Changes to RMNZ Music Grants Programme in 2024

Recorded Music offers Music Grants for projects related to recorded music, to support development in the music community. The programme makes a small number of contestable grants available to specific, non-commercial projects that are educational, archival or charitable in nature.

We are making some changes to the Music Grants programme to better align with the kinds of applications we are seeing and the pool of funds available. The changes are:

• There will be only two rounds of grant funding available in 2024, with application deadlines of 31 March and 30 September

• Grants will only be available for projects with a budget of $5k. We will not be offering grants for less or more than this sum

Application deadline (2024)
31 March
30 September

Decision notified by (2024)
30 April
31 October

There will be one more grant funding round in 2023. The application deadline is 30 September (decision to be notified by 31 October 2023). There will be no grant round in December 2023.

Please be reminded that to be considered for a Music Grant your project must be:

• Specific and non-commercial

• Educational, archival/conservation or charitable in nature

• Led by a resident of Aotearoa

View the full eligibility criteria and grant parameters, and download an application form here

Please note there have been some changes to the programme Terms & Conditions, so be sure to check the updated version of these, as annexed in the application form.

Music Grants applications are reviewed and successful grant recipients decided by a funding panel of artist members, who also sit as Recorded Music’s Artists Committee. In 2022 we supported 17 projects, including Girls Rock! Aotearoa, the Official NZ Music Month Summit, and the Dunedin Fringe Arts Trust Amped Music Project. View the full list here

Please direct any queries related to the Music Grants programme to rochelle@recordedmusic.co.nz

The Aotearoa Music Producer Series Mix Me 23

The Aotearoa Music Producer Series (AMPS), launched in 2017 has become an integral part of up-skilling Aotearoa’s music production sector.

AMPS Mix Me 23 sees the return of international guests and will feature a series of workshops focused on the art of mixing in a wide variety of musical genres. The workshops will be a combination of paid and free events and will take place at venues around the motu.

The line-up includes renowned mix engineer / producers from the US, UK, Australia, and Aotearoa along with a series of panel discussions related to the craft. The days will run from 10am to 5pm, with lunch included at all paid events so participants can network and interact with the visiting producers.

Tickets for AMPS Mix Me 23 are available through Eventbrite https://linktr.ee/amps2023

Full MPG NZ / Aotearoa members can access a 20% discount. Join at https://www.mpgnz.co.nz

AMPS are pleased to welcome:

Chris Lord-Alge (Muse, Green Day, My Chemical Romance) the five-time Grammy winner and recording industry legend will run mix workshops on December 4th at Roundhead Studios in Auckland and on the 6th at Massey University in Wellington.

https://www.chrislordalge.com

David Wrench (David Byrne, Blur, The Pretenders, Arlo Parkes) the award-winning Welsh producer will be running mix workshops at Roundhead Studios in Auckland on November 20th, Massey University in Wellington on the 22nd and Otago University in Dunedin on the 23rd. https://www.davidwrench.co.uk

Anna Laverty (Stella Donnelly, Camp Cope, Courtney Barnett) the renowned producer and APRA ambassador will run a mix workshop at Parachute Studios in Auckland on October 13th and a female-identifying and non-binary recording day at the same venue on the 14th in conjunction with Record Enable. http://www.annalaverty.com

David Wrench and Anna Laverty’s participation in the Aotearoa Music Producer Series is made possible with support from the British Council New Zealand and the Pacific.

James K Lewis (Rudimental, Charli XCX, Lykke Li) 

Based in Sydney, the British record producer and CEO of Disruptive Entertainment is a specialist in Dolby Atmos mixing. He will be running his successful “That Mix Seminar”, a deep dive into mixing, over a weekend at Roundhead Studios in Auckland on the 25th and 26th November. https://www.facebook.com/jamesklewismix/

Jol Mulholland (Troy Kingi, Theia / Te Kaahu, Anika Moa, Tami Neilson,) the legendary Aotearoa producer and musician will run a mix workshop based on his work with te reo Māori’s finest practitioners and discuss the workflows involved when working in indigenous languages at Big Fan in Auckland on November 14th.

https://www.audioculture.co.nz/profile/jolyon-mulholland

Jol Mulholland’s participation is made possible with the support of Recorded Music New Zealand.

AMPS and Protel will be running a “Discovering Dolby Atmos” workshop day at Roundhead studios on November 24th. to up-skill the production sector on this ever-expanding music playback format. The workshop features presentations by specialists in the format: mix engineers David Wrench, James K Lewis and Clint Murphy, along with a technical presentation by Protel Technologies.

AMPS Mix Me 23 is made possible with the support of our partners: NZ On Air, The New Zealand Music Commission, The British Council New Zealand and the Pacific, APRA AMCOS NZ, The Music Producers Guild NZ / Aotearoa, Recorded Music New Zealand, SAE Auckland, Auckland UNESCO City of Music and Protel International Technologies.

For more information, please contact Greg Haver on greghaver@icloud.com or Ash Wallace on ashwallace.work@gmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/theaotearoamusicproducerseries

https://www.instagram.com/producerseriesaotearoa

Terms and Conditions:

• Ticketing through Eventbrite is subject to their terms and conditions.

• Travel, transfers, and accommodation are not included in the fee 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.

Yung Maac Releases New Single 'Dolly' with a collaboration with Thumper.

Yung Maac, the Kiwi rap sensation, is set to release his latest single, 'Dolly'. This solo track is produced by the multi-platinum award-winning producer, Tree Time, known for his work with artists like Yeat and Rowdy Rebel.

The music video for 'Dolly', directed by 24K Media CEO Lleyton Watts, is a visual treat set in the 1950's. Filmed at Alberton, a historic New Zealand landmark, the video features talent from Thumper, New Zealand's leading independent adult talent agency. Notably, the video includes renowned models with significant online followings, ensuring the video's reach and impact will be substantial.

Speaking about the music video, Yung Maac shared, "I really enjoyed making the music video with Lleyton, Sophia, and the Thumper team. The art direction was a fresh experience for me, aligning perfectly with the song's theme. I'm grateful to everyone who played a part in bringing this vision to life."

'Dolly' is available on all major streaming platforms, with the music video premiering on JuiceTV and YouTube. The single's artwork, derived from the music video shoot, complements the track's vibe.

Having recently charted with 'Handle' Ft. RVNNAH and gained online traction with 'Mad Max' and '40ROZAN', Yung Maac's 'Dolly' is a testament to his consistent growth and artistry. As the year progresses, fans can anticipate more singles, music videos, and the much-awaited EP, '4010'.

Follow Yung Maac's journey on Instagram @Yung_Maac.

ANXIETY IN OUR GROWING HUSTLE CULTURE: RISING PRODUCER, EDY, LAUNCHES BRAND NEW SINGLE “HELP MYSELF”

Pacific Music Award-nominated producer, EDY, is set to enthrall listeners once again with his latest single, "Help Myself." This eagerly anticipated track is poised to showcase EDY’s vocals for the very first time, with resonant messaging delving into youth anxiety, paired with his classic smooth beats and excellent production, solidifying his position as a force to be reckoned with in Aotearoa’s R&B genre.

Candid and heartfelt, "Help Myself" addresses a pressing concern of today's youth – the mounting anxiety in a world consumed by relentless hustle. The track is EDY's most intimate work to date, almost overlooked by the artist due to its unfiltered vulnerability, reflecting the very essence of EDY. However, its resonance among EDY’s peers was undeniable. Encouraged and supported by them, EDY now seeks to connect the track with a wider audience. Driven by EDY's signature blend of contemporary R&B and soul elements, the single underscores the artist's growing prominence as a Kiwi-Asian talent to watch.

"Help Myself is all about anxiety and overthinking packaged in an R&B late-night vibe," says EDY. “You know when people say ‘you got to love yourself first before you can love someone else’? I try to, but sometimes I just can’t help overthinking, can’t help but think about all the things that make people anxious and depressed.”
The track is a raw and personal reflection “about dealing and coping with anxiety, feeling down in the gutters, and about losing friends.”

At 26-years old, EDY has already built an impressive discography for himself, earning two nominations for “Best Producer” at the Pacific Music Awards in 2021 and 2023, and has produced, co-written, and audio engineered for two-time Pacific Music Award winning artist Sam V. EDY is geared up to forge an indelible mark on Aotearoa’s music industry.

As EDY's fan base continues to grow, "Help Myself" arrives as a testament to his artistic evolution. The single marks a new chapter in his career, taking an open, honest, and vulnerable direction creating music relevant to his generation. 

"Help Myself" will be available on all major streaming platforms from 8 September

ARTIST-PRODUCER VIËW RELEASES ‘TWO STRANGERS’ EP FEATURING PHODISO

Longtime friends turned collaborators, producer-artist VIËW and artist Phodiso, are thrilled to announce the release of their highly anticipated EP, "Two Strangers." The EP beautifully encapsulates the extraordinary synergy between VIËW's innovative production and Phodiso's emotive vocals, coupled with introspective lyricism.

The EP has a captivating narrative that inspires and encourages reflection. The EP's visual identity, is elegantly represented by the color purple, symbolising unity and boundless creativity.

Featuring three alluring tracks – "Paper," "Solo" ft. Phodiso, Ch! Nonso, Mazbou Q, and the eponymous "Two Strangers," the EP takes listeners on a heartfelt journey, exploring the highs and lows of aspirations, community, and the intricacies of romantic love.

FIND VIËW HERE

Instagram I Soundcloud I Spotify I Apple Music 

FIND PHODISO HERE

Instagram I Facebook I Spotify I Apple Music I YouTube

French for Rabbits - CMNZ series: tour kicks off this week!

In July 2023, Brooke Singer and her dream-pop band French for Rabbits entered the Surgery Studios in Wellington, New Zealand to record a follow up to their 2021 Taite nominated long-player ‘The Overflow’. After an intensive week including a string recording session at Roundhead Studio in Auckland, they emerged with a new collection titled 'In the End I Won't Be Coming Home'. The self-funded EP is due for release later in the year, but the band are thrilled to be premiering it live on a tour kicking off this week presented by Chamber Music New Zealand.

The songs on the EP were written to be performed live - and on the record and in concert they are joined by The Black Quartet. For these shows, they have worked with Elliot Vaughan, Mahuia Bridgman-Cooper and Mikal Cronin (from US Psychedelic Garage band, Ty Segall) to develop string quartet arrangements for the new material and songs from previous releases.

On the EP The Black Quartet weave their way around the band deftly evoking the sounds of Aotearoa’s landscapes - a dawn chorus welcoming listeners in, the swirl and eddies of a swift river, and the blustery winds that whip around the Wellington coastline. The first single 'Baring Head' is due for release this month, but until then - don't miss the chance to see the band in full flight this September at one of four breathtaking concerts around the motu. Consider this your EP release invitation!

French for Rabbits with The Black Quartet

Friday 8 September, 7.30pm, The Piano, Christchurch | Tickets

Saturday 9 September, 7.30pm, Concert Chamber, Auckland Town Hall | Tickets

Friday 15 September, 7.30pm, Public Trust Hall, Wellington | Tickets (Last Tickets)

Saturday 16 September, 7.30pm, Glenroy Auditorium, Dunedin | Tickets

https://www.chambermusic.co.nz/french-for-rabbits

Dog Tricks - Li’l Chuck The One Man Skiffle Machine

https://skifflemachine.bandcamp.com/album/so-lo

Li’l Chuck The One Man Skiffle Machine AKA Christchurch musician David Thorpe is a genuine one man band performing and recording multiple instruments simultaneously.

At aged 51, David got his first ever family dog and this coincided at a time he had been having an extended period of “feeling blue”, blue enough to seek professional help.

The daily dog walks and general antics of dog ownership gave him a whole new perspective of the world around him. 

This resulted in the conclusion that a dog can teach us humans a few tricks when it comes to living life in the 21st century.

“I’m an analogue guy living in a digital world” says Thorpe.  “There is nothing better than the wholesome feeling of throwing a stick and the joy of watching a dog running for it with pure unadulterated appreciation”

The song Dog Tricks evolved as a conversation between himself and his faithful companion Bo on those beach walks.

The video was shot and edited by Thorpe across a number of beaches and parks between North Canterbury and Dunedin.

From 7 September Dog tricks will be available on all platforms

including Spotify - spotify:album:4mqcdslDpKE1jycFx5Jb1w
https://open.spotify.com/album/4mqcdslDpKE1jycFx5Jb1w

Available as a download and better way to support the artist here on BANDCAMP 

IF YOU CAN YELL IT, THEN YOU CAN SPELL IT!

If you’ve ever struggled with helping a young child learn a spelling list and wondered “surely there’s another way?!”, then this press release might give you something to celebrate.

Award-winning songwriting team Steph Brown and Fen Ikner (Lips) present their first song and video from a larger project (by Little Lips) that aims to help kids learn to spell using the power of music and comedy.

Drawing inspiration from such songs as G.L.O.R.I.A by Van Morrison, or R.E.S.P.E.C.T by Aretha Franklin, the pair use their trademark humor and quirk to tackle words from the “essential spelling list”, a list that is sent home in the schoolbags of tamariki across New Zealand.

The idea was born at home: Steph and Fen are married with two young sons (6 and 3) and it was during a parent conference for their older son that they were introduced to the concept of “heart” words. 

Steph explains, “Freddy’s teacher suggested we help him with the spelling of these “heart” words, which are named such because you can’t sound them out, you just have to learn them by heart. Words like “could”, “little”, “because”, they’re a nightmare to spell for young kids. We thought, if you have to learn them by heart then why not write songs to help with that. And then we started making videos to go with them”. 

The pair are no strangers to using songs and visual media to entertain - they were music directors on the theatre show and subsequent feature film Daffodils and Fen has directed several music videos - “we have a full on DIY greenscreen film studio in our living room these days, the kids are getting to the point where they can help me set up! Freddy's also been playing the drums for a few years now, so we have him rocking out in the video as well.”

“Because” is just the first song of about 25 spelling songs the pair have written with “more to come” says Steph. “They will be folded into a much bigger project that we can’t talk about yet, but we’re super excited about it!”  So watch the video, follow and subscribe for more home-grown creative learning from Little Lips!

Steph Brown and Fen Ikner are composer/musician/producers who perform under the name Lips. They won the APRA Silver Scroll award for best song in 2012, and were later nominated for the APRA Best Music for the Screen award for their work as Music Directors on the feature film Daffodils. They have released several EPs, a full length album, recorded and produced music for many other artists and their music has appeared in television, documentary, and film soundtracks.