York Street Studios Acid Test

York Street Studios Acid Test

GRAND final this Saturday 14th December 8pm (sharp) Finalists announced

And the finalists are (in no particular order): MonkeyDannyPuzzle http://www.monkeypuzzle.co.nz Krin http://www.geocities.com/krinimals/ Somewhere South Dogs on Prozac www.dogsonprozac.com St Lucy www.mp3.com.au/StLucy/ Punga

The York Street Studios Acid Test is a songwriting and performance competition with a real difference. Not only does it scrutinise the acts based on performance and songwriting skills but there is also a huge emphasis on industry knowledge, marketing prowess and business skills. The 21 semi-finalists have been required to submit business plans and a panel of judges interview the 6 finalists.

Karen q Temple, owner of the Temple, where the competition is staged says, "the standard this year has been higher than ever! I have also been impressed by the manner in which musicians have embraced the opportunity to formulate their career goals and marketing strategies. With my broad business background and experience as an accountant I have been fully available for musicians to consult to put together their business plans and it's been a great experience. There seems to be a real desire from the musicians to upskill in the business sphere, which musicians often find challenging. I have also learnt a lot from the process and have had an opportunity to work more closely with the musicians, which is beneficial to both the Temple and the performers."

"I will never fully get my head around the "competition" aspect, it's really difficult judging people on what they put their heart and soul into; it can be somewhat subjective and of course only 1 out of the 72 entrants can win first prize. However it is very rewarding to provide a key opportunity for musicians to concentrate on and improve all aspects of their careers and as such, I believe it is of benefit to the whole industry. Plus it gives the Temple the impetus and information we need to fine tune and expand the extensive support mechanisms we have in place for musicians."

The judging panel for the final will include industry experts Grant Hislop, Camille Guzzell of NZ On Air, Jeremy McPike of York Street Studios, David Ridler of NZ on Air, Emma Philpott from NZ Musician Magazine, Phil Taylor from Central Leader, Gareth Wallis from Music in Parks, Andrew Szusterman of Channel Z, Fiona Wylens - our "punter" judge and of course Karen q Temple.

Last year's winner Soda (www.sodatheband.com) , will be performing whilst the judging is taking place.

The impressive prize packages include:

The impressive prize packages include: 1st Prize * $5,000 recording and mastering package at the prestigious York Street Studios www.yorkstreet.co.nz * Duplication of 500 CDs at SOFTWARE IMAGES - New Zealand's leading replicator of digital media www.softwareimages.co.nz * Guaranteed airplay on Channel Z www.channelz.co.nz * An advertisement in NZ Musician Magazine www.nzmusician.co.nz * 2 hours of aerial advertising from Airborne Ads www.aeroplane.co.nz * Guaranteed airplay from www.vision100.com * The Index Music Directory www.theindex.co.nz

2nd Prize * 20 hours of recording at MAINZ (Music and Audio Institute of NZ) www.mainz.ac.nz * 100 x 4 colour CD-R's in plastic wallets from SOFTWARE IMAGES www.softwareimages.co.nz * The Index Music Directory www.theindex.co.nz

3rd Prize * 20 hours of recording at MAINZ (Music and Audio Institute of NZ) www.mainz.ac.nz * 50 x 4 colour CD-R's in plastic wallets from SOFTWARE IMAGES www.softwareimages.co.nz * The Index Music Directory www.theindex.co.nz

Music in Parks Gigs * For 3 of the finalists

All Finalists * The Index Music Directory www.theindex.co.nz

Semi-finalists * $50 bar tab of Export Gold at the Temple

Pie Mania - Auckland's leading gourmet pie cafe are also proud to be supporting NZ music by providing food for the judges. www.piemania.co.nz

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