2024 APRA Aotearoa Mentorship Programme applications open

Amelia Murray (Fazerdaze)
Ōtautahi | Christchurch

Fazerdaze is the dream-pop project of Ōtautahi based musician, songwriter and producer Amelia Murray. Renowned for her unique blend of bedroom pop and grungy shoegaze influences, Murray first burst onto the local scene in 2014 with her self-produced and self-titled debut EP. She further established herself as an internationally renowned artist with her debut album ‘Morningside’. After the critical success of ‘Morningside’ in 2017, Fazerdaze took a five-year hiatus due to burnout and personal challenges, but returned triumphantly in late 2022 with the EP ‘Break!’.

Fazerdaze's global appeal is undeniable. With sold-out headline performances in major cities, spanning from New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Kuala Lumpur to more recent successes in Paris, London, Melbourne and Jakarta. Her 2023 headline Solo NZ tour achieved full sell-out as well.

Angelo Munro
Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland

Angelo Munro is a 44-year-old singer/songwriter from Auckland NZ. Angelo has been the lead vocalist in 5 bands to date, currently fronting “Bleeders” and his new shoegaze project “Erase Everything”.

From the age of 15 Angelo became a staple in the NZ punk and hardcore scenes, performing on stage, organising and promoting local shows and running two record labels, most notably Deadboy Records (distributed by Universal Music NZ).

Angelo has the rare experience of coming up through an underground DIY NZ scene and then the experience of being signed to a major record label (Universal Records) with Bleeders.

Bleeders debut album “As sweet as sin” is certified Gold status for record sales in NZ and debuted at #2 in the New Zealand music charts. Bleeders went on to win two Tūī at the 2006 New Zealand Music Awards for Best Rock Album and Breakthrough Artist of the Year. On the back of a successful 2006, Bleeders toured internationally with the likes of AFI, and Good Charlotte to name a few. Bleeders enabled Munro to travel the world and the band was based in Toronto Canada from 2009-2010.

Arli Liberman
Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland

Arli Liberman is an award-winning screen composer, producer and guitarist who creates vibrant, immersive music for film, TV, multimedia and live experiences

As a screen composer, Arli has worked on a wide range of films, including Sam Kelly's gang movie 'Savage', winning the 2021 APRA award for Best Original Music in a Film. He scored 'Stylebender' a documentary directed by Zoe McIntosh about Israel Adesanya, which was premiered at Tribeca Film Festival 2023, and was the composer for an eight-part documentary series chronicling the history of Moko.

Coming up in 2024, Arli is the composer for NZ film 'The Mountain', produced by Piki Films (JoJo Rabbit, Hunt for the Wilderpeople) and Sandy Lane Productions (Bad Behaviour, Juniper) with music by Troy Kingi. He is currently scoring the film 'Kōkā' directed by Kath Akuhata-Brown, and collaborating with Tiki Taane on the historical drama in Te Reo Māori 'Ka Whawhai Tonu' directed by Mike Jonathan starring Temuera Morrison, Cliff Curtis and Jason Flemyng

Byllie-jean
Te Moana-a-Toi | Bay of Plenty

Multi-disciplinary Māori artist Byllie-jean (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Heretaunga, Ngāti Pahauwera) has just released her debut EP Filter featuring Marlon Williams, AJA, and Isla Huia. Byllie-jean is an artist who explores contrast and juxtaposition in her writing and sound by combining acoustic rawness with street soul, heavy handed beats and indigenous folk. These are the sounds from her world as an island dweller, a jungle lover and indigenous storyteller in her colonised homeland of Aotearoa.

Byllie-jean holds a BA (BmusArts) at ARA Institute of Canterbury majoring in vocals where she won the Apra Lyric Writing Award in 2015. Byllie-jean went on to design and deliver a lyric writing paper at Ara Institute for several years. Achievements include a Masters in Māori and Indigenous Leadership through Canterbury University while committing to a lifelong reo Māori journey added to by Te Tohu Paetahi, an intensive full immersion language program through Waikato University. Byllie-jean won the 2022 APRA Maioha award for her song with AJA and Chris Wethey 'Te Iho' in 2021. Byllie-jean is passionate about supporting a thriving Māori arts community and has produced shows and hui that support this vision including Wāhine Toa - a multidisciplinary show that celebrates Indigenous women providing a platform to perform and up skill

CHAII
Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland

Artist/producer/creative-director CHAII is Iranian born, raised in New Zealand. CHAII’s creative vision was apparent on debut EP Lightswitch; a visual collection showcasing sounds and footage from Oman to California. The 6-track release includes title track 'Lightswitch', featured in EA Sports’ FIFA 21 Soundtrack + Trailer for Ms Marvel, ‘Nobody Know’ which launched Apple’s brand-new iPhone 12 + featured in Netflix Original film ‘The Old Guard’ starring Charlize Theron, and debut single ‘South’, featured in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater soundtrack + Italian fashion brand FENDI’s global online FENDIVA campaign and more. CHAII was announced as the first ever NZ Spotify RADAR artist and also was named as the most synched artist in The Rolling Stone Australia/New Zealand.

CHAII’s dynamic multicultural blend of influences not only brings listeners into her world, but also digs deep into the roots of her Persian background. Born in Iran where music was a big part of her culture she showed a lot of interest in creative outlets, by the time her family moved to New Zealand when she was eight years old, that interest had bloomed into an obsession and now a full-time life of making music.

CHAII and her Musical partner Frank Keys are working on their Debut Album. CHAII will be touring US March 2024 after just completing performing at summer music festivals in New Zealand.

Her next single ‘Fun’ will be released March 7 when in London.

Dianne Swann
Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland

Dianne Swann has enjoyed an interesting career in music to date and has experienced many of the ups and downs the rollercoaster ride that a career in music can often be. She began her career as the main songwriter, fronting indie band Everything That Flies and singing with vocal supergroup When The Cat’s Away.

Then, in the early 90s, she relocated to London where she formed The Julie Dolphin with Ex-Mocker Brett Adams. After their first EP Roses was released in 1992, the following year saw debut album Lit released to critical acclaim with lead single ‘Birthday’ receiving coverage from NME and spins on UK radio and American college radio. During this time The Julie Dolphin embarked on many headline tours and toured the UK twice as main support for Radiohead. This led to Dianne recording with Radiohead providing vocals for ‘How Can You Be Sure’ the b-side to “Fake Plastic Trees’. The Julie Dolphin also recorded an album under the name Boom Boom Mancini.

In 2003, Dianne relocated back to New Zealand where she and partner Brett Adams formed alt/rock duo The Bads who have, to date, released four albums to critical acclaim, including the 2018 TAITE prize-nominated album Losing Heroes. Although Dianne has written songs for seven albums and three EPS, The War On Peace Of Mind, her first-ever solo record, was released in 2021. The album was nominated for the 2021 Taite Prize, and Dianne was inducted into the NZ Music Hall of Fame in the same year.

Grayson Gilmour
Te Whanganui-a-Tara | Wellington

Solo artist, band member, film composer and academic, Grayson’s multifaceted musical career has seen him release multiple albums on Flying Nun Records, relentlessly tour the globe with post-punks So So Modern, write award-winning scores for feature films, and pick up a Masters degree along the way. Having supported the likes of Foals, jammed with Bootsy Collins, and worked alongside Joseph Gordon-Levitt, a musical curiosity continues to fuel his creativity and collaborative spirit – captured across the tracks of his critically acclaimed 2023 solo album Holding Patterns.

JessB
Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland

Since emerging as a dynamic breath of fresh air in New Zealand’s music scene, JESSB has taken that early momentum and has created it into a proper whirlwind. Mixing afro-inspired diasporic sounds, both high energy & introspective, JESSB is becoming a force to be reckoned with both at home and around the globe.

Collaborating with acts such as Saweetie, Kranium, G Flip, Stan Walker and Baker Boy, JESSB is also a MTV European Music Award winner and has collaborated with global brands such Boiler Room, Red Bull, Samsung, Nike plus more.

Since mid 2022, JESSB has been touring globally including playing shows and festivals across Europe and the UK along with recording new music for her album scheduled for a mid 2024 release.

Laughton Kora
Te Moana-a-Toi | Bay of Plenty

Performer, Beatmaker, Musician, Producer, Actor, Lecturer, Teacher & Gamer Laughton Kora has been playing music since the age of 6. First winning Smoke Free Rock Quest with band Aunty Beatrice, Laughton went on to perform with his band Kora worldwide for 8 years and completing a Bachelor of Arts in film and theatre at Toi Whakaari in Wellington.

Since 2015 Laughton has had a consistent solo career. He played Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar & Little Shop of Horrors with the Auckland Theatre Company, played with a variety of bands at multiple festivals including Homegrown, One Love, Splore, Rhythm & Vines, Northern Base and Bay Of Dreams.

Producing songs together with Tiki Taane for Dylan Frost, Venice, Ria Hall and many other Up and Coming artists, he is currently directing his career towards musical Direction and Composition for Film and Theatre including Māori TV, short independent films, National and International TV Ads and most recently music curator for the GOP 26 Global Summit in Scotland 2021 and featuring as a mentor in the popular TV-Series Popstars 2021.

Maisey Rika
Te Moana-a-Toi | Bay of Plenty

New Zealand multi-award-winning Māori singer-songwriter Maisey Rika,has one of Aotearoa's most impressive lead vocal style,fused with her honest and thought invoking messages.

Maisey began singing at a professional level very early on in her life having recorded several Māori albums before finishing her high school years, with one of the albums reaching double platinum status here in New Zealand. Now with another six original albums to add to her name all of which have received accolades in the NZTop40 album charts and at music awards around the country.

Maisey has toured the world sharing her music, Māori culture and stories with thousands in countries like; Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Japan, Indonesia, Australia, UK, Europe, America and China. Performances have put her on stage with many renowned artists such as; Grammy Award Winners India Arie, George Kahumoku Jr. and many more. She has also opened for Multi-Grammy winners The Blind Boys of Alabama and John Legend. Maisey has collaborated with many artists, had music featured on movies, TV series and she has also written songs for several TV placements.

From hard-work, perseverance, passion mixed with her dedication to matauranga Māori, strong heritage, eclectic songs, and honey-stung vocals, Maisey’s music has traversed the World from Aotearoa shores and into International hearts.

Mark Vanilau
Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland

Mark Vanilau, with his velveteen voice and stunning piano playing, is one of Aotearoa's most highly respected musicians, including 12 years as a member of Dave Dobbyn’s band, touring with Hollie Smith, Ladi 6, Scribe and Fly My Pretties. His interpretation with Scribe of Dobbyn’s It Dawned on Me at the Silver Scroll Awards was hailed by the NZ Herald as ‘one of the best ever’. He has performed at the Australia World Music Expo and at Edinburgh’s Fringe Festival.

A rare step into the spotlight saw him release an EP, Produced by Warren Maxwell, with the single Giant of the Sea earning him Best Song, Best Male artist and Aspiring International Artist at the Pacific Music Awards in 2014.

Mark composed and performed the score for the development season of the play A Boy called Piano, directed by Nina Nawalowalo & Jim Moriarty, presented by The Conch in 2019. Mark went on to compose and perform the original score for the award-winning feature documentary film from The Conch A Boy Called Piano - The Story of Fa'amoana John Luafutu, directed by Nina Nawalowalo - which has been screened at 14 national and international film festivals so far throughout 2022 & 2023 and won multiple awards. The score was a finalist for the 2023 APRA Best Original Music In A Film Award | Tohu Pūmanawa at the 2023 APRA Silver Scroll Awards. Mark also composed and performed the score for the premiere & national tour of the play A Boy Called Piano, directed by Nina Nawalowalo, presented by The Conch & PANNZ in 2022.

MELODOWNZ
Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland

MELODOWNZ is proof that thought-provoking, lyrical hip-hop is alive and here to stay. Standing firmly on the frontlines of Kiwi creativity, MELODOWNZ food-for-thought artistry exists in multitudes. The Māori/Samoan artist has become a local community hero proudly taking New Zealand rap to the world stage with co-signs and collabs from the likes of Denzel Curry, Bootsy Collins, and Maxo Kream, the latter who he supported this year on Kream’s Australian tour.

After years of accolades, in 2022 MELODOWNZ unveiled his long-awaited debut album, LONE WOLF, via Def Jam ANZ and SNIFFERS Records. The record is a tale of love, loss, and learning, rich with full circle synchronicity, duality, and spirituality that’s been a present theme throughout the Gemini rapper's life. Formed across Avondale home studios, remote writing camp sessions, and an LA recording trip, the multidimensional record features collaborations with Houston gangster rapper Maxo Kream, Florida heavyweight Denzel Curry, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter INK, rapper/singer-songwriter Bleu, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and Kanye West collaborator Ant Clemons, among more illustrious producer credits from the likes of Bizness Boi and DJ Khalil. Returning full circle to his Auckland community with collaborations on the album from local legends including Diggy Dupé, Troy Kingi, Bailey Wiley, the Avondale intermediate choir, and more, MELODOWNZ is ready to take Avondale to the world - and he’s bringing his community along with him.

Reb Fountain
Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland

Reb Fountain is a premium New Zealand award-winning artist. Her Flying Nun debut Reb Fountain and sophomore IRIS were both released to critical acclaim with MOJO’s Martin Aston calling Reb, “New Zealand’s next alt-folk sensation” and STUFF heralding, “Reb is a revelation. I could have watched her show on any stage in the world and she would have deserved to be there.”

Invoking a blend of folk, art-pop and rock unrivalled in Aotearoa, “her sound is genre defying, the set seamlessly transitions from songs that wouldn’t go amiss on a Bond soundtrack, to electro pop, to rock and folk but it flows in to one unmistakable sound.” (Subba-Cultcha).

Reb’s awards include the coveted Taite Prize in 2021 for Reb Fountain, Best Country Album in 2018 for Hopeful & Hopeless and APRA Best Country Song in 2018 for 'Hopeful & Hopeless’.

SJD (Sean James Donnelly)
Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland

Sean James Donnelly is an award-winning musician/composer currently residing in Auckland. He has released 9 albums under the nom-de-plume SJD since 1998. He has worked as a multi-instrumentalist and producer with many notable New Zealand artists, composed for film and television and made forays into experimental acoustic and electronic music and video. He has also composed multiple feature film soundtracks and for public and private commissions, as well as being a frequent live performer. He was Mozart fellow at Otago University 2022-23. His latest album entitled ‘Sweetheart’ was released in October 2022.

Steph Brown (LIPS)
Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland

Steph Brown is a songwriter with a particular interest in combining song with other art forms. She holds a Bachelor of Jazz performance from University of Auckland and the New School University in NYC.

Steph started her career as a session keyboardist (Anika Moa, Che Fu) but has been writing and performing her own music under the name Lips since 2010. In 2012 Steph won the APRA Silver Scroll Award for her song ‘Everything To Me' and has since released 2 EPs and a full-length album that was nominated for the Taite award in 2022.

Steph’s music has been played in TV shows and films, including Charmed, Kingdom, and Beyond Blue. She was music director on a theatre show called Daffodils that toured to the Edinburgh Festival, and later was co-music director on the film version that starred Kimbra and Rose McIver, songwriting, arranging and scoring for the film. Currently she is working on a musical sketch comedy TV show for kids that is in development.

Stephen Gallagher
Te Whanganui-a-Tara | Wellington

Stephen Gallagher is an award-winning composer and Emmy-winning music editor and is widely known as 'one of the nicest guys in film'.

During his more than two decades in the business, Stephen has worked on projects ranging from global blockbusters alongside industry legends such as Peter Jackson, Brian Eno, Ed Sheeran, Nick Cave and Junkie XL to Emmy-winning television productions, independent documentaries, and contemporary theatre and dance. In his own words, he is excited by "making sounds and worlds out of sound".

Stephen's music editorial is known for being highly sensitive to storytelling. He has been nominated three times for an MPSE Golden Reel Award. In 2022 he won both a Golden Reel and an Emmy Award for his work on Peter Jackson's critically acclaimed documentary series The Beatles: Get Back.

His credits as Music Editor include the box-office successes The Hobbit trilogy: The Battle Of The Five Armies, The Desolation Of Smaug, An Unexpected Journey, and the sci-fi smash hit District 9. He was Supervising Music Editor for The Lovely Bones and the documentary West Of Memphis.

Stephen is known for his innate understanding of scoring for film, which goes straight to the heart of the story, and his ability to blend sound and emotion into the perfect soundtrack. He composed and worked with actors directly on the iconic songs ‘Blunt The Knives’ and ‘The Torture Song’ for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.

Troy Kingi
Te Taitokerau | Northland

Troy Kingi (Te Arawa, Ngāpuhi, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui) is a multi-award-winning, multi-genre musician and actor.

Described by the New Zealand Music Commission as “Our Northland Treasure”, Kingi rose to fame after the release of his first two multi-award-winning albums ‘Guitar Party at Uncles Bach’ and ‘Shake That Skinny Ass All the Way to Zygertron’, along with memorable acting roles in Kiwi films including ‘Hunt For The Wilderpeople’, ‘The Pā Boys’ and 'Mt Zion’.

Over and above his love for acting, Kingi’s passion for music has led to a successful and ever-expanding artistic career. A hard task master with his own creativity, Troy is now past the mid-point of his aspirational 10 10 10 Series, with the goal to release 10 albums in 10 different genres in 10 years. He is a prolific songwriter and serial collaborator, with voracious capacity and freakish efficiency.

His third album, ‘Holy Colony Burning Acres’ – a hard-hitting deep roots-reggae album focused on major issues facing indigenous peoples around the world and a strong political bent, won the prestigious 2020 Taite Music Prize. The album also earned Kingi two awards at the 2019 Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards – Best Roots Album, and for a second consecutive year, Best Māori Artist.