ARO’S DEBUT ALBUM RELEASE & NATIONWIDE TOUR FOR MANU
Aro are setting off on their debut album release tour around the country this February to May (2019) following on from their official album release on Waitangi Day, Feb 6th.
“Aro mai, aro atu, arohā
To be faced, to face, to love”
Aro are setting off on their debut album release tour around the country this February to May (2019) following on from their official album release on Waitangi Day, Feb 6th. Aro are hosting a Waitangi Day and official album release celebration at Grey Lynn Library Hall in Auckland from 7pm, this event is open to all and is a BYO occasion.
Aro's sound is distinctly Aotearoa/NZ pop, with a range of other influences including RnB, Jazz, and Kapahaka. With 22 shows booked, the pair are taking their tunes from Whangarei to Stewart Island sharing their native bird inspired project titled ‘Manu’ (bird); a bilingual - te reo Māori & English 10 track album. The husband and wife duo made up of Charles and Emily Looker, have toured the country finding inspiration and discovering stories to share within the album.
‘Manu’ was inspired on Aro’s first nationwide tour in 2018, using the melodies, rhythms and stories of Aotearoa’s native birds, playing on their characteristics, and some of their significances for Māori to convey messages about life and identity. The songs were written from their home on wheels they call ‘Jamba’. They have put together a unique tour, celebrating the release of this album and sharing the stories of our native manu with the people of Aotearoa.
NATIONWIDE TOUR DATES & VENUES
Feb 6th| Grey Lynn Community Hall | Auckland
March 1st| D’vine Oasis Community | Russell
March 2nd| Whangarei Quarry Gardens |
Whangarei
March 3rd| Song Conversations | Mangawhai
March 8th | The Creators | Hamilton
March 22nd | Luke’s Kitchen | Kuaotunu
March 24th | Eggsentric | Cooks Beach
March 29th | The Refinery | Paeroa
March 30th | Jam Factory | Tauranga
April 5th | Common Room | Hastings
April 6th | Joseph St Kitchen | Palmerston North
April 7th | Raumati Social Club | Raumati South
April 11th | Le Cafe | Picton
April 14th | Fairfield House | Nelson
April 18th | Barrytown Hall | Barrytown
April 20th | Cork Bar | Wanaka
April 21st | Sherwood | Queenstown
April 25th | South Sea Hotel | Stewart Island
April 26th | Invercargill Brewery | Invercargill
April 27th | Bellamy’s Gallery | Dunedin
May 4th | Geraldine Music Academy | Geraldine
May 5th | Lyttelton Records | Christchurch
The MMF UK has created a guide to fan-data for managers
‘Big data’ is already becoming a problem in the music industry. The sheer amount of data collection and analysis opportunities that we do have puts emerging entrepreneurs in line with some of the most sophisticated companies in the world. So the team over at the MMF (UK) are helping artist managers understand some of this big data in its latest report: The Fan Data Guide.
‘Big data’ is already becoming a problem in the music industry. The sheer amount of data collection and analysis opportunities that we do have puts emerging entrepreneurs in line with some of the most sophisticated companies in the world.
The altruistic folk over at the Music Managers Forum (MMF) in the UK are helping artist managers understand some of this big data in its latest report: The Fan Data Guide.
Forming part of MMF’s ‘Digital Dollar’ initiative to educate people about digital music income streams, the guide breaks down data types, and offers insights into how social, ticketing, and streaming data can help grow their artist and influence decision-making.
The Fan Data Guide was created by Chris Cooke (CMU Insights), MMF board members Lisa Ward and Tom Burris; consultant Jessie Scoullar of Wicksteed Works; and solicitor Peter Mason of Russells.
“We all want to build and retain for our artists a digital fanbase – and therefore a data mountain – but not all of us have the resources, relationships or time to utilise it to the max, monetise it – if that’s appropriate – or efficiently spend against it,” said Lisa Ward, who manages UK singer-songwriter Nick Mulvey. “Hopefully this ‘Fan Data Guide’ can help managers meet that challenge.”
“It’s really important for a modern music manager to have a decent working knowledge of the various platforms through which fans interact with artists and especially the data that they each capture,” said Tom Burris, of ie:music.
“However, finding ways to navigate this sea of data can feel daunting,” he added. “The ‘Fan Data Guide’ sheds light on some of the commonly used digital resources, gives advice on best practice, and helps managers identify where an artists’ audience data is and how it can be used to help inform decisions”.
With thanks to The Industry Observer
Mundi 'Hurunui'
Hailing from Wellington and Christchurch and comprising of a stellar line-up of New Zealand musicians, Indie band Mundi is celebrating the release of their second single 'Hurunui' on the 1st February 2019.
Hailing from Wellington and Christchurch and comprising of a stellar line-up of New Zealand musicians, Indie band Mundi is celebrating the release of their second single 'Hurunui' on the 1st February 2019.
Composer, bandleader, flautist, percussionist and vocalist for Mundi, Tamara Smith talks about the song.
"The title Hurunui is Maori and means 'Long Hair'. I grew up by the Hurunui river mouth and loved swimming and exploring there. I started composing this song with the drum beat, playing on my African drum and I then choreographed a dance to go with the drum beat which I taught my dance class. The song developed further at my home in Banks Peninsula and while looking up at the volcanic hills I conjured up my memories of the river and its magic, finishing the lyrics and entire arrangement. It was eventually recorded in Wellington in 2017 with the full band at Lee Prebble’s studio, as part of Mundi's third album 'The Pale Blue Dot', which is to be released on the 1st March 2019."
TONI HUATA APPOINTED AS KAIHAUTŪ PUORO MĀORI - DIRECTOR OF MĀORI MUSIC FOR SOUNZ
Toni Huata, Ngāti Kahungunu and Rongowhakaata, has been appointed to the newly established role of Kaihautū Puoro Māori - Director of Māori Music at SOUNZ Centre for New Zealand Music. She will start in the role in January 2019.
Toni Huata, Ngāti Kahungunu and Rongowhakaata, has been appointed to the newly established role of Kaihautū Puoro Māori - Director of Māori Music at SOUNZ Centre for New Zealand Music. She will start in the role in January 2019.
This new role will be responsible for the implementation and development of SOUNZ’s Māori Music Strategy. SOUNZ Executive Director, Diana Marsh, said, “This full-time leadership role is a significant new direction for SOUNZ as we intend to work with Māori composers to expand our collection and the work that we do to represent the music of Aotearoa.”
“SOUNZ is delighted to appoint such an experienced candidate to this role,” said Diana Marsh, in announcing the appointment today. “Toni has shown a strong commitment to Māori music through her work with numerous organisations in both leadership roles and as a composer and musician, and we are fortunate to have her join the SOUNZ whānau to further promote and share the music of Māori composers.”
Ms Huata says, “I'm very happy to support SOUNZ in this new role and acknowledge all that have contributed towards the fruition of this journey. I look forward with much excitement to connecting and collaborating with many organisations and composers in this coming year; highlighting our uniqueness yet commonality from our special place in this world - Aotearoa.
Nō reira, āku nui, āku rahi, kā nui rā ngā mihi ki a koutou mō tō koutou tautoko ki te kaupapa kai mua i a tātau. E rere e te huata hopukia, e rere e te manuka tomokia.”
Toni Huata brings a wide variety of skills to this role, including manager, director, producer and performer. Toni is well known within the culture sector in New Zealand as a practitioner and promoter of Māori culture, music and performance. She has served in governance roles with Te Runanga o Ngāti Kahungunu ki te Whanganui ā Tara, Pūatatangi - Toi Māori Aotearoa, Taki Rua Productions, Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated and other iwi and Māori agencies.
SOUNZ would like to thank the Lottery Grants Board and Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori for their support of SOUNZ's Māori Music Strategy and this role.
SOUNZ Centre for New Zealand music works to champion the music of New Zealand’s composers. SOUNZ is home to a diverse and vibrant collection of information, scores, recordings and films of New Zealand music and performances. Creative collaborations with partner organisations such as the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, RNZ Concert, APRA and NZ On Air highlight the organisation’s ongoing growth and development through events and projects that promote the music of Aotearoa to national and international audiences
NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR COUNTRY MUSIC, CHILDREN’S MUSIC, AND JAZZ AWARDS
Recorded Music NZ and APRA AMCOS NZ, along with NZ On Air are pleased to announce that nominations for the Children’s Music , Country Music, and Jazz Awards are open. If you have released a Children’s Music, Country Music, or Jazz composition, album, or 5 single releases during the period 1 January 2018 – 31 December 2018 you could be eligible to enter one of our genre NZ Music Awards.
Recorded Music NZ and APRA AMCOS NZ, along with NZ On Air are pleased to announce that nominations for the Children’s Music , Country Music, and Jazz Awards are open.
If you have released a Children’s Music, Country Music, or Jazz composition, album, or 5 single releases during the period 1 January 2018 – 31 December 2018 you could be eligible to enter one of our genre NZ Music Awards.
2019 NZ Country Music Awards
The NZ Country Music Awards celebrate the best in local country music, and are comprised of the Recorded Music NZ Best Country Music Artist and APRA Best Country Music Song, as well as the MLT Songwriting awards.
Held in Gore each year, The NZ Country Awards are presented by the The New Zealand Songwriters Trust, and have been running since 2011. ‘An exceptional evening celebrating the craft of New Zealand Country Music’
TO ENTER YOUR NOMINATION FOR THE RECORDED MUSIC NZ BEST COUNTRY MUSIC ARTIST, PLEASE CLICK HERE
TO ENTER YOUR NOMINATION FOR THE APRA BEST COUNTRY MUSIC SONG PLEASE CLICK HERE
2019 NZ Jazz Awards
The NZ Jazz Awards recognise excellence and creativity in the broad world of jazz, and will be held on closing night of this year’s Wellington Jazz Festival, celebrating the achievements of the NZ Jazz community. The awards are comprised of the Recorded Music NZ Best Jazz Artist tui, and the APRA Best Jazz Composition award.
TO ENTER YOUR NOMINATION FOR THE RECORDED MUSIC NZ BEST JAZZ ARTIST, PLEASE CLICK HERE
TO ENTER YOUR NOMINATION FOR THE APRA BEST JAZZ COMPOSITION PLEASE CLICK HERE
2019 NZ Children’s Music Awards
The Children’s Music Awards champion the music especially created for our youngest music fans.
Presented at a special ceremony in May, we recognise the achievements of our children’s music creators with the Recorded Music NZ Best Children’s Music Artist tui, the APRA Best Children’s Music Song award, and the NZ On Air Best Children’s Music Video award.
TO ENTER YOUR NOMINATION FOR THE RECORDED MUSIC NZ BEST CHILDREN’S MUSIC ARTIST, PLEASE CLICK HERE
TO ENTER YOUR NOMINATION FOR THE APRA BEST CHILDREN’S MUSIC SONG PLEASE CLICK HERE
TO ENTER YOUR NOMINATION FOR THE NZ ON AIR BEST CHILDREN’S MUSIC VIDEO PLEASE CLICK HERE
Kendall Elise invites you to an evening of ‘Songs of Love and Heartache’
Kendall Elise will celebrate the release of her newest single ‘Valentine Street’ with an evening of ‘Songs of Love and Heartache’ at Anthology on K Road in Auckland onTuesday, February 14 - Valentine’s Day!
Kendall Elise will celebrate the release of her newest single ‘Valentine Street’ with an evening of ‘Songs of Love and Heartache’ at Anthology on K Road in Auckland onTuesday, February 14 - Valentine’s Day!
Get tickets here
‘Valentine Street’ is the second single from the Auckland-based singer-songwriter’s upcoming debut album. Kendall Elise is sharing the song with the world on Valentine’s Day. And so, to lament the commercial nature of the date, she is hosting the night with a talent-packed line-up of special guests, including:
- International burlesque performer
Amourous Ava
- Miss Viva Las Vegas
Fran Robertson
- Rockabilly babe Alissa Place and her dashing husband - Kevin, from band
The Blue Roses
- Go Flowers NZ
will also be there with lots of yummy premium red roses for sale!
“I'm so looking forward to this show,” says Kendall Elise. “Getting to connect with my talented friends and share the joy of performing with them is so humbling. And Anthology is a gorgeous venue with amazing hospitality,” she says.
The Kiwi artist - who late last year gave us a taste of what’s to come on her debut album with the stunning first single ‘The Clock Tower’ - will kick off the night playing a set of her favourite love songs.
“With romance and fresh cut flowers for your date, these will be songs that will break your heart and make you love again. Whether you like to celebrate Valentine's Day in commiseration or by showering your loved ones with commercial affection - there will be something for everyone.”
Kendall Elise and The Belgraves will also wrap up the evening with a set of tried and trusted favourites, alongside newly-released tracks and a sneak peek of what’s to come on her upcoming full-length record, including ‘Valentine Street’, which is out on February 14.
The song takes its name from the street where Kendall Elise once lived in the east side of Papakura District.
“’Valentine Street’ is about how you can be any kind of person from any kind of street in any kind of town and you will have a story of heartbreak or sadness that you often only share with a select few,” she explains.
Kendall Elise is an intriguing storyteller who has been turning heads since the release of her EP I DIDN’T STAND A CHANCE in 2017. Her songs speak of dark humour and personal experiences; with her sound taking inspiration from rhythm and blues, folk and country, and everything in between.
You’re invited to celebrate Kendall Elise’s new song ‘Valentine Street’ and all matters of the heart at Anthology in Auckland on February 14. See you there!
Get tickets here
PAPER CRANES 'VOICES'
Folk ensemble, Paper Cranes are pleased to announce the release of their second album Voices, and while this collection draws on their past sound, this new artistic whole is lighter and more hopeful than their last offering ‘The Road Home’.
Folk ensemble, Paper Cranes are pleased to announce the release of their second album Voices, and while this collection draws on their past sound, this new artistic whole is lighter and more hopeful than their last offering The Road Home.
Voices delves into themes of togetherness and relationships, the echoes that pull us together and send us apart. In its darkness and lightness, the album is about doubt and freedom, the changing seasons, the decisions that lead us, the lies we’re told and the search for truth.
“People’s words can build walls or break them down,” says band member Fraser Browne.
“Voices shape everything around us. When we’re born we hear the voice of our maker – a voice of warmth and love. As we grow, there are competing voices throughout our life – whether relationally, politically, in social media or the news, people fight for our attention and to convince us of their truths. And the memories of words spoken to us can be powerful forces – negative and positive. Some voices around us are strong and can drown out the quietness and peacefulness of others, and in ourjourney we constantly have to sift through the words of others that are lies, mistruths or judgements, and find voices of freedom.”
Paper Cranes will be embarking on a New Zealand tour to support the album. Tickets are available from Undertheradar (and Just The Ticket for Wellington). Auckland band Fables will play support (except Festival One and the South Island dates).
Voices is now available from iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify and all good digital outlets. CDs are available from the Paper Cranes’ Bandcamp site.
Paper Cranes Voice Tour
Jan 18 - Auckland - The Wine Cellar
Jan 19 - Tauranga - Folk
Jan 25 - Hamilton - Festival One
Jan 26 - Hamilton - Festival One
Feb 1 - Dunedin - Dog With Two Tails
Feb 2 - Christchurch - Lyttelton Records
Feb 7 - Wellington – Meow
Feb 8 - Palmerston North – Globe Theatre
Feb - 9 Whanganui - Lucky Bar
Feb - 10 Hastings – The Common Room
APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN FOR SONGHUBS AUCKLAND 2019
APRA AMCOS NZ are delighted to announce that applications are now open for Songhubs Auckland 2019. This week long program will be held at Roundhead Studios in Auckland from March 4th to 9th, 2019.
APRA AMCOS NZ are delighted to announce that applications are now open for Songhubs Auckland 2019.
This week long program will be held at Roundhead Studios in Auckland from March 4th to 9th, 2019.
SongHubs Auckland is a collaborative song-writing initiative presented by APRA AMCOS with the generous support of our friends at NZ On Air, the New Zealand Music Commission, Auckland Council and Recorded Music New Zealand.
In just three years we’ve brought 15 international guests to Auckland, connected more than 70 New Zealand and Australian writers and producers, and witnessed the creation of over 80 original songs. The impressive list of SongHubs releases includes 'Kind of Love' by Maala, 'Addict' by Louis Baker, 'All The Ways to Say Goodbye' by Mitch James, and 'Pitch Dark' by Chelsea Jade.
For 2019 welcome Ilsey Juber, Justin Parker, Nate Campany and Maize Olinger to New Zealand.
INTERNATIONAL GUEST: ILSEY JUBER
LOS ANGELES
Ilsey Juber is a singer and songwriter from California. She won two BMI awards in 2018 for her work on ‘Mercy’ by Shawn Mendes and ‘In the Name of Love’ by Martin Garrix and Bebe Rexha. Juber was a co-writer on the 2018 Lykke Li album, ‘so sad so sexy’. Other notable credits include Mark Ronson and Miley Cyrus ‘Nothing Breaks Like A Heart’, ‘All Night’ by Beyoncé, ‘Ocean’ by Martin Garrix feat. Khalid and ‘Powerful’ by Major Lazer feat. Ellie Goulding.
INTERNATIONAL GUEST: JUSTIN PARKER
LONDON
Justin Parker is a songwriter and producer from London. In 2011 he wrote ‘Video Games’ with Lana Del Rey, a song that launched both of their careers and won Parker his first Ivor Novello Award. In 2012, Parker co-wrote the lead single ‘Laura’ for Bat for Lashes' third album 'The Haunted Man', winning another Ivor Novello Award. Justin’s other collborations include ‘Stay’ with Mikky Ekko, which was recorded by Rihanna and reached the Top 5 status in 24 countries worldwide.
INTERNATIONAL GUEST: NATE CAMPANY
LOS ANGELES
Nate Campany is a US songwriter from Cleveland, Ohio. He co-wrote ‘This Time Around’ on Tove Lo’s platinum selling album ‘Queen of the Clouds’, 4 songs on Carly Rae Jepsen’s critically acclaimed album ‘Emotion’ and LP’s ‘Lost On You’ which was #1 in 27 countries. He also co-wrote Martin Garrix’s ‘Scared to be Lonely’ feat. Dua Lipa which went 3 times platinum in worldwide sales, and the #1 US Latin airplay Becky G x Natti Natasha song ‘Sin Pijama’.
INTERNATIONAL GUEST: MAIZE OLINGER
LOS ANGELES
Maize Olinger, originally from Los Angeles California, is a co-writer and singer in the band Night Things with Zach Shields, former half of ANTI signed band Dead Man’s Bones. Since signing with Greg Kurstin she’s devoted most of the last 12 months to honing her skills as a writer in both her artist project with producer Wendy Wang, and collaborations with MoZella, Kamandi, Sam Wilkes of Cutty Gold, and Mr Little Jeans.
Acclaimed Welsh music producer Greg Haver (Manic Street Preachers, The Chills, Catatonia, Opshop, Kimbra) returns as our curator this year. Greg will select 16 participants (12 writers and 4 producers) who will work with our guests in different configurations each day to create brand new songs.
Applications are now OPEN to participate as an artist or producer in
SongHubs Auckland 2019
The Offer:
TWO (2) fully funded places for internationally based APRA AMCOS members:
Return flights to Auckland from anywhere in the world
Accommodation for seven (7) nights
Per diem of $60 NZD per day for six (6) days
TWO (2) fully funded places for APRA AMCOS members who are resident in New Zealand:
Return flights to Auckland from anywhere in New Zealand
Accommodation for seven (7) nights
Per diem of $60 NZD per day for six (6) days
TWELVE (12) non-funded places for APRA AMCOS members who are resident in New Zealand:
Per diem of $60 NZD for 6 days
You will need to arrange your own transport and accommodation