2022 Pacific Music Awards

The Pacific Music Awards Trust is very happy to announce that the 2022 Pacific Music Awards will be held on Thursday 4 August, at the Vodafone Events Centre, Auckland, Aotearoa. The awards will celebrate Pacific music, bringing our communities together to honour our Pacific music artists.
The Pacific Music Awards Trust affirms their commitment to the awards and Pacific music. The Trust has observed the strength of our artists and communities during these challenging times and want to honour their resilience, by hosting the annual awards event. We are proud of the online awards we have presented in the last two years and we hope we can return to a live event this year. The Trust sincerely thanks all the sponsors, funders and the team that work on the awards event, for their dedication to the Pacific Music Awards.
Entries for the 2022 Pacific Music Award officially open Monday 11 April and are due by Friday 6 May 2022. Local Pacific artists, i.e. New Zealand citizens/residents, can be nominated for all the entered award categories except for the Best International Pacific Artist Award, which is open to Pacific artists from overseas. The recordings eligible for entry, can be singles, EPs or albums that have been released during the year of 1 January – 31 December 2021.
For all the information about nominations for the 2022 Pacific Music Awards, including the 2022 PMA Terms & Conditions of Entry, please go to the Entries page on the awards website. All nominations for the awards need to be submitted online through the official entry system and the entered categories for the 2022 Pacific awards are as follows:

• Best Pacific Female Artist

• Best Pacific Male Artist

• Best Pacific Group

• Best Pacific Gospel Artist

• Best Pacific Hip Hop Artist

• Best Pacific Soul/RnB Artist

• Best Roots/Reggae Artist

• Best Pacific Language

• Best Pacific Song

• Best Pacific Music Video

• Best Producer

• Best International Pacific Artist

• Best Pacific Music Album (Aotearoa Music Award)

If you have any questions about the awards or the nomination process for entries, please contact the Trust on: pacificmusicawardstrust@gmail.com

The Pacific Music Awards Trust are also continuing their Tautua Programme, to provide support to Pacific artists. In the plans are online and in person workshops, providing a bridge between Pacific artists and music industry organisations; as well as mentoring and artist development support for artists. We will also provide assistance to NZ On Air for the New Music Pasifika funding rounds.

Save the date of Thursday 4 August for the 2022 Pacific Music Awards! We are planning a wonderful celebration of Pacific music and look forward to sharing all the details with you over the coming months.

MIDWAVE BREAKS 'HURRICANE & NOVACANE'

Following on the heels of their February release The Other’s Side, Alt-Rock Duo Midwave Breaks keep the singles rolling with their latest offering, ‘Hurricanes and Novacane’.

Former Eight bandmates singer-songwriter Bruce Conlon and drummer Paul Russell (ex Supergroove) have made a serious impact at Rock Radio since launching in 2021, with two independent singles in the top ten, and a third in the top 20.

The pair continue to showcase a purposefully retrospective sound in this Tom Petty inspired track; self-described as a ‘melodic-mid-pace-bowler’, the sound is a modern take on the soundtrack of their youth. Written during the early part of the Pandemic, the song is essentially about the ups, downs, and uncertainties of life, and the need to sometimes revisit old beginnings to find new reference points for the future.

The video acknowledges the Covid-times experience and was conceived and edited by the drummer, Russell, using footage of synchronized swimmers as the raw material. As well as visually befitting the pace and feel of the music, the video conceptually reflects the idea of ‘treading water’, adapting to unfamiliar surroundings, the need to connect with those around us, and the idea that what happens ‘beneath the surface of things’ is equally important, and can lead to the creation of something beautiful.

With Covid restriction settings easing, Midwave Breaks are looking forward to making the live connection with their audience soon

Fans can expect more music throughout 2022 from this powerhouse songwriting duo, with their Full Debut Album scheduled for release in the coming months.

'WHERE TO FIND ME' NEW TUNE FROM REI

Rei is kicking off his year of new releases with the catchy tune ‘Where to Find Me’. 

With it’s afro-swing production, RnB vibes and an ear-worm of a hook, this tune is sure to hit a chord. Following up from his 2021 radio hit Hoki Mai / Come Back (#2 on NZ Hot Charts), ‘Where to Find Me’ sees Rei play the part of a forlorn lover, struggling to move on from a past relationship. Not quite willing to let go, but also not willing to make any moves to rekindle the flame. Instead, he leaves the decision on any future romance up to them…

Check out Reis diary, the making of ‘Where To Find Me’ 

Rei has had a big last 12 months, touring the country with Sweet Mix Kids, playing festivals such as Rolling Meadows, AUM, Kotahi, Splore and Newtown Festival, not to mention opening for Netsky at his sold-out arena show and now heading to the US and Europe. 

His recent accolades include being a finalist for the 2021 Mana Reo award at the AMA’s, as well as achieving top 5 APRA Silver Scrolls with the stunning Maisey Rika collab, ‘Hiwa i te Rangi’. 

Voodoo Bloo ‘Small’

Sheffield born, New Zealand based Alternative Rock band Voodoo Bloo release latest single ‘Small’ via PlasticGroove Records. Produced by Greg Haver (Manic Street Preachers, Bullet for my Valentine) and Scott Seabright (Mumford and Sons, Passenger), the track is taken from their upcoming 2022 album ‘The Blessed Ghost’.

‘Small’ is a notable departure from Voodoo Bloo’s high-octane post-punk-esque style, the track opts for a more emotive soundscape with soaring guitar melodies, driving bass lines and energetic drum beats that frame frontman Rory McDonald’s impassioned vocals perfectly. ‘Small’ is about the Peter Pan complex, knowing you have to grow up no matter how hard the change may be.

Rory McDonald on the track: “In a way, it was written not only to a younger self but also my Mother, about my growth into a person and the distance it's created from memories long gone. This is a new frontier for Voodoo Bloo, a new chapter of what we stand for and what we wish to create beyond our wildest imagination."

Hailing from Sheffield, Rory now resides in Wellington, New Zealand. Voodoo Bloo’s sound is influenced by acts such as the Arctic Monkeys, Deftones and My Bloody Valentine. Having already garnered a strong following in New Zealand and with their last album, ‘Jacobus’ being well-received from outlets in Australia, the UK and US, Voodoo Bloo are just getting started as they look to export their own brand of Alternative Rock around the world.

LEE MVTTHEWS NEW SHOW ANNOUNCEMENT

Lee Mvtthews 

Dunedin Town Hall 

3rd June 2022 

8pm - 1am 

R18 

with support from ( A-Z) Elipsa, Pirapus & Syrup

One of NZ’s top Drum & Bass acts, Lee Mvtthews return to Dunedin this June for a full-send! 

“We feel right at home in Dunedin, a region full of absolute battlers who love to party. We've been itching at the bits to get back out on the pitch, and what better place than at the hub of a good time!” says Tom. 

“This round, we're taking things up a notch at Dunedin's Town Hall and we're bringing some of New Zealand’s finest talent with us.

The fellas, Pirapus have been smashing every release and their sets are just as infectious.

Elipsa has been dominating the scene with her incredible vocals featuring on numerous Drum and Bass hits over the last year.

And last but definitely not least, Syrup, who have been doing the rounds at every major festival and for good reason! 

So strap in, we’ll see you at the show and maybe back at yours for a lock-in. Any send-off will do!” adds Graham 

It’s been over a year since the last Lee Mvtthews show in Dunedin, which sold out in 8 hours, so definitely don’t delay getting your tickets to this one! 

Tickets on sale now via www.moshtix.co.nz

BUY TICKETS HERE

LEE MVTTHEWS 

Lee Mvtthews, aka, Graham Matthews and Tom Lee started working together in 2013. Since then, they’ve gone from strength to strength, gaining a reputation for turning out infectious tunes that pair colourful melodies with bass-driven drops, garnering them plays from industry greats such as Andy C, Sub Focus, Pendulum, Netsky, Metrik, Koven, K-Motionz, DC Breaks, and Hybrid Minds.

They have become a favourite on the New Zealand festival circuit, playing at the likes of Rhythm & Vines, Northern Bass, Homegrown & Summer Classic as well as headlining shows up and down the country. In addition to this, they have become a go-to support act for an array of international talents, including Wilkinson, Netsky, Kanine, Grafix and more.

Their hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed, winning Best Electronic Artist at the Aotearoa Music Awards in November 2020 as well as ‘Best Artist’ 3 years running at the George FM awards, where they have also taken out several top spots including Biggest Banger and the DNB Hundy countdowns.

Their efforts have landed them on labels such as UKF, Viper Recordings, DeVice & Dark Machine Records, cultivating a massive 20 million streams. Growing exponentially and with more new music ready to go for 2022, it seems nothing can stop these two as they hold their spot as one of the hottest New Zealand drum & bass acts. 

With support from

ELIPSA 

Elipsa is one of the rising stars of New Zealand's Drum and Bass scene.

An affiliate of DnB legend MC Tali, this talented vocalist and producer brings sass and soul to the stage with her sweet husky vocals and freestyle melodies.

Elipsa has released tunes with NZ producers Lee Mvtthews, Sly Chaos, Burnzy & Willy Mav, as well as starting to make her mark on the International DnB scene, co-releasing with scene legends Kanine & Enei. 

With more releases in the works & multiple live shows booked, Elipsa is one to watch in 2022. 

PIRAPUS

Pirapus, also known as George Murray and Ben Hollamby (aka Tex), are a drum and bass duo from Christchurch, New Zealand. 

Their musical backgrounds range from hip-hop to classical music, but it was their obsession with drum and bass which brought them together during university. 

Pirapus’ various musical influences translate to their diverse catalogue of DNB music, making their DJ sets entertaining and loaded with energy. 

Their production has gained praise both nationally and globally from Netsky, Koven, Lee Mvtthews and The Upbeats to name a few.

It’s safe to say Pirapus are only just beginning their exciting journey in the world of drum and bass.

SYRUP 

SYRUP combines the musical stylings of two of New Zealand's beloved house music selectors, TETO & SAMMIE.

TETO & SAMMIE discovered their shared love for deep baselines and silky smooth vocals in 2019 and with that, SYRUP was born.

After only a few short months as a duo, SYRUP were invited to perform at some of New Zealand’s top festivals including Hidden Valley, Baseline festival and Rhythm & Vines. They have been keeping dancefloors busy ever since.

You can also SYRUP on the George FM  Saturday Night House Party at 7pm every Saturday. 

NICKY MORAN – YOUR PROMISES ARE FOR ME

Your Promises Are for Me is the third single taken from Nicky’s 10th Gospel album “Unlocked”, which was written during New Zealand’s first lock down and released in Spring 2021.

Moran describes her song ‘Your Promises Are for Me’ as “a way to hold onto our own personal peace and remain confident in the end things will work out for good.” ‘Your Promises Are for Me’ has a nostalgic warmth, positive declarations and a feeling of safety and comfort and fun.

‘Your Promises Are for Me’ is released to coincide with her tour of the south Island which will be taking in over 30 venues, quite extraordinary given these challenging Covid times!

Tour dates can be found here: https://nickymoran.com/

This is a pop song with a “dollop of joy, encouraging us to gain insight wisdom and revelation, be bold and courageous to avoid fear and find that the Lord is the safest shelter.” You will want to dance!

Nicky has faced her own major challenges in life being severely ill in her 30’s. Unable to do much for a time due to ill health she worked on piano and song writing and along her long road to recovery encountered Divine inspiration. She discovered ‘her true heart voice’. As she says “my songs are about life, love, how we are precious, the journey of hope and healing, and how to get to know the Almighty.”

On regaining her health Nicky has become a prolific artist, writing, recording and touring at a pace that is hard to keep up with. For the last 6 years Nicky has toured New Zealand prisons, performing over 350 times on the inside. 

Given her country /Gospel sound and ability to express her thoughts, and passions through her music one could almost call her the female, Kiwi, Johnny Cash.

Made This Way: Embracing Certain Death with HINA and BEXY

Their producer’s mixing desk caught on fire, so they wrote this song on a porch in the brisk autumn breeze. Later, they recorded it in a car as the sun was setting on Himatangi Beach. HINA and BEXY know exactly who they are and what they want. This song explores the darker rationale behind their poise.

The artists met just a couple of days before writing this song, and connected instantly, later finding out they both whakapapa to Ngāti Raukawa. “We were talking a lot that week about battling with big dreams and the uncertainty of the creative industry,” explains Ōtautahi-based BEXY, “and a big realisation was that the only certainty in life is death.” This rings true for Tāmaki Makaurau artist HINA, who agrees that “this was terrifying, but also very liberating.” HINA found comfort in the fact that her and BEXY “felt very safe during this creative process to be really honest, both in our writing and with each other.” BEXY is no stranger to collaboration but for HINA it is her first time releasing music she created with other people, having written and produced everything she has released so far.

‘Made This Way’ shows a shift in sound for HINA and BEXY, as both artists continue to experiment and push the boundaries of their song writing. HINA and BEXY share similar themes in their music - love, loss, and growth. This new track is collaboration at its finest, distilling their distinct perspectives into a song that deeply resonates with them both.

‘Made This Way’ is available worldwide on all streaming platforms. Keep an eye out for an arresting music video coming soon, created entirely by BEXY and HINA. Connect with the artists on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the loop: @thisisbexy & @hinabeaming

New Folk Album - Tales of Common Folk, Salt & Sweet Kisses

Featuring some of New Zealand’s finest folk musicians, the listener is taken on a reflective journey from the decline of Kiwi rural towns, through stories of Marlborough Sounds whalers, love and loss in olden times, even a Viking raid.

Described as; “Reflective” “Complex” “Timeless”

“..a very strong and powerful emotional arc..”

Tales of Common Folk, Salt & Sweet Kisses

Available on CD, download, and all streaming platforms.

The album has just been launched at a sold out show in Wellington. It features single The Day The Bank Closed Its Doors, inspired by a visit to a small Kiwi town but getting interest around the world.

Bandcamp

https://nigelparry.bandcamp.com/album/tales-of-common-folk-salt-sweet-kisses

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/album/14faVVUwncHAyVzH9GEnff