SHLI 'Nightcaps'

Eighteen year old Christchurch electronic artist SHLI today launched his haunting debut single, Nightcaps.

SHLI has been attending Christchurch’s SOLE Music Academy since 2019, where he has honed his production and songwriting skills. Earlier this year he graduated to their Artist Development programme where he was supported throughout the production and release process by SOLE founder, Sacha Vee, and well-known electronic producer KAMANDI.

Listen to single here

“Working with KAMANDI has made me a considerably better producer,” SHLI says. “His experience goes so much further afield than just music production. And, working with SOLE has been a super amazing experience for me. I’ve learned so much in the last year or so already about making music and everything that surrounds the music. I used to be really mystified about the music industry, but through doing music business, it all makes a whole lot more sense.”

Nightcaps is the title track off his soon to be released debut EP also titled Nightcaps. Influenced by the likes of Burial, Yung Sherman and Gud, the EP features four ethereal and ambient songs refined from a collection of original demos he created last year. The debut single is a song with driving trap rhythms, accompanied by uplifting melodies. 

“My music is influenced geographically through my city and what’s happened to it over my time living here,” SHLI says. “The concept behind the Nightcaps EP is very much centred around nature and the baron Southern landscapes.” 

The Christchurch born-and-raised musician first got into producing music at the age of 12. Soon, he discovered SoundCloud and began listening to local electronic producers, groups and collectives. This continued to further hone his sound to where it is today. 

Following the launch of Nightcaps, he plans to continue working on and releasing new music. His goal is to produce for other musicians, and play festivals across New Zealand and Australia.

“My plans for the future, music-wise, would be to try doing some remixes as I've been focused mainly on original work for the past six months. I’ll also be focusing more on DJ-ing and playing live shows.”

Parachute Producer Development 2021

Applications for Parachute Music’s 2021 Parachute Development programme are now open.

Responding to a need for industry pathways for emerging producers, the organisation launched the programme this year. Based out of Parachute’s Kingsland studios, the Producer Development programme sees up to 6 high potential young producers spending an intensive year upskilling in studio and being mentored by industry pros.  They will also collaborate with Parachute development artists and others from the in house artist community.
Their 2020 intake included Harry Charles, Carly Gill (Carlö), Christian Tjandrawinata, Parachute Artist Development alumni Jen Turner, and Sophie Bialostocki (Lévyne).
Parachute is now looking for their 2021 intake, seeking up to six young producers between 18-28 years of age for the annual programme. For more details, to apply, and for a detailed overview, head to parachutemusic.com/producer-development. 
Applications are open until October 31st, with the programme kicking off February 2021
Interested applicants can meet the team, find out more about the programme, and check out the studios at Parachute’s Producer Development open day:
Parachute Producer Development Open DayMonday October 19th4pm - 6pmParachute Music, 399 New North Road, Kingsland (Entrance around the back at basement level)
With thanks to the New Zealand Music Commission, Recorded Music NZ. Longview Trust and Creative New Zealand for their support.

Note: A selection of photos attached:

• Producer development Christian Tjandriwinata with development artist Kyla Greening

• Carly Gill with Possum Plows

• Harry Charles

• Jen Turner with development artist Lisa Hawkins 

• Sophie Bialostocki with producer mentor Simon Gooding

Stretch 'Our Dreams Are Changing'

Singer/songwriter, Stretch is noted for his engaging, captivating and passionate performances, setting live shows alight. From dark-hearted ballads to roof-raising choruses, his songs are a bittersweet blend of folk and soul. 

Now framing this exceptional voice, is the combination of his acoustic guitar and the incredible tone, grace and power of a 300-year-old cello in the hands of Paula Sugden. 

This beautifully sparse and emotive sound is set to lyrical depths earned from a life truly lived. With songs from the soul and a sound that transports listeners, this is life affirming music. 

Following the release of Bury All Horses, life changing events came about at an inexplicable pace. After touring the album, a chance meeting with cellist Paula Sugden led to the start of a new sound and songs that now make up Stretch’s sophomore release Our Dreams Are Changing. 

Not long after this timely musical union, Stretch’s father, aunt and another family member died in the span of a few weeks. Having dealt with clinical depression throughout his life, the combination of deep loss and a lack of direction had him questioning his own reason for being. The album, in particular songs such as ‘Lonely Star’ and ‘House of Ghosts’ are heavily informed by this heartrending period. 

Finding an incredible space to write, helped him work through this challenging time. In a remote bach on the Hawke’s Bay coast offered by friends, Stretch was able to focus and continue with the new album. It was while in self isolation here that New Zealand too went into national lock-down. While spending weeks off-line, Stretch was unaware the world was also moving into its own distanced way of living. 

This new collection of songs moves from the inward and self-questioning, to looking  outward to an unsure world while being sure within one’s self. There are songs of support, ‘Hold Fast Hold True’, ‘Shoal Bay Song’, songs of longing and escape, ‘Last Call For The Road’, Here Come The Starlings’, underlined by the tension of ‘I Know You’ve Been Bad’. 

The album was made in July 2020, within a two week period between lockdowns in The Lab Studios, Auckland, with producer Wayne Bell at the helm, teasing out bare and intimate performances from Stretch and his accompanying musicians. All recording was done in one intense week, with vocals for the album completed in 2 two highly productive days. 

The intimacy of the recording is immediate and lingers long after first play through. This album is a search for how to be in the world, while being true to yourself, but the power of Stretch’s emotive songwriting is forever a connecting factor, revealing the intricacies of our shared humanity. 

Our Dreams are Changing is now available via Bandcamp, plus Spotify and Apple Music from tomorrow. CDs will be available from selected record stores and live shows. 

Stretch is hitting the road with his band for the Our Dreams Are Changing Tour. 
 

Our Dreams Are Changing Tour

Tuesday 13th October / Hastings / Opera House - Hawke’s Bay Arts Festival 

Friday 6th November / Tauranga / Jam Factory w. Arahi support 

Sunday 8th November / Auckland / Tuning Fork Ak support Dan Sperber 

Friday 13th November / Palmerston North / Globe Theatre w. Arahi support 

Sunday 15th November / Wellington / Bats Theatre w. Grawlixes support 

Praise for Our Dreams Are Changing:

 ‘Music both for these dark times, and also a little outside of time’... A weighted blanket for the soul’.  Rob Harbers, Ambient Light

'If you could ever truly embody the phrase "music for our times", then Our Dreams Are Changing would be worthy of that description.' Mike Alexander, Muzic.net.nz

'This album holds fast and true to honest storytelling told with Stretch’s outstanding dark-folk vocals.' Clare Martin, Radio 13

Praise for Bury All Horses:
‘Fine poetic balladry with classic song-writing'. Graham Reid 

‘A desperately honest collection of stark and gritty, down-to-earth songs born out of a need to find a sense of self, place and home’. Stuff NZ 

‘If you like raw energy, dynamic arrangements and strong songwriting, you’re going to take to this. I can’t wait for the tour’. Second Hand News

Praise for Live Shows: 

‘Stretch totally captivated, the voice beautiful and soulful. Immediately the place lit up, we finished on our feet, a crowd desperate for more.’ BayBuzz 

'Jaws drop to this sound, a class act from master musicians, we were transported.’ The Hook 

Stretch had the crowd from the get-go, simply from his powerful performance, another triumphant night.’ 13th Floor 

ANNOUNCING OCTOBER MEMBERS ONLINE HANGOUT SESSIONS 'MUSIC PUBLISHING 101' AND 'RECORD LABELS 101'

The NZ Music Managers Forum are pleased to announce the October Members Hangouts.  These are more intimate online sessions, held via Zoom with up to 10 MMF members, which allow our members to take part in a small group learning environment where they can be upskilled in important areas of music management. 

The two Hangouts for October are Publishing 101 and Record Labels 101.

Music Publishing 101 with Paul McLaney from Native Tongue Music Publishing

Paul is a New Zealand-based publishing manager, composer, singer and guitarist. Currently Paul is the Writer Relations Manager for Native Tongue Music Publishing and previous to this was the General Manager Mushroom Music Publishing for 9 years.  Paul is on the board of the NZ Music Commission, and regularly leads sessions in the sector on governance, law and music publishing.  He is also Deputy Chair of the Atamira Trust Board. In this session Paul will explain what Music Publishing is all about. 

Music Publishing 101 with Paul McLaney from Native Tongue Music Publishing
Date:               Tuesday 13th October
Time:               6pm
RSVP:             For MMF members only lorraine.owen@mmf.co.nz
                        Limited to 10 places
                        but if there is demand we will schedule a second session

Record Labels 101 with Nicky Harrop from Rhythmethod

Nicky's 20-year entertainment industry career has seen her hone her skills across multiple areas. Starting with record company BMG in 1996, she progressed through roles in publicity, label management and marketing, holding the position of Marketing & Label Director for Sony Music New Zealand from 2010.

Nicky has helped shape the success of many local and international artists, creating campaigns for Stan Walker, Beyonce, Foo Fighters, David Bowie, One Direction, Daft Punk and more. She has also secured a number of sponsorship and alignment deals, collaborating with brands including Spotify, Telecom (Spark), Pepsi, Hallensteins and Tip Top.

Nicky is the General Manager for Rhythmethod – Aotearoa’s biggest independent music distribution company who distributes some of NZ’s biggest independent artists, an array of international labels, and the physical product for Sony Music NZ and Warner Music NZ.

With Nicky’s extensive experience in both Major and Independent Labels, in this session she can explain what record labels do and the advantages, or disadvantages, in signing with a label. 

Record Labels 101 with Nicky Harrop from Rhythmethod

Date: Tuesday 20th October

Time: 7pm

RSVP: For MMF members only lorraine.owen@mmf.co.nz 

Limited to 10 places

but if there is demand we will schedule a second session

Dave Dobbyn and The Beths to play at iconic Black Barn Vineyards in Hawkes Bay

Neptune Entertainment presents iconic Kiwi singer-songwriter Dave Dobbyn live in concert! Dave Dobbyn will perform a special one-off show at the stunning Black Barn Vineyards in Hawkes Bay on December 19 alongside indie favourites, The Beths.
 
Created by leading event company, Neptune Entertainment, and set among the grapevines, this will be one of the biggest shows of the summer.

Tickets for Dave Dobbyn and The Beths at Black Barn Vineyards go on sale from 7.00pm Wednesday September 23 at www.neptuneentertainment.co.nz

“We are very excited to be combining one of New Zealand's most beloved artists with one of its most iconic venues. With the addition of rising stars 'The Beths' this is set to be the perfect start to the holiday season,” says Neptune Entertainment.

In Dave Dobbyn’s lengthy 40-year career he has achieved greatness in the world of pop music, and straight into the consciousness of New Zealanders, across all ages.
 
Dobbyn has written the soundtrack to Kiwi lives, with a string of hits including ‘Beside You’, ‘Be Mine Tonight’, ‘Language’, ‘Outlook for Thursday’, ‘Loyal’, ‘Whaling’, ‘Kingdom Come’, ‘It Dawned On Me’, ‘Guilty’, ‘Devil You Know’, ‘Slice of Heaven’, ‘Magic What She Do’, ‘Oughta Be in Love’, ‘Welcome Home’ and many more.

The Beths are also on their way to greatness, being a crowd and chart favourite consistently since their first EP release in 2016. Their debut album FUTURE ME HATES ME (2018) garnered critical acclaim worldwide including praise from Pitchfork and Rolling Stone magazine. At home in Aotearoa, lead singer and songwriter for The Beths, Liz Stokes, has been nominated twice for the Silver Scroll Award. The Beths have also been shortlisted for the Taite Prize and in 2019 took home two Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards - winning Best Group and Best Alternative Artist. They have toured extensively throughout North America and Europe, opening for the likes of the Pixies, Death Cab For Cutie and more. They recently released their second LP JUMP ROPE GAZER in 2020 and continue to go from strength to strength.
 

Neptune Entertainment presents…

Dave Dobbyn
With special guests, The Beths

Black Barn Vineyards, Hawkes Bay
Saturday December 19, 2020
 
Tickets on sale from 7.00pm Wednesday September 23 at https://www.neptuneentertainment.co.nz

General admission tickets start from $69.00 +BF, with reserved seating options available from $130.00 +BF. Bus tickets will also be available to purchase

MANWAKURA presents... IN-HOUSE SOUND | AJA + Mara TK

AJA Wairere Ropata (Ngāti Toa rangatira, Āti Awa ki Whakarongotai, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Porou) is a mother of three, an industry professional in both Māori education and music whose talents and influences are to create and produce music in both te reo Māori and Pākehā.

An assertive and trustworthy musical navigator AJA, is a grounded and powerful musician, spirited by the everlasting; the elemental; the kindred balance. Her voice and musical arrangements have the ability to talk intimately to a wide audience. With pure and guided vocal tones she lures the listeners along a vast musical soundscape.

In Matariki 2019 AJA released her debut single 'Non-Handler'. During NZ Music Month 2020, AJA’s second single 'Kāwai' was released. It explores themes of creation and environmental awareness. It’s an uplifting ode to the element of water; a recount of human lineage and our relationship to water. A sweet dedication to wāhine, a reminder to us all.

AJA is now working on her debut album alongside producer, singer and musician Mara TK of Electric Wire Hustle. Listen out for her latest installation, a culmination of a life in music and dedication to her people, her vision and futures.

AJA will be joined by a cast of Wellington's finest - Riki Gooch (Drums), Daniel Hayles (Keys), Peter Riley (Bass), Te Kawa Herangi (Electric Guitar), Tola Newbery (Percussion), Louisa Williamson (Flute), and Mara TK (Everything!).

--

Mara TK (Ngai Tahu, Ngāti Kahungunu, Tainui) is a producer, singer, musician, co-founder of Meetinghouse Records, core member of iconic Wellington act Electric Wire Hustle, relentless collaborator with the likes of Ria Hall, Lord Echo and Troy Kingi. Even more still from many varied musical and community-based projects.

In 2019, Mara TK and Cory Champion (aka Borrowed Cs) also became first-time finalists for the prestigious APRA Silver Scrolls Maioha Award for their waiata 'Te Kete Aronui'. RNZ describes it as “a soulful ballad infused with modern beats and strings, about the search for faith and wisdom.” Mara TK discusses how he wanted to inspire his daughters to uphold the kete/basket of knowledge as respect for people, te reo Māori, tikanga, atua, as well as present issues.

In 2018, Mara TK and Troy Kingi mentored Ōtepoti/Dunedin kapa haka group, He Waka Kōtuia, to create the album Te Mahi Tamariki. The kaupapa is to recognise the talent of their rangatahi, to create opportunities for the next generation, to “identify pathways to continue the work of their ancestors through music”, and to promote the value of te reo Māori.

Mara TK is a New Zealand Māori multi-disciplinary artist who uses his compelling voice, programmed beats, video media and choreography to express a deeply felt and unique vision and sonics. He has held solo performances at major national institutions such as, the Te Papa Tongarewa Museum of New Zealand and City Gallery Wellington; and at events in Europe and America such as Glastonbury Festival and SXSW in Austin, Texas.

There are many more projects, spanning across mediums and communities, exploring varied poetic and mystical and indigenous influences, but we get the sense that Mara TK, bluntly self-described “middle-class Newtown dad,” is channelling everything into being a good role model for his daughters.

Mara TK will be performing solo with his smooth-as-honey voice and multiple talents.

Nau mai, haere mai!

Ticket on sale now at undertheradar.co.nz

SAM V 'CRUISIN'

The best singer you’ve never heard of and the best rapper you’ve never heard of combine forces to create one of the most sensual R&B jams you’ll hear in 2020, that is Sam V and bKIDD with their new release titled Cruisin’.

With the innovative, award winning production of EDY (teamed with a live band) at the helm, this track blends the seductive lyricism and charismatic delivery of Papatoetoe’s bKIDD, with the vocal chops and melismatic crooning of the the 1010’s (Auckland City) SAM V. Cruisin’ has been heralded as a soulful callback to 90’s R&B/Hip hop collabs,with the modern subtleties in lyricism and melody a fresh take on the classic feel. Set to feature as the main single from this duo’s upcomingCruisin’ EP (releasing October 9), this is inevitably a song and a project worth Cruisin’ with.

Also featuring an upcoming collaboration with music video mastermind and director, Connor Prichard (set for release on September 26), make sure you keep this duo you’ve never heard of at the forefront of your creative minds. Cruisin’ kickstarts this huge range of output from two artists who are indubitably worth cruising with. Keep your eyes peeled before it’s too late. *both bKIDD and Sam V are also set to release solo projects before 2020’s end 

ANNOUNCING THE AOTEAROA MUSIC AWARDS

Sunday 15th November
New branding and spirit for New Zealand’s flagship music awards

Today marks the launch of the Aotearoa Music Awards, introducing a new era for Recorded Music New Zealand’s annual music awards.

Developed by creative agency LIKEMINDS in collaboration with specialist Māori concept and creative studio HAUMI, the Aotearoa Music Awards reinterpret what it means to be a Kiwi musician and artist.

Recorded Music NZ Kaiwhakahaere o Ngā Tohu Puoro o Aotearoa Sarah Owen says 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.

“Aotearoa is a land of diversity and stories, evoking people to share their experiences with us through music. Our artists are kaihanga of one of our greatest treasures – the music and songs that defines our lives,” says Owen.

“With the renaming to Aotearoa Music Awards and the kaupapa behind that, we are taking another step in bringing the awards back to the core of what they’re for: to celebrate, support and encourage the creative journeys of all our recording artists.”

LIKEMINDS founder and creative director Damian Alexander says the Aotearoa Music Awards acronym “AMA” (pronounced ah-mah) is an intentional reference to Te Ao Māori. We are embedding and acknowledging the indigenous culture of Aotearoa and the environment from where our musicians can flourish and prosper.

“An ama is the outrigger used to support waka during voyages across the ocean. In the same way, that Recorded Music NZ and the Aotearoa Music Awards support and celebrate New Zealand musicians and their work, as well as the support of the wider creative industry in Aotearoa,” says Alexander.

“We worked with Tiki Taane and Laughton Kora to create a bespoke musical score for the rebrand to bring the awards firmly back to the true resonance of this place we call home.”

Special 2020 show format

In addition to the new name and identity, the format of this year's event will reflect the importance of music and the wider community in times like these.

Hosted by The Project’s Jesse Mulligan and The Edge Afternoon hosts Sharyn Casey and Jayden King, the three and a half hour spectacle will feature 18 intimate performances from some of our most beloved musicians.

In addition to the 20 Tui awarded on the night, multiple inductees will be welcomed into the NZ Music Hall of Fame | Te Whare Taonga Puoro o Aotearoa - honouring and celebrating our beloved musicians, past and present.

Recorded Music NZ CEO Damian Vaughan is pleased to announce the event will also be taking on a new form this year, with a renewed focus on the musicians and their craft.

“This November, we intend to not only honour and celebrate the spectacular music released over the past year but also highlight the incredible and important work of many of the individuals, organisations and initiatives throughout Aotearoa that are using music to unite and heal communities.

“We are honoured to shine a light on many of these organisations and their activities including our long-time awards charity partner MusicHelps, but also others such as Crescendo, Raukatauri and Girls Rock Camp who are using music to help our music whanau and heal our communities in this time of uncertainty.”

“The inaugural Aotearoa Music Awards will be an intimate reflection and celebration of the year that was and tell the stories of how our music community has navigated this unique and challenging year.”

The finalists and performers for the Aotearoa Music Awards will be announced on Thursday 8 October. The event will be taking place Sunday 15 November at Spark Arena and will be broadcast live on Edge TV & THREE.

Thanks to our sponsors NZ On Air, Te Mangai Paho, THREE, The Edge, Spotify, Hallertau, Young & Co, SkyCity, and GHD.