The APRA Screen Awards celebrate and recognise New Zealand’s screen composers.

Native Tongue are proud to have three writers nominated in the Best Original Music In A Series category.

Wellington’s David Long (also a former finalist and winner) is nominated for his work on The Luminaries soundtrack, which is a series based on Eleanor Catton’s acclaimed historical novel.

Don McGlashan and Harry Sinclair have been nominated for their work on the children’s animated series Kiri and Lou, which captures a wild natural world, and encourage subtle life lessons we can all relate to.

All awards will be presented at Auckland Town Hall on Wednesday October 14th.

Congratulations and good luck to all.

Native Tongue Music Publishing is excited to announce that Pennie Black has been promoted to the role of General Manager, New Zealand.

Based in Auckland, Pennie joined Native Tongue in 2017 to handle Licensing and Administration for the company’s burgeoning New Zealand roster, following ten years at independent radio station 95bFM.

In her time at Native Tongue, Pennie has shown great passion and dedication to establish herself as the primary contact for the company’s New Zealand writers, and together with Paul McLaney has strengthened Native Tongue’s presence within the local industry.

Managing Director of Native Tongue, Jaime Gough, states “Pennie has worked tirelessly since joining the company and has had a significant impact within our team. A dedicated music lover, Pennie is a true champion for songwriters and the value of musical copyright, two factors that are key to Native Tongue’s ethos. I wish Pennie every success in the role, I know she’s going to shine.”

Pennie Black added, “I’m excited about the new position, but mostly to continue to work with an amazing team of people, and advocate the extraordinary talent we have on our roster at Native Tongue.”

Pennie will oversee the operations of Native Tongue’s Auckland office and a team that includes Chairman & Founder – Chris Gough, Writer Relations – Paul McLaney, and Nico Fitzpatrick – Copyright & Royalties.

This is a release we have been really excited for the world to get their ears around.

Auckland-based MC, JessB has grown rapidly before our eyes. 3 Nights In Amsterdam is a 6 track mixtape that reflects JessB’s dancehall, reggaeton, garage and electronic influences.

It is hard to ignore JessB’s infectious fierceness and unwavering energy within this release. We already knew JessB was destined for big things and this collection proves to the world that she means business.

Jump in now and enjoy her trademark sass-leaning rhymes and hip-hop flavour.

Stream 3 Nights In Amsterdam on Spotify here.

Native Tongue is thrilled to finally announce the signing of songwriter Liam McGorry.

A prolific songwriter and musician who was the driving force behind bands such as Saskwatch and Dorsal Fins, McGorry has recently announced his new musical vessel Ex-Olympian.

Named after the neon sign that adorns Borsari’s Corner in Melbourne’s Lygon St, Ex-Olympian also reflects those times we all need to shift things forward into a new phase.

In partnership with two Melbourne icons Northside Records & Remote Control Records, Ex-Olympian’s debut release is a new 7” record that features ‘Voices in My Head’ and ‘Lilac Youth’. With a focus on soaring melodies and lush arrangements, Ex-Olympian’s dream funk music takes cues from the music of heroes Reneé Geyer, The Avalanches, Arthur Verocai and Badbadnotgood.

“It’s a real honour to sign with Native Tongue. Matt and Jaime et al have been incredibly positive and supportive to my songwriting over the last few years, and also on building my songwriting future, to be joining such a talented and extensive local lineup is really exciting,” says Liam McGorry.

“We’ve been a fan of Liam’s songwriting and production for a number of years, so we absolutely jumped at the opportunity to work with him. His touchstones are the freshest, and he digs deep to create. Liam is an inspiring creative to be involved with,” explains Native Tongue’s Head of Creative Services Matt Tanner.

‘Voices in My Head’ and ‘Lilac Youth’ are out now and available on Spotify.

Alex Gow has moved away from releasing under the moniker Oh Mercy and on to bigger and better things as Perfect Moment. Gow has been blessing us with his art for close to 15 years now, winning an ARIA along the way in 2015 for Best Adult Contemporary Album.

In collaboration with The Presets’ Kim Moyes, the Perfect Moment EP is a tight package that encapsulates Alex Gow’s passion and is the perfect stepping stone into his new venture.

This EP could get you dancing, crying or smiling, but there’s one guarantee; these tracks will persist in your mind after just one listen.

The Perfect Moment EP is out now via Best & Fairest, stream on Spotify here.