REB FOUNTAIN wins 2021 Taite Music Prize

PLUS fuzzy doo-wop group Na Noise; the visionary Pātea Māori Club; and Pete Rainey and Glenn Common of Smokefree Rockquest were all honoured at tonight’s Taite Music Prize ceremony.

Tonight, the winner of the 2021 Taite Music Prize which highlights outstanding New Zealand albums released in the past year was awarded to Reb Fountain for her critically praised self-titled album released on Flying Nun Records.

The Auckland Live Best Independent Debut went to Na Noise for their debut album Waiting For You released on the independent Tāmaki Makaurau label 1:12 Records.

The Independent Music NZ Classic Record award was presented to Patea Māori Club for their groundbreaking single 'Poi E' released in 1983 on Maui Records.

The Independent Spirit Award was granted to Pete Rainey and Glenn Common of Smokefree Rockquest for their contribution to music through 33 years of motivating young musicians and helping them to develop their talent and creativity, musicianship, and performance skills.

Dylan Pellett, General Manager Independent Music New Zealand says, "It’s astounding to me that we can celebrate together tonight and show off the talented artists that live and create in Aotearoa. What a privilege to present this event on behalf of our membership and the wider music community. Top work everyone!"

The 2021Taite Music Prize was held at Q Theatre in Tāmaki Makaurau and featured performances by Troy Kingi, Patea Māori Club and Na Noise performing Reb Fountain’s song 'Faster' from the prize-winning album.

The prestigious ceremony was hosted by 95bFM's Sarah Thomson with awards presented by Julia Deans and Anna Coddington. The event was attended by 400 industry, media, and artists from across the country and was a spectacular celebration of outstanding creative works made in Aotearoa.

2021 Taite Music Prize - Reb Fountain

Reb Fountain is an award-winning songwriter, consummate recording artist, and performer; spell-bounding audiences with her music and artistry alike. In May 2020, Reb Fountain released her self-titled album to critical and popular acclaim through iconic New Zealand label, Flying Nun Records. Reb Fountain's self-titled quickly sold out worldwide garnering favourable reviews and new fans both at home and abroad.

Says Sarah Illingworth on the 2021 winner "Reb Fountain sees its eponymous creator at the top of her game – or perhaps preparing to climb to new and headier peaks. The album and Reb’s path to releasing it captures the independent spirit championed by the Taite Music Prize while sparkling with the high caliber of production and performance that makes an artist a star."

2021 Auckland Live Best Independent Debut - Na Noise

Na Noise are the Thelma and Louise of modern DIY guitar-based music. They released their debut album 'Waiting For You' on 1:12 Records in November 2020. The long-time collaborators Hariet Ellis and Yolanda Fagan (both having worked together on BOZO, Vincent H.L, Echo Ohs and Thee Crockettes) have a rascally take on traditional song — with their new-old songs, the band introduce a new-old sound. Joined by multi-instrumentalist Christopher Varnham who provides organ, drums, and various other percussive elements, the three have cultivated a dark sound that is more carnivalesque than it is psychedelic.

Radio New Zealand's Charlotte Ryan comments "Na Noise captured me with their psychedelic, hypnotizing guitars and vocals. Their sound and vibe remind me of bands from the past, singing cool pop songs with warped vocals and dark sonic undertones. Their debut was impressive, I'm excited to see what they do next."

The Auckland Live Best Independent Debut Award celebrates the freshest talent of Aotearoa. Tonight, Na Noise took home a $2000 cash prize plus a performance or technical upskilling opportunity thanks to Auckland Live.

2021 Independent Spirit Award - Pete Rainey and Glenn Common of Smokefree Rockquest

The two founders of Rockquest Promotions, Pete Rainey and Glenn Common, first met while working as high school teachers in Christchurch. In 1988 they entered some bands from their school into a performance competition that a local radio station was putting on. They saw the kids really responding to the opportunity to play contemporary music.

The following year the radio station was unable to put the event on again, so Pete and Glenn decided to run it themselves. They saw the benefit in a platform for high school students to play live on a professionally equipped stage, expressing their talent and creativity all while developing their musicianship and performance skills.

In 1990 the competition went nationwide. Pete and Glenn applied for funding from the Government, which allowed them to roll out the competition out in 5 locations around the country - adding Auckland, Dunedin, Wellington, and Rotorua. The schools in the four new regions caught on really quickly, and it was at this moment they realised the competition could be big and sustainable in the long term.

Now with 40 gigs every year across the country, Smokefreerockquest has become New Zealand’s only nationwide, live, original music, youth event to give young musicians the opportunity to perform live in a professional setting, in venues from Whangarei to Invercargill. It has been a stepping stone for many of the country's most well-known and successful artists, contributing massively to the music community throughout Aotearoa.

Dylan Pellett, General Manager Independent Music New Zealand says “this award was a real blast for me - as I was performing in one of those Rockquest bands back in 1989!! So it felt really special to give something back to Pete and Glenn and acknowledge their contribution to the NZ music tapestry. And stoked that super-talented Julia Deans and Anna Coddington were on hand to present the award to them - amazing mahi!"

The Independent Spirit Award recognises and celebrates a New Zealander: someone who is passionate about NZ music; who's ahead of the game in creativity, diversity, and imagination; and has dedicated themself to helping artists and the wider music community to grow and find their own unique pathways. The annual recipient is determined by the IMNZ Board.

Patea Māori Club. Photo credit: Gil Hanly

2021 Independent Music NZ Classic Record - Patea Māori Club 

The Independent Music NZ Classic Record Award acknowledges one New Zealand record released over 20 years ago on an independent label. These records, whether a 12”, a compilation, EP, or full-length album have become quintessential gold nuggets of our musical history.

The 2021 award was granted to Patea Māori Club for their groundbreaking single 'Poi E'.

Patea Māori Club’s 'Poi E’ lyrics were written by te reo advocate, linguist, and composer, Ngoi Pēwhairangi (QSM) and music by Dalvanius Prime in 1983, to encourage rangatahi to be proud of being Māori. A simple song with a catchy beat sung entirely in te reo Māori 'Poi E' has become Aotearoa’s unofficial national anthem, giving pride to generations of New Zealanders. 

Recorded and released in late 1983, the single spent four weeks at number one and a further 22 weeks in the music charts, which was unprecedented for a song in te reo Māori. As well as being a sensation in Aotearoa, the Pātea Māori Club received international recognition - touring the United Kingdom in 1984, playing at the London Palladium, the Edinburgh Festival, and giving a Royal Command Performance. Top British contemporary music magazine of the time, New Musical Express (NME), named ‘Poi E’ its Single of the Week.

In 2010 ‘Poi E’ was used in Taika Waititi's hit movie, Boy. This saw the song back in the New Zealand music charts. A documentary on the song was released in 2016,  and in 2021 - 38 years after its release -  ‘Poi E’ is officially being acknowledged as an important part of our rich musical tapestry as the recipient of the 2021 IMNZ Classic Record.

Jeremy Taylor from Slow Boat Records says "Poi E" single; an undisputed, stone-cold classic receives recognition for its genre-busting styles, its irrepressible spirit, and its huge contribution to a strong, independent musical voice" 

Named after the late Dylan Taite, one of New Zealand’s most respected music journalists, the Taite Music Prize recognises outstanding creativity for an entire collection of music contained in one recording. Reb Fountain also received a cash prize of $12,500, thanks to founding partner Recorded Music NZ and supporting partner NZ Music Commission.

RENEE MILLNER 'FLY ME BACK'

For Taranaki singer-songwriter Renee Millner, to ‘fly back’ is to depart the emotional precipice, to escape the hold of dark thoughts and moods, returning to a place where curiosity replaces judgment and vitality replaces languor. A place where well-being is restored.

“I wrote Fly Me Back during a dark phase”, says Renee.

 “I think most people who give themselves over to something they’re passionate about can relate to feeling at times that it’s becoming all consuming. I found myself in a bit of a spiral; trying to find crutches to help me escape those feelings.The notion of ‘flying back’ appealed to me because of the sense that I wanted to return to the person I was before darkness took hold, and ‘fly’ because it implies a freedom that’s so opposite to the constriction of despair.”

The music video for Fly Me Back, created by William King, set in a dystopian urbanscape that’s disintegrating even as we fly slowly through it, provides a fitting visual evocation of darkness, fragility and despair. However, the single is uplifting with an 80’s dance vibe woven through its deft folk-pop stylings.

With two EPs and a recently released single, ‘Out Their Windows’ in her discography, Renee’s capacity for expressing raw emotions with intense vulnerability is well known. 

“The point,” says Renee, “is that sometimes we feel like we’re in the grip of something dark and malignant, when really it’s us that’s doing the gripping. And if, in those moments, we can release our hold, we create room for lighter, healthier things to enter.”

“If we want our lives to be expansive and fulfilling, we have to take part in expansive, fulfilling things.”

SAM BARTELLS ANNOUNCES TUNING FORK SHOW WITH ALBI AND THE WOLVES

A CELEBRATION OF ALT-ROCK AND INDIE-FOLK

*** ONE NIGHT – THREE ARTISTS ***

Rock The Folk is a celebration of alt-rock and indie-folk by two of Auckland’s hardest working acts Sam Bartells and Albi & The Wolves. The event will take place in Tamaki Makaurau’s waterfront venue The Tuning Fork on Friday 18th of June 2021.

Bartells’ career has skyrocketed since signing his first record deal with Reslau Records in 2019, which allowed him to hone his craft and record with some of Nashville’s best and brightest. In 2020 his debut E.P. Let’s Go gained international praise, and was recently followed up with a brand new single ‘Queen Of Hurt’. His gritty and honest songs are brought to life with his stunning vocals that are reminiscent of the late Chris Cornell. His acoustic roots and relatable lyrics tie together well with Albi & The Wolves.

Albi & The Wolves have steadily built recognition in New Zealand and abroad with fantastic live performances and two studio albums This Is War and One Eye Open. The ramshackle trio hail from different backgrounds but somehow create a brand of indie-folk that’s coherent and totally unique. The band won the Best Folk Artist award at the Aotearoa Music Awards in 2018, performed at WOMAD in 2020, and are set to venture overseas again in 2021. Many of the songs you will hear are being road-tested for their next album which they hope to record before the end of the year.

These acts are wildly different but share commonalities in their sober front men, acoustic roots, and the fact that they sit on the edge of their genres. Set times will be determined by a coin toss and won’t be revealed to the public, so be sure to get in early. Also, each act will play for an hour after an opening set from the stunning singer-songwriter Mema Wilda. This show should not be missed!

LIMITED EARLY BIRD TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW FOR $20 ONLY AVAILABLE
UNTIL THE 30TH OF APRIL – www.moshtix.co.nz

ROCK THE FOLK

 SAM BARTELLS  and ALBI & THE WOLVES

With special guest Mema Wilda

FRIDAY 18 JUNE - THE TUNING FORK – AUCKLAND 

Tickets available now from www.moshtix.co.nz

Louis Baker shares new video for 'Overdrive’ featuring Kings

Aotearoa’s modern-soul master, Louis Baker shares a new video for ‘Overdrive’ today, his summer banger of a tune featuring double-platinum independent rapper/producer Kings.

The striking visuals, directed by photographer and filmmaker Abe Mora (Chaii, Troy Kingi, Stan Walker), take the viewer on an alluring night out in and around Auckland's historic Strand Station. Filmed under the after-hours glow of street lamps, the video features one woman, portrayed by Dianne Esther Maree Gavin, interpreting the single's seductive narrative through her own display of organic movement and dance. This clever new take on ‘Overdrive’ offers another perspective to Baker’s much-loved tune where the rush of new affection is found for oneself.

“The idea behind the video was to offer another perspective in the way we interpret love, with the growing trend of self-awareness and self-love, waiting on the traditional lover is taking a back seat to the idea of falling in love with oneself. Louis' track provided a well-balanced platform for a wāhine in the thick of her own journey toward emotional freedom to share her story,” explains Mora.

The irresistible soul-funk grooves of 'Overdrive’ is fast climbing the NZ radio charts with its wide-reaching appeal gathering up plays on commercial radio giants: Mai FM, ZM, More, and George FM, and alternative radio across the country alike. Upon release, the single secured the #1 spot on the Hot NZ Singles Chart and has clocked over 200k Spotify streams and support from California tastemaker radio station KCRW.

The track was produced by New Zealand producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Devin Abrams (Dallas Tamaira, Drax Project, Pacific Heights). Baker has since performed ‘Overdrive’ to a live TV audience at the 58th Halberg Sporting Awards at Spark Arena on March 24th. The appearance follows Baker’s one-off headline show with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra (APO) at Auckland’s Town Hall in February to a standing ovation. 

With over 25 million Spotify streams and a loyal global following, the successful touring artist has sold out previous shows in New Zealand and performed on the European festival circuit multiple times. Baker’s debut album Open was released in 2019 to critical acclaim, including a prestigious Taite Music Prize nomination, and Recorded Music NZ nominations for Best Soul Artist and Best Māori Artist. Previous singles ‘Back On My Feet’ (2014), ‘Rainbow’ (2016), and 'Black Crow’ (2018) have been recognised with APRA Silver Scroll nominations. 

Stay tuned for more music from Louis Baker this year. 

Georgia Lines showcases exquisite vocals and compelling storytelling on new single, ‘No One Knows’

Today, Tauranga-based singer and songwriter Georgia Lines releases her new single, ‘No One Knows’.

‘No One Knows’ intricately weaves together Georgia’s exquisite vocals with production that moves seamlessly between delicate, quiet moments and soaring, uplifting energy; making for a heartwarming and affirming track that leaves you wanting more.

“No One Knows is a song that carries many meanings for me,” says Georgia.

“If I were to boil it down, I would say it is a song about expectations, about people pleasing and feeling tired of doing things because that’s what I feel is expected, or because that is the way it's always been. It's about looking and longing for the truth amongst the noise and about finding clarity in the murky waters.”

Georgia fills spaces with her soulful, dream-like vocals, and distinctive feel-good R&B-sprinkled pop and with each new release, she showcases her ever evolving craft and creative palette.

‘No One Knows’ is no exception!

Co-written and produced by the award-winning Djeisan Suskov (BENEE, Matthew Young, Mitch James, LEISURE), ‘No One Knows’ sets the scene for the year ahead and follows the 2020 release of Georgia’s debut self-titled EP, which contained the hit singles ‘My Love’, ‘Vacant Cities’ and ‘Never Had Love’.

Despite the challenges of releasing a record in a pandemic, the EP went on to be streamed more than 1.5 million times on Spotify and drew a legion of new fans to Georgia’s impressive ability to create a catchy melody and tell stories that express the complexity of humanness in an uplifting way.

To celebrate the release of ‘No One Knows’, and to give fans a sneak preview of her upcoming music, Georgia is embarking on a nationwide tour, where she’s teaming up with rising pop duo LAIIKA.

The two acts kick things off at Meow in Wellington on Thursday, April 29, before heading to Totara Street in Tauranga on Friday, April 30 and Auckland’s Tuning Fork on Saturday, May 1.

Georgia will complete the tour on her own at Grater Goods in Christchurch on Friday, May 7.

Georgia Lines and LAIIKA – NZ tour dates 2021

Thursday April 29 – Meow, Wellington

Friday April 30 - Totara Street, Tauranga

Saturday May 1 - Tuning Fork, Auckland – ALL AGES

Friday May 7 - Grater Goods, Christchurch (Georgia Lines only)

Tickets for all shows are on sale now - HERE

Anna Hawkins releases 'Wide Open Spaces' music video

The third single from Anna's upcoming album Dreamer is out today accompanied by a lush music video filmed in and around Bethells Beach.

Recorded with singer-songwriter / producer Luke Thompson, Anna wrote the song during a songwriting retreat, recording the first demo with Roo Panes in the UK.

"The song came to me as I was exploring the English countryside. I'd been living in London and getting out of the city for this retreat felt so refreshing. Early one morning walking the quaint English roads I was reminded of the wide open spaces of home and how I missed them and the feeling of peace and freedom they gave me"

Video by: Luke Stockman

Location: Bethells Beach, Jonkers Farm

Dreamer is due for release April 30th

You can pre-order the album via Anna's website or on iTunes.

MMF AOTEAROA ANNOUNCE 2021 FESTIVAL BOOKERS SPEED NETWORKING SESSION

The MMF Aotearoa are so excited to announce the return of one of our most popular events - the Festival Bookers Speed Networking Session!!  This year the session will be held entirely on line during May Music Month, making the evening completely accessible for all our members nationwide.

This annual event an exclusive opportunity for our members to meet face to face (via computer) with an outstanding line-up of bookers from some of the best music festivals in New Zealand, and receive first hand advice on how to get your artists booked onto festival lineups

FESTIVAL BOOKERS SPEED NETWORKING SESSION 2021

Wednesday 5th May  5.45pm start

Bookers from the below festivals/booking agents will be meeting with the MMF members

Bay Dreams (Nelson) Le Currents/Neptune Ent/Audiology 

Electric Avenue/Nostalgia/ South Island Wine & Food (Chch) /Great Kiwi Beer Fest (ChCh & Ham)

Homegrown (Wellington)

 Laneway (Auckland)

 Music in Parks (only booking Auckland acts)

Rhythm & Vines  (Gisborne)

 Soundsplash (Raglan) 

The Other Side Festival (Coromandel) 

Twisted Frequency Festival (Upper Takaka)

The event is open to MMF members only and application to secure a booking is essential.  To become a member of MMF and be a part of this networking session, please email Lorraine.owen@mmf.co.nz  

Absolute deadline for applications is Wed 28th April.  However, once all spaces are full we will close applications prior to this date, so get in quick.

CHRIS SANDERS RELAUNCHES 'WHO WANTS TO BE A SUPERHERO'

Chris Sanders is re-launching his musical stage show 'Who Wants to be a Superhero' at Whoa Studios this school holidays!

Perfect for children aged 3-7 years, they can learn how to become a SUPER AMBULANCE HEROES!

9 dates scheduled from April 17-30. Book here now https://whoastudios.co.nz/performances/superhero/

Did you know that there’s Superheroes nearby, saving lives each and every day?

Well it’s True! And…we’ll let you in on a little secret… you can become a Superhero too!

Join Tui Nominated children’s musician Chris Sanders (111 Ambulance Hit Song) as he tells us all about his Ambulance Station, how to become a Super Ambulance Hero and just what to do in an emergency.

This fun and highly interactive 40-minute show will have you dancing in your seats, singing along, and learning the moves to the songs! You’ll be Wee-ooo Wee-ooing for days after! 

A wonderfully visual and musical show designed to educate and inspire children to find the hero inside should an emergency happen. Great education for the whole family and created especially for St John Ambulance by Angel Star Publishing House and Whoa Performing Arts Trust.

Listen to the songs from the show here  https://smarturl.it/csasp