Gigs
NZ Music Month
NZ Music Month Bows Out For 2009
2 June 2009
Another May packed full of local sounds came to a close over the weekend with the conclusion of NZ Music Month 2009.
Returning for the ninth time this year, the promotion has maintained its relevance to Kiwis who have been exposed to more homegrown music during the month than ever before.
The general public, media, and most importantly the musicians themselves have made this the most high profile NZ Music Month yet, a sentiment shared by the Government.
Minister for Arts Culture and Heritage Christopher Finlayson said New Zealand Music Month was an outstanding success, and reflected the dedication of artists, the industry and fans.
Thursday's budget confirmed that funding of the New Zealand Music Commission – who run NZ Music Month in partnership with a number of other organisations – would be maintained, a vote of confidence from Government that the Commission warmly welcomes.
Notable successes throughout the month included Smashproof’s long reign atop the national singles chart with Brother, debut album The Brave Don’t Run by Midnight Youth which entered the album charts at number two, and the release of the long-awaited second longplayer by Fat Freddy’s Drop Dr Boondigga and the Big BW.
May wasn’t just dominated by commercial juggernauts however. NZ Music Month helped spread the word about gigs big and small all over the country, and organisers were quick to praise the efforts made nationwide.
NZ Music Month Manager Steve Newall said that once again Kiwis’ love of local musical heroes has shone through, and again this year they have been introduced to a crop of new artists to join them thanks to the efforts of venues, media, labels, and others showing initiative around the country.
Already attention is moving ahead to NZ Music Month’s tenth anniversary in 2010 and the challenge of how to top the results achieved thus far.
