What is New Zealand's Music Month?

NZ Music Month is here! (press release)

Welcome to NZ Music Month 2015!

Firmly entrenched as part of our cultural landscape, over the course of the last decade the month of May has gone from a period of encouraging radio to play more local tunes, to a 31 day celebration of home-grown talent across the length and breadth of the country.

NZ Music Month is a promotion run by the NZ Music Commission that takes place each May, in association with other organisations including NZ On Air, Recorded Music New Zealand, APRA, The Music Managers Forum and the Radio Broadcasters Association.

And obviously NZ Music Month could not succeed without the support of the country's labels, media, the general public and, most importantly, the artists themselves.

The Commission acts as the information hub for local music news in the lead-up to NZ Music Month and during May itself. It does so by spreading the word about key releases and live shows directly to the public and also to relevant media nationwide.

In addition to this the Commission stages official NZ Music Month events and works with brands and sponsors to integrate as much relevant activity into May as possible.

NZMM 2015 Official Website
NZMM 2015 Instagram Page
NZMM 2015 Facebook Page
NZMM 2015 Twitter Page
NZMM 2015 Vimeo Page
NZMM 2015 Pinterest Page
NZMM 2015 Tumblr Page

NZ Music Month Summit 2015
Speakers announced for NZ Music Month Summit 2015

Muzic.net.nz and NZ Music Month

Muzic.net.nz celebrates and supports NZ music all year round, but we always like to do a little extra for NZ Music Month, including:

Tour Features - Many of our local musicians and bands go on tour during NZ Music Month and we have hand-picked a number of tours to showcase in our tour features. Just check out our Gig Guide page to see the features.

News - We will bring you all the latest and greatest news about everything that's happening during NZ Music Month - details about gigs and tours, information about new releases etc. Links to any news is also added to our Facebook and Twitter pages.

Newsletter - Our extra special NZ Music Month edition of our newsletter will be going out on 3 May and it will include features from Head Like A Hole, Tainted, Carb on Carb and Heavy (with more to be announced), as well as a section dedicated to meeting some of the amazing people behind muzic.net.nz.

If you are a musician or in a band, and you'd like some extra publicity for your tour and/or new release, contact us today.

NZ Music Month 2015 - The Tours

NZ Music Month is the perfect time of the year to check out what NZ music has to offer, and what better way to enjoy our impressive range of music than a live gig. Check out the following:

Team Kill A Bomb A Nation Tour

After stepping up to the limelight as headline act for last years inaugural “Rooster’s Roadshow”, the indomitable Team Kill are back, teaming up with Caveman Events to put together an 8 date tour, reinforcing their reputation as the hardest working metal band in the country!

Their 2015 tour covers the North Island, and see’s the band venture into the South Island for the first time - playing at Rattle n’ Hum Bar in Nelson. This is in response to a fan-driven campaign from some loyal supporters in Nelson, who were determined to create enough interest to entice the band south. Their Facebook page “Get Team Kill to Nelson” rapidly gained a response, so much so that the band decided it was worth the trip down to play for them.

Having released Age of Disease almost a year ago, the band have been feverishly working on new material, much of which they will be debuting on the “A-Bomb A Nation” tour. They have been booked back in to the studio to record the follow up EP straight after this tour.

Paul Martin, of the Axe Attack, describes Team Kill as “humble, hard working and down to earth guys, with a great attitude.”  Their sound he calls “straight forward - head banging riffs and brutal energy, delivered with a deep groove, and killer lyrical hooks”. 

Don’t miss your chance to see the Waikato’s powerhouse metal force - TEAM KILL, on tour throughout April & May 2015, joined by some of the heaviest names in kiwi metal, such as Seasons, Inhale, Just One Fix, Amachine, and many more…

Full Details

Heavy Lock In Debut Album Release Tour

Heavy are releasing their debut album Lock In on the 24th of April! To celebrate and promote the release of their album Heavy are touring the North Island during May.

Heavy is an infectiously energetic rap duo packing lyrical heat. After being together for little more than a year they have already made a huge impact in there home-town of Auckland playing 2015’s Chronophonium, Laneway & Splore Festivals. After a warm reception of their 2014 EP Tasty they are looking at expanding their reach with an debut album titled Lock In due for release in late April. Their latest single Shrink has joined it’s predecessors in making it to 95BFM’s Top 10 with frequent air play. Heavy are set to tour their 420-esque brand of rap with a number of North Island shows in early May and will venture South later in the year.

Each track on their album was produced, mixed and mastered by Liam in his DIY styled bedroom studio whilst all vocals were written, performed and recorded collaboratively by the pair. The album also features vocals from Auckland rapper Elvin Alfaro a.k.a LVJ.

Full Details

Carb on Carb Nationwide Tour

Carb on Carb are a girl and a boy from Auckland. After releasing 2 EPs and touring the country maybe more than is healthy, it was time to take for them to take a step back to write and record an album. The resulting 10-track self-titled album is a redefinition of the band; a shift towards 90s emo/pop punk, without losing their other, older influences.

The longer format (though still coming in at under half an hour) has given Carb on Carb the chance represent themselves more fully and to broach subjects important to them in a coherent context. The single Not Cute, Anymore crystalizes some central themes of the album - coming to terms with the fact that you’re never really ready to get older, and the process of settling in to who you are and where you fit.

Self-released on digital and CD, the album is distributed in NZ by Flying Out. Carb on Carb will have limited copies of the Malaysian tape release by Toothache Splinter on tour with them.

Fresh from their tour of Australia, Singapore and Malaysia, the band will be playing around the country throughout May.

See Carb on Carb’s Facebook page for times and ticketing details.

Full Details

Six60 Nationwide Tour

Six60 are back! After over a year away from New Zealand stages, the band returns for what will be their biggest and most exciting tour to date!

New Zealand’s premiere venues will play host to Six60 as they celebrate the release of their sophomore album - proudly presented by The Edge, Mai FM and George FM.

Six60 will deliver a high energy live show playing songs off their debut album as well as performing for the first time songs from their new album released 27 February, 2015.

What already promises to be an entertaining night only gets better with the addition of EDM heavyweights Mt Eden, and the talk on the streets right now Raiza Biza.

Mt Eden introduced a new wave of electronic music in 2009 with the release of Sierra Leone. Six years on after releasing two well-received EPs and a generous fistful of popular singles and remixes, the looming release of their highly anticipated No Mans Land EP, sees Jesse Cooper and Harley Rayner poised to take their brand of music to new pinnacles in 2015.

Raiza Biza is a young rapper based in Hamilton/Auckland. His lyrics are often reflective and introspective, and accompanied by soulful jazz-influenced instrumentals. He recently released the well-received LP Dream Something.

Full Details

Trinity Roots Nationwide Tour

Trinity Roots are taking to the road to celebrate the release of their third studio album Citizen with a national tour this May and June.

The Wellington-based platinum-selling trio launched the powerful follow-up to 2004’s Home, Land and Sea as part of their live performance at WOMAD 2015 in March.

New Zealand has come to know and love the music of Trinity Roots – a boil-up of ingredients that musically embody the very essence of our home, land and sea through their homely fusion of reggae, slow-funk and jazz exploration.

Full Details

Yumi Zouma and Doprah Announce Co-Headline NZ Tour

Yumi Zouma, the mysterious dream disco group, with Doprah, the electronic noir “odd pop export”, make the perfect match. Both set the blog gods a-frothing, have made an international impression and were originally formed in the mighty Christchurch! 

When Yumi Zouma’s debut EP broke on the internet, you could have been forgiven for not knowing they were a New Zealand act to begin with. Started by close friends split between NYC, Paris and Christchurch, producing music over Dropbox, and signed to Brooklyn label Cascine - they seemed to shy away from the attention most bands crave in their early days. 

And they had no intention of touring. That was, until the demand became too much. With glowing reviews on Pitchfork, a best new music mention on The Guardian, they were lured into supporting Chet Faker for an astonishingly long run of Australian dates, and attracted by the best festivals of the European summer circuit. Little could they have guessed that their biggest shows would be in their own country, supporting Lorde at venues like The Vector Arena. 

In the last 18 months Doprah have played, Laneway Festival, Rhythm& Vines, a handful of shows in New York at the CMJ Music Marathon and more. Spin Magazine called their impressive video for Stranger People “a gauzy balance between the goth inclinations of fellow Kiwi Lorde, the noirish husk of Portishead, and the curious mood-making of cloud-rap” and they were shunted to No.2 on the Billboard “Next Big Sound” charts.

Two incredible stories for two new bands, and at just the beginning of their output.

For this tour Yumi Zouma are bringing their much-anticipated second EP to New Zealand, and Doprah are completing their first full tour since their debut EP - all within an intimate tour of smaller venues.

Full Details

Jamie McDell Ask Me Anything Tour

To celebrate the release of her incredible new album Ask Me Anything, Jamie McDell is pleased to announce her first ever-nationwide tour. This will be the first chance for many of Jamie’s fans to see her close to home as the tour will head all over the country throughout April and May. 

Jamie’s gift for direct, uncomplicated story telling paired with her beautiful voice translates to the stage in a raw and honest way, making every performance incredibly personal. The joy she gets from performing is clear to anyone who sees her live, combining for a tour that is sure to be full of laughs and stories that will contribute towards Jamie’s next batch of songs.

Jamie is thrilled to be going out on the road for the first time, making stops in towns she’s never performed in before and getting to meet the fans that continue to inspire her music.

The tour will see Jamie play many of the songs from Ask Me Anything for the first time, as well as material from her Gold debut album Six Strings And A Sailboat, including fan favourites You’ll Never Take That Away and Life In Sunshine, both of which are certified Gold.

Full Details

Anika Moa Queen At The Table Album Release Show

Anika Moa has always prided herself on doing what feels right for her at any particular time, whether it be making award winning heart on the sleeve children’s albums or casting aside the acoustic guitar to make electronic music for grownups, and today she is proud to announce an album release show with a difference. Anika Moa and her band will play her album release show at the Powerstation down on the floor with her audience around her.

Anika says “I can't wait to play this intimate show for you and I hope you all buy your tickets quickly even if it means you miss out on your weekly smokes or wine. Neeks xx”

It’s going to be cosy, intimate and fun, we want to ensure everyone is comfortable and has an enjoyable experience so tickets are limited.

Hot on the heels of the Tui Award winning album Songs For Bubbas (2014) featuring the APRA winning Children’s Song Of The Year, Anika has turned her attention back to her never departing fan base with her fifth solo studio album Queen At The Table.
 
Queen At The Table was recorded at Auckland’s The Lab studio with Taite award nominee producer Jol Mulholland (The Mots, Gasoline Cowboy, Fuce, Mullholland) taking on production duties, giving the album a synthy, electronic touch and as always, Anika shines on Queen At The Table with her soaring vocals, tender voice and personal lyrics.

Full Details

The Rock presents the NZ Music Month Sessions at Ding Dong Lounge

Five of Auckland’s top bands Fire At Will, Ekko Park, Silence The City, New Reptiles and Valedictions are set to rock the NZ Music Month Sessions at the Ding Dong Lounge in Auckland CBD next month.

Fire At Will’s impressive live show has earned them gigs with Supergroove, I Am Giant, The Feelers, Blacklistt and Devilskin as well as a mainstage spot at the Jim Beam Homegrown festival in 2014. Their first single Can’t Wait saw them climbing the NZ Rock chart with Rivers and She’ll Rev You Up from their debut album The Way Out receiving extensive play on the radio airwaves. Fire At Will perform the NZ Music Month Sessions on Friday 8 May.

Ekko Park has sold out tours across New Zealand, toured the United Kingdom and Ireland, received substantial airplay on local and international TV and radio stations and their debut album Tomorrow Tomorrow Today was nominated for Best Rock Album at the 2014 Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards. Catch these guys on Friday 22 May at the NZ Music Month Sessions.

Valedictions are a three piece Rock outfit who in March released their debut, self-titled EP. In 2010 they played at the Big Day Out and supported The Veils with Cairo Knife Fight. They’ve had several tracks played on The Rock including singles Hey Lady, Guilty Man, Come and Get It and Motivation. Catch Valedictions with Ekko Park on Friday 22 May.

Silence The City are a melodic high energy Rock band. Their debut EP Holdfast was released in 2012, featuring single Lie After Lie which received radio play. In March they played the mainstage at the Jim Beam Homegrown festival and have since released a music video for Brave which was filmed at the event and next month they open for Everclear in Auckland and Wellington. Don’t miss them on Friday 29 May.

New Reptiles are a brand new and virtually unheard of Kiwi band with two videos released In America and No Expectations. In America has already received airplay on The Rock and next month, they open for Everclear in Christchurch. New Reptiles play on Friday 15 May.

Full Details

Antagonist A.D. Announce Tour

Antagonist A.D. have announced their Haunt Me As I Roam tour for MAY 2015, and will be bringing along Dead Dreamers for dates around New Zealand. The dates will launch Anatgonist A.D.’s just released UNFD debut album Haunt Me As I Roam.

In 2013 Antagonist AD embarked on a world tour. Carrying the flag through Australia, Europe and North America starting and finishing the tour in NZ. Upon completion the band went quiet working on a new album only surfacing for an occasional tour across the ditch.

These shows will be their first shows on the album campaign, the first since their tour with The Amity Affliction throughout Australia in January and their first in New Zealand since 2013.

Taking the entire year of 2014 to put together their debut release on Australia's premiere alternative music label UNFD - the band are finally ready to debut this new lease on life in venues across New Zealand.

Full Details

NZ Music Month 2015 - New Releases

Cairo Knife Fight - The Colossus

Release date: May 29

Written and recorded over three countries and two continents, The Colossus is the debut album from New Zealand rock act, Cairo Knife Fight.

Differing from previous releases, this album sees frontman Nick Gaffaney expanding his writing horizons to include working with some of the best talent on offer within New Zealand and beyond.

While staying true to the duo ethos of the band in recording, this record features writing appearances from New Zealand musicians Aaron Tokona, Joel Haines, Laughton Kora and William Knapp, American Legend Mark Lanegan (Screaming Trees, Queens of The Stone Age) and Los Angeles producers/musicians Tyler Fournames (Marilyn Manson) and John Anderson (Banks).

Sessions took place between Auckland, Christchurch, Rakaia, Melbourne, Los Angeles and New York City with the final result being overseen and mixed by NYC based Kiwi ex-pat producer Justyn Pilbrow (The Neighbourhood, King 810).

Cairo Knife Fight is also touring on the following dates:

Friday 29^th May – Whammy! Auckland
Saturday 30^thMay – Dux Live – Christchurch
Sunday 31^stMay – Bodega, Wellington

Full Details

Tainted - Into Temptation

Release date: May 1

After a prolonged engagement, Christchurch metallers Tainted are pleased to finally announce the release date of their highly anticipated third studio album, Into Temptation as the 1st of May 2015. The boys have once again teamed up with Producer Clint Murphy (whom produced their second album Carved and Created) to create what they say is their best work to date, and for all those that have waited patiently for this album to be released will be treated to a new era of Tainted that will indeed deliver into a new realm.

Pre-sales are available to hungry fans on their online merch store (http://taintedmerch.bigcartel.com/), with an extremely limited time hand pulled, editioned print made by their very own Slim. Printed on heavy weight, cotton rag archival paper, if looked after properly, it will stick around longer than your very mortal body.

Along with the album announcement, the boys have released their second video from the cycle, Within The Crucible. The video, featuring footage shot while recording Into Temptation at Quicksand studios has been self-produced by Slim. This is the second video Slim has now self-produced having released in late 2014 the video for Bleed For Me as well. 

Full Details
Tainted releases Into Temptation to critical acclaim

Radioglo - In Between Time

Release date: May 8

Radioglo are a four piece rock band based in Auckland, whose diverse songs are reminiscent of class acts such as Kings of Leon and The Raconteurs, along with Elbow and Tom Petty. With the release of their debut album, listeners will be able to discover the depth and breadth of the material, which contains an inert catchiness that lingers on. The odd country lick gives a quirky energetic quality to Gene Bennett (Rubicon) and Heath Watson’s (Sour) shared melodic, textured vocal harmonies, and the acoustic guitar focused sound makes it warm and organic. This is further complimented with the laid back 70’s inspired rhythm section of Shannon Slade (Malakai) and Robert Maskell (Channelling Venus, the NZ'ers).

Although there is a distinct Radioglo sound, Gene says “there are no rules to what we bring to the band, which shows in the variation of songs which range from quirky upbeat to solemn downbeat”. When questioned about the album title, he said, “It was a bit of an in-joke of the time it took to finish recording the album, (although it was a lot less than Steely Dan!). But, it also doubles as a philosophical question of what exists between matter and the frequency of waves, time being a measurement of an object and/or event. Music is like a measurement of all those things vibrating.” In-joke or not, the debut is finally available, and music lovers owe it to their ears to grab this with both hands.

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