SOJØURN - ‘THE KAIPARA LIVE SESSIONS’ EP

Kiwi surf-rock six-piece SOJØURN will release the “tiny desk” inspired “Kaipara Live Sessions” EP on Fri August 5th via the Meow label. The live EP features four songs off their recent “Mystic Ways” EP including ‘Waiting’, ‘Chasing Sunsets’, ‘Mystic Ways”, and ‘Birdsong’. The “Kaipara Live” sessions were recorded live at the Otamatea Eco-Village on the Kaipara Harbour and took place in the Autumn of 2022.

SOJØURN’s indie psych reggae sounds continue to strike a chord with music critics and fans alike, with the “Mystic Ways” EP with plenty of airtime on NZ and Australian radio along with deservedly rave reviews. The east-coast groovers, hailing from the surf town of Mangawhai Heads, continue their rise through the music scene in NZ, with recent subheadliner slot at “Après Surf”, a live-to-air performance on 95bFM along with an upcoming show with The Black Seeds in Auckland in early August.

The recordings, produced by Connor Jaine (Mako Road), feature stripped back acoustic guitar and percussion along with the staples of vocals, bass, saxophone, keys, and electric guitar. The recording is also an introduction to the band’s new drummer Adam Blake, playing the Cajon along with local percussionist Joben Hicks on Congas. Vocalist & rhythm guitarist Isaac Hunter delivers the vibe in each song with his distinctive tongue and riff, with lead guitarist James Finlay sprinkling the tracks with his trademark licks. Bass player Tony Baker ties in neatly with percussion, and Jacob O’Brien’s saxophone melodies feature prominently in ‘Birdsong’ and ‘Mystic Ways’.

“We wanted to celebrate the EP in a different format. Recording live with CJ in a laid-back setting on the Kaipara was an amazing experience. We really want to showcase a more intimate side of the band and acknowledge the acoustic roots we have as musicians.” Isaac Hunter/ Vocalist

The recordings are an ode to the good times of summer and offer listeners a different take on the “Mystic Ways” EP. The band engaged videographer Robbie Gilmore to show his talents and viewers are treated to a visual journey through each song. The opening shot and cover art features an aerial shot of the band laying on the grass spiraling closer to earth. The cover art is symbolic of the laid-back nature of the tracks and captures the environment in which the project was recorded and inspired. Each track features walkthrough and close ups of each musician, and wide angles of the beautiful Aotearoa backdrop.

‘A fantastic example of the strong reggae/ska vibe that NZ is known for… (SOJØURN) capture the sounds, feeling, and overall vibe of an Aotearoa summer. 5/5’ – Jamie Denton, Muzic.net.nz

‘Only richly infused surf-rock can make any non-surfer feel like they’re riding waves, which is exactly what Sojourn’s new Mystic Ways EP does’ Samantha Cheong, Undertheradar.co.nz

‘Having previously opened for some of Aotearoa’s best artists such as Mako Road, The Butlers, Summer Thieves and Sons of Zion, the Sojourn summers are bound to be filled with festival sets in future, and probably a surf or seven in between’ Silke Hartung, NZ Musician Magazine

‘THE KAIPARA LIVE SESSIONS’ RELEASE SCHEDULE – SOJØURN
‘MYSTIC WAYS’ – Music Video– out Fri August 5th, 2022
‘WAITING’ – Music Video– out Fri August 12th, 2022
‘CHASING SUNSETS’ – Music Video– out Fri August 19th, 2022
‘BIRDSONG’ – Music Video & Full EP– out Fri August 26th , 2022

Tia Ward flips the script in new video ‘Panic On The Highway’

For her new single/video ‘Panic on the Highway’ Māori artist Tia Ward (Taranaki, Ngāti Maniapoto) flipped the script on her own scary stalker experience.

‘Panic on the Highway’ is from Tia’s sensational debut EP ME & ME TOO and was inspired by the time she was followed while driving home one night and feeling unsafe.

“He followed me in his car for over 30mins, and it made me extremely scared as I couldn’t see who it was. Once I got home and managed to get rid of him from following me, I went and saw my friend who told me I should let my feelings out in a song. I tried to think about why the stalker would want to stalk me and what their home life would be like.”

Tia describes the track as Sinister with a slight r&b sound to it. “There are also elements of fear and confusion.” Tia’s rapping also contributes to the panic of the story, but in the video, it’s used as a turning point - adding a clever twist and some fun dance moves to the story.

Bursting with talent and likeability, Tia Ward was born and raised in Hawkes Bay, Aotearoa New Zealand. She grew up in a musical family, singing and performing her whole life. When not writing and releasing music, she’s rehearsing and performing with her band and nearing the end of her third year studying music at Wellington’s Massey University.

An evening of celebration at the 2022 Pacific Music Awards

Pacific musicians recognised at in-person awards ceremony in Manukau, Auckland

This evening the Pacific music community was celebrated at the 2022 Pacific Music Awards at the Vodafone Event Centre in Manukau, Auckland.

Onehunga-based hip hop crew SWIDT took out three awards for Flava Best Pacific Group, Base FM & Island Base Best Pacific Hip Hop Artist and APRA Best Pacific Song for ‘Kelz Garage’, written by Daniel Latu, Amon McGoram, Isaiah Libeau, Lomez Brown, and Samuel Verlinden.

Fellow artist Kings was named for NZ Music Comission Best Pacific Male Artist, and received both the NZ On Air Radio Airplay Award and NZ On Air Streaming Award for his track ‘Help Me Out’ featuring Sons of Zion.

Barbecue favourites Tomorrow People were honoured with One Love Best Pacific Roots/Reggae Artist as well as the Recorded Music Te Pukaemi Toa o Te Moana Nui a Kiwa | Best Pacific Music Album for their album 21.

For their work on The Panthers OST, Diggy Dupé, choicevaughan & P. Smith were recognised with the MPG/SAE Best Producer award. Furthermore, the song ‘Ain't The Same’ featuring Melodownz & Summer Vaha'akolo won NZ On Air Best Pacific Music Video and was directed by Tom Hern and Timēna Apa.

Several first time finalists won their respective categories as well. Anthem were recognised with 531pi Best Pacific Gospel Artist, while Sam V and Lisi were awarded Best Pacific Soul/RnB Artist and Niu FM Best International Pacific Artist respectively.

Auckland Council Best Pacific Female Artist was awarded to Emily Muli, while Kas Futialo received the award for SunPix Best Pacific Language for the album Grandmasta Kas.

Sibling outfit Samson Squad were the crowd favourites, taking out SunPix People’s Choice Award for Best Pacific Artist, while newcomer Jarna was awarded the Phillip Fuemana Award for Most Promising Pacific Artist.

Receiving the first Creative New Zealand Awards are Shepherds Reign, recognising their contributions to the Pacific music scene and to help further the impact of their art.

The inaugural Arch Angel Independent Artist Award was presented to lilbubblegum to support his burgeoning career, after his breakout hit ‘af1s’ went viral last year - reaching over 20 million Spotify streams. 

There were three recipients of this year’s Ministry for Pacific People’s Special Recognition Award – Ngaire Fuata, Tagata Pasifika and Niu FM – Pacific Media Network. All three deserve to be celebrated for the impact they’ve made on the local Pacific community in Aotearoa.Finally, Fa’anana Jerome Grey was selected as the 2022 recipient of the Manukau Institute of Technology Te Pukenga Lifetime Achievement Award.

Grey’s iconic song ‘We Are Samoa’ became the unofficial anthem of the country, and his legacy was celebrated through a tribute performance by Brotherhood Musiq and Resonate.

Pacific Music Awards Trust spokesperson Rev. Mua Strickson-Pua says: “2022 Pacific Music Awards bares testimony to Ene tolonga [Tonga] Kena ivakaraitaki [Fiji] Maufetuuna'i [Samoa] Te Pakari [Maori Aotearoa] Resilience return to live music live audience honouring and celebrating our Pacific artists and industry.

“Mindful of our Kaupapa themes of Connections, Collaboration and Community Pasifika music soundtracks of our people and this recent COVID19 reality come history. Pasifika Music Pasifika Artists Pasifika nations honoured and celebrated 2022 Pasifika Music Awards manuia.” 

Event Producer Petrina Togi-Sa’ena says: “We are grateful and so thankful that we could return with a live event this year for the Pacific Music Awards.  This gave us the opportunity to gather together as an extended family and as a community, to collectively celebrate Pacific music together. 

“With more award categories and a full show of amazing live performances, it was such a wonderful uplifting night.  Huge thanks to our sponsors, funders, supporters and the team that work so hard to make the awards event possible.  Congratulations to all the finalists, winners and award recipients – we are so proud of you all!”

Alongside the celebration of Pacific musicians, there were several live performances from finalists and winners alike including House of Misfits, Kings,  Mo. Etc, Sam V, SWIDT and Tomorrow People.  

2022 Pacific Music Awards winners:

Auckland Council Best Pacific Female Artist:

-         WINNER: Emily Muli - ‘Break’

-         Mo Etc. - Oceanbed

-         Tree - ‘No Fear ft Junior Soqeta’

NZ Music Commission Best Pacific Male Artist:

-         WINNER: Kings - Raplist, ‘Young 4Eva’

-         Diggy Dupé - ‘WEON’

-         Poetik - Poetik Justice

Flava Best Pacific Group:

-         WINNER: SWIDT - ‘Seize the Day ft Savage’, ‘Kelz Garage’, ‘312 Day’

-         Team Dynamite - Respect The Process

-         Tomorrow People - 21

NZ On Air Best Pacific Music Video:

-         WINNER: Diggy Dupé, choicevaughan & P. Smith - ‘Ain't The Same ft. Melodownz & Summer Vaha'akolo’ 

o   Directed by Tom Hernv and Timēna Apa

-         House of Misfits - ‘Tā Te Manawa’

o   Directed by Abigail Dougherty

-         Vallé - ‘Swing Low’

o   Directed by Connor Pritchard

APRA Best Pacific Song:

-         WINNER: SWIDT ‘Kelz Garage’

o   Written by Daniel Latu, Amon McGoram, Isaiah Libeau, Lomez Brown, Samuel Verlinden

-         Kings - ‘Young 4Eva’

o   Written by Kingdon Chapple-Wilson

-         Samson Squad - ‘Amene’

o   Written by Jacob Samson, Tautape Samson & Jayjay Samson 

SunPix Best Pacific Language:

-         WINNER: Kas Futialo - Grandmasta Kas

-         Lani Alo - ‘Tua i manu’

-         Samson Squad - ‘Kainga’, ‘Amene’

-         Shepherds Reign - ‘Nga Ao E Rua feat. Swizl Jager’’

Base FM & Island Base FM Best Pacific Hip Hop Artist:

-         WINNER: SWIDT - ‘Seize the Day ft Savage’, ‘Kelz Garage’, ‘312 Day’

-         Poetik - Poetik Justice

-         Team Dynamite - Respect The Process

Best Pacific Soul/RnB Artist:

-         WINNER: Sam V - ‘Wired’, ‘Biker Boy’

-         Emily Muli - ‘Break’

-         TJ Taotua - Overdue

One Love Best Pacific Roots/Reggae Artist:

-         WINNER: Tomorrow People - 21

-         Foundation - ‘Closer’

-         Sammielz - ‘Okay’

-         Victor J Sefo - ‘Pele Ea’, ‘Ride’, ‘Shots’

531pi Best Pacific Gospel Artist:

-         WINNER: Anthem - Anthem

-         Tree - ‘No Fear ft Junior Soqeta’

-         House of Misfits ‘Tā Te Manawa’

Niu FM Best International Pacific Artist:

-         WINNER: Lisi - ‘Good Life’, ‘Dreams’, ‘Til the Death’, ‘Baby We On’

-         Bina Butta & Kennyon Brown - ‘Lady Love’

-         Jaro Local - ‘Kamanda Amanda’, ‘First Time’, ‘Single Papa’, ‘25 Minutes’

MPG/SAE Best Producer

-         WINNER: Diggy Dupé, choicevaughan & P. Smith - The Panthers OST 

o   Producers: Diggy Dupé, choicevaughan, P Smith

-         Team Dynamite - Respect The Process

o   Producer: Harry (Haz Beats) Huavi

-         Tomorrow People - 21

o   Producers: IKON MUSIC - Avina Kelekolio, Hennie Tui, Tana Tupai

Recorded Music Te Pukaemi Toa o Te Moana Nui a Kiwa | Best Pacific Music Album

-         WINNER:Tomorrow People - 21  

-         Diggy Dupé, choicevaughan & P. Smith - The Panthers OST

-         Kings – Raplist

SunPix People’s Choice Award – Best Pacific Artist

-         Samson Squad

Phillip Fuemana Award – Most Promising Pacific Artist

-         Jarna

Creative New Zealand Award

-         Shepherds Reign

Ministry for Pacific People’s Special Recognition Awards

-         Ngaire Fuata

-         Tagata Pasifika

-         Niu FM - Pacific Media Network

Arch Angel Independent Music Award

-         lilbubblegum

Manukau Institute of Technology Te Pukenga Lifetime Achievement Award

-         Fa’anana Jerome Grey

For more information: www.pacificmusicawards.org.nz

JT+Agnostics 'Everytime I Walk Out the Door'

Everytime I Walk Out The Door is the second release from JT+Agnostics.

John Thomson, who leads the band, has been playing and gigging since the early 1970’s. A savvy bass player and singer/songwriter with an ironic touch, he makes a canny quick-witted job of fronting the band.

Thomson explains about Everytime I Walk Out The Door: “Songs are like children - they need nurturing to grow up. I’m the antithesis of a fast writer - most of my songs have been a long time coming - e.g. the first version of Everytime was done in 1984. As a musician who plays the blues, one is bound to try and write a nice slow 12/8. When Maciek and I worked this song over 37 years later, I asked him if he could de- 'Stormy Mondayise' it.”

The song is about a stage in all relationships after the honeymoon period is over and you’re having to sort out some serious stuff and one is having the “should I stay or should I go” mood, and when one leaves home for solo activities there is always the “strange old feeling” of walking out the door.

Shooting Everytime I Walk Out The Door video took place at JT’s property near Kāwhia, with the enthusiastic help of friends family and a dog. Simon Raby, well known cinematographer who has worked on and directed sections of the movie Lord of The Rings and the TV series, really liked the song when he heard it while on holiday at JT’s place. As well as large and elaborate projects Simon says, he also likes working on videos using minimal gear and crew. With a small crew and cast of family and friends the video was shot over 2 nights in January in JT’s overgrown garden. Maciek and JT suspended their surprise at being asked to play in a bath as they were carried along with Simon’s enthusiasm.

Thomson started playing music in the Waitakeres, in his late 20’s, and became part of the regular line-up performing at the infamous Globe Tavern. In 1990 his band JT and the Bluebenders (with Brett Neilsen, Graeme Webb and John Key) were playing at the Gluepot and in walked Joe Walsh who asked if he could join them!

Thomson teamed up with Maciek Hrybowicz, a Kiwi jazz guitarist, originally from Poland in 2020 and they formed JT+Agnostics.

This unorthodox musical partnership, with the combination of blues and jazz plus the witty lyrics make for Kiwicana blues – blues you CAN believe.

John is often joined on vocals by his daughter Holly Shepheard.

The last stanza of musical life can be the most creative and the most joyful and fun. JT+Agnostics is about that - original songs and the cream of the blues songbook played with simpatico band members.

‘Moone's New Single honours the memory of young Activist against sexual violence

Moone’s (aka Marama Rice) latest single 'I am who I am' is an extraordinary view of the profoundly wondrous thoughts of Eva McGauley a young teen Wellingtonian, activist, feminist, philanthropist who fought against sexual violence.

Moone’s touching dedication is a celebration and remembrance of her cousin Eva’s legacy and life. Moone says, ‘This is my way of honouring Eva’s contribution to the world, 'I am who I am' is a dedication to an incredible soul, to the one that kept giving even in times of discomfort and pain. Eva’s light will forever shine and she will always be remembered’.

‘I am who I am’ is being released on Eva’s birthday 11th August 2022.

At the age of fifteen Eva assumed she would have plenty of time to do things that would help others. Unfortunately she was diagnosed with terminal cancer and knowing she didn't have much time she decided to start working from that moment.

What mattered to Eva was her family, her greatest support system, they kept each other together and inevitably realised they would eventually have to cope without her. Eva was asked "What do you want to do before you die?" Eva's response, "I want to give more to life than I've taken".

Eva was involved with the Wellington Rape Crisis Organisation, an intern with the Green Party, her own charity 'Eva's Wish' raising more than $70,000 to help sexual abused survivors, in the '200 Women's; Who will change the way you see the world' book and exhibition, Nominated for Youth Wellingtonian of the year award and many other awards.

If she could change anything is would be world peace. The single word she identified with was 'Love'. Eva quote: "Love keeps me ticking".

She changed the world and those fortunate enough to meet her from Barrack Obama, Gloria Steinem, Harry & Megan, Helen Clarke, Helen Kelly, Louise Nicholas and many more.

The single 'I am who I am' is co-produced by Moone alongside Scott Seabright, who has worked with Six60, Mumford and Sons, Neil and Tim Finn and Fat Freddy’s Drop. Moone is signed to DRM, who is distributing the song internationally.

Moone’s music channels her 21 generations of whakapapa that have lived on her ancestral land in the Bay of Plenty, Aotearoa / New Zealand. In particular, the strong women she descends from.

She plans to release another single this year and then an album in early 2023. A national tour will then follow.

To pre-add the single to your Spotify or Apple library, go to her brand new website www.moonemusic.com or her Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/moonemusic  for details. It will automatically add to your account on the 11th August 2022.

WOMEX 2022 Delegate Grants

The New Zealand Music Commission is pleased to announce that delegate applications to attend WOMEX 2022 are now open.

WOMEX is the World Music Expo. It is an international networking platform for the world music industry. The annual five-day event comprises a bustling trade fair, showcase festival, conference, and film programme, as well as festive Opening and Award ceremonies. The market has a focus on contemporary music in the world, roots, reggae, dub, contemporary soul and traditional forms.

WOMEX is held in different cities every year. This year WOMEX will be held in Lisbon, Portugal from Wednesday 19th to Sunday 23trd October 2022.

More information can be found here: www.womex.com

Outward Sound Delegate Grants

Since July 2013 Outward Sound have offered Targeted Tradeshow grants to support our managers, labels and musicians at selected and targeted trade events of which WOMEX is one.

Outward Sound offers successful WOMEX applicants 50% recoupable support up to $3,000. Recoupable costs are limited to airfares to Lisbon, Portugal, delegate registration, accommodation (up to 5 nights) and per diems (up to 5 days).

Contact the Outward Sound office to discuss your project and receive a link to the application form.

For further information please contact international@nzmusic.org.nz

Applications for WOMEX delegate grants close 5pm August 26th 2022.

‘HOW TO MARKET AND PROMOTE YOUR MUSIC’, GISBORNE

Following the outstanding success of the How To Make Money From Your Music seminar, the Music Managers Forum Aotearoa, with thanks to NZ On Air, Recorded Music NZ, APRA AMCOS, NZ Music Commission and Gisborne District Creative Communities are returning to Gisborne with the essential FREE Stage Two seminar, How to Market and Promote Your Music.

How musicians release and promote contemporary music has changed considerably in the last few of years, with an increased focus on digital platforms.  Over 70% of the New Zealand Music Industry income is from streaming, but an artist faces stiff competition, against all other artists, within the realms of the large worldwide digital stores and platforms. In order to cut through the noise, artists now need to be active across many promotional channels to drive awareness of their projects. With the majority of artists self releasing, it is important that managers and musicians learn these skills for the benefit of their independent releases. 

This not-to-be-missed seminar will cover avenues of releasing, marketing and promoting music including publicity, bio’s, press releases, tips for pitching to media, marketing, digital marketing, social media, playlists and radio airplay.

Speakers are:

Tama Waipara             Chief Executive/ Artistic Director - Te Tairāwhiti Arts Festival

Tana Tupai                   Self-managed artist – Tomorrow People

Lisa Paris                       CEO - The Label (Music Marketing and PR Specialists)

Jeff Newton                  NZ On Air – Music Promoter - Platforms | Puoro Kaiwhakahau – Punaha Rorohiko                                    

‘How to Market and Promote Your Music’ FREE Seminar

Date:                              Wednesday, 24 August 2022

Venue:                          The Dome, 38 Childers Rd, Gisborne

Time:                           5.30pm doors for 6.00pm start. Seminar finishes at 7.30pm

FREE ENTRY to all musicians, self-managed artists, music managers or anyone interested in the music industry but RSVP is essential.  Email lorraine.owen@mmf.co.nz to secure your seat.

Thanks to NZ On Air, Recorded Music NZ, APRA AMCOS, NZ Music Commission, Gisborne Council Creative Communities and the Music Managers Forum Aotearoa.

Flagship Professional Development Program Co-Pilot a great success

This week the 2022 Co-Pilot Program - delivered in partnership with Spotify and AAM took place in Sydney. Our Aotearoa participants Diaz Grimm and Gina Linnell, alongside MMF exec committee member Joost Langeveld attended, and described it as ‘a huge opportunity, and massive milestone’

From Joost -

“What an absolute honour to represent the MMF Aotearoa and accompany the first ever New Zealand participants in the Co-Pilot22 program - Gina Linnell and Diaz Grimm. Co-Pilot is essentially a mentorship program on steroids - where 'emerging' manager mentees are paired with established manager mentors - all with the incredible support from AAM, Spotify and the MMF! It’s a huge opportunity for them – and a massive milestone moment for the wider Aotearoa music community!!

Ngā mihi to the AAM team. Kate Adams and Maggie Collins' focussed planning, management and execution of the program/event was exemplary.

Massive thanks to Jonathan Harrison and the Spotify staff for opening up the Spotify Sydney office and hosting the formal introduction day event - whilst also organising and facilitating the amazing lineup of guests speakers:  Dr Alethea Beetson (BLAKSOUND, Blak Social, Digi Youth Arts), Leanne DeSouza (Nightlife Music), Sydney Lopes (Spotify, Head of Hip Hop & R&B partnerships).

Much respect and gratitude to all the mentors for the selfless sharing of precious time, experience, and industry knowledge. Intergenerational knowledge transfer in practice, yes!

Artist management is a crazy ride and often comes without predefined job descriptions and operates in relative isolation, without much external guidance !

This is what makes the co-pilot program such an amazing opportunity. A chance to learn from the best, to glean context and concepts from industry professionals and build networks that will aid careers moving forward.

Co-Pilot is a super exciting initiative which will undoubtedly help shape collective ‘music industry’ futures in(between) Australia,  Aotearoa and beyond. Long may it last.”