New website puts events and artists at Hawke’s Bay’s fingertips
There’s a new player on the Hawke’s Bay music scene – one that brings together musicians, promoters, venues and music lovers.
In a first for the region, a new online resource, Hawke’s Bay Music Hub has been created.
The site includes information for musicians and by musicians, advice on how to pitch for festivals, tips on recording and releasing material, how to get in touch with venues, and upcoming events.
Last week’s official launch of the site was attended by local artists, venue operators and representatives from One Music NZ and the NZ Music Commission.
The Backline Charitable Trust – established by Kevin Murphy, Tom Pierard and Hamish Pinkham four years ago, initially as a vehicle for mentoring emerging artists, often alongside EIT Music School – is behind the venture.
“We see the site as a real community asset, and we already have a few local media channels wanting to use it as their music link,” says Kevin.
The website is a ‘one-stop shop’ for musicians to promote themselves while finding useful information about where to play and who to contact, including which organisations may be able to offer funding, want to perform on the festival circuit, or are looking to organise tours outside the region.
It is free for musicians to register on the site and, as an added bonus, it also offers advice on invoicing and other business-related information.
With an events listing linked to Eventfinda, it is also useful for both music fans and musicians alike – promoting gigs and offering punters enough information to make the right entertainment choices.
Mike Chunn’s Play It Strange was the inspiration for the Backline Trust, which, since its inception, has hosted a number of songwriters and music managers. These sessions have led to a great relationship with the Music Managers Forum, particularly Lorraine Barry (well-known music manager of Dave Dobbyn, Tom Scott and Nomad), and there is now a healthy membership from Hawke’s Bay in the MMF.
Others who have been involved with the music hub include Alex McLeod and Creative Marketing, Sarah Terry, and Jake Murphy.
The Hawke’s Bay Music Hub is supported by the Lion Foundation, the Eastern and Central Community Trust, Gwen Malden Charitable Trust, Pub Charity Ltd, Tasman Smith Charitable Trust, and Napier City Council.
