IMNZ News

International and Industry Action

Otis Mace, Sandra Bell and Jay Clarkson are three of the eight New Zealand poets being sent to New York for a very special event. For two years Jim Wilson travelled to cities and towns throughout the USA and put poem posters by Kiwi poets on poles, walls and in cafes and stores. Then a dedicated group of volunteers also put these poem posters up in cities around the world from London, Glasgow, Paris and Vienna through to Sydney, Australia. Back home in New Zealand, Wilson's company Phantom Billstickers Ltd has put up thousands of Kiwi poems on walls and poster bollards from Invercargill to Whangarei. Now eight of New Zealand's finest poets bring their voices, hearts, and words to a live performance poetry event in New York City.
The Poets From New Zealand to Perform in New York on February 28, 2012 are:
Jeffrey Paparoa Holman / David Eggleton / Hinemoana Baker / Sandra Bell / Jay Clarkson / Pamela Gordon (reading Janet Frame) / Otis Mace / Tusiata Avia

New release fanfare
Almost one year ago on February 22, Christchurch, New Zealand was rocked by a 6.3 magnitude earthquake in which 181 people tragically lost their lives. The rest of the country mourned alongside the devastated city, the collective national grief over nature's wrath seemingly magnified on a global scale a month later when Japan was rocked by a 9.0 magnitude earthquake in which over 18,000 people lost their lives. To this day, both nationally and internationally, the healing and rebuilding process continues. Music Collective The Hypnotics have written and recorded an original track called "Be Right There" in the hope that it may bring comfort and positive inspiration to all those affected.

On the live front
This Saturday February 18 set aside an afternoon to hear one of the most acclaimed melodic pop bands in New Zealand play at the unique venue Silo Park. The Phoenix Foundation will be gracing the Silo Park stage with their unique blend of catchy pop tunes and psychedelic rock, an act suited to attending on a balmy summer’s day. They will be ably supported by Bannerman - if his new album, Dearly Departed, is anything to go by, be prepared for quiet corners of folk, jaunty alt country, some serious guitar brutality and hope-filled pop torch-songs. Not only does Bali have kickass surf, it's also home to some seriously heavy metal - like, in the literal sense. Balinese gamelans are an arsenal of heavy bronze percussion instruments; exotic, frenetic and furious, and Wellington-based group Gamelan Taniwha Jaya has reinvented the live songs of Minuit which they'll be blasting out together on stage for the first time at Homegrown this weekend.

Around the World
Jamie Oliver finds Joy Division and New Order master tapes in basement
Naked Chef Jamie Oliver discovered a haul of treasure worth over one million pounds in the basement of a Manchester restaurant he recently bought. Holy Moly reported that among the jewels, gold and a collection of guns were rare Joy Division and New Order master tapes. The restaurant building was previously a branch of Midland bank. The musical goldmine was hidden in a safety deposit box among hundreds of other boxes under the old bank. Attempts to find the owners of most boxes were futile so the Bank of England opened each using a drill. The celebrity chef has since given all the findings to the national treasury. Later this month, New Order will make their first visit to Australia and New Zealand in ten years.
http://www.themusicnetwork.com/music-news/artists/2012/02/15/jamie-oliver-finds-joy-division-and-new-order-master-tapes-in-basement/

IMNZ News

International and Industry Action

Otis Mace, Sandra Bell and Jay Clarkson are three of the eight New Zealand poets being sent to New York for a very special event. For two years Jim Wilson travelled to cities and towns throughout the USA and put poem posters by Kiwi poets on poles, walls and in cafes and stores. Then a dedicated group of volunteers also put these poem posters up in cities around the world from London, Glasgow, Paris and Vienna through to Sydney, Australia. Back home in New Zealand, Wilson's company Phantom Billstickers Ltd has put up thousands of Kiwi poems on walls and poster bollards from Invercargill to Whangarei. Now eight of New Zealand's finest poets bring their voices, hearts, and words to a live performance poetry event in New York City. The Phantom Billstickers Poems on Posters initiative has attracted much interest and attention from radio stations, newspaper columns, and blogs, but more importantly (much more importantly) the poems themselves have been read on the streets. The poems on posters capture the interest of the passer-by and this is what makes all the difference. These performers are hand-picked rugged individualists, energetic imagineers, who will bring you poetry in motion from far-flung degrees of latitude, with a Kiwi-consciousness-raising cabaret, by turns eclectic, electric, comic, melancholic, idiosyncratic and euphoric. Spiraling out of the South Pacific to stand and deliver stories and lyrics about oceanic love, environmental vigilance, and the dramatic dilemmas of identity, this flying circus of Kiwiana activists, Pasifika scene-painters, fretboard-fingering songsters, acrobatic word-jugglers and megaphone motormouths promises to carry you across the date-line and re-orientate your inner global positioning satellite, all in the course of just one colorful evening.
The Poets From New Zealand to Perform in New York on February 28, 2012 are:
Jeffrey Paparoa Holman / David Eggleton / Hinemoana Baker / Sandra Bell / Jay Clarkson / Pamela Gordon (reading Janet Frame) / Otis Mace / Tusiata Avia
Many other Kiwi poets have lent their voice to this project since its inception in 2009.  Several prominent American poets have also participated.
Two American Poets Making a Special Guest Appearance at this Event are: Gerald Stern (National Book Award winner) and  Jeffrey McCaleb (The Bard of Cookeville, Tennessee).
You can read about the Phantom Billstickers Poems on Posters project as well as Jim Wilson's articles on postering in cities across the USA at http://www.0800phantom.co.nz/blog/poetry

New release fanfare

Almost one year ago on February 22, Christchurch, New Zealand was rocked by a 6.3 magnitude earthquake in which 181 people tragically lost their lives. The rest of the country mourned alongside the devastated city, the collective national grief over nature's wrath seemingly magnified on a global scale a month later when Japan was rocked by a 9.0 magnitude earthquake in which over 18,000 people lost their lives. To this day, both nationally and internationally, the healing and rebuilding process continues. Music Collective The Hypnotics have written and recorded an original track called "Be Right There" in the hope that it may bring comfort and positive inspiration to all those affected. They believe that although Christchurch's physical foundation may have given way beneath them, its people’s collective resolve to rebuild hasn't; and even though it seems that almost a year later, the aftershocks aren't letting up; they pray that this original song of theirs can be of humble inspiration to all to not let up the hope themselves. All proceeds from the single will go directly to “The Canterbury Earthquake Children's Trust” to aid children in the area who have lost parents through the tragedy. Available on Amplifier, Digirama, Flybuys, iTunes, Vodafone & Telecom NZ.  Buy yourself a copy today of a great song and support a great cause." Click here to purchase the track on iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/nz/album/be-right-there-single/id502423977

On the live front

This Saturday February 18 set aside an afternoon to hear one of the most acclaimed melodic pop bands in New Zealand play at the unique venue Silo Park. The Phoenix Foundation will be gracing the Silo Park stage with their unique blend of catchy pop tunes and psychedelic rock, an act suited to attending on a balmy summer’s day. They will be ably supported by Bannerman - if his new album, Dearly Departed, is anything to go by, be prepared for quiet corners of folk, jaunty alt country, some serious guitar brutality and hope-filled pop torch-songs. The Silo Sessions presented by The Phoenix Foundation and Bannerman. Free & family friendly. http://silopark.co.nz/silo-sessions/presented-by-the-phoenix-foundation-2/

Not only does Bali have kickass surf, it's also home to some seriously heavy metal - like, in the literal sense. Balinese gamelans are an arsenal of heavy bronze percussion instruments; exotic, frenetic and furious, and Wellington-based group Gamelan Taniwha Jaya has reinvented the live songs of Minuit which they'll be blasting out together on stage for the first time at Homegrown this weekend. Already well known for their energetic live shows, Minuit say "it's definitely been a challenge adding twelve more players to the band, but its completely kickass! Why didnt we do it before? Oh that's right, we need a small truck to move everyone". Onstage, up to twelve players - plus the Minuit trio - arrange themselves amongst these intricately crafted instruments, where one moment the music is beautifully delicate and shimmering; the next, rhythmic and mesmerising - some parts so rapid that two players are needed to play overlapping parts. And of course there's the big gongs. It's a curious showcase. And it's LOUD! Homegrown is sold out, so if you have a ticket make sure you get along to the Red Bull Lab Stage between 8-9pm. Or check them out at WOMAD, Taranaki on Sunday 18 March. You can also hear excerpts from rehearsals and a chat with the band on Music 101, Saturday 18 February on Radio New Zealand National.
http://www.amplifier.co.nz/news/82761/minuit-to-play-with-balinese-gamelan-at-homegrown.html

Around the World

Jamie Oliver finds Joy Division and New Order master tapes in basement
Naked Chef Jamie Oliver discovered a haul of treasure worth over one million pounds in the basement of a Manchester restaurant he recently bought. Holy Moly reported that among the jewels, gold and a collection of guns were rare Joy Division and New Order master tapes. The restaurant building was previously a branch of Midland bank. The musical goldmine was hidden in a safety deposit box among hundreds of other boxes under the old bank. Attempts to find the owners of most boxes were futile so the Bank of England opened each using a drill. The celebrity chef has since given all the findings to the national treasury. Later this month, New Order will make their first visit to Australia and New Zealand in ten years.
http://www.themusicnetwork.com/music-news/artists/2012/02/15/jamie-oliver-finds-joy-division-and-new-order-master-tapes-in-basement/

There's been some nice press coverage recently about some of our hardworking IMNZ members...The New Zealand Herald's William Dart talks with Ode's Roger Marbeck: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/music/news/article.cfm?c_id=264&objectid=10783363 Here's a piece about Powertool Records' Andrew Maitai: http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/western-leader/4486604/Powering-ahead-with-a-passion-for-music
And apologies for not getting the news out to you last week - I had to take some unexpected time off - but congratulations to the Parachute Band who pipped Six60 at the top spot in the Album Chart. Here are last week's charts if you'd like to investigate: http://www...indies.co.nz/imnz-album-singles-chart.html

IMNZ News
The Tui for the Best Folk Album was presented on January 29 to Amiria Grenell by the Recording Industry Association of New Zealand (RIANZ) at the Auckland Folk Festival in Kumeu (West Auckland). The other finalists were Mel Parsons from Westland and Otago quartet The Chaps. After over 35 years of gallant service to the NZ Music Industry James Moss, the man behind legendary Jayrem label has decided to hang his distributor’s hat on the hook and depart our fair shores. Jayrem and Border Music have always had a very close relationship (Border was born out of the same Wellington office many years ago!), so, knowing that they would look after his ‘babies’ James has handed his stock to Border to continue distribution. New Zealand singer songwriter Flip Grater has had a busy and exciting few years, gaining French representation with music management and branding company So-U, securing agents for six new territories, signing a deal with German label Make My Day and completing four European tours including a support tour for popular French band Cocoon. The indie singer’s signing to French indie label Vicious Circle is the latest in her string of new business partnerships. In news from Dudley Benson, at Golden Retriever HQ, freshly in is the second pressing of his double live album, Live Series: Volume One. If you'd like a copy of the deluxe 2CD of concert recordings from 2008 and 2010 with six individual artwork cards by Nigel Brown, buy it at The Shop, or for the digital version pop over to Bandcamp. Designed by Saskia Nicol, a shot of the packaging will be attached. Two Frequency Media Group artists are set to take their music to international audiences with the announcement that local Drum & Bass icon Concord Dawn will play four dates across India in February. Additionally NZ chart topping Hip-Hop artist David Dallas will cross the Tasman to celebrate the release of The Rose Tint Deluxe Edition with four Australian dates. There is no denying it's been a massive few months for Six60 - two platinum singles; one double platinum single; a double platinum album that hasn't been out of the Top 10 since it debuted at No. 1 back in October; and a completely sold out summer tour that saw them play to over 15,000 people in just seven days. Now Six60 are about to embark on their first world tour. First up is New Zealand, where the band will hit a few towns they didn't get to during their summer tour. Then they'll head back over to Australia for their fourth headline tour to celebrate their Australian album release. Next stop is the UK where they have already sold out two London shows! Then Europe and finally America...

New release fanfare
The Black Seeds feature on the new WOMAD 2012 collection, which celebrates another groundbreaking year with a list of acts as diverse as ever.
Sinate return for NZ Metal fans and have recorded their most brutal album yet - ‘To The Death’ is Sinate like you’ve never heard them before.
Alizarin Lizard are four young men intent on avoiding the real world by living in one huge musical party until it all goes horribly wrong. he Weekend Went Without You is a beautiful album of slightly left of centre pop, maintaining an edge but really excelling in writing songs which a lot of people can get into. The boys are about to head off on another sizeable tour, covering Whangarei to Invercargill and pretty much everywhere in between (eg Napier, Wairoa, Rotorua, Dargaville, Riverton, Bluff and tons more).  Ladi6, P-Money & Dan Aux, David Dallas and Tiki are amongst the artists presented on the George FM Yearbook 2011. Kapabal is offering a FREE download of an EP (5 tracks) that he has put together to say thanks to his fans for all the support during 2011 - it also nicely coincides with his Facebook page reaching 6,000 likes. The Brunettes’ 2004 sophomore album 'Mars Loves Venus' is finally available on vinyl…and in a limited edition colour. http://www.marbecks.co.nz/detail/index.lsd?catalogID=856037

Auckland songstress Lydia Cole releases her debut album 'Me and Moon' presenting more acoustic, delicate and light melodies accompanied by intimate and sparse vocals. Andrew Uren’s Steep Steps is a CD of outstanding bass clarinet music from New Zealand and elsewhere, in the solo, ensemble, and chamber concerto genres. Performed by Uren with performers 175 East, Stroma, Sarah Watkins, Lenny Sakofsky, Katherine Hebley, James Gardner, Timothy Sutton and Matthias Erdrich. Tales of Panapa is composed by Gary Daverne and narrated by David Weatherly with the Auckland Aotea Art Ed Choir. Co-writers are Phil Mark and Rosemary Cranswick. Tales Of Panapa is comprised of two stories based around a wise old village elder called “Panapa” - The Mountain Fairies and The Floating Island - based on legends, telling of the need for sacredness and respect when using our environment. Colin Hemmingsen is a name synonymous with jazz in New Zealand, and his reputation as a composer, performer and improviser has spread well beyond these shores. Mike Nock's 40-odd minute composition Transformations was recorded live on October 1st, 2011 at IlottTheatre, Wellington and here Colin Hemmingsen (saxophones, clarinet) is joined by the New Zealand String Quartet, Nick Tipping (bass) and John Rae (drums). Sketches features the compositions of Mike Nock, Phil Broadhurst and John Rae as played by Colin Hemmingsen (saxophones, bassoon). On Martin Riseley's 'Lilburn Master Works for Strings', Martin Riseley (violin) with The Chamber Players of The New Zealand School of Music performs selected works of Lilburn (composed in the 1940s and 1950s).

On the live front

Singer-songwriter Jackie Bristow is a southern girl at heart. Born and raised in Gore, this kiwi has found her wings. Now living in Austin, TX, listeners can hardly discern her lilting kiwi accent when she sings her own brand of alt-country roots rock. After releasing her third album Freedom in New Zealand and Australia and touring in support of Shawn Mullins, Bristow returned to the USA in February 2011 as the opening act for internationally acclaimed guitar legend Tommy Emmanuel.  She starts her New Zealand tour next Friday 17 February in New Plymouth, travelling the country until her final show at Howick's Uxbridge Arts Centre on March 10. Local electronic producer and DJ Scratch 22 has been announced as the support act for Mayer Hawthorne’s upcoming New Zealand tour dates.  Last September saw Little Bushman and Electric Wire Hustle team up for two sell out nights of vibrant psychedelic and soul music at one of Wellington’s premier live venues, the San Francisco Bathhouse. Both bands and audiences alike enjoyed it so much they thought it best to take it on the road. Both bands are also looking forward to the opportunity to play in Christchurch where they will perform in the beautiful garden setting of Deans Bush, the location of Riccarton House that was badly damaged in the earthquakes.
Antagonist A.D have been confirmed to open for A Day To Remember on their one & only NZ tour date.


Around the World

We have two stories this week...
Finalists announced for Australian Music Prize

The shortlist for this year’s Australian Music Prize has been announced, with the following nine artists in the running for $30,000, and bragging rights. The shortlist features:
Abbe May – Design Desire
Adalita – Adalita
Boy & Bear – Moonfire
Gotye – Making Mirrors
Gurrumul – Rralaka
Jack Ladder & The Dreamlanders – Hurtsville
The Jezabels – Prisoner
Kimbra – Vows
The Middle East – I Want That You Are Always Happy
The shortlist was decided by a panel of 42 industry, artist and media judges. The winner will be announced at an event at the Sydney Opera House Thursday 8 March. New York based Rolling Stone veteran journalist David Fricke will deliver a keynote speech for the event.
http://themusic.com.au/newsletter/4098/the-amp-s-shortlist-of-nine-announced

These Dressing Rooms Change Their Music to Match the Clothing Being Tried...
The motivational power of music can be astounding, which is exactly why retailers use it to sell products everyday. In fact, there are a number of companies that are focused entirely on creating in-store listening experiences that make customers more likely to buy stuff. 
By now it's basic retailing, but a concept called 'musical dressing rooms' is taking things to an entirely new level.  Over the past few months, a group of clothing stores in Singapore has been dynamically shifting the music that plays in dressing rooms to increase the chances of a final sale.  In the pilot, a collection of 10,000 songs from 16 different genres shifted according to the article of clothing being tried.  The article of clothing then mapped to the demographic in question: male, female, younger, older, hip, utilitarian, whatever.
The system basically works with RFID chips affixed to the merchandise, an installed RFID reader in the dressing room, and directional speakers that go straight to the person trying on the clothing.  This diagram was presented at Midem by UK-based marketing firm Contagious, which actually put the concept (and network of clothing retailers) together for the Singapore-based StarHub Online Music Store.
Check it out: http://digitalmusicnews.com/permalink/2012/120207dressing

There's been some nice press coverage recently about some of our hardworking IMNZ members...
The New Zealand Herald's William Dart talks with Ode's Roger Marbeck: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/music/news/article.cfm?c_id=264&objectid=10783363
Here's a piece about Powertool Records' Andrew Maitai: http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/western-leader/4486604/Powering-ahead-with-a-passion-for-music
And apologies for not getting the news out to you last week - I had to take some unexpected time off - but congratulations to the Parachute Band who pipped Six60 at the top spot in the Album Chart. Here are last week's charts if you'd like to investigate: http://www...indies.co.nz/imnz-album-singles-chart.html

IMNZ News
The Tui for the Best Folk Album was presented on January 29 to Amiria Grenell by the Recording Industry Association of New Zealand (RIANZ) at the Auckland Folk Festival in Kumeu (West Auckland). The other finalists were Mel Parsons from Westland and Otago quartet The Chaps. Lyttelton-based Amiria recorded ‘Three Feathers’ at the Grenell farm in Whitecliffs and family links run thick through the recording with older brother Oakley on production and arrangement, brother Redford featuring on drums, and guest appearances from partner Tola and Grenell’s father, New Zealand country music legend John Grenell. Released in September 2011, Three Feathers’ ranges stylistically from folk to reggae, country to blues. At age 10 Amiria played the violin, she also began playing the guitar and making up her own chords. Her first EP, ‘Cola Monti’, was released in 2005 and the following year she made her first full length album, ‘Kapowhai’. Amiria has since graduated from NASDA (National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art) with a Performing Arts Degree. http://www.amiriagrenell.co.nz/

After over 35 years of gallant service to the NZ Music Industry James Moss, the man behind legendary Jayrem label has decided to hang his distributor’s hat on the hook and depart our fair shores. Jayrem and Border Music have always had a very close relationship (Border was born out of the same Wellington office many years ago!), so, knowing that they would look after his ‘babies’ James has handed his stock to Border to continue distribution. Rarely in the mainstream of pop/rock, Jayrem Records album releases have tended to reflect James' eclectic and specialist tastes - Maori (Wai, Patea Maori Club, Aotearoa, Apanui, Dalvanius Prime, Upper Hutt Posse, Elena, Tuahine, Big Belly Woman, Brannigan Kaa, Roger Cunningham, Aotearoa Maori Chorale), reggae (Dread Beat & Blood, David Grace & Injustice, Sticks And Shanty, Simon & Fire), women singer/songwriters (Mahinarangi Tocker, Charlotte Yates, Jan Preston, Hinemoana Baker, Jordan Reyne, Donna Muir), contemporary instrumental (Brendan Power), country (Roger Tibbs, The Cattlestops, Ann Pascoe), jazz/blues (Midge Marsden, Hot Club Sandwich, Kokomo, Rodger Fox, Sonia Bullot, Bullfrog Rata), poetry (Bill Manhire, Sam Hunt, Jenny Bornholdt, Michele Leggott) and childrens (Fatcat & Fishface).

New Zealand singer songwriter Flip Grater has had a busy and exciting few years, gaining French representation with music management and branding company So-U, securing agents for six new territories, signing a deal with German label Make My Day and completing four European tours including a support tour for popular French band Cocoon. The indie singer’s signing to French indie label Vicious Circle is the latest in her string of new business partnerships. The deal includes France as well as the UK and will see Flip based in Paris for most of 2012 to write and record her forth studio album. Past releases by Vicious Circle include the collaborative album by Yann Tiersen (who wrote the soundtrack for the French film Amelie) and Shannon Wright. After touring NZ as a member of collaborative band Fly My Pretties in late 2011, Flip has spent the southern hemisphere summer promoting her latest book The Cookbook Tour Europe - a collection of stories from her tours through Europe which includes collected recipes and a special release CD. This month Flip will head to South America to collaborate and perform with Brazilian folk singer Bruno Morais before beginning a March tour in Italy with Herve Peroncini, the frontman of Italian pop-punk band The Peawees. Flip was also recently confirmed as the support act for an upcoming Germany tour with acclaimed French band Aaron. Vicious Circle: http://www.viciouscircle.fr/

In news from Dudley Benson, at Golden Retriever HQ, freshly in is the second pressing of his double live album, Live Series: Volume One. If you'd like a copy of the deluxe 2CD of concert recordings from 2008 and 2010 with six individual artwork cards by Nigel Brown, buy it at The Shop, or for the digital version pop over to Bandcamp. Designed by Saskia Nicol, a shot of the packaging will be attached.

Two Frequency Media Group artists are set to take their music to international audiences with the announcement that local Drum & Bass icon Concord Dawn will play four dates across India in February. Additionally NZ chart topping Hip-Hop artist David Dallas will cross the Tasman to celebrate the release of The Rose Tint Deluxe Edition with four Australian dates. After returning to New Zealand from Vienna to play shows over the New Zealand summer, Concord Dawn (aka Matthew Harvey) is taking his critically acclaimed brand of Drum & Bass to audiences in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore and Pune, headlining the fourth installment of India’s Bass Camp Festival, the country’s only Bass-heavy music festival. After a huge few months in New Zealand which saw the deluxe edition of his NZ Music Award nominated album The Rose Tint become the highest charting Hip Hop album of 2011 in NZ, New York based Kiwi David Dallas is set to play four shows across the east coast of Australia to support the album’s release across the Tasman. 2011 saw David Dallas dominating the local music scene in NZ, clocking up over 60,000 downloads of his free album The Rose Tint as well as having his music videos play-listed on U.S & Australian MTV networks and being nominated for three NZ Music Awards including album of the year.

There is no denying it's been a massive few months for Six60 - two platinum singles; one double platinum single; a double platinum album that hasn't been out of the Top 10 since it debuted at No. 1 back in October; and a completely sold out summer tour that saw them play to over 15,000 people in just seven days. Now Six60 are about to embark on their first world tour. First up is New Zealand, where the band will hit a few towns they didn't get to during their summer tour. Then they'll head back over to Australia for their fourth headline tour to celebrate their Australian album release. Next stop is the UK where they have already sold out two London shows! Then Europe and finally America... http://www.six60.co.nz/


New release fanfare

The Black Seeds feature on the new WOMAD 2012 collection, which celebrates another groundbreaking year with a list of acts as diverse as ever. Other artists featured include The Pajama Club, Baaba Mal, Gurrumul, Lo’Jo  and many more, it’s the best way to get a taste of music from the festival or relive the sound once the festival has passed. The CD comes nicely digi packed this year
too. http://cartellmusic.com.au/

Sinate return for NZ Metal fans and have recorded their most brutal album yet - ‘To The Death’ is Sinate like you’ve never heard them before. The band which released their first two albums barely a year apart may have taken some time to put out this record, but the final product has only benefitted. With Sweden based Pelle Seather (Corporation 187, Carnal Forge) taking care of production duties for a second time, this recording has that monster production the swedish metal releases are revered for and at the same time sees Sinate reach new heights in terms of song writing and technicality. A must for all NZ metal fans. http://www.sinateband.com/

Alizarin Lizard are four young men intent on avoiding the real world by living in one huge musical party until it all goes horribly wrong. The Lizard was forged in late 2008 amid chaos and confusion, and spent the next year concocting weird pop songs and freaking out the punters. During one of the longest band tours around NZ in 2010, the band tightened up and shook off a touch of their psychedelic jacket before returning home to Dunedin to record their debut EP Oh, Colour. Another massive tour is scheduled and the album is here! The Weekend Went Without You is a beautiful album of slightly left of centre pop, maintaining an edge but really excelling in writing songs which a lot of people can get into. The boys are about to head off on another sizeable tour, covering Whangarei to Invercargill and pretty much everywhere in between (eg Napier, Wairoa, Rotorua, Dargaville, Riverton, Bluff and tons more).  http://alizarinlizard.tumblr.com/

Ladi6, P-Money & Dan Aux, David Dallas and Tiki are amongst the artists presented on the George FM Yearbook 2011. George FM have let the listeners vote for the top tracks from their airwaves in 2011 and had them all mixed up by the mix-master himself Dick ‘Magik’ Johnson. 2011 was a year where local acts made a big impact, sitting alongside big international tunes from around the world. The George FM Yearbook 2011 is released Monday 13th February in all good record stores and online. Head to www.georgefm.co.nz for more information.

Kapabal is offering a FREE download of an EP (5 tracks) that he has put together to say thanks to his fans for all the support during 2011 - it also nicely coincides with his Facebook page reaching 6,000 likes.
The Brunettes’ 2004 sophomore album 'Mars Loves Venus' is finally available on vinyl…and in a limited edition colour. http://www.marbecks.co.nz/detail/index.lsd?catalogID=856037

Auckland songstress Lydia Cole releases her debut album 'Me and Moon' presenting more acoustic, delicate and light melodies accompanied by intimate and sparse vocals. Read more...

Andrew Uren’s Steep Steps is a CD of outstanding bass clarinet music from New Zealand and elsewhere, in the solo, ensemble, and chamber concerto genres. Performed by Uren with performers 175 East, Stroma, Sarah Watkins, Lenny Sakofsky, Katherine Hebley, James Gardner, Timothy Sutton and Matthias Erdrich. Read more...
Tales of Panapa is composed by Gary Daverne and narrated by David Weatherly with the Auckland Aotea Art Ed Choir. Co-writers are Phil Mark and Rosemary Cranswick. Tales Of Panapa is comprised of two stories based around a wise old village elder called “Panapa” - The Mountain Fairies and The Floating Island - based on legends, telling of the need for sacredness and respect when using our environment. Read more...

Colin Hemmingsen is a name synonymous with jazz in New Zealand, and his reputation as a composer, performer and improviser has spread well beyond these shores. Mike Nock's 40-odd minute composition Transformations was recorded live on October 1st, 2011 at IlottTheatre, Wellington and here Colin Hemmingsen (saxophones, clarinet) is joined by the New Zealand String Quartet, Nick Tipping (bass) and John Rae (drums). Sketches features the compositions of Mike Nock, Phil Broadhurst and John Rae as played by Colin Hemmingsen (saxophones, bassoon). Read more...

On Martin Riseley's 'Lilburn Master Works for Strings', Martin Riseley (violin) with The Chamber Players of The New Zealand School of Music performs selected works of Lilburn (composed in the 1940s and 1950s).
Read more…


On the live front

Singer-songwriter Jackie Bristow is a southern girl at heart. Born and raised in Gore, this kiwi has found her wings. Now living in Austin, TX, listeners can hardly discern her lilting kiwi accent when she sings her own brand of alt-country roots rock. After releasing her third album Freedom in New Zealand and Australia and touring in support of Shawn Mullins, Bristow returned to the USA in February 2011 as the opening act for internationally acclaimed guitar legend Tommy Emmanuel. Playing to sold out 1,500+ capacity theatres, Jackie is at home on the stage. 2011 was a very successful year in the US, touring and opening for some big names - Marc Cohn, John Waite, BJ Thomas, John Oates, Bettye Lavette, Joe Ely, Jimmy Lafave, Marcia Ball, Charlie Robison and Bob Schneider and in past years Daniel Lanois, Art Garfunkel, Phoebe Snow, Madeleine Peyroux, Jimmy Webb to name a few. Her new album Freedom has received national airplay and garnered generous praise from top critics. She starts her New Zealand tour next Friday 17 February in New Plymouth, travelling the country until her final show at Howick's Uxbridge Arts Centre on March 10.

Local electronic producer and DJ Scratch 22 has been announced as the support act for Mayer Hawthorne’s upcoming New Zealand tour dates.  Scratch 22 will support the Detroit crooner at both his Wellington show at San Francisco Bathhouse on February 22nd and his Auckland show at The Powerstation on February 23rd. 2011 saw the release of Scratch 22’s critically praised album Distance From View and saw him head over to Paris to represent New Zealand after winning the 2010 NZ Red Bull Fre3style competition. As well as releasing his own music Scratch 22 (aka Rodi kirk) has put his unique spin on other musicians’ music, remixing tracks for the likes of Homebrew, Electric Wire Hustle and Annabel Fay.
Last September saw Little Bushman and Electric Wire Hustle team up for two sell out nights of vibrant psychedelic and soul music at one of Wellington’s premier live venues, the San Francisco Bathhouse. Both bands and audiences alike enjoyed it so much they thought it best to take it on the road. After the release of their 3rd studio album Te Oranga, Little Bushman wowed audiences throughout Australia, including the prestigious Byron Bay Blues fest and are currently planning a returning mid 2012.These shows also mark the final performances in New Zealand for Electric Wire Hustle this summer before they head onto Europe for 6 months via stop offs in Australia and the USA. EWH are very excited to share some new material from their forthcoming sophmore album with the home crowd before taking it international with performances at WOMAD in Adelaide and SXSW in Austin, Texas in March. Both bands are also looking forward to the opportunity to play in Christchurch where they will perform in the beautiful garden setting of Deans Bush, the location of Riccarton House that was badly damaged in the earthquakes. Taste Events at Riccarton House have staged a series of outdoor concerts at Deans Bush to provide some entertainment and fun to Christchurch citizens and to help Taste Catering survive until the house can be rebuilt. Electric Wire Hustle will perform a solo show in Wellington at San Francisco Bathhouse where they will play an extended set to farewell their home crowd on the 2nd of March. Tickets from www.cosmicticketing.co.nz and Cosmic stores Auckland, Wellington & Christchurch.
www.electricwirehustle.com
www.littlebushman.com

Antagonist A.D have been confirmed to open for A Day To Remember on their one & only NZ tour date.


Around the World

We have two stories this week...
Finalists announced for Australian Music Prize

The shortlist for this year’s Australian Music Prize has been announced, with the following nine artists in the running for $30,000, and bragging rights. The shortlist features:
Abbe May – Design Desire
Adalita – Adalita
Boy & Bear – Moonfire
Gotye – Making Mirrors
Gurrumul – Rralaka
Jack Ladder & The Dreamlanders – Hurtsville
The Jezabels – Prisoner
Kimbra – Vows
The Middle East – I Want That You Are Always Happy
The shortlist was decided by a panel of 42 industry, artist and media judges. The winner will be announced at an event at the Sydney Opera House Thursday 8 March. New York based Rolling Stone veteran journalist David Fricke will deliver a keynote speech for the event.
http://themusic.com.au/newsletter/4098/the-amp-s-shortlist-of-nine-announced

These Dressing Rooms Change Their Music to Match the Clothing Being Tried...
The motivational power of music can be astounding, which is exactly why retailers use it to sell products everyday. In fact, there are a number of companies that are focused entirely on creating in-store listening experiences that make customers more likely to buy stuff. 
By now it's basic retailing, but a concept called 'musical dressing rooms' is taking things to an entirely new level.  Over the past few months, a group of clothing stores in Singapore has been dynamically shifting the music that plays in dressing rooms to increase the chances of a final sale.  In the pilot, a collection of 10,000 songs from 16 different genres shifted according to the article of clothing being tried.  The article of clothing then mapped to the demographic in question: male, female, younger, older, hip, utilitarian, whatever.
The system basically works with RFID chips affixed to the merchandise, an installed RFID reader in the dressing room, and directional speakers that go straight to the person trying on the clothing.  This diagram was presented at Midem by UK-based marketing firm Contagious, which actually put the concept (and network of clothing retailers) together for the Singapore-based StarHub Online Music Store.
Check it out: http://digitalmusicnews.com/permalink/2012/120207dressing

The Taite Music Prize 2012: Nominations are about to close!

The nominations for the Taite Music Prize 2012 close on MONDAY 23 JANUARY.

Any New Zealand album released during 2011 is eligible for nomination for the Taite Music Prize 2012. Non-IMNZ members will be invoiced a $25 nomination fee per album, and each label/distributor can nominate up to 5 albums. Also required are 2 CD copies of the album for the judging process.

Further details about the nomination criteria can be found here: http://www.indies.co.nz/taite-music-prize/124-taite-rules-and-judging-criteria.html

And the nomination form is here: http://www.indies.co.nz/taite-nomination-form.html

Happy New Year! And if you have the post-holiday blues, never fear, there are some fantastic summer shows over the next few weeks to cheer you up...

International and Industry Action
The Big Day Out has announced a partnership with C3 Presents, the US-based promoter of Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits Music Festival. This is an innovative move by Big Day Out founder Ken West which establishes a massive platform for the festival's expansion. Austin City Limits Music Festival and Lollapalooza each draw more than 200,000 people annually, and Lollapalooza has recently expanded into Latin America.
Learn more about the Big Day Out and its vast history here:  http://bigdayout.com/vault/

New release fanfare
Rackets formed in 2009, perfect chemistry was formed when Oscar Davies-Kay and Vince Nairn invited fellow man-about-town Jeremy Potts to jam along. After the success of the 2 previous releases the latest chapter of the Rackets saga was birthed out of a relationship with Levi Beamish of Chrysalis Films. The idea was to shoot six music videos forming one grand narrative and creating the most hype by stretching it out over a 2 month period. These 6 videos spurned 6 seven-inch pressings… now all conveniently compiled on the very obviously titled full-length CD: Rackets.


On the live front
Cobra Khan will be playing the Auckland leg of a two date NZ tour with local pioneers of big instrumental rock, Kerretta, who have announced they will play two New Zealand shows before heading off for an extensive tour of Europe in February/March of 2012. Kerretta will play Wellington’s Mighty Mighty on January 21st with Force Fields and Auckland’s Kings Arms Tavern on January 28th with Cobra Khan.  Nikau Rhythm have announced the line up for their fifth annual ‘Anniversary Weekend Show’ at the Coroglen Tavern in the Coromandel: on January 28th 2012 be set to have your mind blown by some of the biggest Drum & Bass and Dubstep artists New Zealand has to offer. Iconic D&B act Concord Dawn return from Europe to play this special fifth-year anniversary. After having a huge year in 2011, D&B duo State of Mind and Dubstep juggernaut Bulletproof will both bring their unique live set to the Coroglen Tavern. Incognito and MC Rugged Tekniques join them to round out this epic line-up. I Am Giant have to returned to NZ for their biggest national tour to date. oining them on most of the dates are the electrifying powerhouse that is Cairo Knife Fight. CNF who released their second EP “II” via Liberation Music in August 2011, is comprised of drummer / lead vocalist Nick Gaffaney and
Aaron Tokona on guitar. Together, this potent pair issues forth pulsating guitar riffs illuminated with haunting vocals and phantasmal effects which have taken the stage alongside Foo Fighters, Them Crooked Vultures and Queens of The Stone Age.
Tickets on sale now from NZ Tix www.nztix.co.nz <http://www.nztix.co.nz> and Selected Venues

Knights of the Dub Table are set to hit 6 cities in 3 weekends for the official tour of their recently released debut album ‘Way of the Dub’. The tour will kick start in the bands hometown of Hamilton on the 3rd of February in the bar which they deem the birthplace of the band, the legendary Flow Bar. Knights of the DUB Table will be supported by a variety of talented kiwi artists throughout their month on the road, including Tui Soundsystem, Kingshifta, Soul Society and DJ Briggsy. http://knightsofthedubtable.com

Wildly popular music-comedy sensation The Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra is back on the road this summer with its newest record, “I Love You…”, another serving of infectious, ukulele-infused hit songs. Led by Age Pryor (Fly My Pretties, Woolshed Sessions), the Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra formed six years ago at a tiny café in Wellington and has since become a cult favourite, causing a mad scramble for tickets wherever it goes. All ticketing and tour info is at: www.ukulele.co.nz
The Big Day Out presents a Big Night In with Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Ghost Wave and She’s So Rad at the King’s Arms on Thursday 19 January. Tickets on sale now from www.undertheradar.co.nz and Real Groovy.

Happy New Year! And if you have the post-holiday blues, never fear, there are some fantastic summer shows over the next few weeks to cheer you up...

International and Industry Action
The Big Day Out has announced a partnership with C3 Presents, the US-based promoter of Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits Music Festival. Big Day Out and C3 will collaborate in the continued growth and expansion of the Big Day Out in Australia and New Zealand with the union of talent development, creative execution and production, commercial excellence and innovation to expand on what a global music business can achieve. 
C3 Presents, with its rapid expansion of festivals and touring activity in the South American market, along with its depth of relationships with artists and audiences in the US, will work with Big Day Out to focus particular attention on what their Trans-Pacific relationship can offer to increase opportunities for Australian, Kiwi and international artists across the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. This is an innovative move by Big Day Out founder Ken West which establishes a massive platform for the festival's expansion. Austin City Limits Music Festival and Lollapalooza each draw more than 200,000 people annually, and Lollapalooza has recently expanded into Latin America.
Learn more about the Big Day Out and its vast history here:  http://bigdayout.com/vault/

New release fanfare
Rackets formed in 2009, perfect chemistry was formed when Oscar Davies-Kay and Vince Nairn invited fellow man-about-town Jeremy Potts to jam along. After the success of the 2 previous releases the latest chapter of the Rackets saga was birthed out of a relationship with Levi Beamish of Chrysalis Films. The idea was to shoot six music videos forming one grand narrative and creating the most hype by stretching it out over a 2 month period. Rackets are constantly looking forward into the future to accomplish things that haven’t been done. These 6 videos spurned 6 seven-inch pressings… now all conveniently compiled on the very obviously titled full-length CD: Rackets.


On the live front
Cobra Khan will be playing the Auckland leg of a two date NZ tour with local pioneers of big instrumental rock, Kerretta, who have announced they will play two New Zealand shows before heading off for an extensive tour of Europe in February/March of 2012. Kerretta will play Wellington’s Mighty Mighty on January 21st with Force Fields and Auckland’s Kings Arms Tavern on January 28th with Cobra Khan. Along with the two New Zealand dates Kerretta will head over to Europe to showcase their big brash sound to audiences in Germany, France, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Austria, Belgium, Croatia and The Netherlands, playing 23 dates across the continent. 2011 saw Kerretta release Saansilo, the follow-up to their critically praised debut album Vilayer, and the Auckland based trio have previously been nominated for the Taite Music Prize in 2010 and have built a strong following across New Zealand, Australia and Europe. www.myspace.com/kerretta

Nikau Rhythm have announced the line up for their fifth annual ‘Anniversary Weekend Show’ at the Coroglen Tavern in the Coromandel: on January 28th 2012 be set to have your mind blown by some of the biggest Drum & Bass and Dubstep artists New Zealand has to offer. Iconic D&B act Concord Dawn return from Europe to play the special fifth-year anniversary of what has become a must-attend event for dance music fans across New Zealand, heading to the beautiful Coromandel for a long weekend of great music. After having a huge year in 2011, D&B duo State of Mind and Dubstep juggernaut Bulletproof will both bring their unique live set to the Coroglen Tavern. Incognito and MC Rugged Tekniques join them to round out this epic line-up. So get your crew ready and get your tickets quick because this show will sell out. Tickets are available from iTicket, Real Groovy Records, Funktion (Whitianga), Conch Records and from the venue. Camping and additional parking will also be available across the road from the Coroglen Tavern. You don’t want to miss this!

I Am Giant have to returned to NZ for their biggest national tour to date. 2011 was a massive year for I Am Giant – their debut album ‘The Horrifying Truth’ debuted No 2 in the charts and is nearly gold; it was the highest selling NZ rock album of 2011 and produced five massive number 1 Rock hits – ‘City Limits’, ‘Neon Sunrise’, ‘Living The Crash’, ‘And We’ll Defy’ and ‘Let It Go’. The I Am Giant ‘Let It Go Summer Tour’ sees the band touring the depth and breadth of New Zealand from Russell all the way to Invercargill. Joining them on most of the dates are the electrifying powerhouse that is Cairo Knife Fight. CNF who released their second EP “II” via Liberation Music in August 2011, is comprised of drummer / lead vocalist Nick Gaffaney and Aaron Tokona on guitar. Together, this potent pair issues forth pulsating guitar riffs illuminated with haunting vocals and phantasmal effects which have taken the stage alongside Foo Fighters, Them Crooked Vultures and Queens of The Stone Age.
Tickets on sale now from NZ Tix www.nztix.co.nz <http://www.nztix.co.nz> and Selected Venues

Knights of the Dub Table are set to hit 6 cities in 3 weekends for the official tour of their recently released debut album ‘Way of the Dub’. The tour will kick start in the bands hometown of Hamilton on the 3rd of February in the bar which they deem the birthplace of the band, the legendary Flow Bar. Other locations for the tour include Auckland, Rotorua, Palmerston North, Gisborne and Wellington. The Knights have made it their goal to do the album justice on the live stage. A lot of thought has been put into the arrangements; buildups, drops and vocal techniques to ensure the Knights bring an uplifting and infectious live experience. Front man Mr Samy’samson says “we want to push the boundaries of our live performance and take the audience to another level”. The band acknowledges the financial hardships at this time and wanted to make the tour affordable to all who wish to share their love of the music. With $10 presales and $15 door sales the event is great value for money - the tour promises at least 5 hours of entertainment per show. Knights of the DUB Table will be supported by a variety of talented kiwi artists throughout their month on the road, including Tui Soundsystem, Kingshifta, Soul Society and DJ Briggsy. http://knightsofthedubtable.com

Wildly popular music-comedy sensation The Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra is back on the road this summer with its newest record, “I Love You…”, another serving of infectious, ukulele-infused hit songs. This tour sees the orchestra play towns and venues never before explored by the band, which is looking forward to bringing its charming swagger to new corners of New Zealand. Led by Age Pryor (Fly My Pretties, Woolshed Sessions), the Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra formed six years ago at a tiny café in Wellington and has since become a cult favourite, causing a mad scramble for tickets wherever it goes. Heavenly harmonies and stunning solos are juxtaposed against hilariously budget special effects, madcap antics and questionable banter, delighting crowds of all ages. If you haven’t yet seen the “unmissable funfest”, get a group together and make a night of it. All ticketing and tour info is at: www.ukulele.co.nz

The Big Day Out presents a Big Night In with Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Ghost Wave and She’s So Rad at the King’s Arms on Thursday 19 January. Three of the outstanding indie acts of 2011 gather forces at Auckland’s home of live alternative music for one big night of party starting action for the 2012 Big Day Out. Unknown Mortal Orchestra capped off an eventful 2011 by cropping up all over Pitchfork’s ‘best of the year’ lists and recruiting a new drummer for their shows downunder. And with Kody Neilson being the one to answer brother Ruban’s call to join up, it’s been a revelation to see the two Mint Chicks main men locked together in playing the furious psychedelic pop jamsthat made UMO one of the bands of 2011 anywhere. They’re joined on the bill by the two new bands grabbing ears on the Auckland scene last year – Ghost Wave and She’s So Rad. Both groups released debut EPs that haunted the top of the alternative charts for months and promise many big things for 2012. Warm up for the Big Day Out alongside UMO, Ghost Wave and She’s So Rad at the Kings Arms, Thursday 19 January. Tickets on sale now from www.undertheradar.co.nz and Real Groovy.

Kaikoura Roots Winner Drawn

Congratulations to Thalia Stewart (who you may know as Stepa) who won the double pass to the Kaikoura Roots festival happening this weekend. She correctly told us that DJ Digital, Soulware and Budspells are all on the bill, alongside some other great acts and DJs such as Salmonella Dub, Kora, Dub FX, Cornerstone Roots, AHoriBuzz, Soulsystem, Soulja, Ecophonix, Tui Soundsystem, Wicked Draw, Motocade, DJs Darcy & Phil, Stinky Jim, Whirimako Black, DLT, Rio Hemopo, Soulware, Left Or Right, DJ Illfigz, Dreadford, DJ Digital, Amiria Grenell and Peasants Of Eden.

For more info, visit http://www.kaikourarootsfestival.com

We are feeling super-Christmassy and would like to offer you the chance to go into the draw to win a double pass to the Kaikoura Roots Festival, running over 2 days from Saturday January 14 to Sunday January 15.

The Kaikoura Roots Festival is back after a five year hiatus and has shifted to a brand new site - complete with beautiful panoramic views of the Kaikoura ranges and lush sprawling paddocks just a stone’s throw from the beach.

The Festival to be held on Saturday 14th – Sunday 15th January 2012 on Old beach Rd (4km North of  the Kaikoura township) will feature performances from Salmonella Dub, Kora, Cornerstone Roots, Ahoribuzz, Soljah, Soulsystem, rock quest winners The Peasants, DJ Digital (UK), Australian acts Budspells, Ash Grunwald and Dub FX plus many more – line up details at www.kaikourarootsfestival.com.

Tickets to the event come in the form of The Kaikoura Roots Festival CD – a CD compilation exclusively produced for festival goers, featuring some of New Zealand’s finest roots, dub, reggae, dancehall, indie, blues, DnB, dubstep and dancehall. These limited edition CDs double as the festival programme and gate entry ticket (each track is coded with the playing time) and are available from www.kaikourarootsfestival.com, Everyman, Cosmic & the Kaikoura iSITE. 

“Our Kaupapa is to produce an interactively creative environment for our artists and audience so, for this reason, capacity is restricted to a maximum of 2200 people on site” said festival co-promoter Andrew Penman.  “The last festival in 2006 was like a good painting that we chose to hang on the wall. Now five years later, with the emergence of some exciting new artists, we are ready to paint another scene with a different palette of musicians and with a stunning new venue as the backdrop”.

Parking and camping are available on site (camp just a few hundred meters of the stage!) and scrumptious food and drink stalls will be serving a wide variety of food options including seafood, ethnic and vegetarian.

For more information see www.kaikourarootsfestival.com

To have the chance to win yourself a double pass, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it by 4pm Friday January 6 and name 3 of the artists playing at the festival.

Congratulations to Jacqui Wairepo who is the lucky winner of a double pass to La De Da this New Year's Eve. She picked Katchafire, Donovan Frankenreiter and Fat Freddy's Drop as 3 acts from the tasty lineup that she'd put on her must-see list.

And if you're feeling lucky, how about entering this week's competition to win a double pass to ONE DROP Matakana on Monday January 2? - featuring Fat Freddy's Drop, TrinityRoots and Cornerstone Roots. Read on for more info...

Plus don’t forget that nominations are open for the Taite Music Prize 2012, which will reward the best New Zealand album released in 2011. Know someone who's put out a great album this year? Tell them to enter - head here for more information.

International and Industry Action
Parachute Festival have just launched their 2012 phone app. And the official Coromandel Gold App is the perfect tool to keep you in the loop with everything happening at the event this New Year s Eve.

New release fanfare
Some new Dub Asylum business has been released: a new digi-EP called Stereo Freeze, out this Monday (Dec 19).  Six songs, some old, some new. Guests include Olly Harris (Kolab) and Chip Matthews (Open Souls). Lotsa melodica in there too.  Hallelujah Picassos retrospective Rewind The Hateman is out now too - and there's a brand new new video, for the song God Gave Us Boom Boom Washington. Over the past two decades, The Renderers have crafted half a dozen albums of intimate psychedelia infused with Southern-fried Americana and noise. A Rocket Into Nothing - crafted during the earthquakes that hit the band's hometown of Christchurch in 2011 - is another extraordinary display of Brian and Maryrose Crook's talent as songwriters and sound sculptors and shows The Renderers as an essential a piece of the diverse New Zealand indie rock puzzle - as much as they were on their first Flying Nun album Trail of Tears (1990). In the past five years Zionhill - hailing from Raglan - have perfected their effortlessly powerful fusion of rock and reggae, leaving audiences wanting more across Aotearoa. Inside Of You is the group's debut album and they're on tour. Keith Statham is an English-born NZ-based composer in his late 70s. His debut album Of Wine And Roses is a collection of chamber music pieces for string quartet and wind soloists -  it's beautiful, lyrical and very English. Craig Smith's third album Not Just For Kids features the APRA award winning children's song of the year (2008)  The Wonky Donkey, plus 9 more fun tracks the whole family will enjoy. This is a must have Children's album and would make a great Christmas gift.

On the live front
The Big Day Out timetable has been announced - here's the goss on when to catch your favourite IMNZ bands: Skate Stage: Ghost Wave 11.45am - 12.15pm, Beastwars 2.15 - 2.45pm, Cairo Knife Fight 3.30 - 4.00pm, I Am Giant 6.30 - 7.15pm; Converse Green Stage: The Wilberforces 10.30 - 11.00am; Boiler Room: David Dallas 12.15 - 1.00pm, Six60 3.15 - 4.00pm, P-Money 7.30 - 8.15pm. At the gateway to Queenstown, nestled in the Kawarau Gorge in Central Otago is The Winehouse. Every second Sunday from January 15th until the 1st of April sees one or two of New Zealand's best: Greg Johnson, Barry Saunders & Lindon Puffin, Jason Kerrison, Hollie Smith, Anika Moa and Julia Deans & Seth Haapu in The Summer Playground Series. This Saturday 17th December, Silo Sessions at Auckland's Silo Park presents The Spoilers of Utopia Brass Band with DJ Mr Music, Fritterhead & Bonahead, free from noon until 5pm. Freight Train Entertainment presents ALIVE 2012, a post-Easter concert featuring local Kiwi favorites Rapture Ruckus and American band P.O.D. This Friday 23 December is Fou Nature’s last live band gig for the year at the Republic Bar in Manukau. Their live performances are known for bringing energetic Pacific flavours and good vibes.

Around the World
A strong year for Michael Gudinski's Frontier Touring has seen them earn $19 million, according to the BRW Rich List (published by Australian business magazine BRW). Ranking the top 50 Australian entertainers, Michael Gudinksi/Frontier Touring raked in $19 million during the 2010/11 period to rank 4 on the list. It's a stark improvement from last year's $7 million, which saw them ranked 17th.
The top five in the list are:
1.. Global Creatures (Walking With Dinosaurs) - $62m
2. The Wiggles - $28.3m
3. Naomi Watts - $19.1m
4. Michael Gudinksi/Frontier Touring - $19m
5. Nicole Kidman - $18.6m
(Thanks to www.themusic.com.au)

Read the full news stories here...