14 March 2016 - 0 Comments
With five confirmed grants, and public performances from Ladi6 and Jon Toogood, organisers for the YAMI Sounz Summit are preparing for a memorable weekend in Wanaka on May 14th and 15th during New Zealand Music Month.
YAMI (Youth and Adults in the Music Industry) spokesperson Martine Harding confirms funding has been received from Recorded Music NZ, Lion Foundation, Lake Wanaka Tourism, Central Lakes Trust Arts Support Scheme, and New Zealand Music Commission. “The continued support for this summit – at both a local and national level has been unbelievable, and we’re committed to delivering an exceptional weekend for music lovers.”
The unique concept was developed by the not-for-profit group Lake Wanaka SouNZ Incorporated in an effort to address the challenges faced by emerging musicians, as they find their place within the New Zealand music industry. Kiwi icons present a series of workshops, panel discussions and showcases to people with a keen interest in music as a career.
Participants will work with Jon Toogood (Shihad), Anika Moa, Ladi6, Laughton Kora, Julia Deans, Katie Thompson, Barnaby Weir (The Black Seeds, Fly My Pretties), Devin Abrams (Shapeshifter), Samuel Flynn Scott (The Phoenix Foundation), Tali, Thomas Oliver, Parks (Ladi6), Warren Maxwell and Rio Hemopo (TrinityRoots), plus many more music experts throughout the weekend. Ladi6 will be performing a night concert (open to the public) at Lake Wanaka Centre, on Saturday 14th May, along with her full band. The summit culminates with a final public showcase featuring Jon Toogood and the weekend’s performance students.
Director, Lynne Christie, is floored by the enthusiasm and generous response from the key luminaries of the New Zealand music scene. “The calibre, depth of knowledge and experience within this group of tutors is astounding,” Christie says. “It’s vital we continue to nurture the talents of aspiring musicians, managers and producers; the summit is a chance for youth and adults to aim higher.”
Tackling such challenging topics as “Show Me the Money”, “The Tough Stuff” and “Sync or Swim”, alongside songwriting and beat making, YAMI addresses real issues confronting musicians, managers, promoters and producers, showing how to potentially fast track a viable career within the industry.
The not-for-profit summit has been attracting participants from as far away as Katikati, with not only musicians registering, but also those who see themselves in the behind-the-scenes roles, such as sound technicians, promoters, producers, music marketers and managers.
A panel of New Zealand’s music professionals will discuss the range of career opportunities available in the business, management and marketing side of the industry. Head of APRA, Anthony Healey, CEO of New Zealand Music Commission Cath Anderson, Massey University’s Nicky Harrop, NZ on Air’s newly-appointed Head of Music and Radio, David Ridler, Media Arts lawyer Dan Chisholm, artist managers Cushla Aston and Teresa Patterson among others, will attend to share tips on surviving as an emerging artist – in New Zealand, and globally.
With half of the 100 participant places taken, organisers are confident that YAMI will become an incubator for the development of talent within the New Zealand music industry.
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