NZ Music T-Shirt Day is back to raise funds for MusicHelps, a crucial charity providing support to Kiwi music workers who need it. New Zealander’s are encouraged to wear their favourite local music merch on Friday, 27th May, and make a donation to the appeal which has raised over $60,000 since it began in 2019.
MusicHelps supports those who use music to help New Zealanders in need. This year through its project partners it has made a difference to more than 70,000 people across Aotearoa who live with disability, serious health conditions or are at risk and vulnerable. This is all made possible by the commitment of MusicHelps supporters who see the difference music makes in New Zealanders lives.
“If you share our belief in the power of music, then it’s time to get on board and put your T-Shirt on! We’re encouraging businesses, who want to really drive their values of wellbeing, inclusion and a love of all things NZ music to get involved with MusicHelps” says Chair of MusicHelps, Anthony Healey.
Kervin Farr General Manager of MIX - Connecting Creating Living, a mental health community day service offering programmes in music therapy, art and wellbeing commented: “The support of MusicHelps is a critical resource for organisations like MIX, it allows us to provide programmes/activities that we otherwise would not be able to afford.”
The support MusicHelps provides extends to the very people that bring us the music we love. From singers to sound engineers, managers to musicians, MusicHelps has helped over 70,000 people in the local music community with mental health, counselling and financial services. The service is available to anyone involved in the Aotearoa music industry to ensure people are taken care of when they need it most, and does so through emergency grants, the MusicHelps benevolent fund, the Covid-19 financial relief payments, and it's wellbeing service, a 24/7 helpline providing urgent counselling services for music workers.
Musician Bella Cook (Belladonna) also commented: “Last year I was left with nothing after my house burnt down. One of my friends recommended me reaching out to MusicHelps, but I didn't expect their support to be so life changing. MusicHelps financially supported me to replace all the music gear I had lost in the fire. In an industry that can feel so isolating at times I felt so supported and cared for. I was able to get back up on my feet and making music in no time. I can't express how meaningful the backing from MusicHelps has meant to me.”
New Zealand Music T-Shirt Day is primed to become a favourite fundraising event during NZ Music Month. This year’s event will raise much needed funds for grants to those who use music to help and heal as well as support the music community with whatever challenge they might face into the future.
Gather your friends, whānau and workplace, create a team, spread the message, and donate by texting MUSIC to 2448 to donate $3.
A full list of kiwi bands and artists who are currently selling merchandise online, please head to: https://www.nzmusictshirtday.org.nz/t-shirts-and-merchandise
To create a team to raise money together, please head to: https://www.nzmusictshirtday.org.nz/
LIVE NATION & SECRET SOUNDS PRESENT TATE MCRAE
Live Nation and Secret Sounds are thrilled to announce that Canadian pop songstress Tate McRae will be playing her first ever New Zealand show in July 2022! Bringing her unparalleled dance moves and outstanding vocal ability to audiences across the country, Tate will perform a one-off show at Auckland’s Shed 10, hot on the heels of a world tour.
Tate McRae is an artist on a meteoric rise, with over 3.7 billion career streams, over 6.6 billion video views, a #1 Top 40 hit and multiple #1 dance hits at just 18 years old. The multi-platinum singer, songwriter and dancer was the youngest musician listed on Forbes 30 Under 30 List for 2021, was Apple’s Up Next Artist for 2021, Amazon’s Artist to Watch in 2021, made it on Pandora’s Artists To Watch 2021 list and was included on Billboard’s 21 Under 21 as well as People Magazine’s One’s To Watch List.
Tate was also named one of YouTube’s Artist on the Rise and MTV’s Push Artist for July 2020. More recently, she was nominated by People’s Choice Awards for The New Artist of 2021, a 2022 Billboard Music Award and three 2022 iHeart Radio Music Awards including Best New Pop Artist. Her #1 multiplatinum-selling single, ‘you broke me first’ has over 1.4 billion streams worldwide.
A master collaborator, Tate worked with Khalid on their track ‘working’, with DJ Regard and Troye Sivan on their #1 Dance hit ‘You’, blackbear on ‘u love u’ and Jeremy Zucker on her single ‘that way’. The young artist capped off 2021 with the release of ‘feel like shit’, which currently has nearly 90 million streams worldwide, and toured festivals such as Lollapalooza, Firefly Music Festival, Governor’s Ball, Austin City Limits, iHeart Radio’s Jingle Ball and more.
Tate has released two EPs, all the things i never said and TOO YOUNG TO BE SAD, and will hit our shores armed with her debut album, i used to think i could fly, set for release on 27 May. The album features previously released singles ‘chaotic’, ‘feel like shit’and ‘she’s all i wanna be’, which has over 150 million streams worldwide.
Tate’s New Zealand show comes straight after her North American Tour and headline dates in the UK and Europe. Don’t miss Tate McRae’s impressive live performance when she arrives down under for the very first time in July 2022 for an all-ages show.
Fans can gain access to first dibs tickets at the Artist Fanclub presale, kicking off on Wednesday 27 April, or at the Live Nation presale on Thursday 28 April.
TATE MCRAE
SHED 10, AUCKLAND
SUNDAY JULY 24
TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY APRIL 29, 9am
Artist Fanclub presale: Wednesday April 27, 9am
Live Nation presale: Thursday April 28, 9am
For complete tour and ticket information, please visit: tatemcrae.com & livenation.co.nz
About Live Nation Entertainment
Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, Live Nation Advertising & Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com.
PROJECT GENDER REVEALS RESULTS OF AOTEAROA ONLINE SEX AND DATING SURVEY
The results of Aotearoa Online Sex and Dating Survey released today by Project Gender show people over 50 are dating dangerously and loving it.
“How New Zealanders conduct our relationships has changed and it’s clear that technology has a key part to play in this change. 87% of people who sign up to dating apps actively go on dates. 72% of men report they are looking for casual sexual relationships i.e. “no strings attached” or “friends with benefits”, while only 46% of women are looking for the same” says Tania Domett, research director of Project Gender.
To understand the topic better and to help users protect themselves when they are dating online, Project Gender conducted a nationwide survey into people’s online dating habits to which 823 people responded.
“The Aotearoa Online Sex and Dating Survey shows that compared to the under 30s, the over 50s aren't being particularly cautious or reserved online, or when meeting in person”, continues Domett.
23% of straight women 50+ years ‘Rarely’ or 'Never’ tell people where they are going and why, compared to 7% of straight women under 30. Worryingly, they are not keeping on top of their sexual health with 42% (vs. 16% U30) of the over 50s stating they ‘Never’ use protection against STIs.
“However, 50+ years group are less likely to be pressure into doing something sexual they weren’t comfortable with, 80% saying they hadn’t vs. 64% of under 30s.” continues Domett.
The majority of men who use dating apps rate their sexual experiences with people they met on dating apps in the last 12 months as enjoyable - 62% of straight men and 58% of gay and bisexual men said most of the sex they had was enjoyable. This compares to 48% of lesbian and bisexual women and 45% of straight women.
Young people are being responsible with public, digital and STI safety.
49% of under 30 years (all genders and sexualities) “Always” tell someone where they are going and why on a first date, compared to just 26% of 50+ years (37% 30-39 and 31% 40 – 49), and young people are the group least likely to send an intimate photo - under 30s– 35% (vs. 51% of 40 – 49 and 49% 50+).
While the under 30s are more sussed about their public safety, they are engaging in rough/violent sex acts and not always consensually. Under 30s are twice as likely as over 30s to have been choked or suffocated during sex (43% vs. 22%), with around half (53%) “Always” giving consent for this to happen across all age groups.
“These figures show that the sex education messages young people are receiving about public safety, digital safety and STI protection are getting through. Even so, we are seeing high numbers of young heterosexual women experiencing sex acts like choking and suffocating, many of them non-consensually. These results show us that these young women perhaps don’t have the agency over their sexual experiences that us older feminists hoped they would have.” says Domett.
“The results also show older people need to be reminded about STI protection”.
URZILA CARLSON ANNOUNCES TWO NEW SHOWS FOR HER ‘IT’S PERSONAL’ TOUR
Award-winning and treasured Kiwi-South African comedian URZILA CARLSON has today announced two new shows in Auckland and Tauranga for her It’s Personal tour, set to kick off in October.
With nine shows already on the roster, fans across the country will have the opportunity to see Urzila at her best when she visits Hamilton, Auckland, Whangarei, Tauranga, Wellington, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Hawkes Bay and Christchurch in October and November.
Urzila returns to the New Zealand stage after a stellar performance at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Selling an astonishing 30,000 tickets across her 24 show run, she took out the People’s Choice Award for the second time, proving that she’s a still force to be reckoned with on the international comedy scene.
My Live Nation members can be among the first to secure tickets during the pre-sale period starting 12pm, Tuesday May 24.
Tickets go on sale at 1pm, Thursday May 26.
For complete details, visit: livenation.co.nz
Welcome to the days of mind your own business and don’t comment on others business. Not their gender, sexuality, body, hair, education or career. Also, welcome to the days of total oversharing on social media, but STILL, mind your own business. We want to talk about things and want everyone to know IT’S PERSONAL! This is a show about keeping your cards close to your chest but walking around naked. Can we have it all? Yes, but also bloody no, but also it’s none of your business because IT’S PERSONAL.
It’s Personal arrives hot on the heels of Urzila’s NETFLIX hour-long comedy special Overqualified Loser, recorded in Melbourne in December 2019. On top of her taking out the top honour at the 2022 Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Urzila also cleaned up in 2019, taking out the MICF People’s Choice Award for most tickets sold across the festival.
Carlson is a much-loved staple on TVNZ’s smash-hit panel show, Have You Been Paying Attention?, and is a regular on the Australian edition of the show. She was recently announced as a contestant on the second season of Taskmaster NZ, and appears as a regular panellist on 7 Days.
Urzila sells out her seasons in NZ and Australia, and the awards stack up year after year. Most recently, she was awarded the 2019 Rielly Comedy Award by the Variety Artists Club of NZ. Urzila has won the NZ Comedy Guild’s Best Female Comedian award six times, as well as the coveted People’s Choice Award at the NZ International Comedy Festival two years in a row. In 2018, she was a nominee for Australia’s Helpmann Award for Best Comedy Performer, and she took out the 2017 Sydney Comedy Festival’s Director’s Choice Award.
Buy soon, buy quick. The proof is in the pudding. Carlson is a guaranteed sell-out - catch her while you can.
“Effortlessly likeable... stream of belly-laughs.” - The Age
“Carlson is a gifted and accomplished comedian - an absolute must-see.” - Appetite for the Arts
“Belly laughs and guffaws aplenty.” ★★★★★ - The Music
URZILA CARLSON
It’s Personal – New Zealand 2022
CAPITAINE BOUGAINVILLE THEATRE, WHANGAREI WEDNESDAY, OCT 12
CLARENCE ST. THEATRE, HAMILTON FRIDAY, OCT 14
CLARENCE ST. THEATRE, HAMILTON SATURDAY, OCT 15
BRUCE MASON CENTRE, AUCKLAND *NEW SHOW FRIDAY, OCT 21
BRUCE MASON CENTRE, AUCKLAND *SOLD OUT SATURDAY, OCT 22
ADDISON THEATRE, TAURANGA *SOLD OUT SATURDAY, OCT 29
ADDISON THEATRE, TAURANGA *NEW SHOW SUNDAY, OCT 30
TSB THEATRE, NEW PLYMOUTH SATURDAY, NOV 5
THE REGENT ON BROADWAY, PALMERSTON NORTH SUNDAY, NOV 6
ISAAC THEATRE ROYAL, CHRISTCHURCH SATURDAY, NOV 12
OPERA HOUSE, WELLINGTON SATURDAY, NOV 19
TICKETS ON SALE 1PM, THURSDAY MAY 26
For complete tour and ticket information, visit:
urzilacarlson.com & livenation.co.nz
INSTAGRAM - @urzilacarlson
TWITTER - @UrzilaCarlson
FACEBOOK - @UrzilaCarlsonComedian
About Live Nation Entertainment
Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, Live Nation Advertising & Sponsorship and Artist Nation Management. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com.
GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY SET TO BECOME THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL PRODUCTION TO RETURN TO THE CIVIC SINCE 2020
THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED LONDON AND BROADWAY MUSICAL FEATURING THE SONGS OF BOB DYLAN WILL KICK OFF IN AUCKLAND, FOLLOWED BY A SEASON AT WELLINGTON’S OPERA HOUSE
International musical theatre is set to return to Aotearoa New Zealand at full capacity this June with the critically acclaimed Girl from the North Country announced to play Auckland’s The Civic and Wellington’s The Opera House. Opening Auckland on June 30th, Girl from the North Country signals the triumphant return of international productions to New Zealand stages.
Girl From the North Country is one of the most award-winning productions of the twenty-first century. This modern masterpiece features the music of Bob Dylan, who in an interview with the New York Times, spoke of seeing the show:
“I saw it as an anonymous spectator, not as someone who had anything to do with it, I just let it happen. The play had me crying at the end. I can’t even say why. When the curtain came down, I was stunned. I really was.”
Set in 1934 Minnesota, Girl from the North Country centres on a community living on a knife-edge in the local guesthouse and features over 20 of Dylan’s songs from across his career, performed as roof-raising ensemble pieces through to soul-stirring solos. The soundtrack features hits including 1965’s ‘Like a Rolling Stone’ through to 2012’s ‘Duquesne Whistle’ plus ‘Forever Young’, ‘Hurricane’, ‘I Want You’, ‘Slow Train Coming’, ‘You Ain’t Going Nowhere’ and ‘Tight Connection To My Heart’ – all beautifully reimagined and woven through the story.
Auckland Mayor Phil Goff says:
“After more than two years with the nation’s borders closed to protect New Zealanders from Covid-19 it’s fantastic to welcome major international events such as Girl from the North Country back to Auckland.
“This internationally acclaimed production will draw visitors to our city centre, providing a boost to hospitality businesses that have been impacted by the pandemic and lockdowns.
“Hosting an international production of this calibre is an encouraging sign of Auckland’s recovery and we look forward to welcoming more such events to Auckland as we continue to reopen to the world.”
Wellington Mayor Andy Foster adds:
“It’s great news for arts lovers, a special treat for Dylan fans and a story I’m really looking forward to seeing, as I’m sure thousands of others will be too.
“It is also more great news for hospitality, accommodation and retail sectors impacted by the pandemic. The times really are a-changin’ – changin’ for the better in the Capital.”
Written and directed by celebrated Irish playwright Conor McPherson, Girl from the North Country has taken the theatrical world by storm, selling out seasons in the West End, Toronto, and on Broadway. This critically acclaimed musical will arrive in New Zealand direct from a stellar run across Australia including seasons in Sydney, Adelaide, and Melbourne.
Girl from the North Country features an international cast including Lisa McCune, Peter Kowitz and Helpmann Award winners Helen Dallimore, Greg Stone, Christina O’Neill and Peter Carroll, alongside Elijah Williams, Chemon Theys, Terence Crawford, Grant Piro, Elizabeth Hay, Blake Erickson and James Smith. They are accompanied by a brilliant on-stage band led by Andrew Ross. Girl from the North Country was produced in London by Tristan Baker and Charlie Parsons for Runaway Entertainment, Steven Lappin, Sony Music Entertainment UK, David Mirvish, and The Old Vic.
‘NO.1 THEATRE SHOW OF THE YEAR’ – THE OBSERVER
Listen to the Broadway cast recording of Girl from the North Country on Spotify HERE.
Tickets for Girl from the North Country start at $59* and go on sale from 9 am on Thursday 5 May at Ticketmaster.
Girl from the North Country plays:
AUCKLAND
Thu 30 June - Sat 16 July | The Civic
$59 - $149*
More info: aucklandlive.co.nz/show/girl-from-the-north-country
WELLINGTON
From July 21| Opera House
$59 - $149*
More info: https://www.ticketmaster.co.nz/girl-from-the-north-country-the-opera-house-wellington-wellington-tickets/venueartist/295634/2302818
MERCER CALLS FOR WOMEN TO TAKE A SEAT AT ‘THE TABLE’
LAUNCHING A NEW ONLINE PLATFORM FOR KIWI WOMEN TO TAKE CONTROL OF THEIR MONEY
Financial service provider Mercer (N.Z.) Limited has today announced the launch of a new digital platform designed to support New Zealand women to grow their wealth. The Table seatatthetable.co.nz, proudly sponsored by Mercer NZ, is designed to support Kiwi women at any stage of their life to help build their wealth.
Free to access, and featuring practical tools, articles, a podcast series and access to financial resources, advisers and more, The Table has been designed so women can come together and talk about all things money. It’s a place where acronyms are explained, complex terms unpacked, and financial jargon un-jargoned.
Research shows that on average New Zealand women have 20% less saved for retirement than men, feel intimidated by the financial industry and have lower financial confidence than men. The Table aims to tackle that by offering easy-to-understand financial information to help plan a better financial future for New Zealand women and their whānau, and the opportunity to invest in the sustainably focused Mercer KiwiSaver scheme and Mercer FlexiSaver.
Sarah Whitelock, Consumer Wealth Leader at Mercer, commented: “The Table has been created to encourage wāhine to come together and talk – unashamedly and uncensored – about all things money. We’ve launched this platform to demystify money for women through practical content, and we’re looking forward to empowering women to save more, earn more and grow their wealth.”
The Table is supported by Power Money Security, a brand-new podcast series hosted by comedian and writer Michèle A’Court from Stuff/Ensemble for a new financially free generation of Kiwi women, full of practical tips, tricks and interviews. Episode one explores insightful real-world experience and advice from guests Retirement Commissioner Jane Wrightson, TwentySevenNames’ Anjali Burnett and Glenys Wilson from Mercer.
Host Michèle A’Court said: “This podcast is about the actual things women in Aotearoa can do to get more money – by taking away the mystery, making it stretch as far as it can go, and turning little bits of money into much bigger chunks over time. In Power Money Security you will hear all kinds of voices talking to every kind of woman about real tools that help us all get ahead.”
The Table’s launch coincides with The Financial Service Council’s (FSC) new ‘It Starts with Action’ campaign to grow the financial wellbeing of New Zealand women, in partnership with Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission. FSC’s 2021 research showed that more than 80% of Kiwi women rated their financial wellbeing moderate, low or very low. This campaign is in response to those concerning statistics and is a call to encourage New Zealand organisations to take meaningful action, big or small, to improve the financial confidence of our wāhine.
FSC’s Head of Content, Communications and Marketing, Clarissa Hirst says “Over the next three months, we are encouraging all organisations to get involved in any way possible, from running an event to carrying out a social media campaign, hosting a financial wellbeing conversation with female colleagues in their workplace, publishing their gender pay gap, or something else entirely - there are plenty of ways to start important money conversations.”
“Mercer’s new digital platform is a fantastic example of the meaningful, practical actions that are being taken to help Kiwi women demystify money, and grow their financial confidence and wellbeing.”
Visit seatatthetable.co.nz for more information and tools to educate and empower women to get ahead in financial matters.
The Table is sponsored by Mercer (N.Z.) Ltd. The Mercer KiwiSaver scheme and Mercer FlexiSaver are issued by Mercer (N.Z.) Limited. Product Disclosure Statements are available at seatatthetable.co.nz
AUCKLAND FUZZ-POP BAND ‘NA NOISE’ ANNOUNCED AS LIVE NATION AND VODAFONE’S APRIL ONES TO WATCH ARTIST
Another month, another incredible artist handpicked by Live Nation and Vodafone to be their monthly ONES TO WATCH artist! This month, Auckland-born fuzz-pop band Na Noise are taking the stage as a tight-knit three-piece band with deep roots in the local music scene.
Connecting through a love and passion for local music, principal songwriter Yolanda Fagan met future bandmate Hariet Ellis at the iconic Auckland music venue where Hariet worked, the Kings Arms. Their instant musical connection led them to play several shows around the city, before bringing drummer, percussionist, and keyboardist Christopher Varnham into the mix. Together, Na Noise was born.
Their first album Waiting For You is self-described as a “stitching of sonic palettes”, with the band paying homage to the likes of Ian Svenonius, and 1960’s R&B girl group vocals. While the mash-up of genres might seem eclectic, they provide a musical fusion that is also influenced by key players in the Aotearoa indie scene – Noa Records, Sunreturn, Stink Magnetic and 1:12 Records, as well as their physical surroundings. “We listen to what’s around us and we write to be a part of it.”
Na Noise exploded onto the scene to critical acclaim, with Waiting for You earning them the Auckland Live Best Independent Debut Award at the Taite Music Prize Awards last year, and later being named the Best Alternative Artist at the 2021 Aotearoa Music Awards. They credit their ability to make music that doesn’t abide by the rules. Allowing themselves to spit-ball ideas and experiment with their arrangements has resulted in the band finding their unique sound.
On Na Noise joining the ONES TO WATCH family, Live Nation’s Renée Hermsen: We’re stoked to add Na Noise to the ONES TO WATCH hall of fame, arguably Auckland’s coolest and fuzziest trio, complete crackling ’60 effects! Get amongst it.”
2022 has now welcome four emerging artists into the ONES TO WATCH programme: Mo Etc., Teenage Joans, Leaping Tiger and Na Noise. They join a slate of artists across a range of genres, including There’s a Tuesday, Muroki, Balu Brigada, Daily J and Rhys Rich.
Launched in 2017 in the United States, ONES TO WATCH has helped boost the careers of artists now reaching global stages, including Halsey and Grammy-award winning superstars Dua Lipa and Billie Eilish, who are both set to visit New Zealand later this year on their world tours.
Vodafone’s Experience & Commercial Director, Joe Goddard, had this to say: "Restrictions are lifting, the orange light is on, and that means we can once again gather to support our favourite New Zealand artists. We're pleased to welcome Na Noise to the ONES TO WATCH family and encourage everyone to get out and support our music scene as we head into NZ Music Month."
After launching an exclusive long-term partnership in 2019, Live Nation Australasia and Vodafone New Zealand have provided Vodafone customers access to Live Nation’s entertainment portfolio including music, family and comedy tours and festivals across the country. The strategic multi-year partnership is committed to bringing the best live experiences to New Zealand and the best New Zealand artists to the world. The unique emerging talent platform of ONES TO WATCH builds on this strong partnership and a mutual dedication to support grassroots initiatives.
As well as access to the online platform, Vodafone customers will be given the chance to win tickets to the ONES TO WATCH invitation-only quarterly showcase events. More info and competition details available at: vodafonerewards.co.nz
AUCKLAND LIVE ANNOUNCES THEIR VIBRANT LINEUP TO CELEBRATE NEW ZEALAND MUSIC MONTH 2022
Auckland Live are thrilled to announce their 2022 lineup for May, to celebrate TE MARAMA PUORO O AOTEAROA | NZ Music Month and Auckland UNESCO City of Music. With a series of free and paid events, performances and exhibitions across the city centre, there will be something for all Aucklanders to join the celebration of our music.
Auckland Live will highlight this year’s NZ Music Month - 'Level Up' theme across their programme by showcasing up-and-coming musicians, and celebrating the success of new artists making waves in the local music industry. Throughout the month, Auckland Live will host a range of music events and activations that will provide a platform for these emerging artists, sharing their talent with the city. Information on the full lineup can be found on the Auckland Live website, with a snapshot of events below:
Indie-pop trio KITA will treat audiences to their thick psychedelic grooves in Aotea Square at an unmissable, free outdoor concert on Fri 6 May. Synth-wizard ZUKE (The Black Seeds, Trinity Roots, Troy Kingi) will be shaking up the Square beforehand, and live visuals performer (VJ) and artist, Naomi Lamb from The Wanderer Productions (Splore, Rhythm & Vines), will bring dazzling, real-time imagery to accompany the music performances. The concert will include NZSL interpreters provided by Platform Interpreting NZ, with New Zealand Sign Language Week kicking off the following week.
For one night only, four of NZ’s hottest emerging indie artists will perform at the iconic Wintergarden, The Civic on Sat 14 May as part of Young Gig Makers – Indie Rock in the Garden. Supported by Auckland City of Music, featuring Max Earnshaw, Haven, Keeley Shade, and Benjamin Mack, audiences will be treated to an evening of great vibes, local talent, and a chance to see ‘the next big thing’ in action. Tickets go on sale from 9am, Wed 27 April.
Founded in 2019, FromThePit 2022 Music Photography Exhibition is a free celebration of live music photography from some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most notable concert photographers. Kicking off on Wed 4 May, the exhibition will take place at venues across the city, including on the Auckland Live Digital Stage in Aotea Square every Wednesday – Friday between 12pm – 6:30pm until the end of the month.
After enormous success last year, the Historical Music Venues Tour is back every Thursday and Sunday between 8 - 26 May. Hosted by author, historian, and music legend Gareth Shute (Audioculture), the free tours will be taking you on a brand new journey this year from Karangahape Road down to Aotea Square, stopping at a number of quintessential music venues with rich histories. Keep an eye out on the Auckland Live website, because two of the tours will include NZSL interpreters provided by Platform Interpreting NZ, with exact dates to be confirmed soon. The tour can also be self-led through the Auckland Stories app on Apple Store or Google Play.
Towards the end of the month, New Zealand-based DJs will take the decks in front of the historic Auckland Town Hall for Sounds of Aotearoa. Playing sets with a heavy focus on Kiwi music, they will be providing a live soundbed for stunning digital projections by Creature Post on the clock tower. This free event will be on for two nights only, on Fri 27 and Sat 28 May and is proudly brought to you by Auckland Council.
Auckland Live is proud to support NZ Music T-Shirt Day, returning on Fri 27 May. Kiwis are encouraged to wear their favourite Kiwi artists or bands merch to raise awareness and funds for MusicHelps, an incredible resource providing mental health and financial support for those in the industry. Donations can be made by texting MUSIC to 2448 to donate $3. More information can be found on the website.
A range of ticketed events will be held across Auckland Live and Auckland Stadium’s venues throughout May, including Lilypad featuring Bic Runga, The Veils, Nadia Reid and Arahi on Sunday, May 8th. The much-loved Bruce Mason Centre monthly event, Auckland Live’s Morning Melodies returns on Mon 9 May, as well as a range of stunning classical music concerts at Auckland’s Town Hall
Audiences are key to the story of NZ Music, and Auckland Live is calling out for Aucklanders to share their memories or stories of New Zealand music. Share your story - it might even be shared with Auckland Live’s wider audiences, too!
For information on all events across TE MARAMA PUORO O AOTEAROA | NZ Music Month supported by Auckland Live, please visit Auckland Live’s website.
TE MARAMA PUORO O AOTEAROA NZ MUSIC MONTH KICKS OFF TO HELP AOTEAROA MUSICIANS ‘LEVEL UP’
The New Zealand Music Commission are encouraging Aotearoa to ‘Level Up’ this TE MARAMA PUORO O AOTEAROA 2022 (NZ Music Month). This year’s ‘Level Up’ theme is about bringing into focus tomorrow’s stars, showcasing up-and-coming talent and success stories, and celebrating what emerging success means for the New Zealand artists.
Rodney Fisher, NZ Music Commission, hopes 2022’s ‘Level Up’ theme will encourage all members of New Zealand’s music industry to be proactive and support the new generation of incredible artists and music professionals: “We’d love for this year’s TE MARAMA PUORO O AOTEAROA to not only shine a light on Aotearoa’s incredible emerging artists, but to also support them to the next level of their music career.”
An exciting range of upskilling events are confirmed to take place around the country to help build skills for careers in music, with RDU 98.5 in Christchurch launching Synthonics Electronic Music Production workshops, Making Waves music production sessions happening in Wellington and Auckland, and the Aotearoa Music Producers Series taking place in Hawkes Bay, Gisborne, Invercargill and Dunedin.
On Monday 2nd May, THE STUDIO is taking place at Christchurch’s SOLE Music Academy, with Tiki Taane, rising indie star Mousey and production dream team Josh Logan and Adam Hogan (LOHO) delving into the process of taking a song from demo to final produced track.
Ending a month of upskilling opportunities, this year’s NZ Music Month Summit will return on Saturday 28th May at the Tuning Fork in Auckland in partnership with the Music Manager’s Forum Aotearoa. There will be discussions with NZ artists and music industry professionals around the TE MARAMA PUORO O AOTEAROA 2022 ‘Level Up’ theme of supporting emerging musical talent.
For younger Kiwis, the Musicians Mentoring in Schools programme will connect New Zealand’s top music artists with emerging young talent in schools around the country. This year-round project gets super-charged for May, with 38 school visits booked to date and more to be added with the national move to orange. Mentors including Laughton Kora, Bella Kalolo, Mazbou Q and Annie Crummer are visiting schools from Invercargill to Taipa in the Far North over the course of the month.
A huge range of celebrations, new releases, artist tours, initiatives and special events will be rolling out nationwide during the month of May. Here’s a snapshot of what’s coming up, with more information to follow in our weekly e-newsletters:
The hugely popular NZ Music T-Shirt Day returns on Friday 27th May, with Kiwis encouraged to wear their favourite music t-shirt and donate to the MusicHelps appeal. The charity is providing vital support to workers in the Aotearoa music industry whose livelihoods have been compromised due to the challenges of Covid-19. Get involved and register a team at: https://www.nzmusictshirtday.org.nz/donate
TE MARAMA PUORO O AOTEAROA 2022 will see a phenomenal line-up of local acts performing right across Aotearoa. The Veils, Bic Runga, Nadia Reid and Arahi will perform a free show at Lilypad on Sunday 8th May, debuting new venue Lilyworld at Mt Smart Stadium. One week later, Lilyworld will play host to new festival Everyday People, featuring Melodownz, Summer Thieves, Muroki, Sin, Peach Milk, AW B, Soaked Oats and many more. Other confirmed shows this May include Niko Walters, Emma Dilemma with band and Con Carne, Sam Bartells, Albi & The Wolves, Salmonella Dub, Adam Hattaway & Tess Liautaud, Jackie Bristow, Tablefox, Anthonie Tonnon, Daniel Armstrong & The Monsoons, Savage with DJ SirVere, Kings, Vayne, Tipene & Katayanagi Twins, Trip Change, Pretty Stooked, French for Rabbits, Turkey the Bird, Kendall Elise, Wallace, Julia Deans, The Warratahs & Ebony Lamb, Jon Toogood and more to be announced!
Phantom Billstickers are celebrating their 40th birthday – by giving a gift to local artists. For any local artists undertaking a poster campaign during TE MARAMA PUORO O AOTEAROA, Phantom will give them their first 40 posters for free.
NZ On Screen and AudioCulture join forces to launch the landmark popular music documentary series Give It A Whirl, which showcases the first five decades of rock & roll history in Aotearoa. The six-part series, plus 12 full-length interviews recorded for the series, will launch on Wednesday 27th April.
The Children’s Music Awards 2022 have been confirmed for Sunday 15th May to celebrate the writers and performers who make music for the tamariki of Aotearoa.
The NZ Music Month MusicHelps Quiz is confirmed for Wednesday 25th May at the Tuning Fork in Auckland. This will be followed by a TE MARAMA PUORO O AOTEAROA 2022 Showcase on Thursday 26th May in Auckland, with a focus on celebrating emerging Māori musicians.
Dunedin will be hosting Monocle - Musical Furniture, an interactive foray into synthesised music. Throughout TE MARAMA PUORO O AOTEAROA, this project will transform a handful of vacant spaces within the George Street precinct into immersive, interactive sound installations.
TE MARAMA PUORO O AOTEAROA 2022 have partnered with the New Zealand Herald for a special Time Out print edition, featuring 100% local music. This issue will appear on shelves on Monday 2nd May.
Auckland Live will once again be celebrating TE MARAMA PUORO O AOTEAROA with a host of events and activations set to be announced on Wednesday 27th April at aucklandlive.co.nz
New Zealand’s longest-running music photography exhibition FromThePit returns to various venues from Monday 2nd May to celebrate creative works from some of Aotearoa’s best music photographers. 2022 sees 50 photographers from around the country sharing epic memories of local talent.
In exciting news just announced, the Taite Music Prize is moving to May! An in-person ceremony will be held to celebrate extraordinary records and name the winner of the coveted Taite Music Prize for 2022 on Sunday 29th May. A fitting way to close a month of saluting excellent music from all across Aotearoa.
TE MARAMA PUORO O AOTEAROA is run by the NZ Music Commission, with support from APRA AMCOS, Independent Music NZ, the Music Managers Forum, NZ On Air, Recorded Music NZ, SOUNZ and Te Māngai Pāho. The purpose of TE MARAMA PUORO O AOTEAROA is to celebrate music from New Zealand, and the people who make it.
NZ Music Month: ‘Level Up our Local Talent’
WORLD-CLASS MULTIMEDIA EXPERIENCE INSIDE DALI ANNOUNCED FOR AUCKLAND AND CHRISTCHURCH THIS WINTER
Following the tremendous success of Van Gogh Alive in 2021, Live Nation have today announced Inside Dali, a new multimedia exhibition for New Zealand audiences. The highly anticipated multi-sensory experience will open for strictly limited seasons at Spark Arena in Auckland on May 28th, followed by the Air Force Museum in Christchurch on July 11th.
Profiling one of the 20th century's greatest surrealist painters, Salvador Dali, the exhibition combines cutting-edge technology, imagery, real objects, and illusions. Audiences will be given a fascinating insight into some of Dali's famous masterpieces and a full chronological trip through Dali's life in pictures; the Divine Comedy Room that will show Dali's controversial commission for Alighiere's Dante's Inferno; as well as the Mirror Room where viewers will be exposed to Dali's surrealist work in a 360-degree setting. The immersive experience will captivate audiences of all ages with floor-to-ceiling high-resolution moving imagery of surrealist masterpieces and surround sound.
Direct from Florence, Italy, visitors can learn more about Dali's flamboyant personality and fascination for classical and renaissance art in real interviews with the artist himself. There is something for everyone at Inside Dali.
Live Nation New Zealand Managing Director, Mark Kneebone says: “We were blown away by how well Van Gogh Alive was received by Kiwis, so we’re delighted to be bringing this sensational multi-sensory exhibition to New Zealand audiences in 2022. Inside Dali is truly something special.”
The event was conceived, created, and produced by Italy’s C&T Crossmedia in conjunction with Belgium’s MB Presents, and is being presented in New Zealand by Live Nation.
Tickets for all shows go on sale at 11am on Friday April 8.
Vodafone customers can be among the first secure tickets to the opening week in each city, during an exclusive pre-sale starting 10am on Wednesday April 6, until 10am Friday April 8.
For complete tour and ticket information, visit: insidedali.co.nz
INSIDE DALI
THE OK ORCHESTRA TOUR
NEW ZEALAND 2022
SPARK ARENA, AUCKLAND FROM SATURDAY MAY 2
AIR FORCE MUSEUM, CHRISTCHURCH FROM MONDAY JULY 11
TICKETS ON SALE 11AM FRIDAY APRIL 8
Vodafone pre-sale: 10am Wednesday April 6 until 10am Friday April 8
For complete tour and ticket information, visit: insidedali.co.nz & www.livenation.co.nz
About Live Nation Entertainment
Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, Live Nation Advertising & Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com.
CREATIVE MINDS SET TO COME TOGETHER AS PHOENIX RISING FEAT LIVENDIRECT TAKES PLACE APRIL 7
As government restrictions begin to lift and the local music and events industry begins to get back to life, the creative summit Phoenix Rising, a pop up event as part of the Phoenix Summit returns to bring our creative communities together on April 7th at Wynyard Pavilion.
Phoenix Rising is the brainchild of Hamish Pinkham, one of New Zealand’s most accomplished music industry players, and supported by leading individuals in New Zealand’s entertainment sector. The Phoenix Summit (set to rise back to life in 2022) was established to unite New Zealand’s creative industries and create a platform for meaningful conversations around how we can use our platforms to achieve social change.
Set over a catered dinner from Wynyard Pavilion and a complimentary beverage from Steinlager and Invivo team (the SJP vino drop), this evening will see creative forces from Music, Events, Fashion and entrepreneurial pursuits join together to share their ideas and networks while listening to engaging key speakers. These will include Mike Snell (American producer, engineer, DJ & songwriter), Caitlin Crisp (New Zealand Fashion Designer), Sam Gribben (CEO of Melodics/former CEO of Serato), NZ entrepreneurs Thomas & Michael (The Dudes Project) and the formidable NZ Urban Poet & Rapper, Melodownz. The evening is hosted by vivacious LiveNDirect founder and CEO, Keith Turner.
In a nod to the creative networking element that is in the DNA of the event, guests will be allocated seating selected by the team to a table of creative peers with similar specialties and interests, giving the opportunity to network and converse with someone new, in a time when mingling and moving is somewhat restricted.
Phoenix Rising kicks off from 6pm on April 7th with tickets for the event on sale now from Major Sponsor and helping hand Moshtix for $65.
GLOBAL LIVE SENSATION TASH SULTANA HAS TODAY ANNOUNCED A MASSIVE SHOW AT AUCKLAND’S SPARK ARENA
CRS & Live Nation have today announced that Tash Sultana will be returning to Auckland in October 2022 for a headline show at Spark Arena.
Tash Sultana, multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, producer & engineer has dominated the global music scene from countless sold-out arena tours to breaking attendance records across the world. Tash sold out the iconic ‘Red Rocks’ amphitheatre (10,000) in just 5 minutes. The accolades and awards rush in faster than you can count them, from ARIA Music Awards, APRA Awards and National Live Music Awards, multi-platinum, gold and worldwide charting singles as well as amassing over 1billion worldwide streams.
Tash engineers, produces, arranges & performs all musical works, and sometimes dabbles in mixing their more recent work (MTV UNPLUGGED LIVE IN MELBOURNE). In 2021, fans were treated to Tash’s second album Terra Firma three years after the critically acclaimed debut record Flow State, which earned multiple platinum and gold singles: 2x platinum single Jungle, platinum selling Mystik, and the multi-platinum Notion.
Their second album was much anticipated, and welcomed with open arms. Recorded, engineered, performed, arranged, and produced almost exclusively by Tash in their own studio, the album reached ARIA #1 on the Australian charts and top 10 in other global territories. It was met with praise from critics and fans. Released under their own label Lonely Land Records, the album explores the musical mind of Tash covering an expanse of genres including neo soul, funk, R&B, folk, rock, hip-hop and more. Written and recorded between 2019 and 2021, Tash worked with fellow musicians Matt Corby, Dunn Hume, Jerome Farah and Josh Cashman to collaborate for the first time. Often penning themselves as a one-person band, sharing the mic led to dreamy tracks including Crop Circles, Willow Tree and Pretty Lady, which won best single at the 2021 Rolling Stone Australia Awards.
Tash will return to Aotearoa for the first time since 2019, performing pieces from their sophomore album Terra Firma, NOTION EP and FLOW STATE. This run will also see Tash Sultana expand the groove in a new light. Sultana has remained tight-lipped about what the new show may include but has promised it’s an extension of ‘what already is’ and what we best know them for. Fans will also have the opportunity to meet Tash with VIP packages available.
TASH SULTANA
SPARK ARENA, AUCKLAND
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13
TICKETS ON SALE 12PM, TUESDAY APRIL 4
Vodafone pre-sale: Wednesday March 30, 10am – Friday April 1, 10am
Live Nation pre-sale: Friday April 1, 11am – Monday April 4, 11am
For complete tour and ticket information, visit:
https://www.tashsultana.com & livenation.co.nz
About Live Nation Entertainment
Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, Live Nation Advertising & Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com.
LIVE NATION AND VODAFONE ANNOUNCE LEAPING TIGER AS THEIR MARCH ‘ONES TO WATCH’ ARTIST
We’re well into 2022 and while gigs and concerts might be limited, Live Nation and Vodafone are still supporting local music by announcing multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, producer, and vocalist Leaping Tiger as their March artist for ONES TO WATCH.
Born and raised in Auckland, Leaping Tiger came about nearly a decade ago when Jacob Park uploaded his first song onto Soundcloud at the age of 14. Exposed to music at an early age, Jacob picked up a handful of instruments including piano and flute before choosing the bass, thanks to an inspiring trip to see Ratatouille at the movies: “The Michael Giacchino score has heaps of live bass- that’s the first time I paid attention and had heard that instrument before, and I just wanted to play bass ever since.”
With an incredible talent for understanding music, Jacob takes influence from fellow musicians like Flying Lotus, Kanye West, Flume and David Bowie, crediting them as inspiration behind his recognisable beats and dream-pop like sound.
His foray into live music started when he joined a band, The Burtones, in high school, making it into the regional finals at Smokefree Rockquest in 2015 with an eclectic sound of ska, reggae and R&B. After school, Jacob moved into studying composition at university, putting Leaping Tiger into full swing, and making moves in the music world. He broke out with ‘Screw Face’ in 2019, featuring Kiwi hip-hop favourites Church & AP, JY Lee and Disciple Pati. Described by Under the Radar as having “irresistible heavy bass-grooves perfect for buzzing out to in the emerging spring sunshine”, the track helped set the tone for Jacob’s musical path.
His latest release came as a second studio album ‘Soulsleep’, released in October 2021, featuring his vocals for the first time. Jacob describes the album as a cathartic release: “This album is the journey of a relationship from start to finish in a crash and burn way. Everything that was swimming in my brain I had to get out. I felt like a corpse walking, so Soulsleep is another way of saying your soul is asleep and you don’t feel alive.”
The future is bright for Leaping Tiger, with more than just music on the cards. With a self-described “need to make things”, Jacob is continuing to explore the world of fashion, styling, and visuals. Fans can also expect his return to the stage (once Covid allows) with a live recreation of his album.
Live Nation’s Renée Hermsen had this to say: “Leaping Tiger is an incredibly exciting and forward-thinking artist. Proving his talent was once again with the release of his second album Soulsleep last year. I have no doubt these sounds are going to fill dancefloors in both New Zealand and far beyond. Make sure to catch him while he’s still here..!”
2022 will see an exciting new slate of Kiwi musicians added to the ONES TO WATCH programmed in Aotearoa. Leaping Tiger will join Mo Etc., ONONO, Rhys Rich, There’s a Tuesday, Muroki, Daily J, Balu Brigada and more as he joins the programme’s alumni.
Launched in 2017 in the United States, ONES TO WATCH has helped boost the careers of artists now reaching global stages, including Halsey and Grammy-award winning superstars Dua Lipa and Billie Eilish, who are both set to visit New Zealand later this year on their world tours.
On Leaping Tiger joining the ONES TO WATCH programme, Joe Goddard, Experience & Commercial Director at Vodafone NZ said: "We're super excited to be able to support our OTW artists at a time where concerts can't go ahead. We hope New Zealanders keep streaming their music and band together to buy tickets and support the arts when shows return."
After launching an exclusive long-term partnership in 2019, Live Nation Australasia and Vodafone New Zealand have provided Vodafone customers access to Live Nation’s entertainment portfolio including music, family and comedy tours and festivals across the country. The strategic multi-year partnership is committed to bringing the best live experiences to New Zealand and the best New Zealand artists to the world. The unique emerging talent platform of ONES TO WATCH builds on this strong partnership and a mutual dedication to support grassroots initiatives.
As well as access to the online platform, Vodafone customers will be given the chance to win tickets to the ONES TO WATCH invitation-only quarterly showcase events. More info and competition details available at: vodafonerewards.co.nz
WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA
LEAPING TIGER FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM
ONES TO WATCH FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM / TWITTER
AJR ANNOUNCES 2022 DATES FOR THE OK ORCHESTRA TOUR
Multiplatinum indie pop trio AJR have today announced New Zealand tour dates for August 2022 as part of The OK ORCHESTRA Tour. The tour announce follows the release of the band’s fourth full-length album ‘OK ORCHESTRA’ which debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Alternative and Rock Albums charts and claimed No.10 on the Billboard 200. The tour will kick off in Australia before heading to Auckland’s Spark Arena on August 27th and Wellington’s Michael Fowler Centre on August 28th.
Tickets for all shows go on sale at 11am on Friday 1 April.
My Live Nation members can secure tickets first during the exclusive pre-sale beginning at 11am on Wednesday 30 March, concluding at 10am on Friday 1 April.
For complete tour and ticket information, visit: livenation.co.nz
Re-envisioning what pop can be in the 21st century, AJR unassumingly emerged as a ubiquitous hit-making outlier and one of the biggest indie bands in the world. Since 2012, the award-winning indie pop trio - Adam [bass, vocals], Jack [vocals, guitar], and Ryan [ukulele, piano, vocals] - have generated billions of streams and earned one triple-platinum single, one double-platinum single, four platinum singles, and one platinum album. Their 2020 platinum blockbuster ‘BANG!’ marked their first Top 10 entry on Billboard Hot 100 and earned the band their 1st Billboard Music Award for ‘Best Rock Song’ in 2021.
2019 album ’Neotheater’ marked their biggest first week debut, bowing at #8 on the Billboard Top 200, #1 on the Top Alternative Albums Chart, and #1 on the Top Rock Albums Chart. Cemented as part of the modern zeitgeist, Spotify touted ‘Sober Up’ [feat. Rivers Cuomo] among the ‘Best Rock Songs of the 2010s’, while Apple Music included ‘Weak’ on its ’Best Alt Songs of the 2010s’. Not to mention, they remain one of the “500 Most-Listened to Artists” on Spotify.
AJR’s most recent single “Way Less Sad” was aired on over 200 radio stations across the U.S, cracking the Top 40, Adult Pop and Alternative Radio charts. It has amassed more than 100 million streams worldwide and has been featured on Spotify’s ‘The New ALT’ and ‘Just Good Music’, Amazon Music’s ‘Hot Singles’, Pandora’s ‘Today’s Hits’ as well as Apple Music’s ‘A-List Pop’ and ‘Alt Pop’ playlists.
AJR
THE OK ORCHESTRA TOUR
NEW ZEALAND 2022
SPARK ARENA, AUCKLAND SATURDAY AUGUST 27
MICHAEL FOWLER CENTRE, WELLINGTON SUNDAY AUGUST 28
TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY APRIL 1 AT 11AM NZT
Live Nation pre-sale: 11am Wednesday March 30 – 10am Friday April 1
About Live Nation Entertainment
Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, Live Nation Advertising & Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com.
INDIE-GROOVE KIWI BAND MASAYA RELEASE BRAND NEW SONG ‘ATTENTION’
Kiwi band Masaya have today announced their brand-new single Attention, set to excite fans and send out the Aotearoa summer in style. The catchy track is co-written by lead vocalist Reiki Ruawai and former bandmate and talented musician Muroki.
Written at the band’s home in Raglan, the uplifting song tells the story of trying to grab someone’s attention in a crowd. The music video for Attention, directed by Ashley Pitman and filmed at Ponsonby’s Studio 230, will drop on Friday 25th March.
Originally formed for a university project, Masaya has blossomed into an indie-groove five-piece with a sound reflective of their Raglan upbringing. Now based in Auckland, the band came out with their first EP Tongue & Groove in 2019, and have since treated crowds at a number of festival appearances around Aotearoa, including Soundsplash, Rhythm & Vines and Bay Dreams.
“Attention is all about living in the moment, going with the vibes and connecting on the dancefloor. It was so much fun to make and we can’t wait to share it with our fans,” says frontman Reiki Ruawai.
With Reiki on lead vocals, the band is rounded out with sister Kaea Ruawai on drums, Jules Blewman on lead guitar, Joe Kaptein on keys, and Nat Hathaway on bass. In 2020 they were nominated for a Waiata Māori Award in the Best RnB Album by a Māori Artist for Tongue & Groove, which has now amassed over 1 million Spotify streams.
Musician Muroki lends his songwriting talent to Attention, as a former bandmate and friend. Now signed to Benee’s record label Olive, he’s performed on stages across the country including opening for the multi-platinum pop star on her nationwide tour.
Masaya are currently working on their debut album, due for release in June 2022.
LISTEN TO ATTENTION HERE
FOLLOW MASAYA ONLINE
INSTAGRAM / SPOTIFY / FACEBOOK