fly 15 music executives from Australia, Europe, UK and the States businesss class to see 30 bands in a week, performing to a crowd of their fans.
fly 30 bands (average - 4 people per band + roadies + managers + A&R) economy class to the States to perform in front of a handful of people who've never heard of them.
Also, part of the allure of the showcase was a paid holiday in Utopia - catch a bit of sun, see some cool racing yachts, and find out a bit about the kiwi music scene, then go home and rave about it to their colleagues.
Indeed, much more economic to get the big-wigs flown over here.
And it's not like kiwi bands aren't taking it to the world anyway, just look at the number of NZ bands turning up the SXSW showcase in the US this year (where some of those Swedish bands are also popping up).
And you don't always need to drag along the bands. NZ's presence at this year's MIDEM looks to be another fruitful affair for the indie labels that sent reps along.
The Swedes approach is good, no doubt, but I reckon the approach the kiwi music industry is developing to establishing off-shore markets is starting to pay dividends.
yeah but the thing is only executives got a taste. With a showcase overseas you aren't just exposing the music to the industry but the people that really matter, the punters.
Plus if it is organised by a body independant of the government and labels you can control the quality of acts on show better as well.
May be I'm just impatient and sick of only "people in the know" overseas knowing about the local scene.
// kiwi bands aren't taking it to the world anyway...
...bit is important. I'd be all for the government flying a couple of bands to big showcase gigs every year, I just think that when looking at your bang-for-bucks, the current scheme is pretty good. Remembering, of course, that Creative NZ has been forking out for some pretty extensive overseas jaunts by kiwi acts over the last few years anyway.
// Plus if it is organised by a body independant of the government and labels
// you can control the quality of acts on show better as well.
Ooo, that's a bit controversial. Who's the independent 'you' that's going to decide what a 'quality' act is? I reckon the crew at the NZ Music Industry Commission would best suited to setting up an offshore showcase gig. I think the scene here is a bit small for us to find a truly neutral independent voice that'd make choices without upsetting the hell out of someone. At least with a governement sponsored body we could just whinge about it as per NZ On Air funding...
// Who's the independent 'you' that's going to decide what a 'quality' act is?
Basically someone that is concerned with getting good music to the ears of the world rather than just money from pockets.
// the scene here is a bit small for us to find a truly neutral independent voice
Well there really is no such thing regardless. I guess what I am getting at is acts with some substance to them that don't just write simple pop hooks with simple pop lyrics. (Yes there are exceptions to the rule that can do so with great integrity but lets just call a fish a fish for now).
//Basically someone that is concerned with getting good music to the ears of the world rather than
//just money from pockets.
ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
Nice one Stefan!
// that don't just write simple pop hooks with simple pop lyrics
Surely when you're dealing with the music industry terms like "integrity" and "substance" are just marketing terms.
//And you don't always need to drag along the bands.
yeah, but noisy - there's nothing like seeing it live to make the difference. talking about a band can only go so far - showcasing the band counts (i think this is the "walking the talk" argument??)
//I reckon the crew at the NZ Music Industry Commission would best suited to setting up an offshore showcase gig. I think the scene here is a bit small for us to find a truly neutral independent voice that'd make choices without upsetting the hell out of someone.
heh - the countdown begins ...
//Surely when you're dealing with the music industry terms like "integrity" and "substance" are just marketing terms.
yawn. music is an act of communication. most musicians want to do this, and most would love to earn a living doing it. you can have integrity and do this. too many examples to name here ... a phrase involving the words 'darryl', 'hand','off it' and 'get your' comes to mind.
I'm all for that. And I wasn't at any point saying that showcasing bands was a bad idea, I just think that given the limited resources of the people who are trying to push NZ music overseas (NZMIC in particular), the schemes that have been put into place over the last couple of years have been pretty sharp.
NZ bands are taking it into their own hands to go off and play overseas themselves (this year's SXSW has just a strong kiwi representation as Sweden's), so to a certain extent the offshore showcase gigs are already happening. This in itself acts as a filter to at least the commitment (dare one say 'integrity') of the bands involved, as the ones who have made it that far are obviously investing a fair bit to be there. Hmm, that's started a tumble of thoughts, which I think I might pursue later...
//Hmmmm....which makes more sense...
//umm - how 'bout both...??
Agreed... both approaches work in different ways, but I think the World Series Showcase in NZ was a brilliant idea. I think it was a great way to open the door to the world market, so that the bands can now walk through it into other countries.
I think the way you phrased the original topic, it suggested you thought we should be sending kiwis overseas *instead* of bringing music execs over here.
I think we've gotten to the point where we fairly much agree that using both approaches together is a good idea. Hooray!
right on heather get them here, take them outa their comfort zone give the a good time make sure they dont forget it. Bribe them give them hookers, anything sell sell sell...thats what its all about the mean green???
we all agree - well the three of us I think. My point is that world series opens the door - now we gotta follow up. And the word I'm hearing is that the govt - thru nzmic and others - will be throwing their moral and financial support behind this ... which was what i was referring to by : 'the countdown begins' ...
it's time to send some of our top talent to those execs' hometowns, and play some blistering gigs to them and their friends (and enemies -- whoever really). As one of the execs said (from memory), he'd definitely look at a kiwi CD that floated across his desk more carefully now that he'd been down under and shown the sights here. I'm sure a wee kiwi showcase gig down the road at his local venue would be even more appealing.
I'd like to blow the NZM trumpet here, sorry. In fact the Net trumpet in general. Live is key for sure, but the net serves that kind of audience more effectively.
I can't emphasize enough how important it is for bands to get their stuff up on sites like this. There is MASSIVE interest behind the scenes from offshore - some bands have secured deals directly from NZMusic.com and without wrecking anything there are more happening as I write.
Venturing offshore recently under a different guise, I was absolutely blown away by the pervasive impact this site has on overseas industry. I realise how self serving that sounds, but you guys know me well enough to know that I dont trumpet that often! Honestly all I can say is it's amazing.
//how important it is for bands to get their stuff up on sites like this
Actually, I was thinking about NZM last night in relation to the news that M2's going off air. dust, is nzmusic.com actually eligible for NZ On Air funding? You could, after all, view it as a 24-hour interactive cable TV show with 100% kiwi content...
well it seem's as if they're just rounding up the state-side bands who happen to touring there at the mo'. which makes the most sense of all... seeming they should already be road-hardened (one should assume) and weary. and they've been pulling the effort already.
fair enough... i could probably fit three or four bands in my private jet. but i'd rather be drinking piss in the en-suite than manning no fck'n plane.
just don't let me land.
yeah if we can send the MP's to the netball girls to Jamaica, why can't we send Helen Clark to Siberia, screw the logistics. We need annie crummer and a great big melting pot. Dam and we need more money ffor making kiwi videos 10,000 is a good start why don't the govt stop spending money on peace keeping aka kill them before they kill you policies and promote godzones music taking it to the masses!!??
New Zealand music to be heard at major North American showcases
New Zealand musicians will perform at major North American music industry showcases this year with the government’s assistance, America’s Cup Minister Trevor Mallard and Associate Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Judith Tizard said today.
The government, through the America’s Cup leveraging fund and government agencies, supported the World Series New Zealand music showcases held in Auckland last November for music industry ‘powerbrokers’ from key music trade markets in North America, UK, Europe and Australia.
“Since the successful World Series event, invitations have been extended to New Zealand to showcase at several key music industry events in the strategically important North American market, including South by Southwest in Austin, Texas, and Canadian Music Week,” said Trevor Mallard.
“The friends we made through the World Series are helping to open the door to these events. They are enormous allies for getting our bands playing to the right people.”
Judith Tizard said the South by Southwest conference was arguably the most important Artists & Repertoire market in the world. “Proof of its capability to expose new artists to the influential ears of the international music industry is in the success over the past year of two New Zealand bands, The Datsuns and The D4, who performed at SXSW 2002 and will be performing there again this year.
“In addition, goodshirt, Evermore, 8 Foot Sativa, betchadupa and Damien Binder will perform at SXSW. 8 Foot Sativa are currently showcasing their music at Canadian Music Week and Evermore will showcase in Canada after SXSW. Many of the artists have organised further business opportunities and showcases around the world to complement their SXSW appearances.”
The New Zealand Music Industry Commission, Trade New Zealand and Industry New Zealand are assisting the New Zealand delegations to these events. Additional funds have been allocated from the government’s America’s Cup leveraging fund to capitalise on these opportunities to showcase New Zealand and New Zealand music to the world.
“These showcases are becoming a crucial part of the New Zealand music export calendar. They enable New Zealand bands to travel offshore and showcase to the right people without having to move overseas,” said Trevor Mallard.
“Our agencies are aware of a number of potential licensing, distribution and record deals that are likely to be sealed upon the successful showcasing of New Zealand artists at these events. We also expect further showcase opportunities to arise during the year.”
Judith Tizard said as a small nation with a unique musical voice, it was vital for New Zealanders to use every opportunity to perform our music to a wider audience.
“I’m delighted that the work we have done to boost New Zealand’s music and creative industries through setting up the Music Industry Commission, increasing funding to NZ On Air and supporting the World Series is paying off with these fantastic international opportunities.”
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Hmmmm....which makes more ...
Hmmmm....which makes more sense...
fly 15 music executives from Australia, Europe, UK and the States businesss class to see 30 bands in a week, performing to a crowd of their fans.
fly 30 bands (average - 4 people per band + roadies + managers + A&R) economy class to the States to perform in front of a handful of people who've never heard of them.
Also, part of the allure of the showcase was a paid holiday in Utopia - catch a bit of sun, see some cool racing yachts, and find out a bit about the kiwi music scene, then go home and rave about it to their colleagues.
Indeed, much more economic to get the ...
Indeed, much more economic to get the big-wigs flown over here.
And it's not like kiwi bands aren't taking it to the world anyway, just look at the number of NZ bands turning up the SXSW showcase in the US this year (where some of those Swedish bands are also popping up).
And you don't always need to drag along the bands. NZ's presence at this year's MIDEM looks to be another fruitful affair for the indie labels that sent reps along.
The Swedes approach is good, no doubt, but I reckon the approach the kiwi music industry is developing to establishing off-shore markets is starting to pay dividends.
yeah but the thing is only executives ...
yeah but the thing is only executives got a taste. With a showcase overseas you aren't just exposing the music to the industry but the people that really matter, the punters.
Plus if it is organised by a body independant of the government and labels you can control the quality of acts on show better as well.
May be I'm just impatient and sick of only "people in the know" overseas knowing about the local scene.
indeed. that's where the... // kiwi ...
indeed. that's where the...
// kiwi bands aren't taking it to the world anyway...
...bit is important. I'd be all for the government flying a couple of bands to big showcase gigs every year, I just think that when looking at your bang-for-bucks, the current scheme is pretty good. Remembering, of course, that Creative NZ has been forking out for some pretty extensive overseas jaunts by kiwi acts over the last few years anyway.
// Plus if it is organised by a body independant of the government and labels
// you can control the quality of acts on show better as well.
Ooo, that's a bit controversial. Who's the independent 'you' that's going to decide what a 'quality' act is? I reckon the crew at the NZ Music Industry Commission would best suited to setting up an offshore showcase gig. I think the scene here is a bit small for us to find a truly neutral independent voice that'd make choices without upsetting the hell out of someone. At least with a governement sponsored body we could just whinge about it as per NZ On Air funding...
// Who's the independent 'you' ...
// Who's the independent 'you' that's going to decide what a 'quality' act is?
Basically someone that is concerned with getting good music to the ears of the world rather than just money from pockets.
// the scene here is a bit small for us to find a truly neutral independent voice
Well there really is no such thing regardless. I guess what I am getting at is acts with some substance to them that don't just write simple pop hooks with simple pop lyrics. (Yes there are exceptions to the rule that can do so with great integrity but lets just call a fish a fish for now).
//Basically someone that is concerned ...
//Basically someone that is concerned with getting good music to the ears of the world rather than
//just money from pockets.
ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
Nice one Stefan!
// that don't just write simple pop hooks with simple pop lyrics
Surely when you're dealing with the music industry terms like "integrity" and "substance" are just marketing terms.
//Hmmmm....which makes more ...
//Hmmmm....which makes more sense...
umm - how 'bout both...??
//And you don't always need to drag along the bands.
yeah, but noisy - there's nothing like seeing it live to make the difference. talking about a band can only go so far - showcasing the band counts (i think this is the "walking the talk" argument??)
//I reckon the crew at the NZ Music Industry Commission would best suited to setting up an offshore showcase gig. I think the scene here is a bit small for us to find a truly neutral independent voice that'd make choices without upsetting the hell out of someone.
heh - the countdown begins ...
//Surely when you're dealing with the music industry terms like "integrity" and "substance" are just marketing terms.
yawn. music is an act of communication. most musicians want to do this, and most would love to earn a living doing it. you can have integrity and do this. too many examples to name here ... a phrase involving the words 'darryl', 'hand','off it' and 'get your' comes to mind.
// umm - how 'bout both...?? I'm ...
// umm - how 'bout both...??
I'm all for that. And I wasn't at any point saying that showcasing bands was a bad idea, I just think that given the limited resources of the people who are trying to push NZ music overseas (NZMIC in particular), the schemes that have been put into place over the last couple of years have been pretty sharp.
NZ bands are taking it into their own hands to go off and play overseas themselves (this year's SXSW has just a strong kiwi representation as Sweden's), so to a certain extent the offshore showcase gigs are already happening. This in itself acts as a filter to at least the commitment (dare one say 'integrity') of the bands involved, as the ones who have made it that far are obviously investing a fair bit to be there. Hmm, that's started a tumble of thoughts, which I think I might pursue later...
//Hmmmm....which makes more ...
//Hmmmm....which makes more sense...
//umm - how 'bout both...??
Agreed... both approaches work in different ways, but I think the World Series Showcase in NZ was a brilliant idea. I think it was a great way to open the door to the world market, so that the bands can now walk through it into other countries.
Wow, synonymous post-sentiment....
Wow, synonymous post-sentiment.
nottired you can bite me you narrow ...
nottired you can bite me you narrow minded gimp.
I never said the Showcase was a total waste of time. I don't know where this came from.
I think the way you phrased the ...
I think the way you phrased the original topic, it suggested you thought we should be sending kiwis overseas *instead* of bringing music execs over here.
I think we've gotten to the point where we fairly much agree that using both approaches together is a good idea. Hooray!
point taken Stefan...
point taken Stefan
right on heather get them here, take ...
right on heather get them here, take them outa their comfort zone give the a good time make sure they dont forget it. Bribe them give them hookers, anything sell sell sell...thats what its all about the mean green???
yeah I think it is a <b>better</b> idea ...
yeah I think it is a better idea but that isn't to say the World Series doesn't have it's merits.
spookily so....
spookily so.
we all agree - well the three of us I ...
we all agree - well the three of us I think. My point is that world series opens the door - now we gotta follow up. And the word I'm hearing is that the govt - thru nzmic and others - will be throwing their moral and financial support behind this ... which was what i was referring to by : 'the countdown begins' ...
maybe that's where that m2 funding is ...
maybe that's where that m2 funding is headed...
// now we gotta follow up and yep, ...
// now we gotta follow up
and yep, that's the key.
it's time to send some of our top talent to those execs' hometowns, and play some blistering gigs to them and their friends (and enemies -- whoever really). As one of the execs said (from memory), he'd definitely look at a kiwi CD that floated across his desk more carefully now that he'd been down under and shown the sights here. I'm sure a wee kiwi showcase gig down the road at his local venue would be even more appealing.
I'd like to blow the NZM trumpet here, ...
I'd like to blow the NZM trumpet here, sorry. In fact the Net trumpet in general. Live is key for sure, but the net serves that kind of audience more effectively.
I can't emphasize enough how important it is for bands to get their stuff up on sites like this. There is MASSIVE interest behind the scenes from offshore - some bands have secured deals directly from NZMusic.com and without wrecking anything there are more happening as I write.
Venturing offshore recently under a different guise, I was absolutely blown away by the pervasive impact this site has on overseas industry. I realise how self serving that sounds, but you guys know me well enough to know that I dont trumpet that often! Honestly all I can say is it's amazing.
respect dusty. now, how can we get ...
respect dusty.
now, how can we get it all working synchronistically .... nzm #5 - the tip o' the iceberg needs to happen smartly : )
//how important it is for bands to get ...
//how important it is for bands to get their stuff up on sites like this
Actually, I was thinking about NZM last night in relation to the news that M2's going off air. dust, is nzmusic.com actually eligible for NZ On Air funding? You could, after all, view it as a 24-hour interactive cable TV show with 100% kiwi content...
indeed indeed. 5 it is! Synch is ...
indeed indeed.
5 it is! Synch is the tough nut to crack, but hope prevails... its all pretty easy really.
flying 15 bands would be a logistical ...
flying 15 bands would be a logistical nightmare... i can't even manage myself.
who said 15 bands or 30 or 5 or 4? Of ...
who said 15 bands or 30 or 5 or 4?
Of course you would only send a small contingent depending on the budget.
well it seem's as if they're just ...
well it seem's as if they're just rounding up the state-side bands who happen to touring there at the mo'. which makes the most sense of all... seeming they should already be road-hardened (one should assume) and weary. and they've been pulling the effort already.
fair enough... i could probably fit three or four bands in my private jet. but i'd rather be drinking piss in the en-suite than manning no fck'n plane.
just don't let me land.
yeah if we can send the MP's to the ...
yeah if we can send the MP's to the netball girls to Jamaica, why can't we send Helen Clark to Siberia, screw the logistics. We need annie crummer and a great big melting pot. Dam and we need more money ffor making kiwi videos 10,000 is a good start why don't the govt stop spending money on peace keeping aka kill them before they kill you policies and promote godzones music taking it to the masses!!??
Well, whaddya know... <b>New ...
Well, whaddya know...
New Zealand music to be heard at major North American showcases
New Zealand musicians will perform at major North American music industry showcases this year with the government’s assistance, America’s Cup Minister Trevor Mallard and Associate Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Judith Tizard said today.
The government, through the America’s Cup leveraging fund and government agencies, supported the World Series New Zealand music showcases held in Auckland last November for music industry ‘powerbrokers’ from key music trade markets in North America, UK, Europe and Australia.
“Since the successful World Series event, invitations have been extended to New Zealand to showcase at several key music industry events in the strategically important North American market, including South by Southwest in Austin, Texas, and Canadian Music Week,” said Trevor Mallard.
“The friends we made through the World Series are helping to open the door to these events. They are enormous allies for getting our bands playing to the right people.”
Judith Tizard said the South by Southwest conference was arguably the most important Artists & Repertoire market in the world. “Proof of its capability to expose new artists to the influential ears of the international music industry is in the success over the past year of two New Zealand bands, The Datsuns and The D4, who performed at SXSW 2002 and will be performing there again this year.
“In addition, goodshirt, Evermore, 8 Foot Sativa, betchadupa and Damien Binder will perform at SXSW. 8 Foot Sativa are currently showcasing their music at Canadian Music Week and Evermore will showcase in Canada after SXSW. Many of the artists have organised further business opportunities and showcases around the world to complement their SXSW appearances.”
The New Zealand Music Industry Commission, Trade New Zealand and Industry New Zealand are assisting the New Zealand delegations to these events. Additional funds have been allocated from the government’s America’s Cup leveraging fund to capitalise on these opportunities to showcase New Zealand and New Zealand music to the world.
“These showcases are becoming a crucial part of the New Zealand music export calendar. They enable New Zealand bands to travel offshore and showcase to the right people without having to move overseas,” said Trevor Mallard.
“Our agencies are aware of a number of potential licensing, distribution and record deals that are likely to be sealed upon the successful showcasing of New Zealand artists at these events. We also expect further showcase opportunities to arise during the year.”
Judith Tizard said as a small nation with a unique musical voice, it was vital for New Zealanders to use every opportunity to perform our music to a wider audience.
“I’m delighted that the work we have done to boost New Zealand’s music and creative industries through setting up the Music Industry Commission, increasing funding to NZ On Air and supporting the World Series is paying off with these fantastic international opportunities.”
I have a big smile on my face....
I have a big smile on my face.
i'll admit i had some inside knowledge ...
i'll admit i had some inside knowledge on this ... damn - i should've made some bets on this happening - would've cleaned up :-)
hey guys wasup?.....new user in da ...
hey guys wasup?.....new user in da house!....any nz hip hop fans?
Haha. Those Swedish New Zealand HipHop ...
Haha. Those Swedish New Zealand HipHop fans that organise festivals eh. They're crazy.