The official NZ Music Month Summit is nearly here, a veritable toolbox of showbiz tricks and tips shared with you by industry professionals and grizzled veterans of Aotearoa’s music community. As regularly requested by legendary local online commenter (now retired) Sergio Setymio, keeping punters in the loop with set times is a critical component of any successful live event. Presented by MMF Aotearoa and the NZ Music Commission, with support from industry organisation partners APRA AMCOS and Recorded Music NZ, scope out the full official timetable below, happening all day this Saturday at Tāmaki Makaurau’s The Tuning Fork and entirely for free (advance registration required). I’ll be there repping the UTR team for the Promoting Your Gig panel discussion…
The NZ Music Commission and Music Managers Forum Aotearoa present…
The NZ Music Month Summit 2025
Saturday 24th May – The Tuning Fork, Auckland, from 10.45am to 4.30pm
To secure a free ticket for the in-person event, you can register at Moshtix HERE
11.00AM – Touring 101
Everything you need to know about taking your music on the road in 2025. The last 5 years has seen enormous shifts in the landscape of live performance at home and overseas. Whether it’s your first time touring or you’ve got plenty of live experiences under your belt, this panel provides practical tips and tricks to help you have a successful tour and look after yourself along the way.
Audrey Siataga (artist & touring manager – Ladi6, Christoph El Truento, NOE)
Jazmine Mary
Richard Barnacle (venue owner – Space Academy)
Stormie Kereopa-Lloyd (artist manager – Jordyn With A Why, MOHI)
Moderated by Nick Lindstrom (95bFM, The NZ Music Commission)
11.45AM – Promoting Your Gig
Just as touring has changed a lot since 2020, so have the methods for getting the word out about your show. From local music journalism outlets, show listings and ticketing, publicity companies and radio, using Spotify For Artist Live Event tools, to social media and great merchandising — this panel is all about how to get an audience through the door to see your music live.
Chris Cudby (UnderTheRadar.co.nz)
Heidi Ettema (Broken Record Publicity)
Leah Harris (Spotify Australia New Zealand)
Nela Fotu (AS Colour)
Stella-Rae Morris-Matchitt (RadioActive)
Moderated by Charlotte Ryan
12.40AM – Pulling Together The Show
A lot goes into putting on a great live show. This panel explores all the elements that go into making your gig stand out and leave a memorable impression on an audience. Our panellists will discuss everything from the venue to the stage design, lighting, visual elements and performance styles- all the things that add up to make a live show spectacular.
Fazerdaze (Amelia Murray)
Laughton Kora (Kora, Black Comet)
HalfQueen (DJ and event organiser Shaquille Wasasala)
Rowan Pierce (artist and scenographer)
Moderated by Sarah Thomson (APRA AMCOS, 95bFM)
2.00PM – Put Your Best Pitch Forward
An insightful discussion on mastering the art of pitching your music to Bookers and Promoters for festivals and live performance opportunities. Our panellists will delve into the intricacies of effective communication, crafting compelling pitches, and building meaningful relationships in the industry. Whether you’re an artist looking to navigate the booking process or a manager seeking to refine your approach, this panel is for you.
Cuillin Hearty (music manager – There’s A Tuesday, Sofia Machray, Frank On Tap)
Gavin Downie (booker – Music in Parks Auckland)
Moderated by Cushla Aston (manager Louis Baker, MMF Aotearoa Chair)
2.40PM – Stories From The Road
A chance to hear from some seasoned touring artists about their best and most memorable experiences touring at home and overseas. From the sold-out Sydney Opera house, to DIY couch surfing, trips through India and China, and countless circuits of Europe and America- not to mention show after show here in Aotearoa; our panellists have seen it all! Whakarongo mai nei for some choice stories of their adventures on the road.
MC Slave (Fat Freddy’s Drop)
Priya Sami (The Sami Sisters, Bub)
Vera Ellen
Moderated by Rachel Ashby (NZ Music Commission)
3.30PM – 4.30PM – The NZMM Summit Mixer will close the day — a casual in-person opportunity to meet with other attendees and some speakers from the day’s panels.