31 March 2015 - 1 Comment

With three grants confirmed for the inaugural Youth and Adults in the Music Industry, Wanaka’s YAMI Summit scheduled for May 16^th and 17^th is shaping up to be something the South Island has not seen before.

Spokesperson Prairie Pritchett confirms grants from Creative Communities, Central Lakes Arts Support Scheme and Otago Community Trust have been received. A Boosted campaign is also underway to cover the remaining costs. “These will ensure the first summit delivers a productive, creative weekend, culminating in two showcases open to the public,” Pritchett states.  “The support – at both a local and national level for this summit has been exceptional, and we’re incredibly grateful.”

The unique concept developed by the not-for-profit group Lake Wanaka SouNZ Incorporated, aims to nurture and inspire the next generation as they find their place within the NZ music industry. Kiwi icons will present a series of workshops, panel discussions and showcases to participants with a keen interest in music as a career.

Yami Sounz Summit aims to address the challenges faced by emerging musicians in creating a financially viable career. Director, Lynne Christie, is floored by the enthusiasm and generous response from the key luminaries of the New Zealand music scene.

Participants will work with DJ Mu (Fat Freddy’s Drop), Anika Moa, Dave Dobbyn, Barnaby Weir (The Black Seeds, Fly My Pretties), Devin Abrams (Shapeshifter), Craig (The Phoenix Foundation), MC Tali, Warren Maxwell (TrinityRoots) and many more music experts throughout the weekend. TrinityRoots will be performing a night concert at Lake Wanaka Centre on Saturday 16th May.

“The calibre, depth of knowledge and experience within this group of tutors is astounding,” Christie says. “These musicians know their stuff and fully back the next era of NZ musicians. We are totally humbled and overwhelmed by the support they have shown for this not-for-profit event, and can’t wait to see some of them take to the stage alongside their students.” 

The summit has been attracting participants from as far away as Wellington, with not only musicians registering, but also those who see themselves in the behind-the-scenes roles, such as sound technicians, promoters, producers, music marketers and managers.  A panel of New Zealand’s most experienced professionals will discuss the range of career opportunities available in the business, management and marketing side of the industry.

Head of APRA, Anthony Healey, Recorded Music NZ’s Kristin Bowman, Media Arts lawyer Rob Glass, managers Lorraine Barry and Craig Pearce among others, will also attend to share tips on surviving as an emerging artist –  in New Zealand, and globally.

The organisers are confident that YAMI will become an incubator for the development of grassroots talent within the New Zealand music industry. With half of the 80 participant places taken, YAMI Sounz Summit is poised to provide a vibrant, innovative weekend during New Zealand Music Month.

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