SongHubs

Thanks to the work of some incredibly talented members, we took a new initiative for a test drive in late 2024: Composition Hubs. A week-long collaborative songwriting intensive designed to reward and enrich New Zealand's composition community.

Curated by Simon Eastwood, president of CANZ (The Composers Association of New Zealand) and Fergus Fry, the inaugural Composition Hubs saw six new collaborative pieces created, then performed live courtesy of a guest pianist and the Jade String Quartet.

With a video wrap-up still to come, please join us in congratulating Oliver Braham, Mika Cornelius, Jessie Leov, Liam Pram, Jessica Robinson, and Estella Wallace on their part in what is hopefully the first of many such opportunities.

In April 2024 we hosted our first Pasifika-focused songwriting retreat curated by Ladi6. Moana SongHubs was held at Roundhead Studios April 14th - 19th and gathered 20 songwriters and producers from around Aotearoa to collaborate and talanoa in the name of music. Across five studios, and four days, 23 brand new songs were created. This event would not have been possible without the generous support from Creative NZ.

Songwriters: Brandn Shiraz, JARNA, LIJAH, Marley Sola, MELODOWNZ, RIIKI REID, Romi Wrights, Samara Alofa, Summer Vee, Vallé

Producers: big al., Kings, LEAO, Leonardo Coghini, NOÉ

Guest writers: Aaradhna, Brandon Haru, Deva Mahal, Lucky Lance

Curator: Ladi6

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Manu Tāiko is a collaborative production wānanga, bringing together experts in music creation, production and waiata reo Māori to further the development of a bi-lingual music industry. Held at Big Fan in Tāmaki Makaurau in April 2024.

The producers and songwriters who took part were an incredible group of talented music creators who are all at different stages of their development with production, but they share a passion for learning more, and collaborating in this mahi.

Mātanga oro: Noema Te Hau III, Brandon Haru, Te Whiti Warbrick aka SickDrumz

Manu Tāiko: Tame Tuari, MĀ, Myshaan, Chase Woods, HINA, Rebel Reid

Mātanga reo: Ruth Smith

With the generous support and involvement of Te Māngai Pāho.

At Roundhead Studios, from March 3rd to 8th, we hosted our first songwriting retreat of the year, curated by Brooke Fraser. Twelve of New Zealand’s finest songwriters and producers were selected to collaborate, resulting in the creation of 17 brand new songs. SongHubs Tāmaki Makaurau 2024 would not have been possible without the generous support from NZ On Air Music and the NZ Music Commission.

Songwriters: Brooke Singer, Georgia Lines, Gracie Moller, James Milne/Lawrence Arabia, Kaylee Bell, Mi-Kaisha, NY OH, PAIGE, Rob Ruha

Producers: Aubrie Mitchell, Joel Jones, Jol Mulholland, Nic Manders

Guest writers: Matt Hales, Shungudzo

Curator: Brooke Fraser

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At Big Fan Studios, March 24-28, two indigenous cultures from opposite sides of the globe united to work on the revitalisation of their heritage languages via collaborative songwriting. Supported by the British Council New Zealand, and the Pacific and the British High Commissions, new bilingual music was created to advance the understanding and usage of both te reo Māori and Cymraeg.

The programme involved three Welsh songwriters and one Welsh producer collaborating with six Māori songwriters and two Māori producers.

Songwriters: Arahi Whaanga, Awhimai Fraser, Carwyn Ellis, Cat Southall, Georgia Ruth Williams, Maisey Rika, Marei Nathan, Pere Wihongi, Rob Ruha.

Producers: Kingdon Chapple Wilson (KINGS), Noema Te Hau III, Steffan Pringle.

Mātanga Reo: Hana Mereraiha.

Curators: Kawiti Waetford and Greg Haver.

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APRA took SongHubs to Raglan for the first-ever live-in songwriting retreat. The event was curated by Devilskin's Jennie Skulander who chose 12 participants from around Waikato and Aotearoa.

Songwriters: Alice Tanner (Agnes Aleesy), Ashy Batchelor (ASHY), Ben Horlock, Conor McCabe (Judy Free), Holly Cameron (YAHYAH), Kyla Greening, Mia Sohnge (Miakie), Nikora Edwards (Swizl Jager).

Producers: Christian Tjandrawinata, Myshaan Komene, Raneem Caco (CACO), InDuna.

Guest writers: Marika Hodgson, Filiva'a James, Fran Kora.

Curator: Jennie Skulander

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Ruth Smith and Mātai Smith crafted an inspiring environment at the first-ever Kapa Haka SongHubs in July, encouraging Te Tairāwhiti composer to create uniquely innovative original tunes.

Kapa Haka SongHubs celebrated the unique Tairāwhiti style, unfolding a distinctive expression of cultural richness and musical artistry. Eight waiata were created across two days.

Songwriters: Greg Koia, Haley Maxwell, Kuini Moehau Reedy, Kōkā Hauwai, Lewis Whaitiri, Makere Kupenga, Maumahara Horsfall, Mikaia Leach, Mātai Smith, Phil Tarawa, Reniera Samuels, Ruth Smith, Tama Waipara, Tame Tuari, Tangiwai Ria, Tatana Tuari, Te Amorutu Broughton, Te Rauhuia Ngata, Te Rina Kowhai, Tei Nohotima, Wayne Ngata.

Reo Māori SongHubs headed to Pōneke Wellington for the first time in June 2023. The event was curated by Hāni Dread and held at Massey University.

Songwriters: Amba Holly, ALLANA, Byllie-Jean, Chase Woods, Moetu Smith, REED, Tātana Tuari

Producers: Noema Te Hau, Aja Ropata, Tame Tuari, Chris Wethey

Mātanga reo: Te Haumihiata Mason, Tawaroa Kawana, Paiheretia Aperahama, Hona Black

Curator: Hāni Dread

Proudly supported by Te Māngai Pāho.

Some of New Zealand's finest songwriters and producers gathered at Big Fan on February 7 - 11 for our very first UK collaboration, SongHubs UK, curated by NZ-born London local Jordan Rakei. 12 members were handpicked by Jordan and joined guest writers Holly Fletcher/Lapsley (UK), Ben Jackson-Cook (UK), and Alisa Xayalith (NZ) to create 16 songs across 4 days. We were lucky to host two special seminars featuring Jordan, Holly, Ben, and Alisa, where they shared insights into each of their extensive careers to date.

Songwriters: Muroki, Emily Muli, Judah Kelley, NEVERKNOWN, Reiki Ruawai, Edie, HINA, BOY SODA. Producers: Alex Wildwood, Alistair Deverick, WHO SHOT SCOTT, Kiboko.
Guest writers: Låpsley, Ben Jackson-Cook, Alisa Xayalith, Jordan Rakei (curator)

SongHubs UK would not be possible without the support of the British Council NZ, NZ Music Commission, NZ On Air, and Recorded Music NZ.

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We took SongHubs to Ōtepoti in November 21 - 25, curated by prolific songwriter and producer Sam Trevethick (Shapeshifter, Sambora). The 4-day songwriting camp took place across four studios at Otago University's Te Korokoro o te Tūī Performing Arts Centre. We were delighted to have Sean Donnelly AKA SJD join us mid-week for a special Q&A, sharing special wisdom and insights about songwriting and composing for screen.

Songwriters personally selected by Sam were: Jack Panther, Sophie Scott-Maunder (Soft Plastics), Keira Wallace, Georgina Clifford (Gee), Adelaide Dunn, Abby Wolfe, Calla Knudson (Calla), Alayna Powley, ZËxÏÏ, Chris Wethey, Kahu McLean, and Mads Harrop.

Guest writers: Ladi6, Shayne P Carter, Emily C. Browning, Abi Knudson (MISSY)

We also had Stevie Thocolich available for participants wanting to use te reo Māori or Taonga Puoro in their music.

With the generous support of NZ On Air and NZ Music Commission.

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2022 Reo Māori SongHubs took place in Tāmaki Makaurau September 25th - 29th. APRA Board Writer Representative Bic Runga and Sir Tīmoti Karetu curated the week-long songwriting camp held across four studios at Roundhead.

Songwriters: Te Kuru Dewes, Anna Coddington, Reti Hedley, HINA, MOHI, Jordyn with a Why, YAHYAH, and Kawiti Waetford.

Producers: Joel Tashkoff (choicevaughan), Dan Martin, Nic Manders, and Noema Te Hau III.

Mātanga reo: Hana Mereraiha, Hēmi Kelly, Ruth Smith, and Te Kuru Dewes.

With the generous support of NZ On Air and Te Māngai Pāho

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SongHubs Ōtautahi | Christchurch, was held at the Christchurch Arts Centre March 2021. Curated by Delaney Davidson, our top-line songwriters were Julia Deans, Troy Kingi, Tami Neilson & Jol Mulholland.

Our participants: Ashy Batchelor, Brooke Singer, Byllie-Jean Zeta, Chris William, Emmanuel Psathas, Emma Cameron, Harry Parsons, Jenny Mitchell, Josie Moon, Mark Vanilau, Raquel Thomas, Sarena Close, Tali Jenkinson, & Violet French

With the generous support and involvement of NZ On Air and the New Zealand Music Commission.

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Curated by Devin Abrams and held at the gorgeous Old Church in Meeanee. December 2020, we took our week long collaborative songwriting retreat on the road to Hawkes Bay and teamed up with acclaimed producers Estère, Kings, and Simon Gooding to work with some of the region's best and brightest music creators.

Songwriting participants: Ashley Alexander, Bella Cook, Danica Bryant, Finn Roberts, Harry Champion, Isiah Ngawaka, Matthew Young, Mckenzie Comer, Mia Sohnge, Mikey Dam, Sarah Ryland & Sophie Brown.

With the generous support and involvement of NZ On Air, the New Zealand Music Commission, Napier Council and the Eastern Institute of Technology.

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Reo Māori SongHubs is a collaborative songwriting wānanga, bringing together experts in music creation and waiata reo Māori to further the development of a bi-lingual music industry. Held at Waimārama Marae in Hawkes Bay, November 2020.

The curator of the program is superstar producer Joel Little, while pre-eminent mātanga reo language specialist and songwriter Sir Tīmoti Kāretu is the reo curator. Five other mātanga reo songwriters Jeremy Tātere MacLeod, Leon Te Heketū Blake, Hana Mereraiha, Te Kuru o te Marama Dewes, and Ruth Smith will guide and assist the sessions.

The producers and songwriters who took part were an incredible group of talented music creators who are all at different stages of their development with writing waiata in te reo Māori, but they share a passion for learning more, and collaborating in this mahi.

Songwriters | Kaitito Puoro: Bic Runga, Diaz Grimm, Kings, Louis Baker, Maisey Rika, Matiu Walters, Reuben Fleetwood, Seth Haapu, Theia, Vayne

Producers | Kaihautū Puoro: Brandon Haru, Rory Noble, Liam Conrad aka Stuss, Te Whiti Warbrick aka SickDrumz, Sam Taylor

With the generous support and involvement of Te Māngai Pāho.

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At SongHubs Auckland 2020, we were excited to be bringing a group of four Swedish songwriters to New Zealand to share their knowledge and collaborate with our local writers: Sara Hjellström (aka Shy Martin), Nirob Islam (aka Shy Nodi), Julia Karlsson, and Anton Rundberg. These four pop wunderkinds were joined at Roundhead Studio for a week by 14 New Zealand songwriters, 2 Australian songwriters, and 5 New Zealand producers: Devin Abrams, Abby Knudson, Will Henderson, Rory Noble and Josh Naley.

Our guests spent five days rotating through different songwriting groups and studios, writing one song per day, and forming new musical friendships and collaborative possibilities. With thanks to NZ On Air, NZ Music Commission, Recorded Music NZ, Auckland Council, and Atomic Coffee.

Our 16 songwriter participants for SongHubs 2020 were: Ash Wallace (Foley), Brendan Maclean, Camila Roa Nunez (Amila), Finn Andrews (The Veils), Hugh Ozumba (Unchained XL), James Milne (Lawrence Arabia), Jon Lemmon, Julia Morris (Lexxa), Kingdon Chapple Wilson (Kings), Lepani Tuifagalele, Maddy Rowe (Genes), Monax Sunny (Chaii), Paige Tapara, Possum Plows (Xemo), Rob Ruha, & Sophie Mashlan.

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We had some heavy-hitters join us in March 2019.

Justin Gray is a Canadian born, Los Angeles based Songwriter, Record Producer, Music Executive and Tech Entrepreneur. Over the past 12 years, Justin’s projects have sold in excess of 40 million copies, and more than 8 billion streams world-wide. He has collaborated with a diverse range of artists including Avril Lavigne, Mariah Carey, John Legend, David Bisbal, Luis Fonsi, Joss Stone, Amy Winehouse, James Bay, and Reignwolf.

Maize Olinger, originally from Los Angeles California, is a co-writer and singer in the band Night Things with Zach Shields, former half of ANTI signed band Dead Man’s Bones. Since signing with Greg Kurstin she’s devoted most of the last 12 months to honing her skills as a writer in both her artist project with producer Wendy Wang, and collaborations with MoZella, Kamandi, Sam Wilkes of Cutty Gold, and Mr Little Jeans.

Nate Campany is a US songwriter from Cleveland, Ohio. He co-wrote ‘This Time Around’ on Tove Lo’s platinum selling album ‘Queen of the Clouds’, 4 songs on Carly Rae Jepsen’s critically acclaimed album ‘Emotion’ and LP’s ‘Lost On You’ which was #1 in 27 countries. He also co-wrote Martin Garrix’s ‘Scared to be Lonely’ feat. Dua Lipa which went 3 times platinum in worldwide sales, and the #1 US Latin airplay Becky G x Natti Natasha song ‘Sin Pijama’.

Jenna Andrews is a songwriter, vocal producer, and A&R consultant for Barry Weiss' 'RECORDS' label. Jenna is an acclaimed vocal producer, executive producer and arranger, while lending the collaborative skills of a songwriting mentor/partner and the acumen of an A&R/artist development executive to each project she touches. Jenna’s list of songwriting collaborators and creative partners includes Drake, Dua Lipa, Tori Kelly, Jessie J, Banks, and Jennifer Lopez as well as producers Doc McKinney, Noah 40 Shebib, Diplo, DJ Mustard, Max Martin and Stargate, to name a few.

The participants were: Abby Wolfe, Alex Davey (Alae), Annabel Liddell (Miss June), Anthonie Tonnon, Cecily Danaher, Sam Saunders (Chores), Gabriel Everett (Foley), Jesse Sheehan, Shayna King (Shayna), Jeremy Toy (She's So Rad), Josh Fountain, Callum McDougall (Rei), Djeisan Suskov, Mainard Larkin (Randa), Olivia Nott (NÏKA), Timon Martin, Sean Donnelly (SJD), Jessica Ribeiro, & Villette Dasha (Villette)

Curated by Greg Haver presented by APRA AMCOS with the generous support of our friends at NZ On Air, the New Zealand Music Commission, Auckland Council and Recorded Music New Zealand.

In celebration of Suffage 125 - 125 years since women received the right to vote in Aotearoa New Zealand - we held a second 2018 SongHub: SongHub Sphere.

Curated by Chelsea Jade and held at RoundHead Studios. The wonderful international guests were Susan Rogers (Prince’s audio engineer), Ebonie Smith (founder of Gender Amplified, and Grammy-winning producer based in New York), Laura Bettinson (producer/co-writer/artist based in London with a fascinating CV), and Wendy Wang (LA producer, co-writer, and multi-instrumentalist who works for Greg Kurstin’s No Expectations Publishing).

August 2018 SongHub Sphere participants: Abigail Knudson (Missy), Amelia Murray (Fazerdaze), Anji Sami (She's So Rad), Anna Coddington, Brooke Singer (French for Rabbits), Caitlin McGregor (Handsome), Emma Logan (October), Flo Wilson, Hinenui-Terangi Tairua (Angel Tairua), Jessica Bourke (Jess B), Jessica Hansell (Coco Solid), Maude Morris (LEXXA), Millie Lovelock (Astro Children), Nakita Turner (Nakita), Shana Lorando (Valere).

When Nashville came to town... They have made successful careers out of writing beloved songs for some of America’s biggest country stars, as well as sweeping ballads and runaway hits for TV shows like Nashville and Grey’s Anatomy. The three international guests for the 2018 SongHubs Auckland program are Kate York, Marc Beeson, and Heather Morgan.

Primetime Emmy award winning song-writer Kate York is a versatile artist-writer who has penned music for a diverse range of artists from Little Big Town to Fall Out Boy. She’s also written songs for numerous hit TV shows and films including Grey’s Anatomy, The Fosters, New Year’s Day, One Tree Hill, Hart of Dixie, and countless songs for the show Nashville – one of which won her an Emmy for the song ‘Nothing In This World Will Ever Break My Heart Again’. Marc Beeson, Illinois native and 25 year Nashville veteran has had over 100 cuts including songs recorded by Reba McEntire, Jason Aldean, Garth Brooks, Martina McBride, Billy Currington, Blake Shelton, Lady Antebellum, Carrie Underwood and Chicago, among others. He's won 10 ASCAP awards including both Country and Pop Song of the Year for his #1, ‘When She Cries’. Heather Morgan grew up in Richardson, Texas before moving to Nashville, where she signed her first publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music. Her songs have been featured on the television show Nashville, recorded by Keith Urban, Sara Evans, Martina McBride, Maren Morris, Cole Swindell, A Thousand Horses, The Eli Young Band, Dierks Bentley and Brett Eldredge among others. A staff songwriter for Sony ATV Music Publishing, Heather celebrated her first #1 in 2014 with Brett Eldredge's song, ‘Beat Of The Music’ which also won her BMI's 2015 Country Song Of The Year.

2018 saw the most applications we'd ever received, our participants were curated by Greg Haver and included our supporting producers: Julia Deans, Alex Wildwood (producer), Madeline Bradley, Simon Gooding (producer), Tom Healy (producer), Jol Muholland (producer), Tami Neilson, Jenny Mitchell, Woodes, Marley Sola, Seth Haapu, Taka Perry (producer), Fraser Browne, Nick Dow, Jamie McDell, & Kaylee Bell.

In addition to APRA AMCOS, SongHubs Auckland has been made possible with the support of NZ On Air, Auckland Council, Recorded Music NZ and the New Zealand Music Commission.

Curated by Greg Haver and assisted by three outstanding New Zealand producers, Josh Fountain, Sam De Jong, and Djeisan Suskov. Platinum selling and Grammy Award winning writers Mike Elizondo (US), Emily Warren (US), James Newton (UK), and Pete Wadams aka P-Money (NZ) proved to be incredible top-liners.

Mike Elizondo is perhaps best known for his work with Eminem, co-writing number 1 hit The Real Slim Shady, along with much of the rest of The Marshall Mathers LP. But his co-writing credits range far and wide, from hip hop greats Jay-Z and Snoop Dogg, to Twenty One Pilots, Maroon 5, Tegan & Sarah, Regina Spektor, and two of New Zealand’s favourite songbirds, Gin Wigmore, and Kimbra. Emily Warren is having a stellar year, having helped The Chainsmokers win a Grammy yesterday for Don't Let Me Down, as well as achieving international stardom and chart success (they’re currently sitting at #5 and #16 in the NZ Top 40). Warren has not only co-written three songs with the American DJ duo, but her vocals also feature on two tracks – Until You Were Gone, and Paris. Aside from that she’s worked with Jessie J, Shawn Mendez, 5 Seconds of Summer, Tiesto, Fifth Harmony, Sean Paul, and a host of others. James Newman is the unassuming older brother of rising British dance-soul star John Newman, and has spent the past few years working as a key collaborator with Rudimental (for which he won a Brit Award), as well as working with Calvin Harris, Ella Eyre, and David Guetta, while also working on his own material, which looks set to be released this year. We also have local hip hop and pop producer star Pete Wadams aka P-Money joining the team. P-Money is known for his many collaborations, including his current smash hit with Starley Hope, Call On Me (which is in the Top 10 throughout Europe and has had more than 230 million streams), plus chart topping classics written with Scribe, Vince Harder, and Akon, as well as his own work as a producer and songwriter.

And the talented New Zealand and Australian artists who were invited to come and work alongside them were: Benny Tipene, Chelsea Jade, Dave Baxter, Diaz Grimm, Ecca Vandal, Estere, Iva Lamkum, Mitch James, Nik Brinkman, Possum Plows, Raiza Biza & Teeks

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3 international guests, 12 local songwriters, 4 producers, 5 days in Roundhead Studio, and a whole lotta magic... 2016 was the first year that Songhubs was held in Aotearoa. Curated by Greg Haver we gathered together for a week in March.

Our international guests, platinum-selling and Grammy Award winning writers Mozella, Sacha Skarbek, and Lindy Robbins. MoZella co-wrote the Miley Cyrus No.1 hit song, ‘Wrecking Ball’ with Sacha Skarbek, as well as co-writing Madonna’s album, Rebel Heart. She has also collaborated with Rihanna, One Direction, Kelly Clarkson and Ellie Goulding. Sacha Skarbek played a key role in developing James Blunt’s career and co-wrote the worldwide No.1 hit ‘You’re Beautiful’. Other collaborations include Adele, Gwen Stefani, Seal, Neneh Cherry, Lana del Rey and the Backstreet Boys. Lindy Robbins co-wrote David Guetta’s hit single featuring Sam Smith ‘Dangerous’. Robbins has also written for Jason Derulo, Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato and 5 Seconds of Summer.

And the talented New Zealand and Australian artists who were invited to come and work alongside them were Anna Coddington, Campbell, Ciaran McMeeken, Louis Baker, Maala, Matthew Young, Mel Parsons, Miu, Montaigne, Robinson, Sahara Skye, and Sarah Aarons. They were all assisted by four outstanding New Zealand producers, Josh Fountain, Sam De Jong, M Basa, and Djeisan Suskov.

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Manu Taupunga is a collaborative songwriting wānanga, bringing together experts in music creation, production and waiata reo Māori to further the development of a bi-lingual music industry. Held in Ōhope in February 2024.

The songwriters who took part were an incredible group of talented music creators who are all at different stages of their development with waiata reo Māori, but they share a passion for learning and collaborating in this mahi.

The crew involved were: Ruth Smith, Pere Wihongi, Hana Mereraiha, Mā, Marei, Majic, Jordyn with a Why, Mohi, Henare, Te Nawe, Wiri, TAWAZ, Maisey Rika, Pipi, Nikau Grace, Whaea Te Hau.

With the generous support and involvement of Te Māngai Pāho.