SWYSH DELIVERS PERSONALISED VIDEOS FOR NZ MUSIC MONTH
This May, Aotearoa’s favourite fan engagement platform Swysh, is proud to get behind NZ Music Month 2022 in association with August Avenue, NZ Music Month and partner MusicHelps, a unique charity, dedicated to changing lives through the power of music!
This May, Aotearoa’s favourite fan engagement platform Swysh, is proud to get behind NZ Music Month 2022 in association with August Avenue, NZ Music Month and partner MusicHelps, a unique charity, dedicated to changing lives through the power of music!
Since 2020, sport start-up Swysh has been surprising fans across Aotearoa with personalised video messages from sport stars direct to your phone - Now, in celebration of NZ Music Month, Swysh has partnered with artist management and music agency August Avenue to connect you to your favourite Kiwi artists like never before!
“There’s two things Kiwis love… Sport and Music! It’s been a hard couple of years for both industries and we wanted to work in partnership with August Avenue to help our talented musical friends out, and extend the Swysh offering in Aotearoa” Says Hayley Gillespie, Country Manager for Swysh
"We make it possible, and really easy for fans to interact with artists. Fans can place a request for a personalised video message on the Swysh website, provide a brief description for the video and within a few days we'll send back a personalised video made by the artist straight to their phone."
“We have some incredible Kiwi artists onboard, like Sol3 Mio, Georgia Lines, Kings, Zed, Hollie Smith, Louis Baker and more! It’s a really special gift idea – you can surprise Mum on Mother’s Day, serenade your mate for their Birthday or simply be inspired by talented Kiwi artists. For fans who would usually be attending live events but haven’t been able to for a while – it’s an interesting and exciting way to connect” says Gillespie
August Avenue’s Jayden Keoghan, shares a similar enthusiasm for the alignment with Swysh
“For a long time our amazing Kiwi artists have been changing plans and battling with the flow on effects of the pandemic - things like cancelled gigs. Now we have this incredible new opportunity to connect artists and fans with a personal touch.”
“As well as supporting our homegrown artists, we’re donating 20% from each video order to ‘MusicHelps’ who do an incredible job using the power of music to change lives.” Says Keoghan
Swysh is already home to some of the biggest sports stars across Australia and New Zealand and donates 20% of each sale to local children's charities, with a whopping $500,000 donated in the past two years. With the recent addition of Kiwi musicians to the platform alongside MusicHelps as a charity partner, we're excited for the month ahead!
You can order a personalised video message from swysh.me/musicmonth
Swysh & August Avenue – Proud to support talented Kiwis!
Applications to showcase at BIGSOUND 2022 are now open
New Zealand artists have the rare chance to perform in front of some of the most influential figures in music by showcasing at BIGSOUND, the southern hemisphere's largest new music festival and conference.
New Zealand artists have the rare chance to perform in front of some of the most influential figures in music by showcasing at BIGSOUND, the southern hemisphere's largest new music festival and conference.
BIGSOUND returns to Brisbane's Fortitude Valley entertainment precinct Tuesday 6 - Friday 9 September and is a showcase opportunity that puts artists in front of leading music industry delegates
This year's event will welcome tastemakers from across the world including media, A&R, agents, promoters, music supervisors, buyers and so much more. Now in its 21st year, BIGSOUND has grown to become the biggest annual new music event of its kind in Australia. Run across three game-changing days and three fun-filled nights, you can connect with, listen to and play in front of some of the most influential players in music.
With almost a thousand bands performing at BIGSOUND over its 21-year history – it's easy to see why BIGSOUND is the place people come to discover the future of music. Artists from Aotearoa who have previously showcased at BIGSOUND include Aldous Harding, CHAII, Fazerdaze, Marlon Williams, The Beths, Tiny Ruins and Yumi Zouma.
Applications to showcase at BIGSOUND 2022 are now open and close at 11:59pm Friday 20 May (AEST). Successful applicants will be notified in late June.
More information can be found on https://www.bigsound.org.au/
Details regarding the Outward Sound delegate grant will be announced in coming weeks.
Calling all independent musicians: ‘Music Career : Masterclass’ is here to help
Wellington-based artists looking to take a step up in the music industry will get a chance to learn from some of the best in the business in a new masterclass series launching this month.
Wellington-based artists looking to take a step up in the music industry will get a chance to learn from some of the best in the business in a new masterclass series launching this month.
Aston Rd, a Wellington-based boutique music business, is proud to present Music Career : Masterclass, a six-week series designed to help ten Wellington musicians take their careers to the next level.
Delivered by Aston Rd founder Cushla Aston and music industry professionals from across Aotearoa, each module offers practical advice and hands-on training to help artists up-skill and fast track their career development.
Cushla Aston says: “I’ve been managing and mentoring artists for the past decade and there’s a gap in the teaching of the business of music. And, if you’re a self-managing artist then the struggle is real.
“We want our participants to find the sweet spot between creative and career and to walk away with business knowledge, tools, networks, and a community of people they can call on.”
Topics covered in Masterclass: Music Career modules include mindset and music, how to make money and run your business, goal setting, digital marketing, media training and more.
Cushla Aston says: “Getting access to people who can help you learn how to build a career in music can be hard for many independent artists.
“Thanks to capability funding from the NZ Music Commission though, we’re able to offer this course to successful applicants for only $100, which will hopefully give the applicants a chance to up-skill themselves and take their career to a new level.”
Applications for Music Career : Masterclass open on 29 April and close on 6 May. Modules will be held in central Wellington every Saturday from 21 May - 25 June from 10am – 2pm.
For more information, including application criteria and to apply, visit www.astonroad.com
The six Masterclass: Music Career modules cover:
o Mindset & Music
o The Business of Music & Goal Setting
o The Authentic Artist - Press Release & Bios
o The Authentic Artist 2 - The Image
o Digital Marketing - The Fundamentals
o Media Ready
Masterclass: Music Career mentors are:
o Luke Rowe – Mindset Coach, Clinical Psychologist
o Nicole Thomas – Nik Nak Media
o Yadana Saw – Broadcaster, Producer
o Leanda Borrett – Publicist, Music Marketing
o Martyn Pepperell – Journalist, Broadcaster, DJ
o Molly Littlejohn – Talent Manager, Social Media Marketer
o Kate Stacy – Stylist
o Nina Da Costa – Entertainment Accountant
o Cushla Aston – Artist Manager, Mentor, Producer.
Masterclass: Music Career applicants need to:
o be a Wellington-based artist/act
o write and perform original music
o have at least two original music recordings (released or demos)
o have existing Social Media platforms
o be releasing new music within the next 8 months
o have access to the internet and a laptop
o be available to attend each class in person
o be able to attend all modules, and commit to 3-4 hours homework each week
o not be signed to a major label or management.
Successful applicants will be notified on 10 May.
Aston Rd is a Wellington-based boutique music business specialising in artist management, music industry education, mentoring, and special projects.
AMS Nightlife Partnered with Kiwi Artists to Get Kiwis Playing More Kiwi Music During NZ Music Month
AMS Nightlife is thrilled to partner with some of New Zealand’s finest artists this May to promote New Zealand Played in a bid to get more Kiwis playing New Zealand music in more than 1,200 venues across the country during NZ Music Month.
AMS Nightlife is thrilled to partner with some of New Zealand’s finest artists this May to promote New Zealand Played in a bid to get more Kiwis playing New Zealand music in more than 1,200 venues across the country during NZ Music Month.
Kiwi artists such as The Black Seeds, The Phoenix Foundation, Theia, Muroki and Tom Larkin from Shihad have created short videos in support of New Zealand Played and NZ Music Month. Their message was clear and Daniel from The Black Seeds said it clearly, "Support NZ Music Month by selecting your favourite Kiwi artists on crowdDJ®. It is as simple as that!"
The New Zealand Played campaign is simple in its execution but ambitious in its aspirations. The goal is clear – to shine the spotlight on local musicians in the New Zealand music industry. This May AMS Nightlife will roll out an even stronger focus on Kiwi artists across their curated music lists, making homegrown talents more visible and accessible. In addition Kiwi artists and their music on crowdDJ® are tagged with the New Zealand Played logo so that anyone can easily pick their favourite Kiwi music via the free crowdDJ® mobile app or interactive in-venue kiosk at a crowdDJ®-supported location.
In May 2021 AMS Nightlife saw success with their first New Zealand Played campaign. 1,085,329 Kiwi songs were played around the country through its network of clients - a 5.4% increase from April 2021. Out of which, 10,514 New Zealand songs were picked by Kiwis on crowdDJ®, resulting in a 7.64% increase from April 2021.
"This year we are aiming to double it. We have released three promotional kits on the New Zealand Played website to help businesses, music lovers and artists play more New Zealand music," explained Karen de Bres, co-founder of AMS Nightlife. "These kits are designed to make supporting New Zealand Played and NZ Music Month as simple as possible."
New Zealand Played 2022 launches today and videos from the supporting Kiwi artists will be shared on www.nzplayed.co.nz and across social media throughout the month of May.
About The New Zealand Played Campaign The New Zealand Played campaign is an initiative by AMS Nightlife to support NZ Music Month. The campaign uses the commercial reach of AMS Nightlife – New Zealand's largest music subscription service for businesses – as well as the technology of Nightlife music system and crowdDJ® to encourage Kiwis to select Kiwi music. Every time a New Zealand song is played through our network of clients, a New Zealand artist gets paid.
To find out more about New Zealand Played, visit www.nzplayed.co.nz
To find out more about AMS Nightlife, visit www.amsnightlife.co.nz
To watch one of the videos, please watch here.
To use the New Zealand Played social assets, please download here.
FINALISTS ANNOUNCED FOR 2022 NZ CHILDREN’S MUSIC AWARDS
Dreamy Good Night melodies, an imaginary backwards world, Itty Bitty Bubbles, standing together against bullying, the importance of caring for Papatūānuku and ‘nothing’ are all subjects that have burst into the taringa of tamariki this past year. The 2022 NZ Children’s Music Awards are an annual presentation, celebrating music written for kiwi kids.
Dreamy Good Night melodies, an imaginary backwards world, Itty Bitty Bubbles, standing together against bullying, the importance of caring for Papatūānuku and ‘nothing’ are all subjects that have burst into the taringa of tamariki this past year. The 2022 NZ Children’s Music Awards are an annual presentation, celebrating music written for kiwi kids.
These lyricists, musical architects, and wildly varied assortment of creators, encourage kiwi kids to kick up their heals and inflame a love of music for the tamariki of Aotearoa. Music universally conjures a magical joy to the soul and plays a central role in our children’s lives, conducting their stories and stirring their senses.
Drum roll please….
APRA Best Children's Song finalists:
- Kath Bee, Ryan Beehre, Luke Epapara for E Tū Tāngata – Stand Together performed by Mika Elley ft. Kurnel MC
- Michal Amy Bush, Andrew Knopp, Victoria Knopp for Family performed by Music with Michal
- Michal Amy Bush, Andrew Knopp, Victoria Knopp for Good Night performed by Music with Michal
Recorded Music NZ Te Kaipuoro Waiata Tamariki Toa / Best Children’s Music Artist finalists:
- Itty Bitty Beats for Itty Bitty Bubbles
- Levity Beet for Levity Beet’s Bamboo Banger Collection
- Music with Michal for Summer Days
NZ On Air Best Children's Music Video finalists:
- Chris Lam Sam for Song About Nothing video produced by Mukpuddy Animation
- Music with Michal for Goodnight video produced by Dylan Jones at For Good Media
- Loopy Tunes Music for Guardians of Papatūānuku video produced by Luke Siaki, Siu Williams-Lemi and Leah Williams-Partington
As five-time curator of the NZ Children’s Music Awards and a NZ children’s music writer, author and broadcaster herself, Suzy Cato is very proud of the children’s music community of Aotearoa.
“We are blessed with a wealth of artists from across the country, covering a variety of genres; all with tamariki in their hearts as they create. As the kiwi kids music community continues to grow, so does the quality of the content produced. These songs are a snapshot of our tamariki’s lives and are guaranteed to get them up dancing and singing along.”
Presented by Recorded Music NZ, APRA AMCOS 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, the association supports NZ children’s music creators and seeks to advance the potential of all our children to live healthy fulfilling lives.
Winners will be announced at an invite only ceremony on Sunday 15 May at Tuning Fork, Spark Arena. The show will be hosted by tamariki from across Aotearoa. There will be live performances, video screenings, and to follow the awards, interactive music-making workshops, afternoon tea, and plenty of fun and games.
Thanks to APRA AMCOS NZ, Recorded Music NZ, Spark Arena and NZ On Air who have created a special spotifty playlist celebrating this years finalists, available here
TAITE MUSIC PRIZE DATE CHANGE
Independent Music NZ announces the Taite Music Prize award presentation ceremony moves to Sunday, May 29 to close out NZ Music Month on a high with an in-person award ceremony. The stars aligned last minute to make it possible for artists, and those that help them to be able to meet in person and celebrate.
Independent Music NZ announces the Taite Music Prize award presentation ceremony moves to Sunday, May 29 to close out NZ Music Month on a high with an in-person award ceremony. The stars aligned last minute to make it possible for artists, and those that help them to be able to meet in person and celebrate.
The eponym for the awards is the late Dylan Taite, one of New Zealand’s most respected TV music journalists whose unique style captured some rare interviews over the decades including the Sex Pistols, Deep Purple, and the career-defining Bob Marley which are still referenced today.
Dylan’s son, John Taite comments, “They say time waits for no one. No one except Dylan Taite that is, who had a superhuman knack for stretching deadlines. Dad’s unmissable masterpieces were often hours, days and weeks late. It was more important to him to get things right for his audience. Because like every great artist he interviewed, Dylan knew that timing is everything - even when you’re late.”
The opportunity for the in-person event, albeit a reduced number, has been welcomed by many of the finalists with responses of “Great News!” and “Oh lovely!” flooding in .
The ceremony will once again take place at Tāmaki Makaurau’s Q Theatre and will be live blogged across multiple platforms for fans and music lovers around the motu to follow the events of the evening. The pared back event will include a whole lot of much-needed in person camaraderie for a sector of the arts that has had a prolific output during some of its toughest times.
The ten albums in contention for the 2022 Taite Music Prize are:
Listen on Spotify HERE
Anthonie Tonnon - Leave Love Out Of This (Slow TIme Records)
Dianne Swann - The War On Peace of Mind (Bads Music)
French For Rabbits - The Overflow (AAA Records)
Lips - I Don't Know Why I Do Anything (Independent)
Luke Buda - BUDA (Buda Records)
Reb Fountain - IRIS (Flying Nun Records)
Sheep, Dog & Wolf - Two-Minds (Aphrodite)
Team Dynamite - Respect The Process (Independent)
Troy Kingi - Black Sea Golden Ladder (AAA Records)
Vera Ellen - It's Your Birthday (Flying Nun Records)
The Auckland Live Best Independent Debut Award celebrates the freshest talent of Aotearoa and the three finalists are:
Listen on Spotify HERE
Adelaide Cara - How Does This Sound?
Jazmine Mary - The Licking of a Tangerine
Proteins of Magic - Proteins of Magic
The NZ On Air Outstanding Music Journalism Award is the first of its kind for Aotearoa New Zealand and the finalists are:
Undertheradar.co.nz – Editorial Team; Chris Cudby and Annabel Kean
Rova’s 'Aotearoa Hip Hop: The Music, The People, The History' - Podcast creators; DJ Sirvere and Martyn Pepperell
RNZ Music’s The Sampler - Producer and journalist; Tony Stamp
95bFM’s Long Player “Milk III - Reuben Winter” episode - Producer; Jess Fu
The 2022 recipient of the Classic Record has already been announced to recognise the 1994 New Zealand album; PROUD - An Urban-Pacific Streetsoul Compilation. Listen on Apple Music HERE or on Spotify HERE
Also to be announced at the ceremony is the recipient of the 2022 Independent Spirit Award. This recognises and celebrates a New Zealander who is passionate about NZ music and has dedicated themselves to helping artists and the wider music community to grow and find their own unique pathways.
#tagyourfolks 2022
If you take one of those old school internet chains, bin the tacky obligation and add a tupperware of talent, then you’ll get #tagyourfolks.
"If you take one of those old school internet chains, bin the tacky obligation and add a tupperware of talent, then you’ll get #tagyourfolks. This year we’re back with a star studded cast of indie gems (South for Winter, Geoff Ong, Vikae, Odds and Ends and more) and we’re even launching our own social media pages to go with it. #tagyourfolks kicks off on May 2nd with the other worldly Mackensie Grace covering the inimitable Colette Rivers.
#tagyourfolks works with the ethos of NZ music month, hoping to honour and uplift independent artists for their mahi. We're excited to announce a combination of returning main players and new talent. 2022 brings you a platter of Aotearoa’s finest performing bite sized covers of each other’s music. "
Follow #tagyourfolks on:
CHECK IN WITH SOUNDCHECK
Remind yourself of the resources available on the SoundCheck website, and update yourself on their ongoing work.
Kia ora e te whānau
We hope you’re doing well during these challenging times. We know it's been a hard time for many in the music community.
However we also know that many of you are getting back to collaborating and meeting in person and those in the live music sector are planning for tours, festivals and shows in the future.
We wanted to send a reminder of the resources available on our website, and update you on our ongoing work.
If you are planning any shows, tours, rehearsals, recording sessions or industry events, now is a great time to check out the resources we presented at the end of last year, which are all available through our website.
These were created in collaboration with many experienced people in the live music sector, as well as managers, producers, and artists, and they're designed to help keep everyone safe, respected, and included, in particular in preventing and responding to sexual harassment and harm in our workplaces.
EXPLORE THE WEBSITE AND RESOURCES
SoundCheck Website Resources
On our website you can find:
a range of prevention resources including posters, policies, and templates
guidelines and a flowchart in responding to reports of sexual harm, handling incidents, and complaints
external resolution options (including mediation and restorative processes)
support services available for those who have experienced sexual harm (and their supporters)
support services for those who are accused of or have done sexual harm (and their supporters)
support available for businesses who are dealing with issues of sexual harassment
We’re excited to be spreading the word about the new resources and ideas on how to use them. If you have questions or feedback on the resources, or you would like to arrange a zoom session to discuss them, please get in touch via info@soundcheckaotearoa.co.nz. You can also look out for us in the Music Commission May Book and (for those in Tāmaki Makaurau) at the Music Month Summit in May.
Professional Respect Training
We are also continuing training in 2022. We had to pause Professional Respect last year due to COVID, but the training will be back from June – both as in-person training days, and online modules as an alternative for those who prefer not to meet face to face, or who are based outside the main centres. Stay tuned for news about dates for in person and online sessions.
We are also continuing to support and collaborate with others in the music community doing harm prevention projects. Please get in contact if you’d like to discuss a project with us or you are looking for advice or guidance.
Finally, as a team we’ve been reflecting on the past couple of years and our journey from launching in November 2020 alongside the Amplify Aotearoa research, to where we are today. We even created a timeline on our website for those who want to check it out.
Kia kaha, take care.
SoundCheck Aotearoa