Microsoft Helps Kiwi Musicians To Rise & Shine

Microsoft New Zealand Helps Kiwi Musicians To Rise & Shine

New Zealand – December 14, 2006 – Microsoft New Zealand in association with LOOP Recordings Aot(ear)oa is searching for an aspiring Kiwi musician or songwriter to be rewarded with a professional recording opportunity and amazing computer package. Rise & Shine is a competition that aims to support ‘grass roots’ New Zealand music talent.

David Rayner, Windows Marketing Manager, Microsoft New Zealand, says the competition is open to everyone with a passion for music.

“New Zealand music needs to be celebrated and whether you are a master of the ballads or just scribble down lyrics, we want to hear your music the way you want to play it and encourage all who are interested to enter Rise & Shine,” says David.

Microsoft has been working with industry partners to build a community for connecting with others to discover new music and entertainment.

“Locally we continue to work with partners such as LOOP to support New Zealand music and DigiRAMA to deliver a broad online music experience to New Zealanders via the vast range of music players which support the Windows Media Audio (WMA) standard.”

Microsoft New Zealand wanted to create a competition that all musicians, song writers or lyricists could enter without excluding those that are unable to produce recorded demo tracks. Entrants can submit lyrics, a melody or a recorded demo for their song. The winner will spend two days in a recording studio with a top New Zealand musician who will produce the song and a sound engineer will record it. No recording experience is needed.

DigiRAMA, a New Zealand owned and operated music download site, is supporting the Rise and Shine competition by offering free downloads of the winning track. The track will be available for download using Microsoft Windows Media Player, and will be free for a nominated time. Shaun Davis, Managing Director, DigiRAMA, says that he is pleased to be able to help grow New Zealand music.

“We are a download site based in New Zealand developed by kiwis for kiwis and are one hundred percent focused on the New Zealand market. We are proud to help support local artists,” says Shaun.

LOOP Recordings Aot(ear)oa has worked previously before with Microsoft New Zealand on the LOOP Select series of multimedia art products.

“Microsoft's continued support of LOOP Recordings and New Zealand creative culture has been a key element in the growth and success of LOOP and our family of flourishing artists. The 'Rise and Shine' competition is an important new initiative that supports the emerging talent of the future, ” says Michael Tucker founder of LOOP Recordings Aot(ear)oa.

The prize pack includes…

 Airfares & accommodation for two people staying at The Duxton Hotel in Wellington.
 Two days of recording time at Trident Studios with a top New Zealand musician and studio engineer.
- Mixing and mastering of the song at Trident Studios.
- A Hi-End Windows Vista PC with wide-screen monitor to aid music creation & play back.
- Professional servicing of the song to New Zealand radio stations.
- An equipment voucher to the value of $2000 at The Rock Shop.

SPONSORS
Windows Media Player – Loop – Tearaway - digiRAMA

Enter at:
www.loop.co.nz/riseandshine
Rise & Shine Competition
PO Box 9123
Marion Square
Wellington

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