Introducing Kiwi music’s bright sparks

Introducing Kiwi music’s bright sparks

As New Zealand music makers - from artists, producers, managers and promoters - continue to make their mark in all corners of the globe, the industry’s future movers and shakers are gearing up to graduate from a groundbreaking 15-week youth project.

The IGNITE programme launched in March 2016 with the aim of engaging and involving young Aucklanders, aged 15 to 18, in the music business. IGNITE has been made possible with support from the Ministry of Youth Development, MAINZ and NZ Music Commission.

The 10 participants come from a wide range of backgrounds (see below for profiles on three of the participants) and have been mentored by some of the most successful operators in Kiwi music, including Lorraine Barry, Teresa Patterson and Wairere Iti, who were all sponsored by the NZ Music Managers Forum (MMF).

A number of other high profile industry leaders also ran free public seminars in event management and marketing and publicity.

The participants have designed, developed and delivered a wide range of of music-based events, from a Music Therapy New Zealand fundraiser, featuring jazz band Terracotta Cat, to a 5 Seconds of Summer fan party, and the all-ages Millennials gig, which included Brendon Thomas & the Vibes and Yukon Era on the line-up.

“There are so many great initiatives, such as The Rockquest and Play It Strange, which foster musicianship and songwriting. But I felt like there was a need for a programme to help develop people who work behind the scenes and to support the great artistry that exists in New Zealand,” says IGNITE founder Savina Kim.

“I wanted to help young people discover the various areas and careers that exist in the music and events industry. Throughout this process, young people would also create performance opportunities for young and emerging artists, all the while producing events which are for all ages, rather than R18 events.”

Savina says she’s been overwhelmed with the success of IGNITE in its first year. “Four years ago, it was just an idea in my head and it’s been amazing to see it all happen. I’m so fortunate to have had the most passionate and driven young people take part.

“Everyone has learnt a lot of new skills but the thing that sticks out for me is seeing the participants’ confidence and self-esteem levels grow and also the friendships that have developed. Some of the participants also really impressed their mentors and have been offered work opportunities, which is what the programme is all about!”

Now 15 weeks of blood, sweat and toil culminates with a graduation ceremony onThursday, June 23 at MAINZ, where each participant will give a presentation on their learnings from the programme and their event. One deserving teen will ALSO be awarded the IGNITE Scholarship to study Diploma in Music and Event Management at MAINZ in 2017.

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