NZ Music Month | Te Marama Puoro o Aotearoa: The Best of the Bay

Back in 1997, a week-long salute to local music was launched, which then became what we now know as New Zealand Music Month in 2001, a month-long celebration that continues to propel local music and artists to the forefront of our minds each year.

Since conception, support and perception of local music may have changed and increased hugely but a focus on local talent is and will always be important.

Let’s dust off those iconic NZ Music Month tees and get out and buy local, stream local, buy merch, go to shows. It’s more important than ever we support the people who are creating and inspiring.

This month we have searched high and low for some of the best music coming from our backyard!

Ash Laforteza

Photo credit: Jordan Alexandra Reid

Ash Laforteza is an eclectic musician, creating fusions from genres such as soul, reggae, pop and a touch of psychedelics. Ash grew up in Gospel churches and did Kapahaka, hence the soul tones in their vocals. Representation is important to Ash, "Being a queer, POC and non-binary person, I feel it is a privilege to have a platform where I could make an impact."

Latest: They are currently working on their EP and perform gigs every week, keep up to date on Ash's socials.

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Georgia Lines 

Georgia Lines releases her new single, ‘No One Knows’. It weaves together Georgia’s exquisite vocals with production that moves seamlessly between delicate moments and soaring, uplifting energy; making for a heartwarming and affirming track that leaves you wanting more. Georgia possesses a singer/songwriter heart, wrapped in a slick layer of sophisticated, R&B-tinged pop. The discovery of her vocal ability and song writing nous during her teenage years has sealed Georgia’s fate as one of New Zealand’s most promising new solo artists. 

Latest: New single ‘No One Knows’, out now. On tour with LAIIKA and Tijay throughout April & May including a show at Totara Street in Tauranga on 28 April.

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Bluey Green 

Now based in Mount Maunganui after an adventurous life of surf and travel, including a stint in Eastern Europe as part of a rock opera, Bluey Green navigates a bridge between the worlds of pop, surf rock and dance while staying true to his authentic and honest song writing. With a debut EP to come, there is lots to look forward to from this fresh new artist. With an upcoming EP, ’Roses’ is the second single to be released, following his summer anthem debut track ‘Morning Sunshine’. 

Latest: New single + video ‘Roses,’ out now. Debut EP coming soon.

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Midwave Breaks

Former Supergroove drummer and Stomp performer Paul Russell and his brother in arms from Eight, singer-songwriter and guitarist Bruce Conlon, started making music together again in 2020 and the result is a trio of anthemic songs that owe as much to New Zealand summer road trips as they do to Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, and the soundtrack of their youth. Midwave Breaks are driven by the energy of the creative process, with an innate ability to craft songs that capture a moment and stick in your head.

Latest: Debut EP 'Lemonade Hand Grenade' out now

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Tiki Taane

One of the country's most well-known and diverse artists and producers, Tiki Taane is considered to be an influential element in the pioneering of New Zealand's bass culture, as well as the country's most prolific and talented "genre-bending experimentalist.” Currently, between performing his “One Man Band” show, Tiki can be found deep in his solar-powered studio, producing projects for Six60, Kora, Shapeshifter, L.A.B, Shihad, Ria Hall, Rob Ruha, Maisey Rika, Fly My Pretties, Concord Dawn, The Upbeats, State of Mind and many more.

Latest: Playing Tāiko Festival in Punakaiki and performing with the CSO in Christchurch in May.

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Electric Universe

Original eight piece dynamic rock band based in Tauranga, New Zealand. Best described as an energetic fusion of classic rock influences blended with a sprinkling of funk attitude and soulful blues. Power, passion, diversity and experience is what each member brings with them and this defines the band’s trademark sound, which deftly weaves from classic hard edged rock to pop and funk rock, delivering everything from soul infused power ballad soundscapes to driving upbeat energetic rock gems which kick the dance floor into overdrive whenever they take the stage.

Latest: New album, 'Timeless,' out 28 May. On tour in May including a show at Jack Dusty's Ale House in Tauranga on 29 May.

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Marmalade Skies

Tauranga based Marmalade Skies have been writing wavy indie-rock tunes together for the last couple years, quickly finding a sound that they like and that translates well onstage. The four-piece band have been playing small gigs between COVID lock-downs and recording, slowly gaining some recognition from other New Zealand bands. Their hard work has landed them support spots with the likes of Bad Hagrid, Nicholas Franchise, Summer Thieves, and a last minute festival slot at Festival One.

Latest: Playing at Mount Social on 1 May. Debut EP 'Nautical Nectar' is out now.

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Dan Sharp

Dan Sharp is a man of substance, dedication and has a heart of integrity. His voice ranges from gravely ruggedness to tender velvet, the full extent of such is used to take listeners toward an emotional space of self acceptance. Last year Dan toured with Thomas Oliver, supported Dave Dobbyn and signed with Tenfold Records. Dan also was afforded the opportunity to work with award-winning producers, Thomas Oliver and Simon Gooding at NZ’s famed Roundhead Studios.

Latest: Currently touring NZ including Rotorua (April 29), Whakatane (15 May) and Mt Maunganui (28 May). Dan’s new EP ‘Water Went Away’ is out now.

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Paras 

19 year old singer/songwriter and musician, Paras, was born and raised in the Gold Coast before moving to Tauranga in 2015. Since the move she has performed her original music live around the Bay and has become known as a ‘local musician’ in the community. Her sound is influenced by indie/alternative music as well as being empowered and inspired by strong women like Stevie Nicks, Amy Winehouse, Lana Del Rey, Phoebe Bridgers and Lorde. Her debut single and EP is coming in the near future!

Latest: To celebrate New Zealand Music Month Paras is performing 28 May, 12-1pm outside Tauranga Library

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Hybrid Blues

Photo credit: Sonke Dwenger

Hybrid Blues are a four piece band featuring Mike Everard (guitar), Adam Pendred (bass), Grant McCracken (drums) and fronted by award winning singer-songwriter Roy Hudson (Loose Moorings, Koru). Born in Whakatane (Ngati awa Tribe) and raised in Tauranga, Roy was the lead singer/songwriter for former UK metal band Koru and UK blues/classic rock band Loose Moorings. Hybrid Blues formed upon Hudson’s return to New Zealand and the band wrapped up their self-titled studio album with Tauranga-based musician/producer Tim Julian in 2020. 

Latest: New self-titled album and single ‘Lifeline’ out now.

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