Songbroker launches push to export more NZ music copyrights

INTERNATIONAL AND INDUSTRY NEWS

Songbroker launches push to export more New Zealand music copyrights

New Zealand independent music publisher Songbroker hasn’t been around for long but is already having an impact on the prospects and livelihoods of local songwriters and composers. Songbroker is unashamedly focused on finding income opportunities for Kiwi songwriters, mainly through placement of songs on films, TV shows, advertisements and online content. Songbroker artists regularly feature on local shows such as Shortland Street, Brokenwood Mysteries and Filthy Rich - and also on NZ films, documentaries and TV commercials.

Songbroker is now turning its attention to the other 99% of the potential music licensing market, with the launch of a web platform representing NZ music to international users.

“The Songbroker offering is quite unique. We represent the works of about 180 talented songwriters and composers, and unlike many of the world’s online music libraries, this is authentic art - it’s the real deal, it’s coming from a very creative nation, and that’s a key point of difference.” says founder Jan Hellriegel. Hellriegel adds the export scope for Kiwi musicians is “huge”. “You can only sell a kilo of milk powder or a bottle of wine once. However, a song can be licensed many, many times over its copyright lifetime. Music also costs nothing to ship, and crosses borders without attracting tariffs."

Songbroker’s new platform launches at Seafarers in Auckland on Wednesday 22 March with guests including the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Hon. Jacqui Dean. More info at: www.songbroker.nz

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