SoundCheck Aotearoa: update on upcoming workshops, resources, and FAQs

We thought it was time to update our music community on the work of SoundCheck Aotearoa, tell you more about what we are doing and why, and invite you all to participate in upcoming events.

SoundCheck Aotearoa is an action group formed in 2020 with the mission to foster a safe and inclusive culture for the music community. Our first project is focused on the prevention of and response to sexual harm, and in the future we want to expand our work to cover representation and inclusion issues more broadly.

You can read more about us and our first project HERE.

FAQs
As conversations have unfolded there have understandably been a variety of who/what/when questions around SoundCheck Aotearoa. Transparency is important to us, so we have answered them with an FAQ section, which you will find HERE.

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
Through March and April we are offering a series of workshops on the topic of a safe and inclusive culture for the music community in Aotearoa, and an online feedback form for those who can’t attend the workshops. The workshops are scheduled for Monday 22nd March, Tuesday 23rd March, and Tuesday 6th April.
Your ideas from the workshops and feedback form will help us to prioritise what’s needed, and develop a firmer work plan for the coming 12-18 months.
We will circulate that work plan in May 2021, and offer another chance to give feedback then.
For information about upcoming workshops, to RSVP and access the online feedback form, click HERE.

WHAT CAN I DO IN THE MEANTIME?
Creating culture change in the music community is a long term project that SoundCheck Aotearoa are committed to, but there are things we can all do in the short term to raise awareness and increase safety and inclusivity.
Click HERE to read a list of suggestions created by our experts, and HERE to access some resources.

We understand that issues relating to sexual harm are sensitive and can trigger a variety of feelings and reactions. We encourage anyone affected or anyone who has experienced harm in the music community to make use of the range of support services listed on our website HERE.

ORO

APRA NZ is joining forces with songwriters, broadcasters, funders, record labels and other music entities, to support the emergence of a bilingual music industry.

Head of NZ Operations, Anthony Healey says “Waiata connects us all to Māori language and culture, and we want to embrace the opportunity to celebrate our Aotearoatanga through music.

"We are blessed with a rich history of waiata reo Māori and we want to support our kaitito waiata (songwriters) who have been fostering the language in song for many years. We also want to encourage those who are not so confident yet with the reo to write, record, and perform more”.

ORO (meaning to resound, resonate or a musical note) is APRA's strategy, as part of a shared music industry approach to increase the repertoire of waiata reo Māori and waiata reorua (bilingual songs).

Initiatives include the translation and recording of existing songs, as well as collaborations between artists and mātanga reo (language experts) to write new waiata.

Leading APRA’s Māori music development, Hinewehi Mohi says “Whether artists are already recording and performing in Māori, or have just started their reo journey in this way, we want to celebrate their work and create more opportunity for it to be heard.

"We’re pulling together a maramataka/calendar to create awareness and opportunity for waiata punctuations around the country, throughout 2021”. https://apraamcos.co.nz/news/2021/february/maramataka-calendar/

APRA will also conduct a research initiative and review of data collation for legacy waiata and songwriters, as well as greater engagement with kapa haka communities, and taonga puoro (traditional instrument) practitioners to support them in registration and recognition of their works.

“Music is a great connector, and is a way we can express our unique cultural identity. By supporting the production, promotion and broadcast of waiata, we may all one day be singing from the same song sheet!”

Introducing Gig Starters - It’s All About All Ages Gigs

NZ Music Commission has created a new seminar series called ‘Gig Starters’, talking with young people about putting on all ages gigs. The initiative is hitting the road in March visiting Auckland, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin with a FREE seminar, workshop and all ages gig in each centre.

Designed as an introduction to creating and producing all ages live music shows, the Gig Starters up-skilling events kick off with a 4pm seminar featuring a panel of industry professionals, a local recording artist and a production technician (sound and/or lighting) discussing the basics of putting on your own all ages gig.

After the seminar, there will be a workshop around the soundcheck to prepare for a show that evening, with opportunity for the participants to observe and be part of a live production set-up, with the all ages gig starting at 7pm.

‘Creating live gigs is an awesome way to make first steps into the industry as a musician or someone who is interested in a career behind the scenes in music. You’ll get to be part of putting on an event showcasing great local music, and learn new skills at the same time’ - Rodney Fisher, NZ Music Commission

The event is FREE, but you will need to register via Eventbrite for safety and contact tracing purposes.

Register for Gig Starters in your town here:

March 11 – Hamilton https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/gig-starters-hamilton-tickets-141231640639

March 12 – Auckland https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/gig-starters-auckland-tickets-142814908235

March 18 – Palmerston North https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/gig-starters-palmerston-north-tickets-143041339497

March 19 – Wellington https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/gig-starters-wellington-tickets-143064536881

March 26 – Christchurch https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/gig-starters-christchurch-tickets-143062982231

March 27 – Dunedin https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/gig-starters-dunedin-tickets-143071136621

Artist Expressions of Interest Open - Taranaki Arts Festival

The Taranaki Arts Festival is seeking expression of interest from artists for their 2021 festival season.

Presented by TAFT, the Taranaki Arts Festival launched in March 1991 as a biennial international arts festival. Over the years it has hosted the likes of Russia’s delightful Slava’s SnowShow, Montreal’s explosive Traces, the world premiere of opera The Prodigal Child, Dame Malvina Major, the Topp Twins, Footnote Dance Company, and the list goes on.

In 2019 the traditional biennial festival underwent a contemporary makeover, evolving into four unique festivals. The first festival of its kind in New Zealand to present a series of niche festivals, the new structure has kept Taranaki at the forefront of the arts scene, and more alive with the arts than ever.

Taranaki Arts Festival in 2021 is looking for fresh ideas, artistic proposals, and performances from any individuals or companies.

If you think you have an act or work that fits the festival’s vision to be a world-class, dynamic, modern, and iconic arts festival enriching the lives of our people, we would love to hear from you.

Proposals: TAFT welcome submissions for new works or re-presentation of existing works. Our arts festivals are curated festivals, and we are looking to programme:

• Dance

• Theatre

• Cabaret

• Musical

• Comedy

2021 Festival DATES:

Right Royal Cabaret Festival

29 July - 01 Aug 2021

RESET Arts Festival

4-14 Nov 2021

To apply head to www.taft.co.nz

Watch this video message about applying from our Artists Director, Emere Wano click HERE >>

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL GIRLS ROCK! TĀMAKI MAKAURAU!

Girls Rock! Tāmaki Makaurau is over for another year and a fantastic time was had!

For 2021, Girls Rock! Tāmaki Makaurau partnered with SAE Creative Media Institute Auckland for the first time, holding the programme at their SAE Parnell campus, and allowing them to access their state of the art recording studios and equipment.

This gave the girls the opportunity to launch their new electronic music stream, giving the campers the chance to learn new skills in electronic music production and arrangement. Listening back to the electronic bands' performances at the Girls Rock! Tāmaki Makaurau 2021 Showcase, I'm sure you'll agree that it's been a great success.

You can rewatch the livestream of the showcase here.

Here's what some of our campers had to say about this year's Girls Rock! Tāmaki Makaurau:

“you meet so many new friends and have a whole new experience of playing with people and creating music with everyone.”
- Fran (15)

“So this year I did the electronic music stream, and that was probably my favourite part because it’s so different and it’s so new. I’ve done a bit of work on Logic before but this was just a whole other level of amazing stuff which was really cool. And also working with my band mates has been one of the biggest highlights of Girls Rock! - being able to communicate with other people who love music and that’s one of my favourite parts about Girls Rock for me.”
- Evie (14)

“It’s so good and I’ll totally do it again next year, and the year after until I can’t do it anymore. The people are so amazing and the music is great, the community is wonderful - it’s just so much fun!”
- Shiray (15)

The kaupapa of Girls Rock! is to empower young women, transgender and gender non-conforming youth by giving them practical skills and role models in a safe, supportive space.

As a community organisation, we're extremely grateful for the support we receive from people like you. We simply couldn't operate without it.

If you'd like to show off your support of Girls Rock! Aotearoa, you can do it with one of our groovy tote bags. Made of high-quality 100% cotton canvas, they're perfect for carrying records, musical accessories and implements for overthrowing the patriarchy. Check out the totes on Bandcamp.

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