MANZO RELEASES WORKING CLASS HERO

Releasing 8 December, being the 40th anniversary of the murder of John Lennon, Working Class Hero is not just a cover, but Manzo’s heartfelt tribute to John Lennon.

As a young apprentice, I remember buying and listening to John’s album ‘Double Fantasy’ which marked his return to recording after a 5-year break. Then, just a week or so later, he was gone. I still have the record. It was so shocking at the time, and it still is. I don’t think anyone can deny the waste to the world of not just his musical talent but the courage of his convictions.

During the Covid-19 lockdown, like many people I re-visited my record collection. In particular my Lennon vinyl albums and singles. I kept on playing his 1970 album John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band. My god those tracks still sound raw and so intensely personal.

Working Class Hero from side 1 has always grabbed me and resonates just as much today. So, I thought I would have a crack at covering it.

Leona Palmer, who I have recorded with on Manzo’s Outsider album was my one and only choice for the vocal, My aim was to keep it simple and relatively unrefined with an earthy edge. The song was always about the message.

We worked on the track remotely during the Covid-19 lockdown.  Leona in Stratford and me in my studio in Kapiti. As the track came to life, we just knew we had to share it. 

The video was shot in an old railway shed in Stratford. The overalls, welding helmet and steel rule are all authentic – a hint to my early career around the time of Johns death.

– Alan Hodgetts, Producer.

NEW RESEARCH ON GENDER INEQUITY IN THE NZ MUSIC INDUSTRY INSPIRES ACTION

Massey University researchers have today released a report detailing widespread gender discrimination in the Aotearoa music community, in the first report of its kind in New Zealand.

READ THE REPORT HERE

The Amplify Aotearoa: NZ Music Community Diversity Survey report was developed by Associate Professor Dr Oli Wilson and Senior Lecturer Dr Catherine Hoad from Te Rewa o Punga School of Music and Creative Media Production of the College of Creative Arts, in partnership with APRA AMCOS New Zealand.

The researchers conducted the Amplify Aotearoa survey in 2019, which was disseminated to the wider music community and received over 1200 responses.

This report specifically looks at the responses of over 600 New Zealand songwriter members of APRA AMCOS (the member organisation representing songwriters and composers in Australasia), which provides a robust census for statistical stratification.

The survey collected quantitative and qualitative data with two key aims – to find out more detailed demographic information about the music community and to find out more about the challenges they’re facing, in a confidential and anonymous manner.

Across the responses, gender emerged as a key factor impacting opportunities, barriers, and experiences of discrimination, highlighting the need for analysis on intersectional issues that impact gender diversity. 

More than two-thirds of women in the music community (70.1 per cent) reported experiencing bias, disadvantage or discrimination based on their gender – seven times the rate of men (10 per cent). The qualitative responses included reports from women of being undervalued, overlooked, and patronised by their peers.

Almost half of women (45.2 per cent) reported that their safety in places where music is made and/or performed was a barrier to their success, over twice the rate of men (20.5 per cent). Among the confidential responses to the survey there were instances of sexual harassment, sexual coercion and assault, unwanted physical advances, and inappropriate comments pertaining to appearance.

A lack of gender diversity in live performance/festival and concert line-ups was regularly mentioned by respondents, and women reported instances of being turned down because an event had already fulfilled its ‘quota’.

The survey results also identified areas for future research in order to acquire a deeper understanding of what is happening, why, and where to act. These areas include challenges and discrimination based on other factors, such as ethnicity, age, disability, and sexuality.

Respondents were spread around New Zealand, and represented a variety of age groups, ethnicities, sexualities, genders, and time spent in the industry, as well as working across different areas of the industry (songwriters, performers, composers, producers, educators, label managers, audio engineers, retailers, students, mentors, administrators, and more).

Dr Catherine Hoad says her motivation to do this research stemmed from her role as a senior lecturer in the Bachelor of Commercial Music programme. “As music educators, we’re training students who will form the future workforce of the music industry in Aotearoa. We want to do our part to contribute to an industry environment that is safe and welcoming not only for our graduates, but everyone in the sector.”

Dr Oli Wilson says the College of Creative Arts has strong ties with the music industry and they are looking forward to working with industry members on how to address the issue. “The results from our research are concerning, yet we are heartened by the way industry has acknowledged these findings and are taking them seriously. Aotearoa music’s strength is in its diversity, and it’s important that we continue to support industry towards making our sector fairer for everyone.”

Head of NZ Operations at APRA AMCOS Anthony Healey says “The research shows that we have much to do when it comes to caring for and nurturing the people in our industry.

“Clearly there are genuine barriers to success, particularly for women and this must change. While some of these issues were already suspected, we now have robust evidence. The issues highlighted by the statistics are not acceptable. They demand action and thankfully this report gives us greater insight into the areas that need to be targeted as a priority.

“As a first step forward we are pleased to be part of SoundCheck Aotearoa, and keen to fast track this work, particularly pertaining to safety and conduct.”

SOUNDCHECK AOTEAROA WELCOMES THIS REPORT AS THE BASIS FOR MEANINGFUL ACTION TOWARDS A SAFE AND INCLUSIVE MUSIC COMMUNITY

SoundCheck Aotearoa is a collective action group of organisations, formed with the aim of developing and growing the music industry through a safe and inclusive culture in the music community.

Jo Oliver, a spokesperson for SoundCheck Aotearoa, said:

“We welcome this report as it provides the evidence base needed to prioritise our efforts and work towards meaningful change together.  We want all our people to be safe at work whether in a tour van, recording studio, at a venue or in an office. This report reinforces our decision to prioritise work to help prevent and address sexual harm in our music community.” 

SoundCheck Aotearoa has appointed a specialist in the area of sexual harm prevention for guidance and support, and its first priority is to support those who have experienced sexual harm.  If you or someone you know needs help or support, please see below for a list of contacts and services available.

The group plans to continue its work on safety issues, including rolling out a training programme across the music sector, providing shared resources, and consulting across the music community to develop a code of conduct.  This is the first initiative for the newly formed group which also plans to examine gender issues more widely, and has commissioned Massey to provide further research on ethnicity.

The collective work on safety is particularly important for the music industry where there is a prevalence of contractors or self-employed individuals working together sporadically; unusual working hours; and a general lack of traditional workplace structures and HR support. 

“SoundCheck Aotearoa is committed to working with organisations, groups, businesses and individuals across the music community to make our workplaces safer.  We have taken our first steps and we are inviting everyone in the music community to get involved and contribute to meaningful positive change.”

Visit www.soundcheckaotearoa.co.nz or contact info@soundcheckaotearoa.co.nz for more information or media requests.

 WHERE TO GO FOR HELP OR INFORMATION ABOUT SEXUAL HARM:

MusicHelps Wellbeing Service: Call 0508 MUSICHELPS

HELP: Call 24/7 (Auckland) 0800 623 1700, (Wellington) 04 801 6655

Safe To Talk:  Call 0800 044 334 | Text 4334 | Email support@safetotalk.nz 

Rape Crisis: Call 0800 88 33 00

NZ Police: Call 105

Aviva: Canterbury Sexual Violence Crisis Service - Call (03) 377 5402 / 0800 284 82669

Tu Wahine: Kaupapa Māori Sexual Violence Crisis Service – Call 09 838 8700   

Korowai Tumanako: Kaupapa Māori Survivor and Harmful Sexual Behaviour Support Service – Email: korowai@korowaitumanako.org  

Te Puna Oranga: Kaupapa Māori Sexual Violence Crisis Service – Call 0800 222 042 | Email: info@tepunaoranga.co.nz    

Male Survivors Aotearoa: Support for the well-being of male survivors of sexual abuse  

Shama:  National Sexual Harm Support Service for ethnic communities – Call (07) 843 3810 | Text 022 135 9545 

Human Rights Commission: Call 0800 496 877

Employment Relations Authority: Call 0800 209020

YOU AIN'T IN THE PICTURE ANYMORE BY JOLANDI FORD

Jolandi Ford is a singing artist born in South Africa focussing on the Commercial Country genre. She grew up in a very musically talented family where most of her family members are musicians. She always loved singing and performing from a very young age.

She won the Boksburg Idols singing competition in 2012, reached top 4 in East Rand got talent, reached Top 40 on X-Factor South Africa 2014 and featured on numerous compilation albums.

After the launch of her first debut album "Vang My" (an Afrikaans & English mixed album) in 2013, her singing career picked up fast. Her country songs have been playing on International radio stations globally.
Jolandi and her family also immigrated to Hamilton New Zealand in 2017 and as a proud resident, she is ready to put everything into her singing career again! Jolandi launched her first single "Torn Jeans" in New Zealand on 28 September 2020.

She is extremely exited to announce her new single “You ain’t in the picture anymore” to be released to the public on 28 November 2020 - a beautiful song about a break up being a blessing in disguise, because now you’ve healed and are stronger than ever!

Social Media Links:

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/jolandifordartist

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jolandiford/

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/jolandi-ford

ReverbNation: https://www.reverbnation.com/jolandiford

Website: https://www.jolandiford.com

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/69Aum74cAoicmD324vFxst

Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/jolandi-ford/792882257

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/123Jolandi

MERV PINNY 'AMAZING'

Merv Pinny is back with another heart-felt song, celebrating all the Amazing people who have helped others during this challenging year

2020 has been a tough year. Across the entire world, millions of people have experienced unprecedented hard times. During these hard times, many of us need extra help and support from our loved ones, friends and even our community. This year, we found we needed this more than ever.

If we look around us, we can see the many Amazing people who have come forward to offer this much-needed support. Merv Pinny's upbeat and joyful new single acknowledges the challenges of 2020, while celebrating and giving thanks for the gift that these wonderful folks give to the world.

With Christmas just around the corner, a time known for giving, this is also a reminder of just how important it is to unite together and to help others in need.

18 YEAR OLD CHRISTCHURCH PRODUCER SHLI RELEASES DEBUT EP NIGHTCAPS

Gathering local momentum and grandiose nods from online blogs such as Sniffers from his debut single releases of Nightcaps & Horizon Ft Jaz Paterson, today 18 year old Christchurch electronic producer SHLI releases his much anticipated debut EP NIGHTCAPS.

“At just eighteen, SHLI’s music shows insightful attention to details that goes beyond his years” writes Sophia Davies from Sniffers.

SHLI is currently attending Christchurch’s SOLE Music Academy where he has honed his production and songwriting skills on their artist development programme. SOLE teamed him up with well-known electronic producer KAMANDI to further develop his sound. “SHLI definitely knows the sound of the lane he’s moving in with music, some really lush melody ideas and also some really impressive mix dynamics especially for such a young dude, super talented. I feel like I understand his sound and paired with the tasteful mixes he churned out it made mastering fun, basically a good excuse to turn his music up loud in the studio,” says KAMANDI.

Listen here

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. “When people listen to my music I hope that they get a feeling of space and ethereality. I'd like for it to be used as a means to take the listener away from reality for just 3 or 4 minutes,” says SHLI.

 The debut EP will be celebrated with an EP release show on the 10th December at the Wunderbar in Lyttelton. The night will entail some local support acts and live performances and you can get your tickets from cosmic.

To keep the momentum rolling, SHLI is currently working on some new material more influenced by 90’s dance music set to be released on a local label. SHLI feels so much more equipped to take on the music industry after his time at SOLE Music Academy. “I’ve learned so much in the last year about making music and everything that surrounds the music. I used to be really mystified about the music industry, but through doing music business at SOLE, it all makes a whole lot more sense,” says SHLI.

NEW ROOTS BAND CORRELLA TO RELEASE DEBUT SINGLE: SUMMERTIME IN AOTEAROA

New Roots band Corrella hope to have Aotearoa jamming to their debut single this summer. The lyrics for ‘Summertime in Aotearoa’ are inspired by our unique summer experiences here in the Land of the Long White Cloud. Like sunshine kissing the water and pohutukawa blooming to let divers know it’s time to collect kaimoana. The catchy tune is sure to be bumping after its release on Friday, 27th of November.

Corrella are a 7-piece band based in Tāmaki Makaurau. The members are from all over Aotearoa and are mostly Māori but also include Pasifika and Pakeha musicians. Four of the band members are currently serving in Te Taua Moana, the Royal New Zealand Navy and one is former Navy.

Corrella formed in 2017 and are named after Corrella Road in Belmont, on Auckland’s north shore. It has become the physical and spiritual home of the band. “The feel of the street is like it’s not even in Auckland,” said Te Naawe Tupe (Ngāi Tūhoe), the band’s rhythm guitarist and hype man. “When you’re down that street, you’re transported out of the city back to the feel of the country and coastal towns that we come from. That’s where we are at home. Our band name represents all of us, out of where we belong but still able to feel at home. Also it sounded good and rolled off our tongues!”

The plan for this year had been to record and release an album but the global pandemic and unexpected lockdowns affected that goal. Recording has begun on additional songs to go with Summertime in Aotearoa for an expected EP release in 2021. The band have also secured a live gig with another new band Origin Roots Aotearoa (O.R.A.) in Rotorua on Saturday, 28th of November at the Rotorua Citizens Club.

Pipiwharauroa Campbell, (Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti He, Ngāti Pukenga) is the lead singer and he has specific hopes for Corrella. “I hope one day we get to perform on the One Love stage,” he said. “My favourite ‘Summertime in Aotearoa’ moment is when my friends and I get together in my hometown of Tauranga for the One Love Festival. Both days are usually pretty full on and really good. Being part of that festival would be the ultimate.”

‘Summertime in Aotearoa’ will be available to download and livestream at this link from Friday, 27th of November. https://smarturl.it/presuma

CLAUDIA ROBIN GUNN RELEASES NEW SONGBOOK AND ALBUM PROJECT ’SING THROUGH THE YEAR - A LITTLE WILD CHILDHOOD’

Everyday is a dance while your heart beats, if you listen to the leaves as you’re walking through the seasons. You can sing a spring song or appreciate the kids in autumn crunching leaves or just snuggle up to watch the winter snow falling...you never know when your next lucky rainbow might appear and if it rains just open your dear umbrella and stomp in all the puddles cos who doesn’t love the rain?

Little Wild Music releases a second album for 2020 with help from Creative New Zealand. Sing Through The Year - A Little Wild Childhood is a 25 track collection written by Claudia Robin Gunn wrapping up a theme of seasons, weather and nature songs for families. Claudia was inspired to create such a production at this time, as a response to the challenges of 2020. “I really wanted to make a kids album that had resources to open up the singing experience for children both at home and in learning environments - I’ve included the chords of how to play every song in the songbook, and also am releasing the album as instrumentals so that there are backing tracks to assist with learning and enjoying these songs however folks would like to render them. I was lucky to grow up surrounded by music and encouragement to pipe up and use my voice - so I love being part of the chorus of musicians making space for the next generation of talent’.

Featuring guest co-writer and performer Lucy Hiku (Itty Bitty Beats) and watercolour illustrations by Elise De Silva, the album has been produced and arranged by Tom Fox at The Sound Room who also created Little Wild Universe (June 2020). All vocals were recorded by Claudia (and Lucy) at their home studios, and shared across time and space for Tom to arrange and weave his magic.

The songbook is a digital resource that accompanies the album, available from Bandcamp:

https://claudiagunn.bandcamp.com/album/sing-through-the-year-a-little-wild-childhood

and all songs are also available on the various streaming platforms including Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/album/4KJd068CAuYYeiENNj7y1e?si=IhRJmuroSzmTF35d2ACXpg

Debut release by 14yr old multi-instrumentalist Jackson Boswell

During the recent lock down Jackson set up a studio in the dark recesses of his home basement, taught himself logic and began his first personal project. A series of three consecutive EP’s - ‘Night’, ‘Evening’ and ‘Afternoon’.

An accomplished drummer and performer, the first instalment ‘Night’ begins his foray into the world of production. The gradual unfolding cinematic soundscape and chilled grooves, are the start of something ethereal and our ears look forward to the next instalment.

Night - Jackson Boswell is out now on all platforms.