triangle < with 10:32 - New date and venue announced

triangle < with 10:32 (fronted by London-based kiwi artist, Bridget Walsh)
Wednesday 29 May, Servant Jazz Quarters, London

This New Zealand Music Month, London-based kiwi artist, Bridget Walsh is launching a new series of events, showcasing womxn-led artists and projects. As part of an ongoing residency at East London venue, the Servant Jazz Quarters, Bridget’s new band, 10:32, is curating a series of 'triangle’ shows, with each show featuring bands and projects all being led or produced by womxn around the UK. As the first show is taking place in NZ Music Month, the line up will also feature kiwi DJ and artist, Laura Owen-Wright, with kiwi actress, Celeste Wong, as MC.

10:32 features Lyle Barton on keys, Radovan Brtko on drums, Digby Lovatt on bass and Bridget on vocals. 2018 saw the band debut at the Isle of Wight Festival, followed by a headline tour of Aotearoa, along with studio sessions in the UK, NZ and the USA. For fans of artists including D’Angelo, Hiatus Kaiyote, Kimbra, Tom Misch, Moonchild and more, 10:32’s booty-shaking soul-pop explores elements of hiphop, jazz, breakbeat, drum & bass, r&b and neo-soul, but isn’t afraid of a hardcore-style breakdown, or an extended synth solo.

Originally from Tāmaki Makaurau, Bridget has been touring with UK bands since 2013, taking the stage at a number of other iconic global venues and festivals, including Glastonbury, Boomtown, Sono Centrum, Latitude, Estragon Club, Subsonic and the Edinburgh Fringe. This year Bridget also travelled home to host Wellington’s CubaDupa Festival. Lyle is a Guildhall Jazz grad, who’s playing with emerging UK artists including Poppy Ajudha and Emma-Jean Thackray. Radovan is originally from Slovakia, where he started touring with bands in his early teens, and Digby performs around the world with artists including James Vickery, Sody and Kelis.

The first triangle event is on Wednesday 29 May at Servant Jazz Quarters in London, with a line-up featuring 10:32, Call Me Unique (Birmingham) and Margot (London). Pre-sale tickets are “pay what you can afford” to help make the event as accessible as possible. More details can be found on Bridget’s facebook page: www.facebook.com/lovefrombridget / @lovefrombridget

Tijay releases debut single ‘Better Off’

Better Off is the debut single by New Zealand based songwriter Tijay.

Produced by Vince Harder, Better Off hits a groove from the outset with strong themes of empowerment wrapped up in a catchy Pop/ RnB feel.

"What I would hope people would get out of Better Off is that they would feel empowered to see and know what they deserve, who they are called to be”.

Tijay grew up in Auckland, is married to her drummer Jasher and is the designer and creative force behind bespoke earring company arowm. Her designs have featured at NZ Fashion Week and on the lobes of fellow female songwriters Hayley Williams (Paramore) & Kimbra.

To celebrate the release of the single, special edition arowm ‘Better Off’ earrings have been created, if you manage to be lucky enough to get a pair, hold onto them, this girl is set for stardom.

Better Off is out today, with a music video to follow early May.

GEORGE YOUNG 'THE DEVIL'

Wellington based Alternative RnB artist, George Young, is releasing his new single ‘The Devil’ on the 24th April, a kicked back trip-hop and trap tempo track, offers listens a groove to hang-on to, while lyrically exploring the many darker sides to life.

The Devil is the first offering of George’s second EP ‘Mental’ due out later this year. “The Devil is about the realities of having a good time yet being aware of the ever present evil that creates the fun. Wondering if hell will be the same party that hell creates on earth. With this track and upcoming EP, I really wanted to explore all those parallels” – says George.

Accompanying the single is a music video shot by Director Lee Gingold (Drax Project- ‘Woke Up Late’), finding George wondering amidst his hometown of Lower Hutt, while embodying the title role of ‘The Devil’.

Inspired by artists such as James Blake and Unknown Mortal Orchestra, George Young the former front man of bands Funkacybin and The Ba$h, standing at 6ft 6” tall, makes for an impressive and promising new artist, having written, produced and mixed his debut EP ‘Aside’ which received over 380k Spotify streams and playlist support around the World.

Manzo ‘Attachment’ and ‘Beatniks on Toast’

Manzo (the alias of songwriter and producer Alan Hodgetts) will soon be releasing his third studio album ‘Attachment’.  It’s been a relentless, year-long project, culminating in an 11 track album, with a 4 track companion EP ‘Beatniks on Toast’.  Building on the success of the previous album ‘Outsider’, which reached a top 2 spot in the indie charts, and 8 in the NZ album charts, this new release takes Manzo’s musical journey to the next level.

This is Manzo’s most complete piece yet. More mature, polished song and score-writing, with rich, punchy and spacious mixes. This collection takes the listener on a 47 minute adventure, each track flowing effortlessly into the next.  Manzo’s influences are diverse and he flouts genre rules to bring a fusion of 60s, 80s, electro, pop, rock, blues, reggae and ballad on a smorgasbord of soundscapes. Manzo gets out from behind his DAW and takes on more live performances on this album, playing drums and synths throughout.

Social commentary is a key element of Manzo’s art. The album confronts themes of techno-dependence, the artificial replacing the real and the dehumanising of society. Even the music streaming industry comes in for a slap.  This is juxtaposed against real human attachments, love, warmth, hope and optimism.

‘Ultimately, I want the listener to come to the end of the album feeling good about life’.

The EP is a delightful companion piece, with a lighter, raw, live feel, which will leave you with a smile on your face.

The Manzo family continues to grow – with introductions of fabulous new talent, including vocalists Harrison Nicol and Andrea Coulston, violinist Richard Taylor and harmonies from Sally Jarvis.  Previous collaborators return to the fold, with Laurence Cooper and his sublime Stratocaster, Allan Taotua and Anny da Silva Freitas returning on vocals, and Dave Hone on guitar and electric cello. 

‘I am especially proud of the consistency of the vocal performances we recorded. There is no comping. The listener will be hearing straight end-to-end takes’.

Manzo continues to surprise.  His unique style of experimenting with instrument choices, melodies and vocal styles culminates in a truly satisfying listening experience.

Release dates coming soon.

THE 2019 OFFICIAL NZ MUSIC MONTH SUMMIT DISCOVER LIVE

NZ Music Managers Forum, NZ Music Commission in association with APRA AMCOS, NZ On Air and Auckland Live present

THE 2019 OFFICIAL NZ MUSIC MONTH SUMMIT
DISCOVER LIVE

Aotearoa has an abundance of world-class talent that you can see on stages across the length and breadth of the country.  In clubs and pubs, community centres and RSAs, theatres and school halls, and so many other venues, there is no shortage of live music happening every week around New Zealand.

Celebrating our awesome performing artists and venues, the theme for NZ Music Month 2019 is Discover Live – focused on New Zealanders discovering their new favourite homegrown live act, and supporting the local live music scene across the country. 

We are excited to announce that following the kaupapa of 2019, the Official NZ Music Month Summit makes a welcome return this May with an impressive line-up of panellists speaking on the most exciting aspect of the music industry – live performance.

Whether you are watching an emerging artist in one of the fantastic grass-roots venues around Aotearoa or soaking up a headline performance in an illustrious New Zealand theatre, there is nothing quite like the experience of seeing amazing music live.  But putting on a great show isn’t easy, so we have gathered some experts to share their knowledge and advice with you.

Held at the Herald Theatre Aotea Square in Auckland on May 25th from 10am, the Summit will feature four separate panel sessions with industry leaders discussing every aspect of the juggernaut, which is live performance.

Attendees can expect thought provoking discussions and conversation, invaluable insight and information, and there will be a chance to have any burning questions answered at the end of each session.

The subjects and first speakers to be revealed are:

 LOOKING AFTER YOURSELF ON THE ROAD

Going on tour sounds like it is a whole lot of fun, and it is! But it can take a toll on an individual’s wellbeing, health and relationships.  This will address the various pitfalls and give tips on how to exercise self-care while on the road.

 First Speaker Line up – with more to be announced!

TAMI NEILSON
With a rigorous international touring schedule, Tami Neilson plays sold out shows across North America, New Zealand and Europe. A true force to be reckoned with Tami has been described as "A red-hot honky-tonker, somewhere between Patsy Cline and Wanda Jackson with perhaps just a little bit of Peggy Lee sophistication.”

JULIA DEANS
As the sassy and beguiling front woman for Fur Patrol at the turn of the century, the past decade has seen Julia Deans's transition from iconic rock chick to glorious songbird.  With Taite, Silver Scroll and NZ Music award nominations under her belt she also has vast experience touring not only with her musical prowess but also on stages in Shakespeare soliloquies, art festival shows, musicals and tribute performances.

 PRODUCTION, TIPS OF THE TRADE

For everyone who has practiced hard and now there is a gig to perform. This panel covers what questions should be asked in advance to ensure stress free show for all involved. Production gurus share their knowledge and insight to a stress free live performance setup.

 First Speaker Line up – with more to be announced!

CHRIS TATE
Chris has over 20 years experience in live sound reinforcement.  He has won awards for Best Live Sound Engineer and has been credited for his contribution to platinum records.  International touring acts ask for him by name to mix their live shows, and he is extremely passionate about mixing sound perfectly.

 TOM ANDERSON
A production manager, stage tech, promoter rep, live sound and recording engineer, tour and stage manager with clients such as Live Nation, Secret Sounds, Rhythm and Vines, Laneway and Homegrown, Tom has a plethora of live knowledge and experience both home and abroad.

MARKETING & PROMOTING LIVE SHOWS

Performing live is a crucial talent to master for any artist with reputations being made or broken from a show performance.   Industry experts give insight into the various ways to successfully market and promote shows, no matter what level of experience the artist is at. 

 First Speaker Line up – with more to be announced!

MEL PARSONS
An award winning singer songwriter and independent touring artist, Mel Parsons has just released her fourth record ‘Glass Heart’, recorded in LA with legendary American producer Mitchell Froom.

HARRY PETTIT
Harry has helped independent artists accumulate millions of streams online and go on to sell out tours across Aotearoa as well as creating a new festival NEST FEST.

FESTIVAL BOOKERS

Some of New Zealand's top festival bookers will give tips on what they’re looking for when putting together a festival line up. 

First Speaker Line up – with more to be announced!

GAVIN DOWNIE
With over 20 years in the local and international music industry, Gavin is now the lead Event Organiser for Auckland Council events Music In Parks – a series of 25 free music events across the Auckland region.

RACHEL TURNEY
Rachel is the Co-Director of Homegrown Events, the company that runs the annual Jim Beam Homegrown NZ Music festival – now in it’s 12th year attracting over 23,000 attendees with over 45 bands and DJ’s performing across five stages on the Wellington waterfront.

Remember across NZ Music Month to share your live music experiences on social media with #dicoverlivenz and #nzmusicmonth.

 
Tickets will be available through Ticketmaster from Friday 26 April and will cost $10 plus (booking fees). 

 100% of the ticket income will be donated to MusicHelps, a charity dedicated to changing lives through music.  

If the ticket price will be a barrier to you attending, please contact Lorraine Owen at the MMF – lorraine.owen@mmf.co.nz.

 NZ Music Managers Forum, NZ Music Commission in association with APRA AMCOS, NZ On Air and Auckland Live present

The 2019 Official NZ Music Month Summit 

Saturday May 25

The Herald Theatre – Aotea Square, Auckland

10am to 4pm

Tickets from Ticketmaster from 26 April 2019

AVANTDALE BOWLING CLUB WIN THE TAITE MUSIC PRIZE 2019

The winner of the tenth annual Taite Music Prize is Avantdale Bowling Club (Tom Scott) for the debut album of his latest project;

‘Avantdale Bowling Club’.

The Auckland Live Best Independent Debut 2018 is awarded to Northland’s metal band, Alien Weaponry for their debut album, Tu.

The iconic Moana Maniapoto was presented with the Independent Music New Zealand Classic Record Award for her landmark 1993 album as Moana and the Moahunters; Tahi. Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern presented the inaugural Independent Spirit Award to local legend, ex-record label owner, distributor, long time champion and advocate for young independent musicians, Bernie Griffin.

The Taite Music Prize highlights outstanding New Zealand albums released in the past calendar year. The award is open to all genres of music from any record label and judged on artistic merit, regardless of genre or sales. Named after the late Dylan Taite, one of the country’s most highly respected music journalists, The Taite Music Prize recognises outstanding creativity in an entire collection of music contained on one recording.

This evening at Q Theatre in central Auckland, the tenth annual Taite Music Prize  was presented to Tom Scott of Avantdale Bowling Club. Avantdale Bowling Club is the latest project by Tom Scott (Homebrew, @peace, Average Rap Band). Tom receives a cash prize of $10,000 from Taite Music Prize founding partner, Recorded Music NZ. Additionally, through the support of Red Bull Studios Auckland, the winner receives recording time at the Red Bull Studios and a years supply of Red Bull products. Dylan Taite’s son, John Taite and granddaughter Amelia Taite, presented the award.

IMNZ Chairperson, Mikee Tucker, paid homage was paid to the undeniable calibre of all of the other finalists and their 2018 releases; Alien Weaponry - T? (Napalm Records), Jonathan Bree - Sleepwalking (Lil' Chief Records), Julia Deans - We Light Fire (Tigerhorse), Marlon Williams - Make Way For Love (Marlon Williams Music Limited), Mel Parsons - Glass Heart (Cape Road), Tami Neilson - SASSAFRASS! (Neilson Records), The Beths - Future Me Hates Me (Dew Process / Carpark), Unknown Mortal Orchestra - Sex & Food (Jagjaguwar), Wax Chattels - Wax Chattels (Flying Nun Records).

“Yet again, the outstanding calibre of nominees across a wide range of genres reflects the excellent health of New Zealand’s music industry. In honour of the 10th celebration of the Taite Music Prize, I’m proud of what IMNZ has achieved for the indie music sector and would like to thank all the board members past and present for their contributions,”  said IMNZ Chairperson Mikee Tucker.

The Auckland Live Best Independent Debut award went to Northland's powerhouse metal trio, Alien Weaponry for their debut album, T?. Their ground-breaking debut album delivered te reo M?ori to metal fans worldwide. They receive a $2000 cash prize thanks to Auckland Live.

Auckland Live’s Manager of Programme Development, Georgina Cervin, comments, “Auckland Live is really proud of our partnership with the Taite Music Prize. Our venues are known for staging gigs big and small, and we value enormously the great independent NZ artists who perform in them”.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern presented the inaugural Independent Spirit Awardto music industry legend Bernie Griffin. The Award recognises people in the industry who work to help other artists or music people to grow and find their unique pathways, are passionate about NZ music, ahead of the game in creativity, diversity and imagination and puts the artistry first. Bernie Griffin has been a recording artist and performer for the past 40 years. He was a founding member of IMNZ and served as the first chairman. IMNZ was formed to advocate for independent labels & artists, and to ensure fair market equity for all copyright holders. Bernie owned and operated local distributor Global Routes, and was a major supporter of many up-and-coming bands. He has been the host of Border Radio on 95bFM for over 20 years and has acted as a mentor and sounding board for many independent artists.

The ceremony also included the award presentation of the Independent Music NZ Classic Record. This award acknowledges one New Zealand record released over 20 years ago on an independent label. These records, whether a 12”, compilation, EP or full-length album, have become quintessential gold nuggets of New Zealand’s musical history and help define who we are as a nation.

This year’s panel gave the mighty thumbs up to Moana & the Moahunter’s 'Tahi' as one of Aotearoa’s outstanding records. Graham Reid, music industry stalwart, journalist and university lecturer,  presented the award. A rousing performance of ‘Tahi’ and ‘AEIOU’ by Moana and her band followed the presentation.

MC’s for the evening’s proceedings were 95bFM’s Sarah Thomson and IMNZ Chairperson and founder of Loop Recordings, Mikee Tucker.

The Taite Music Prize panel tasked with determining the finalists was made up of an extensive selection of music media/industry specialists. The finalist judges made their decision based entirely on the artistic merit on the album. Sales, genres, artist recognition or popularity are not contributing factors in their decision-making process.

KYLIE PRICE 'THE END'

With a strong message of hope and love - The End - a new song from Kylie Price is available today.

A stripped back beautiful ballad, The End perfectly showcases Kylie’s vocal prowess and acoustic guitar picking skills. A true storyteller, famous for her passionate, down to earth and organic live performances, The End allows Kylie’s beautiful voice to shine through with no percussion on the track to distract from her vocal journey.

With an unwavering talent for writing intimate songs that create strong emotional reactions The End is a tribute to and for anyone who has had a significant relationship end.

Featuring an overwhelmingly positive message The End is a reminder that through all things, every ending is a beginning and an opportunity for new, positive influences to arrive in one's life.

Of the song’s theme, Kylie states, “Relationships can only go two ways - they last all time or they end. The possibility of finding new love is something worth risking your heart for all over again.”

The End is the first single since her 2017 EP Bones, which proved both at home and abroad her clear talent to write songs, which cut straight to the core of love, relationships and life.

A raw and captivating single – The End is available everywhere today.

SEVEN ZEN 'A PLACE CALLED HOME'

As with most New Zealander’s the events of March 15 in Christchurch had a profound impact on Seven Zen.

While Seven’s debut 2018 EP “Dark as Life” critically examined themes such as gun control in the wake of US school shootings (Preventative Measures), the plight of people’s marginaised by hate speech (We are people), and raised questions about the dangers of unmoderated freedoms (Escapees), now does not seem like a time to focus creative energy on feelings of sadness and outrage,  but to celebrate a powerful and positive change apparent in our collective consciousness.

“A place called home” is a personal favourite P J Harvey track in which the lyrics could well have been written to describe how we are feeling. In the wake of the tragic events, and as a result of a fresh leadership style, New Zealander's are showing unprecedented levels of unity. However, rather than being from pride in national identity it seems more an acknowledgement of our shared humanity and individual responsibility to effect the change that the world desperately needs.

“One day I know we’ll find a place of hope, just hold on to me”

Seven is currently working on new original material for release in May, details soon…