Aotearoa Music Producer Series

Applications now open for the 5th New Zealand Music Producer Series - October 26 to November 6th, 2020.

Thanks to the ongoing support of our music industry partners: Recorded Music New Zealand; The New Zealand Music Commission; NZ On Air; SAE Auckland; Auckland Unesco City Of Music and the Music Producers Guild NZ, we’re pleased to announce the newly-titled Aotearoa Music Producer Series (AMPS) for 2020. This event builds on the success of the previous four New Zealand Music Producer Series public seminars and workshops. 

We’ve been proud to bring industry-leading producers including: Andrew Scheps, Sylvia Massy, David Wrench, Romesh Dodangoda, Gill Norton, Mark Rankin, Dave Eringa and Guy Massey to New Zealand for past workshops. The 2020 event will be a celebration of the incredible production talent here in Aotearoa.

AMPS will be running a series of 10 one-day music production workshops at Roundhead Studios, Auckland. These will consist of a breakdown of each producer’s multitrack recordings, discussion of production techniques and workflows, artist motivation, producer mental health and the ability to sustain a career, particularly due to the global impacts of COVID-19. This year’s workshops will be free to all attendees and places are limited so please book early using the link below.

PRODUCERS & DATES
26 Oct: Sam de Jong Little Mix, Muse, Lennon Stella, Noah Kahan
27 Oct: Josh Fountain Benee, Leisure, Foley, Mathew Young
28 Oct: Bic Runga Bic Runga, King Sweeties
29 Oct: Tom Healy Tiny Ruins, Finn Andrews, Trey Songz, Miss June
30 Oct: P Money Starley, Scribe, PNC, David Dallas
2 Nov: Devin Abrams Pacific Heights, Drax Project, Shapeshifter, The Adults
3 Nov: Estère Dalton Estère, Raiza Biz, Deva Mahal
4 Nov: Lee Prebble The Phoenix Foundation, Trinity Roots, The Black Seeds, Fly My Pretties
5 Nov: Simon Gooding Pink, Neil Finn, Drax Project, Mitch James
6 Nov: Rory Noble Kanye West, M-Phazes, Just Blaze, Church & AP

The workshops will take place at both level one and level two restrictions adhering to all corresponding health measures.

CLICK HERE FOR THE APPLICATION FORM

Terms and Conditions

•        Applications must be submitted by 5pm, Monday, 12th October 2020.

•        Three examples of production/engineering work must be submitted as part of the application. Submissions by link (Soundcloud, Spotify, etc).

•        Successful applicants will be informed by 5pm, Friday, 16th October 2020.

•        Travel, transfers, catering and accommodation are not included and are the responsibility of the attendee.

•        The Aotearoa Music Producer Series reserves the right to amend or vary the content of the series at any time.

•        By participating, attendees grant the Aotearoa Music Producer Series permission to use their names, photographs and video likeness for future promotion and marketing purposes without remuneration.

The Aotearoa Music Producer Series is presented by Recorded Music New Zealand with support from NZ On Air, APRA AMCOS NZ, SAE Auckland, The New Zealand Music Commission and Auckland Council / Auckland Unesco City Of Music and Mt Atkinson Coffee

NZ ON AIR NEW MUSIC DEVELOPMENT FUND

NZ On Air is pleased to announce a new funding initiative to support the development of new songs from emerging artists in collaboration with Aotearoa's music producers.  

New Music Development funding will subsidise the costs of production, songwriting and studio time to craft new songs and bodies of work. Experienced local music producers will have the chance to collaborate, produce, co-write and record new music repertoire from promising emerging artists. The new scheme has been devised through extensive industry consultation from experienced NZ-based international music producer Greg Haver.
 
The first round of New Music Development opens on 1 October (today) and will take applications from experienced producers intending to work with emerging New Zealand artists to develop a body work, delivering a minimum of three finished song demos. Grants up to $10,000 (+GST) are available for each development project.
The application deadline is Thursday 22 October. 
 
The guidelines for the October round can be found here. An FAQ on the New Music Development scheme can be found here. 

DEBUT ALBUM RELEASE: CHRIS LAM SAM’S SILLY FUNNY SONGS FOR KIDS!

After 20 years of writing and performing original songs and stories for children around the globe, Chris Lam Sam (aka one-third of NZ children's musical supergroup, The Funky Monkeys) has released his first independent album of silly funny songs for tamariki on September 26th.

Featuring rib-tickling supporting performances from iconic Kiwi singers Jackie Clarke, MNZM, and Zed-frontman, Nathan King, Chris orchestrates a symphony of silliness in songs about hopping, voices, asking questions, making funny faces, and even ... nothing!

The eight-song album was written between June and August thanks to an Arts Continuity grant from Creative NZ, with Lam Sam reporting the response to what children’s TV superstar Suzy Cato has dubbed ‘a very silly masterpiece’, being overwhelmingly encouraging. 

To top things off, this week Lam Sam was also granted a $10,000 New Music Kids grant from NZ On Air to have one of the songs animated by Auckland’s award-winning Mukpuddy Animation studio.

The album was initially released exclusively on the Bandcamp platform, with other digital music platforms set to host it from October 2nd.

Iveta & Simone Unveil Newest Single, “Black Rainbow”

The COVID-19 pandemic has made impacts around the world. For New Zealand femme duo Iveta & Simone, the pandemic has meant putting the brakes on touring and live shows, but it’s also inspired them in new ways.

The artists are releasing a new single, “Black Rainbow”, on September 25, 2020, which is one of a few singles Iveta & Simone have debuted since COVID-19 emerged. Despite the break in shows, they’ve stayed busy with writing new music, playing with new elements of sound, and exploring the depth of feelings such as fear. In a recent blog post titled “When Does ‘Fear’ Enter You?”, the two focus on fear and self doubt and how these feelings can inevitably lead to despair and ruin when they take hold.

In “Black Rainbow”, audiences get to hear a new side to Iveta & Simone. The song’s ringing vocals echo, creating a stirring atmosphere that paints a picture of dark, ominous shadows eluded to by the beautiful voices of Iveta & Simone.

According to the duo, they will be officially launching their latest single on their website and usual channels, including the streaming platform Spotify. There, audiences can find all of their other music, as well.

Most recently, Iveta & Simone landed a top spot on ReverbNation local charts, underscoring their popularity and continuous rise to the top despite difficult times. Together, Iveta & Simone hope to inspire others to push through dark times to rise above challenges. During the pandemic, the duo has been consistent in encouraging others to be uplifted. On their social media, audiences can find inspirational and quotes that the artists hope will help others get through these trying circumstances.

With new music on the horizon, Iveta & Simone hope to continue empowering and uplifting people everywhere. More information can be found at https://www.ivetasimonemusic.com.

RESEARCHINTOSPEED 'SINGULAR'

A month after releasing ‘Anode’, researchintospeed’s first new music for 2020, comes another new single and video. ‘Singular’ will be available in all your favourite digital places from Friday, Oct 2nd.

Interested humans can check out the Singular video ahead of the single release.

“…post level 4 and 3, I found the adjustment back to being around more people really difficult. I’m a classic introvert, terrible at small talk, not massively social, but I went all out to avoid being around anyone, I guess it was overwhelming, all the social obligation, and that applied to people I would normally love to be with, Singular is about that experience and eventually, hopefully readjusting…”

The release neatly dovetails with Papaioea’s legendary local music festival SwampFest, and an opportunity for the local electro collective to do their thing.

“…Synthetic Children are coordinating an electro show in TinyClub and the Snails Foyer, a kind of back to back electro/hardware and DJ thing, 30mins each across a diverse bunch of artists, not only is it an awesome line up, and proof that Papaioea is the belly of the Aotearoa electronic scene, its very humbling to get to play alongside them all”

Need more researchintospeed?

Spotify / Apple Music / Facebook

Albi & the Wolves 'Back on Track' with NZ Tour

Albi & The Wolves started 2020 off with a bang, following the release of their acclaimed sophomore album This Is War in mid 2019. Winning over fans in Sydney at the Inland Sea of Sound Festival and at the Folk Alliance International satellite conference in Geelong, the trio arrived home just in time to rock the Dell stage at WOMAD 2020 in Taranaki. 

Sadly though, the pandemic ripped through the the country and band's future plans, leaving the three musicians unable to even occupy the same room for months. This moment, sad though it was, eventually led to a time of reflection, creation, and consideration of the band’s future direction. 

This enforced hiatus has resulted in a new, replenished determination to create a folk-fuelled ruckus by further embracing the party element to their live show. Whilst maintaining their contemplative roots, you can expect more uplifting energy and  fresh fire from the trio's live performances. 

Albi & the Wolves aim to share some light and bring people together to dance, sing, and relish in one another’s company after a year that has been determined to keep us apart. Each show will be tailored to the town’s specific venue, which ranges from festivals, bars and theatres, to a boat in the Wellington harbour.

Tickets for the majority of shows are already on sale so don’t hesitate to get yours before they sell out! Catch this undeniably dynamic and compelling act at a town near you.

Albi & the Wolves 'Back on Track' Tour

Sat 31st October: Hastings, Common Room 

Fri 6th November: Auckland, Anthology Lounge (Looking For Alaska Album Launch)

Thurs 12th November: New Plymouth, RESET 2020

Fri 20th November: Tauranga, The Jam Factory 

Sat 21st November: Palmerston North, Globe Theatre 

Sun 22nd November: Wellington, The Sealion 

Sat 12th December: Maungaturoto, Paparoa Hall  

Sun 13th December: Mangawhai, Mangawhai Hall

Thurs 17th December: Onekaka, Mussel Inn 

Fri 18th December: Nelson, Room Twenty5

Sat 19th December: Summer Sounds Music Festival, Queen Charlottes Sound

Sun 27th December: Barrytown, Barrytown Hall

Tues 29th December: Oamaru, Grainstore Gallery

30th - 2nd December: Dunedin, Whare Flat Folk Festival

THE PHOENIX FOUNDATION SHARES NEW SINGLE 'DECISION DOLLARS'

New Zealand's award-winning, internationally acclaimed sextet, The Phoenix Foundation are today sharing their new single, 'Decision Dollars' which features guest vocals from Hollie Fullbrook of Tiny Ruins – listen to the track here. This new music is the latest to be taken from the forthcoming album, Friend Ship which is due for release on October 16, 2020; 'Decision Dollars' follows in the wake of previous singles from the record, including the Brooklyn Vegan and Line of Best Fit-tipped single 'Hounds of Hell' which features Nadia Reid.

In the time since their last record, Give Up Your Dreams, the band have scored the music for Taika Waititi's award-winning film Hunt For The Wilderpeople – as well as contributing further tracks to Waititi's Boy, Eagle versus Shark and What We Do In the Shadows – written, recorded and toured with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, built shrines to light, created scores for VR and produced other bands. This fruitful work ethic and willingness to collaborate is something mirrored somewhat in the new album's wide range of prolific guests: the aforementioned Nadia Reid appears, as do the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Hollie Fullbrook of Tiny Ruins, Dave Dobbyn and Anita Clark which makes the new record something of a showcase of Kiwi talent.

'Decision Dollars' chalks up another irresistibly charming cut from the new record, once again teasing some of those 80s indie-pop tropes spliced with psych-tinted folk and a 4 am, post-drinking haze. The additional vocals from Fullbrook add to the lucid, late-night aura of the single, webbing her dreamlike tones with the band's swooning sonic aesthetic. 

Speaking about the new single, the primary songwriter behind the track, Lukasz Buda says: "I think this was gestating for about 5 years. It took me a long time to accept such unbridled power and passion into my life. But now I have fully embraced it. My partner loves singing it at me when I am humiliatingly hungover." 

Elaborating on Buda's comments, frontman Samuel Scott Flynn says: "Has there ever been a better hangover song? Yes; 'Sunday Morning Coming Down' by Johnny Cash, but this is second! I love Lukasz’s lyrics, they are so matter of fact and true. It’s always fun to write a little bridge lyric in your bandmates' songs, it’s like pretending to be Lennon and Macca for a moment. This is our 'A Day In The Life' but it has Hollie Fullbrook singing on it so maybe it’s our 'The Battle Of Evermore'. It’s definitely one of the top ten greatest songs of all time."

As evidenced in this track, the role of collaboration is key to the record, not only because of the weight and character that each brings to their performance but because the album is rooted in friendship. The record is of course named after it. “The title refers to friendships not being these passive social interactions but ever-evolving living vessels which carry us through life,” says Scott. “After the mosque attacks in Christchurch, this was something I was thinking about a lot, that sense that in order to move forward as humans we actually need to actively support each other.” 

However, whilst the album is a beautiful and often tender one, sometimes rooted in immersive and dreamy ambient soundscapes, it’s also one that captures the strangeness of the modern world. “These themes of modern anxiety started to emerge in my songs,” says Scott. “The album is sort of a post-apocalyptic love letter from the future to the present. Looking back into the past for that sense of human connection we have lost in our screen-based existence."

Much like many things in the world of Phoenix Foundation, the new record is nuanced, multi-faceted, distinct and idiosyncratic. And it’s yet another album in their increasingly expansive cannon that exists on its own terms. “I don’t quite know how we pulled this record off,” says Scott. “But I love it. For songwriting, I’d place it alongside Buffalo and Pegasus but it also sounds nothing like those albums. It’s very much its own thing.”

"A dose of breezy, lightly psychedelic indie-folk"
Brooklyn Vegan

"Worldwide success could be in the offing"
The Guardian

"A fabulous meld of power-pop, electronica and US West Coast harmony" 
NME

"Songs and melody remain paramount in this irresistible Technicolor world"
MOJO

"Funny and infectious"
Uncut

"A dreamy soundscape that is both immersive and richly textured"
Earmilk

Alien Weaponry are set to unleash their relentless live show on New Zealand this November and December.

Waipu’s favourite sons Alien Weaponry are heading out on the road this November and December for the ‘Level One Tour’. 

Fresh from a newly inked management deal with RSE Group (home to metal greats Slayer, Mastodon, Ghost and Gojira), Alien Weaponry are armed with new music and a crushing live show. 

Known for their emphatic, energetic thrash metal songs that whakapapa back to stories of their ancestors, Alien Weaponry are set to conquer Aotearoa this Summer. Beginning in Tauranga, The Level One Tour will see Alien Weaponry on their biggest New Zealand tour yet, playing six shows throughout Aotearoa, finishing up at Auckland’s Powerstation, the first time the band have headlined the iconic venue. 

Heralding in a new era for Alien Weaponry, this will be the first time on the road with new bass player Tūranga Morgan-Edmonds, a long-time friend of the band and former classmate of drummer Henry de Jong. 

Whilst 2020 may not have been the touring heavy year the band had in mind, they have used this time to write and record a new album, which is due for release in 2021. New Zealand fans will be the first in the world to hear new material from the forthcoming album live, alongside favourites from their award winning 2018 debut Tū. 

The Level One Tour announcement comes two weeks after an iconic performance at The Auckland Town Hall was released for Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori. Recorded in February of this year, the performance captures the bruising spirit of Alien Weaponry live and was presented by the band in both Te Reo and English. 

Tickets are on sale 12pm Thursday 1 October and fans are encouraged to move swiftly to secure tickets from alienweaponry.com. 

With special guests to be announced. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIlBJ4hTJsI Alien Weaponry - ‘Ahi Kā’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6NLWGHK__Q&t=636s Alien Weaponry – Live at The Auckland Town Hall (I roto I Te Reo Māori – Māori Language version) 

ALIEN WEAPONRY - THE LEVEL ONE TOUR AOTEAROA, NEW ZEALAND - NOV-DEC 2020 Presented by Eccles Entertainment, K2 Agency & Under The Radar GENERAL PUBLIC ON SALE Begins: 

Thu 1 Oct (12noon NZDT) 

Fri 20 Nov Totara St | Tauranga, NZ 18+ alienweaponry.com 

Sat 21 Nov Backyard Bar | Whatawhata, Hamilton, NZ 18+ alienweaponry.com

Fri 27 Nov Ngaio Marsh Theatre | Christchurch, NZ 18+ alienweaponry.com 

Sat 28 Nov Starters Bar | Dunedin, NZ 18+ alienweaponry.com 

Thu 3 Dec San Fran | Wellington, NZ 18+ alienweaponry.com 

Sat 5 Dec Powerstation | Auckland, NZ All Ages alienweaponry.com