other factors, such as ethnicity, age, disability, and sexuality.

Respondents were spread around New Zealand, and represented a variety of age groups, ethnicities, sexualities, genders, and time spent in the industry, as well as working across different areas of the industry (songwriters, performers, composers, producers, educators, label managers, audio engineers, retailers, students, mentors, administrators, and more).

Dr Catherine Hoad says her motivation to do this research stemmed from her role as a senior lecturer in the Bachelor of Commercial Music programme. “As music educators, we’re training students who will form the future workforce of the music industry in Aotearoa. We want to do our part to contribute to an industry environment that is safe and welcoming not only for our graduates, but everyone in the sector.”

Dr Oli Wilson says the College of Creative Arts has strong ties with the music industry and they are looking forward to working with industry members on how to address the issue. “The results from our research are concerning, yet we are heartened by the way industry has acknowledged these findings and are taking them seriously. Aotearoa music’s strength is in its diversity, and it’s important that we continue to support industry towards making our sector fairer for everyone.”

Head of NZ Operations at APRA AMCOS Anthony Healey says “The research shows that we have much to do when it comes to caring for and nurturing the people in our industry.

“Clearly there are genuine barriers to success, particularly for women and this must change. While some of these issues were already suspected, we now have robust evidence. The issues highlighted by the statistics are not acceptable. They demand action and thankfully this report gives us greater insight into the areas that need to be targeted as a priority.

“As a first step forward we are pleased to be part of SoundCheck Aotearoa, and keen to fast track this work, particularly pertaining to safety and conduct.”

SOUNDCHECK AOTEAROA WELCOMES THIS REPORT AS THE BASIS FOR MEANINGFUL ACTION TOWARDS A SAFE AND INCLUSIVE MUSIC COMMUNITY

SoundCheck Aotearoa is a collective action group of organisations, formed with the aim of developing and growing the music industry through a safe and inclusive culture in the music community.

Jo Oliver, a spokesperson for SoundCheck Aotearoa, said:

“We welcome this report as it provides the evidence base needed to prioritise our efforts and work towards meaningful change together.  We want all our people to be safe at work whether in a tour van, recording studio, at a venue or in an office. This report reinforces our decision to prioritise work to help prevent and address sexual harm in our music community.” 

SoundCheck Aotearoa has appointed a specialist in the area of sexual harm prevention for guidance and support, and its first priority is to support those who have experienced sexual harm.  If you or someone you know needs help or support, please see below for a list of contacts and services available.

The group plans to continue its work on safety issues, including rolling out a training programme across the music sector, providing shared resources, and consulting across the music community to develop a code of conduct.  This is the first initiative for the newly formed group which also plans to examine gender issues more widely, and has commissioned Massey to provide further research on ethnicity.

The collective work on safety is particularly important for the music industry where there is a prevalence of contractors or self-employed individuals working together sporadically; unusual working hours; and a general lack of traditional workplace structures and HR support. 

“SoundCheck Aotearoa is committed to working with organisations, groups, businesses and individuals across the music community to make our workplaces safer.  We have taken our first steps and we are inviting everyone in the music community to get involved and contribute to meaningful positive change.”

Visit www.soundcheckaotearoa.co.nz or contact info@soundcheckaotearoa.co.nz for more information or media requests.

 WHERE TO GO FOR HELP OR INFORMATION ABOUT SEXUAL HARM:

MusicHelps Wellbeing Service: Call 0508 MUSICHELPS

HELP: Call 24/7 (Auckland) 0800 623 1700, (Wellington) 04 801 6655

Safe To Talk:  Call 0800 044 334 | Text 4334 | Email support@safetotalk.nz 

Rape Crisis: Call 0800 88 33 00

NZ Police: Call 105

Aviva: Canterbury Sexual Violence Crisis Service - Call (03) 377 5402 / 0800 284 82669

Tu Wahine: Kaupapa Māori Sexual Violence Crisis Service – Call 09 838 8700   

Korowai Tumanako: Kaupapa Māori Survivor and Harmful Sexual Behaviour Support Service – Email: korowai@korowaitumanako.org  

Te Puna Oranga: Kaupapa Māori Sexual Violence Crisis Service – Call 0800 222 042 | Email: info@tepunaoranga.co.nz    

Male Survivors Aotearoa: Support for the well-being of male survivors of sexual abuse  

Shama:  National Sexual Harm Support Service for ethnic communities – Call (07) 843 3810 | Text 022 135 9545 

Human Rights Commission: Call 0800 496 877

Employment Relations Authority: Call 0800 209020

SoundCheck Aotearoa - developing a safe and inclusive culture in the music community.

Today organisations from across the Aotearoa music community are announcing the creation of a new action group SoundCheck Aotearoa with the aim of developing and growing our industry through a safe and inclusive culture in the music community. 

We acknowledge that action is needed to address inequitable representation, challenge systemic discrimination, and advance impactful change across the music industry, and we are committed to working together to achieve this.

In recognition of Māori as tangata whenua of Aotearoa and as partners of Te Tiriti o Waitangi we are working with Māori industry leaders to address these issues together along with the unique challenges facing Māori within the industry. 

SoundCheck Aotearoa has been formed by Recorded Music NZ, APRA AMCOS NZ, NZ Music Commission, Music Managers Forum NZ and Independent Music NZ in collaboration with Te Māngai Pāho, Māori Music Industry Coalition, NZ On Air, SOUNZ Centre for New Zealand Music and NZ Promoters Association.  We have also reached out to organisations that share our aspiration: Pacific Music Awards Trust, Te Vākai Collective, Music Producers Guild of NZ and MusicHelps, and we are inviting others to join us as our work progresses.

Our aspiration | Tō Mātou Wawata

We want all people in the Aotearoa music community to benefit from:

·        fair representation:  equitable opportunities, treatment and representation for all people regardless of their attributes including gender, ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability (including illness), regional status, paternity/maternity and marital status

·        an inclusive culture, with practices and behaviours to ensure that individuals feel respected, included and heard

·        an environment where they are safe from discrimination, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and violence

·        access to advocacy on behalf of their specific needs and challenges

Our commitment | Tō Mātou Takohanga

We have created SoundCheck Aotearoa to work towards meaningful positive change both within our organisations and across the industry. 

The group will consult openly with the artists and organisations that we represent and the wider music community including proactively and specifically seeking participation from and interaction with minority groups and voices.  We want to hear from our music community - from artists and songwriters to sound engineers and crew, from educators and administrators to studio and venue workers, and everyone in between – about their experiences.

It is vital that the many cultures and diverse groups in our community have a voice in these conversations to help us identify priorities for action through the consultation, gathering data and undertaking research.  

Change doesn’t happen overnight, and it will take some time to reach out across our community, listen to everyone’s views, develop a collective strategy, and find the resources and funding we need to implement it. 

We are currently forming our Steering Committee and Leadership Group and will have more to say on that soon. 

Safety in workplaces | Te Noho Haumaru I ngā Wāhi Mahi

All of our people must be safe at work, whether in a recording studio, at a venue or in an office.  Our first project is an initiative to help prevent sexual harm in our music community, and to provide support for those who have experienced it. 

We have appointed a specialist in the area of sexual harm prevention, Rachel Harrison, to guide and support us, and key staff from our organisations have undertaken initial training.  We hope to roll out a training programme more widely, provide shared resources and consult across our community to develop a code of conduct.  We will update you on this work soon.  In the meantime, if you need to talk to someone please refer to the phone numbers listed below.

SoundCheck Aotearoa will make further announcements about how those in our community can participate in consultation and advisory processes in the new year. 

In the meantime, for anyone interested in our work, or for media enquiries please contact: info@soundcheckaotearoa.co.nz | www.soundcheckaotearoa.co.nz

WHERE TO GO FOR HELP OR INFORMATION ABOUT SEXUAL HARM:

Music Helps Wellbeing Service: Call 0508 MUSICHELPS

Safe To Talk:  Call 0800 044 334 | Text 4334 | Email support@safetotalk.nz 

HELP: Call 24/7 (Auckland) 0800 623 1700, (Wellington) 04 801 6655

Rape Crisis: Call 0800 88 33 00

Aviva: Canterbury Sexual Violence Crisis Service - Call 0800 284 82669

Tu Wahine: Kaupapa Māori Sexual Violence Crisis Service – Call 09 838 8700   

Korowai Tumanako: Kaupapa Māori Survivor and Harmful Sexual Behaviour Support Service – Email: korowai@korowaitumanako.org  

Te Puna Oranga: Kaupapa Māori Sexual Violence Crisis Service – Call 0800 222 042 | Email: info@tepunaoranga.co.nz    

Male Survivors Aotearoa: Support for the well-being of male survivors of sexual abuse  

Shama:  National Sexual Harm Support Service for ethinic communities – Call (07) 843 3810 | Text 022 135 9545 

Human Rights Commission: Call 0800 496 877

Employment Relations Authority: Call 0800 209020

NZ Police: Call 105

Unsung heroes of Aotearoa music celebrated tonight at the Artisan Awards

Five big winners announced during pre-recorded Three broadcast

The fifth annual AMA Artisan Awards were held this evening, celebrating the Kiwis behind some of our most successful musicians.

In place of a live event, this year’s Artisan Awards were pre-recorded at Massey University’s School of Music and Creative Media Production in Wellington and broadcast on Three this evening.

This year’s winner of Te Kaiwhakaputa Toa | Massey University Best Producer is Josh Fountain, one of Aotearoa’s most in-demand producers and a powerhouse of production and songwriting.

Winning the award for the second year running, he’s worked with international success story BENEE on some of her biggest hits, as well as previous Tui winner MAALA and 2020 AMA finalist Paige.

Taking out Te Kaipukaha Toa | Best Engineer was Simon Gooding for his work on Reb Fountain’s self-titled album, which is up for three Tui at this year’s Aotearoa Music Awards on Sunday.

First time Artisan Award nominee Anahera Parata received the Tui for Te Puoro Ataata Toa | NZ On Air Best Music Video after creating a powerful music video for Onehunga hip hop group SWIDT’s song ‘Bunga’.

Wellington-based artist Lily Paris West was recognised for her work on Mermaiden’s album artwork for Look Me In The Eye and was presented with the Tui for Te Toi Ataata Pukaemi Toa | Best Album Artwork.

Recorded Music New Zealand CEO Damian Vaughan said Aotearoa is lucky to have such gifted behind-the-scenes talent.

“Our music is finding success all over the world. Our artists deserve immense credit, but they wouldn’t be where they are without the efforts of our incredible producers, engineers, creative artists and managers.

“It’s been a challenging year but it’s essential to take a step back, to reflect and acknowledge the incredible work that’s been released. Thank you to our winners and finalists for collaborating with our musicians and bringing their creative visions to life.”

The Kaiwhakahaere Puoro o te Tau | Recorded Music NZ Manager of the Year was presented at the Artisan Awards by the Music Managers Forum (NZ) to Paul McKessar from CRS Management.

For the past 15 years he has been a director of CRS Music Management and currently manages several high-profile artists like BENEE, Miss June and Brooke Fraser among others.

Music Managers Forum (NZ) chair Teresa Patterson said it was exciting to celebrate Paul’s career at the 2020 Artisan Awards.

“Music managers are an important part of an artist’s success, someone to share in the highs and the lows that come with working in the music industry. It’s great to be able to celebrate their contribution to the careers of our favourite Kiwi musicians,” says Patterson. 

The 2020 Artisan Awards is available to stream now on ThreeLive. The Aotearoa Music Awards will take place Sunday 15 November at Spark Arena and will be broadcast live on The Edge TV from 7pm and continue on Three from 8.30pm.

The entire broadcast will be streamed on ThreeNow, and public tickets are also available from Ticketmaster for only $25.  

Thanks to the official Aotearoa Music Awards audio streaming partner Spotify please check out all the finalists via these links: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4lHXsFEotTOtAntq8bdY2O?si=NH8XfF8lRMyU2cP65NWbjA

2020 Artisan Award Winners

Te Kaiwhakaputa Toa | Massey University Best Producer

-        WINNER: Josh Fountain

-        Brad Kora – L.A.B III (L.A.B)

-        CHAII & Frank Keys – Lightswitch (CHAII)

Te Kaipukaha Toa | Best Engineer

-        WINNER: Simon Gooding – Reb Fountain (Reb Fountain)

-        Lee Prebble – Manawa Wera (Ria Hall)

-        Lee Prebble & Ara Adams-Tamatea – L.A.B III (L.A.B)

Te Puoro Ataata Toa | NZ On Air Best Music Video

-        WINNER: Anahera Parata – ‘Bunga’ (SWIDT)

-        Callum Devlin & Annabel Kean – ‘I'm Not Getting Excited’ (The Beths)

-        Connor Pritchard – ‘All Your Ships Have Sailed’ (Troy Kingi)

Te Toi Ataata Pukaemi Toa | Best Album Artwork

-        WINNER: Lily Paris West – Look Me In The Eye (Mermaidens)

-        Karin Canzek - Reb Fountain (Reb Fountain)

-        Mike Braid - The Brightest Flame (Jeremy Redmore)

Kaiwhakahaere Puoro o te Tau | Recorded Music NZ Manager of the Year

-        WINNER: Paul McKessar (CRS Management)

o   BENEE

-        Dan Woolston (Richmond Music)

o   Montell2099, MELODOWNZ, SACHI, SmokeyGotBeatz, Trey Bond

-        Nicole Thomas & Paula Yeoman (NicNak Media Ltd)

o   Theia, Chores, Paige, Abby Wolfe, & Neko

FOLK UNLOCKED February 22-25, 2021

The Folk Alliance International Conference is the world’s largest gathering of the Folk music industry and community (crossing a diverse array of genres including Appalachian, Americana, Blues, Bluegrass, Celtic, Cajun, Global Roots, Indigenous, Old Time, Traditional, Singer-Songwriter, and Spoken Word).

The annual February conference draws 2,700 artists and industry (agents, managers, publishers, labels, festival/venue presenters, promoters, media) dedicated to folk music. Delegates who attended the 2020 conference represented 27 countries including Armenia, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, France, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, and Yemen.

Previous New Zealand artists include Mel Parsons, Anika Moa, Delaney Davidson, Māmā Mihirangi & the Māreikuraand, Marlon Williams, Graeme James and Albi & The Wolves.

Introducing Folk Unlocked

This year with in person contact being limited by COVID-19 Folk Alliance International is hosting Folk Unlocked, a four-day virtual event for the entire international folk community to come together for panels, workshops, showcases, affinity and peer group meetings, exhibit spaces, networking, and mentorship.

"We are unlocking the doors and windows of the house of folk to be as broad and inclusive as possible, inviting those who have been loyally attending Folk Alliance International conferences for years while aiming to reach folk musicians and professionals who have never benefited from or attended FAI before."

New Zealand @ Folk Unlocked 2021

The New Zealand Music Commission is partnering with Folk Unlocked to present a virtual New Zealand Showcase. We will be presenting 4 artists/bands who will each get 14 minutes to perform a live prerecorded presentation. We will provide each act with financial support to create their content. Interested applicants can apply through the form below. The final New Zealand lineup will be chosen by our partners at Folk Unlocked.

Link: https://nzmusiccom.formstack.com/forms/folkunlocked21

Applications close November 20th at 5:00pm.

WE ❤️ AOTEAROA Back and better than ever!

We Love Aotearoa
December 19th at ASB Showgrounds
Free Entry
Whānau Fun Day: 10 am - 3 pm Saturday, December 19th
We Love Aotearoa (r18): 5 pm - 11 pm Saturday, December 19th (ticketed)

We Love VR
December 19th and 20th at ASB Showgrounds
We Love VR is a two-day virtual reality experience boasting the latest technology
We Love VR: 10 am - 3 pm Saturday, December 19th
We Love VR: 10 am - 3 pm Sunday, December 20th

Keep up to date with WE ️AOTEAROA
Facebook | Instagram | Website
Whānau Fun Day Event Page
We Love Aotearoa r18 Event Page
WE ️ VR Event Page

We Love Aotearoa is back and bigger than ever, with an unmissable line-up of celebrations set to take place next month. 

This free series of events will take place on Saturday, December 19th at ASB Showgrounds in Auckland with an added day of virtual reality experiences on Sunday, December 20th. The event will host a range of activities, performances, and workshops to bring the fun to all ages. 
 
The We Love Aotearoa series has been organised by a group of international travellers who found themselves based in Auckland during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

During their stay, they have been overwhelmed by the manaakitanga and aroha they have received from the people of Aotearoa. These events are a “thank you to the people of New Zealand” for their efforts to get us to where we are now.

While We Love Aotearoa was postponed from its original date in August due to COVID-19 lockdowns, the group has set a new date to wrap up the year in style on December 19th and 20th.

We Love Aotearoa is happening in three parts: entry and activities are all FREE. Food, beverages and artist merch will be available for purchase on-site.

For updates and more information, make sure you're following @weloveaotearoa and Weloveaotearoa.co.nz

LINE-UP FOR WE LOVE AOTEAROA

Whānau Fun Day! On Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm, catch a live set from Stan Walker and pop-up performances from East Cook Islands Community Culture group, Ngā Rangatahi Toa, Guggemusik, drag queens Kita Mean and Anita Wigl'it, and Freshman's Dance Crew.

Explore workshops and activities for the whole family including a silent disco, photos with Santa, festive Christmas activities, Animal Cycle Roller Rink, 3 Ring Riot Circus workshop, interactive art installations, The We Love VR Zone, games, and much more!

Drift-racing legend Darren Kelly and friends will be on-site, along with their cars, to chat with fans, sign autographs, take photos, and show their stuff!

We Love Aotearoa (r18)! From 5pm to 11pm on Saturday, enjoy performances by Ladi 6, Sons of Zion, Troy Kingi & The Clutch, Leisure, JessB, Chaii, Frank Booker, Flamingo Pier (DJ set), Clicks, DUAL, and HalfQueen. Taking place across two indoor stages, the live shows will be accompanied by licensed bars and food trucks to keep you going into the night. Existing ticket holders from the postponed August event will be granted access to the concerts, as well as newcomers to the event. We Love Aotearoa has increased capacity to accommodate more attendees and make this a celebration to remember.

To grab the last of these free tickets, head to iTicket.co.nz on Wednesday, November 18th at 10am for the final release. Be warned… previous tickets went in under three seconds!

We Love VR! From 10am to 3pm on both Saturday and Sunday, experience a never-before-seen virtual reality event showcasing the latest in gaming technology. The We Love VR zone will be hosted by New Zealand’s top VR developers demonstrating their titles along with Half-Life: Alyx (R18) across 20 stations. With a wide variety of age-appropriate options, there's something for everyone, including tamariki. Come down and enter the draw to win your very own Index VR set by Valve Software as well as a custom-built PC.

Delicious Kai on-site
Enjoy a sprawling selection of local food trucks; Wise Boys Burgers, The Rolling Pin, Lalele Organic, Crepes Creations, Sabores, Thai Kitchen, Crate Kitchen, Brooklyn Dogs, Miso Ra, Samaori Coffee, and licensed bars. We encourage you to bring your own reusable cups and containers, however compostable packaging will be available and encouraged from all participating food vendors.

The Heart of Racing
The Heart of Racing drivers will be on site to celebrate their latest achievement with you: winning the New Zealand Endurance Championship! The champion car and drivers will all be at the event to share their victory and mission with you. The Heart of Racing fundraises for the Starship Children’s Hospital through racing for and spreading awareness for the financial demands of quality paediatric care. Aside from being the new champions of Aotearoa, the team has raised over $250,000 for Starship since August… a victory we can all celebrate! Donate today at www.theheartofracing.co.nz.

Keep Aotearoa Clean

This event is a Zero Waste event and is supported by Sustainable Coastlines and has been carefully curated to have minimal impact on the environment. Enjoy workshops, demonstrations and learn about how you can make an impact through sustainable living.

The Music Producers Guild NZ / Aotearoa launches

Today sees the launch of the Music Producers Guild of NZ / Aotearoa (MPG NZ) which aims to foster and support a successful community of music producers and in turn, help champion and grow New Zealand music.

The MPG NZ is a non-profit trade organisation, enabled by funding and assistance from the New Zealand Music Commission, Recorded Music New Zealand, NZ on Air, MMF NZ, SAE Auckland and APRA NZ.

The annual membership fee of $100 enables members to access free personalised contracts and short-form deal memos, created by legal partners Media Arts Lawyers, for producing, mixing and performer releases. Members will also be provided with free licences from primary tech partners Serato, along with future deals from a range of industry partners.

Members will have full access to the MPG NZ website which includes an FAQ section on producer royalty payments, clarification of studio roles, music arranging, industry advice, and accounting advice on royalties.

The website will also be providing details of repair techs, legal, accounting, insurance
services, audio courses and with other music industry related information, as well as developing
a directory of studio and producer for interested members.

To join the MPG NZ please go to www.mpgnz.co.nz

PRESENTING THE FINALISTS FOR THE 2020 AOTEAROA MUSIC AWARDS

Aotearoa Music Awards | Nga Tohu Puoro o Aotearoa today announce a sensational group of 2020 Tui finalists, showcasing the country’s outstanding musical talent.

After selling out Western Springs, releasing a double platinum album and creating a feature film due out in November, longstanding favourites SIX60 emerge as frontrunners for the 2020 awards with five nods.

They have been nominated for Te Pukaemi o te Tau | Album of the Year for SIX60, Te Waiata Tōtahi o te Tau | Single of The Year  for ‘Please Don’t Go’, Te Roopu Toa | Best Group, Edge Te Kaipuoro Arotini Toa | Best Pop Artist, and the new Te Māngai Pāho Mana Reo award, which recognises albums or singles with at least 50% te reo Māori content, for their song ‘Kia Mau Ki Tō Ūkaipō’ (‘Don’t Forget Your Roots’).

Founded by the Kora brothers, Stu and Brad, with Ara Adams-Tamatea from Katchafire, Joel Shadbolt and Miharo Gregory, it’s no surprise L.A.B. has emerged has a key local playlist staple. The group is a regular on this summer’s festival circuit and will headline their first Mt Smart Stadium show in 2021.

L.A.B. are finalists for four Tui this year including Album of the Year for L.A.B III, Single of the Year for the melodic ‘In the Air’, Best Group and Te Kaipuoro Taketake Toa | Best Roots Artist.

After winning four Tui at the music awards last year, pop sensation BENEE is back and up for three Tui - Te Kaipuoro Takitahi Toa | Best Solo Artist, Edge Best Pop Artist, and Single of the Year for Supalonely, the song that dominated TikTok earlier this year.

After performing at the 2019 Music Awards, indie pop group The Beths are also up for three nominations this year. They’re contending for Te Kaipuoro Manohi Toa | Best Alternative Artist and Best Group, both of which they won last year, and their latest album Jump Rope Gazers is nominated for Album of the Year.

American-born, South Island raised folk favourite, Reb Fountain’s self-titled album is up for Album of the Year, featuring the moving single ‘Don’t You Know Who I Am’. She’s also up for the Best Solo Artist and Best Alternative Artist Tui and is soon embarking on a nationwide tour.

Jawsh 685 has had a whirlwind rise to fame this year. His single ‘Laxed (Siren Beat)’ created a global movement on TikTok where it has been used in over 63 million creations, and ‘Savage Love’ (w/ Jason Derulo) has topped the charts in more than 15 countries including New Zealand, Australia the United Kingdom and Canada.  The seventeen year old is up for Single of the Year and Spotify Te Kaituhura Puoro Toa o te Tau | Breakthrough Artist of the Year

Up-and-coming Māori artist Paige has been winning over fans with her melodic pop tunes and standout style. She’s nominated for two Tui this year, Spotify Breakthrough Artist of the Year and Edge Best Pop Artist.

Acclaimed for her intimate musical performances Nadia Reid is up for two Tui at this year’s Aotearoa Music Awards. She’s a finalist for Best Solo Artist and Album of the Year for her third studio album Out of My Province.

Mōhau, a supergroup collective of Rob Ruha, Ria Hall, Troy Kingi, Bella Kalolo, Majic Paora, Kaaterama Pou, the East Coast Tira Waiata sensation Ka Hao, and The Witch Doctor & Friends are finalists for the Te Kaipuoro Kairangi Toa | Best Worship Artist and Te Māngai Pāho Mana Reo Tui.

Their self-titled album made up of eight waiata whakamoemiti (gospel songs) were composed entirely in te reo Māori and were recorded in a single take as a live visual album a month before the audio release.

Other 2020 Aotearoa Music Awards finalists include Ria Hall (Best Māori Artist, Best Soul/RnB Artist), Stan Walker (Te Māngai Pāho Te Kaipuoro Māori Toa | Best Māori Artist and Te Kaipuro Awe Toa | Best Soul/RnB Artist), Tami Neilson for Album of the Year with Chickaboom! Troy Kingi with Single of the Year for ‘All Your Ships Have Sailed’, Miss June (Best Group), JessB (Best Solo Artist), CHAII (Spotify Breakthrough Artist of the Year), MELODOWNZ (Spotify Breakthrough Artist of the Year), Lepani (Best Soul/RnB Artist), Haz & Miloux (Best Soul/RnB Artist), Mermaidens (Best Alternative Artist), Lomez Brown (Best Roots Artist) and City of Souls, Devilskin and Villainy vying for Te Kaipuoro Rakapioi Toa | Best Rock Artist.

Drax Project are up for Single of the Year with their song ‘Catching Feelings’ featuring SIX60. Lee Mvtthews, State of Mind and Truth are nominated for Te Kaipuoro Tāhiko Toa | Best Electronic Artist, and Te Kaipuoro Hipihope Toa | Best Hip Hop Artist nods go to Church & AP, Raiza Biza and choicevaughan.

Kane Adams (Best Worship Artist), Te Rautini (Best Worship Artist), Andrew Beer & Sarah Watkins, Klara Kollektiv, and Matthew Marshall (Te Kaipuro Inamata Toa | Best Classical Artist) are also finalists at the Aotearoa Music Awards this year.

Recorded Music New Zealand CEO Damian Vaughan is incredibly proud of all the artists being showcased at the 2020 Aotearoa Music Awards.

“It is imperative as we continue to navigate through these times and the difficulties we all face due to COVID that the Aotearoa Music Awards continue to not only be a light for our music community and their achievements but a focal point for our industry and the NZ public to rally around our music whanau,” says Vaughan.

“Our musicians and their music are always there for us in times of shared experience and when tragedy strikes, and now more than ever our artists need to be celebrated and supported so they can continue to make music and bring us all together.

“But while we celebrate our artists, it’s important the 2020 awards also shine a light on the industry at large in these challenging times and the work groups like MusicHelps and others have undertaken to support and help people in the industry who were most impacted by COVID.

“It makes me proud to be a part of the ever-evolving and growing local music industry. We can’t wait to celebrate our music at the reinvented Aotearoa Music Awards for 2020. Mā te puoro, ka tuia.”

The decision to rebrand the awards aligns with continued efforts over the years to recognise Aotearoa’s tangata whenua and te reo Māori as the first language of New Zealand, as well as the importance of Te Ao Māori in our lives.

The recipients of the Te Toa Hoko Teitei, | Highest Selling Artist, NZ On Air Te Rikoata Marakerake o te Tau | Radio Airplay Record of the Year, Te Kōwhiri o te Nuinga | People’s Choice, and the Tohu Tutuki o te Ao | International Achievement Award will be announced on the night at the 2020 Aotearoa Music Awards.  

The event will take place Sunday 15 November at Spark Arena and will be broadcast live on The Edge TV from 7pm and continue on Three from 8.30pm. The entire broadcast will be streamed on ThreeNow.

Thanks to the official Aotearoa Music Awards music streaming partner Spotify please check out all the finalists via these links: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4lHXsFEotTOtAntq8bdY2O?si=NH8XfF8lRMyU2cP65NWbjA