Firmly entrenched as part of our cultural landscape, the month of May has gone from a period of encouraging radio to play more local tunes, to a 31-day celebration of homegrown 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 many other NZ music organisations including NZ on Air, Independent Music NZ (IMNZ) Recorded Music NZ, APRA AMCOS and The Music Managers Forum (MMF). NZ Music Month also relies on the support of the country's labels, media & radio, the general public, and, most importantly, the artists themselves.

NZ Music Month originally started as NZ Music Week on Anzac Day 1997. In 2000 it became NZ Music Month and took up permanent residence during May.

2024 is all about 'Amplifying Aotearoa | Paorotia Aotearoa' and shining a light on those who are the heartbeat of our nation’s music scene. Throughout May NZ Music Month will be celebrating everyone who helps amplify music from Aotearoa – emerging local talent and rising stars on the international stage, music fans going to local gigs and supporting their favourite artists, people championing NZ music behind the scenes and those who are taking our music across the motu and the world.

What's Happening?

	NZ Music T-Shirt Day is taking place on Friday 3 May. Purchase NZ Artist Merch here Register a team here and donate to MusicHelps.
	This year sees new unique designs of NZ Music Month T-shirts, designed by local NZ artist Callum Rooney available for purchase here. Proceeds from all T-shirt sales will be donated to MusicHelps, a unique charity dedicated to changing lives through music. You can also text MUSIC to 2448 to make a $3 donation to MusicHelps.
	Showcasing 31 classic NZ music tees from over the years, the Threads of Sound Pop Up will be hosted at 215 Karangahape Road in Auckland, starting on Thursday 2 May at 5pm. There is also an online gallery of historical NZ Music Tees - submit yours here.
	Taking place on Tuesday 14 May @ 6pm, The Tuning Fork plays host to the 2024 NZ Music Month Pub Quiz. With proceeds going towards supporting the mahi of MusicHelps and the Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre, you can  purchase tickets here.
	In association with the NZ Music Commission, the NZ Music Month Summit is taking place on Saturday 25 May at The Tuning Fork in Auckland. There will be discussions with NZ artists and music industry professionals - from emerging local talent and rising stars on the international stage, to people championing NZ music behind the scenes and everything in between. Check out the full schedule and list of speakers here.
	NZ Post are also celebrating NZ Music Month and have issued a commemorative stamp collection celebrating the AudioCulture #1 Classic album True Colours by Split Enz. These are available for purchase here.
	Aotearoa's longest running music photography exhibition From The Pit starts on Wednesday 1 May. This exhibition highlights the vibrant essence of Aotearoa's music scene and will feature captivating images captured by top-notch music photographers from across the country.
	Powered by Rockshop, Aotearoa's only nationwide, live, original music and youth event, Smokefree Rockquest, is giving young musicians the opportunity to perform in a professional setting in venues from Northland to Southland. With local heats kicking things off during May, you can find out more about the SFRQ here.
	Smokefree Tangata Beats, a platform for developing and growing young music talent with a recognition for the unique cultural identity of Aotearoa and the South Pacific, also kicks things off with local heats taking place around the country during May. Find out more here.
	Auckland City Centre’s Midtown Street Party will feature three days of Kiwi DJs and musicians in stores and alleyways, eateries and pop-up markets from May 16 - 19, headlined by DJ Poppa Jax, and emerging artists Lucky Lance and Christoph El Truento, along with other up and coming musicians including From Outside, Brandn Shiraz, Caru, and Fobs, DJ Tesi. Acoustic artists will include Erin G, Lijah Mavaega, Summer Vee, Crystal Chen. More Info
	Ka Mua Ka Muri Live is a special free live concert to mark New Zealand Music Month featuring the artists of Ka Mua Ka Muri which is currently being shown on the big screens at Aotea Square for New Zealand Music Month. The live concert celebrates emerging artists from across Tamaki Makaurau, including SUSO 2023 alumni and winners En Passant and Juga, alongside local jazz singer Crystal Chen, Hip-Hop emcee Brandn Shiraz from the Young Gifted and Broke/Risera artist collectives and multi award winning RnB singer Sam V. The concert is on at Kahui St David’s Church, 70 Khyber Pass Road on 25 May, 7 – 9.30pm – all are welcome!
	Hosted by Suzy Cato, the Nga Manu Tirairaka | Childrens’ Music Awards will return on Sunday 5 May at Tuning Fork in Auckland. Read more about the awards here.
	The Country Music Honours are taking place on the Friday 24 May @ SBS St James Theatre in Gore. In the following days, bands and musicians can also attend the APRA AMCOS 321 Sessions (25 May), the APRA AMCOS Panel (25 May) and Writer's Night (31 May). More info here.
	Hosted by Jesse Mulligan and Kara Rickard, the Aotearoa Music Awards are ending this year's NZ Music Month on a high note, on Thursday 30 May at the Viaduct Events Centre in Auckland. These awards will also be streamed live via RNZ.

NZMM Extras

Click on the poster to find out more

Additionally

TVNZ ON DEMAND has some great shows up throughout May:
Tiki Taane in Session with CSO
Troy Kingi's Desert Hikoi
Scribe - Return of the Crusader
The Walkers
O'Town Dreaming
Anika Moa Reunited
Poi E: The Story of Our Song
Waiata Anthems

BAYROCK in WHAKATANE are running 100% Kiwi rock throughout NZ Music Month,
with shows including the Kiwi 30 Rock Countdown
and interviews on breakfast with a Kiwi artist or band every day.
Stream Bayrock: here

The team at LIL SISTER PR and NICNAK MEDIA have put together a new project for
NZ Music Month: The Lil Sister Digital Zine!
Read it here

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