The APRA Silver Scroll Award celebrates the very best songwriting New Zealanders offer up each year.

The 20 finalists for New Zealand’s biggest songwriting honour this year have been selected from over 250 entries. Entries have been judged by fellow songwriters, who have each made their own contribution to the NZ music community.

We are proud to say that both Merk and Reb Fountain have been included in the shortlist of 20 works for this years award.

Below are the works shortlisted

• Hey Mom, written and performed by Reb Fountain.
• Laps Around The Sun, written by Mark Perkins, performed by Merk.

In October 2019 multi-award winning Australian screen composer, Dale Cornelius, embarked on an ambitious side-project, committing to create a series of spontaneous solo piano improvisations every Friday for an entire year.

Little did Dale realise his creative commitment to 52 Fridays was about to be influenced by a tumultuous year ahead – a year as improvised and randomly structured as his performances. These compositions, formed during Victoria’s lengthy lockdown, became deeply personal artistic responses to events and circumstances beyond Dale’s control as the isolation of his studio truly began to mirror the world around him.

52 Fridays consists of 16 tracks selected and remixed from the original spontaneous improvisations.

Stream 52 Fridays here.

Native Tongue Music Publishing has announced the worldwide signing of New Zealand indie pop-rock band, There’s A Tuesday.

The band’s debut EP Dance With Me Before We Cry was released in 2020, which launched them into their own New Zealand headline tour and multiple shows across the festival circuit.

Native Tongue Music Publishing’s New Zealand General Manager, Pennie Black said of the signing: “There’s A Tuesday display songwriting skills well beyond their years, which together with arresting vocals, warm harmonies and memorable hooks make the perfect combination to become your new favourite band.”

“We’re all feeling both super happy and super confident in knowing we are going to be working alongside Native Tongue! Exciting things to come.” added There’s A Tuesday.

You can catch the four-piece supporting BENEE on her Aotearoa tour this August.

Aaron D’Arcy has released ‘Good to See the Girls Again’ which showcases D’Arcy’s unique mix of country & blues and is the follow up album to ‘Charcoal and Ash’ (2019).

D’Arcy said the title of the album was a simple reflection on the joy of seeing family and friends after spending much time on the road.

Stream Good to See the Girls Again here.

Plan 9 have been making music together for many years. They often make music for screen productions and this is their first album release under the name Plan 9. ‘The Bewilderness’ is a response to the strangeness of 2020, the sudden lockdown, and those moments of calm amongst the chaos.

Without work, the trio had the time for a project that had been on their wish list. This project sees Plan 9’s Janet Roddick paired with throat singer Jonny Marks. The result is a song cycle for two voices and an altered string quartet of double bass, cello, violin and rhythm violin.

Stream The Bewilderness here.

Native Tongue Music Publishing is delighted to welcome Jess Barlow to the team in the role of Licensing Manager.

Barlow is a passionate music licensing specialist with 11 years experience in the music industry, working for major and independent music publishers and record labels across Australia, the UK and Canada. Barlow has worked for EMI Music, Universal Music Publishing, Alberts, Warner Music and most recently Sony Music.

Barlow has a history of implementing key strategic initiatives and is highly skilled in licensing administration. Barlow will join Client Relations Denise Sharp in Native Tongue’s Sydney office, Creative Manager Sabrina Robertson, NZ GM Pennie Black and Campbell Revie in Native Tongue’s licensing team.

Native Tongue Managing Director, Jaime Gough, states “We’re happy to have found such a talented licensing professional in Jess, who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the company. Jess’ bubbly personality and drive to achieve results for songwriters and artists will see her right at home at Native Tongue.”

“It is incredibly exciting to be joining the Native Tongue family. To work with their amazing international catalogues and dynamic ANZ roster is a privilege and I am thrilled to be able to continue to build on their impact and growth in the global and domestic music scenes,” added Jess Barlow.