New Zealand Music Showcase Announced

NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
25 September 2009
 

New Zealand Music Showcase Announced

Sounds Aotearoa 12 - 14 March 2010

For the first ever in New Zealand New Plymouth will host, next March, an inaugural music expo to showcase the best New Zealand music from a wide spectrum of genres and styles to potential buyers from local and international music markets.

Two New Plymouth based organisations, TIHI and TAFT (Taranaki Arts Festival Trust) have partnered to present Sounds Aotearoa. The organisations hope that through the event stronger relationships will develop between national and international music representatives. Professional development is also an expected outcome for attendees and a key driver for the expo is to provide greater exposure and economic development for New Zealand artists. The event will further position New Plymouth, the host city, as a strong cultural destination and major supporter of the arts.

Sounds Aotearoa has been scheduled to coincide with a number of key New Zealand events i.e. WOMAD, Pasifika, and the New Zealand International Arts Festival. The timing of these world class events will enable international buyers to attend multiple festivals to enhance their understanding of, and exposure to, New Zealand culture and music.

Sounds Aotearoa has a programme designed to appeal to the national and international music industry and another programme which that will be open to the public. Over two-days Sounds Aotearoa will provide: a New Zealand music showcase featuring 15 New Zealand acts, a trade expo featuring New Zealand music, and an industry development conference.

Musician Hinewehi Mohi says: “I do think this kind of opportunity to market groups, bands and artists is important but they need to be supported through it. Let’s face it, few New Zealand bands have very good managers and so are largely left to their own devices. Few artists have the gift of the gab – the kumara doesn’t necessarily want to be the one calling itself sweet.”

Similar events are held successfully overseas e.g. WOMEX and Australian World Music Expo (AWME). Few New Zealand artists have been able to attend these events because costs have tended to be prohibitive. Sounds Aotearoa will provide New Zealand musicians the opportunity to gain international exposure without the expense and demands of overseas travel.
DETAIL

The NZ Music Showcase

In the evenings local, national and international delegates representing record labels, media, festival, booking agents and presenters will be invited to view artists performing in venues around New Plymouth. The public will also be able to attend these showcases for a minimal cost.

The NZ Music Trade Expo

The expo is where industry professionals will host and visit information booths to source information and build valuable networks. It is envisaged the following groups will be represented: record companies; artists; producers and studios; festivals and events; distribution and marketing companies; media; technicians and engineers; publicists; artist management companies.

Industry Development Conference

The conference is a ‘think-tank’ for the music industry. It will provide delegates with the opportunity to build on current infrastructure, knowledge and networks. It is anticipated the range and scope of conference activities will include informative keynote presentations, seminars, workshops and opportunities to gather informally.

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