Celebrating NZ Music Month

VICKI ANDERSON

Playing in Christchurch: Anika Moa.

For punters, New Zealand Music Month is about having a wide range of Kiwi musicians shoved in their faces via our nation's media who wouldn't normally get oxygen.

For musicians it's largely about being asked to do a lot of gigs for free under the guise of being patriotic.

Hopefully, somewhere in the middle of the May-hem, we'll get to have some fun.

The sector of creatures that calls itself the Kiwi music "industry" officially decrees that in the month of May we all should celebrate New Zealand music.

New Zealand Music Month is a promotion run by the NZ Music Commission that takes place each May, in association with other organisations including NZ On Air, RIANZ, APRA, Independent Music NZ, and the Radio Broadcasters Association. It started in 2000.

While it would be churlish to condemn anything that helps generate attention towards the creative endeavours of artists who happen to reside in New Zealand, some might say that it's past its use-by date. It is also important to note that some New Zealand music is not good.

It should be noted, too, that although many struggle to comprehend this, even some of our country's most successful musicians need fulltime jobs doing something else to support themselves. However, in May they are expected to perform in our bus exchanges, parks and on street corners, usually for free, all in the name of a sense of patriotism designed to combat a cultural cringe that no longer exists. A cultural cringe which was conquered by the deeds of New Zealand Music Month a good five years ago.

As some suggest, the fact it has lost some of its impact is perhaps an indication of its success.

Let's face it, Hallensteins probably benefits more financially from its New Zealand Music Month T-shirt sales than the musicians that inspired them do.

That's where you come in. All of you need to check out what is coming up next month - there are some great gigs all around the country - turn up and have fun.

Read about gigs and find information about the events on www.nzmusicmonth.co.nz

What do you think about NZ Music Month?

- © Fairfax NZ News