24 February 2021 - 0 Comments

With a grant confirmed from Central Lakes Trust, along with an outstanding array of Kiwi tutors, YAMI (Youth and Adults in the Music Industry) Sounz Summit is set to deliver a packed-outweekend of musical workshops, seminars and showcases in Wanaka, on May 8th and 9th.

The Central Lakes Trust grant totals over $22 000, which allows Lake Wanaka SouNZ Incorporated to deliver an outstanding experience for participants, tutors and audiences. “I didn’t realise I’d been holding my breath for a month,” admits director Lynne Christie, upon hearing the news of the grant in a phone call last week. “We are incredibly grateful for the support.”

Tutors ready to inspire and guide during the 2021 summit include Kiwi professionals from acts including Fat Freddy’s Drop, Shapeshifter, L.A.B., The Black Seeds, Sea Mouse, Foley, The Nomad, Anderson Rocio and Arma Del Amor. Bella Kalolo and Deva Mahal guide the singers who wish to harmonise behind the legends on stage, while Troy Kingi, Delaney Davidson and Kylie Price step up to mentor songwriters.

Industry experts from NZ on Air, SXSW, Serato, Rhythm & Alps, NZ Music Commission and Recorded Music NZ weigh in with their considerable knowledge of how to connect musicians and producers with vital networks, locally and globally.

Participants (aged from ten years to “near-ancient”) work alongside the tutors during the weekend summit, with some taking to the stage with their idols at the final night’s public showcase. Talented attendees from previous summits have experienced the bright lights of the stage supporting Ladi6, Jon Toogood, Trinity Roots, Moana Maniapoto, Kings, Tiki Taane and Dave Dobbyn - experiences which have then gone on to shape hugely creative Kiwi artists. Event Producer, Josephine Gallagher is especially amped for when all the planning comes to life in a frenzy of sound, and mentions that every space possible in the Lake Wanaka Centre venue is packed out with musical collaboration, guidance and inspiration. “You take five steps in the venue and go from hearing someone learning how to make epic beats, to another figuring out how to write that last lyric to their tune. Attendees and tutors alike leave with a renewed energy to create and support homegrown music.”

The not-for-profit music summit has received continued support from the NZ Music Commission, QLDC, Recorded Music NZ, and Lake Wanaka Tourism, cementing the summit’s place on the region’s cultural calendar.

With over 80% of registration places now taken, YAMI is looking to host around 180 people over the weekend at Lake Wanaka Centre.

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