Anika Moa

New Zealand's first dedicated music trade event Sounds Aotearoa is launching with a showcase of some of New Zealand's most talented musicians performing before International agents, buyers and distributors.

The confirmed line up announced today includes; Kora, Whirimako Black, Richard Nunns, Bella Kalolo, Anika Moa, An Emerald City, Little Bushmen and Maisey Rika & Tama Waipara. With others still to be announced it will be a powerful showcase of New Zealand music.

Sounds Aotearoa will take place in New Plymouth from 10-11 March in the run up to WOMAD Taranaki. It offers musicians and music industry professionals the opportunity to network with their peers and learn from leading industry experts from New Zealand and overseas.

Organisers Suzanne Porter and Emere Wano are both excited at the opportunities and networks Sounds Aotearoa creates for New Zealand musicians.

"This is a unique opportunity to showcase our talent to international buyers," said Emere Wano "to do this usually means traveling overseas at huge expense and out of context to present in massive international industry fairs. For the vast majority of New Zealand artists this is unachievable." she said.

"This is going to be a fantastic opportunity for Little Bushman to showcase our take on psychedelic blues to overseas promoters and distributors and to send them on an ethereal sonic journey unique to Aotearoa," said Warren Maxwell of Little Bushman.

The two day Industry Development conference of workshops and forums will cover topics on domestic and international touring, band management, marketing and promotion, copyright and culture, funding channels and more. The evenings will offer the opportunity for networking at the NZ Music Showcase featuring the stellar line up of NZ talent.

Confirmed speakers at the Industry Development forum include; Lorraine Barry - Lorraine Barry Music Management, Di Mills - Indigenous Coordinator, Woodford Folk Festival & The Dreaming Festival (Brisbane), Rhoda Roberts - Independent Producer and Manager of Sydney New Year Celebrations (Australia), Viki Gordon - VGM Media & Marketing, Min Kim - Ulsan World Music Festival (Korea), Michael Wallings - Origins Festival (London)and Daniela Teuber - WOMEX (Europe).

Further names yet to be confirmed. The organisers of Sounds Aotearoa are Taranaki Arts Festival Trust TAFT (presenters of WOMAD, Taranaki Arts Festival) and TIHI Events & Production Management. TAFT and TIHI have worked together on numerous events and festivals partnered to present Sounds Aotearoa.

The major sponsors of Sounds Aotearoa are Creative NZ and the British Council. In summary Sounds Aotearoa; The Industry Development Conference
The conference is the 'think tank' for the NZ music industry and presents a range of Panels, Forums and Workshops. The NZ Music Showcases
Over two evenings a selection of New Zealand artists will perform as part of the showcase programme to international buyers. Tickets will also be available to the general public to purchase.

The NZ Music Trade Expo
The 'pulse' of Sounds Aotearoa will house exhibition booths of industry professionals, non-government agencies and government departments. The booths will provide valuable information and networking opportunities everything from funding, venues, copyright, services and more.

Registration includes a three-day ticket to WOMAD (12-14 March)! And costs just $250 plus GST if you register before 31 January 2010. Registration includes entry to all showcases, expo and conference sessions. Register on-line at www.soundsaotearoa.com