Spark and BIG FAN on a mission to find Aotearoa’s musicians of tomorrow.
With the launch of Spark Open Audition, Spark is offering budding Kiwi musicians the opportunity to win one of three one-on-one mentorship sessions with a music producer at BIG FAN. Head to @Spark_NZ on TikTok before 19 October 2023 and duet the pinned video of New Zealand rapper JessB to be in to win.
Verve caught up with BIG FAN music producer Noema Te Hau.
How does BIG FAN feel about partnering with Spark to find New Zealand’s next musical talent?
At BIG FAN we’re super excited to come together with an iconic Kiwi brand like Spark to help foster New Zealand’s undiscovered talents. I’m a big fan of all the incredible work Spark has done this year to help uplift the Kiwi music community with new initiatives like Noise Control and now Spark Open Audition. It’s obvious that Kiwi music is world-class, and I’m stoked that we get to play a part in contributing to its future.
What do you think is unique about the New Zealand music scene?
The New Zealand music scene is rich with diversity, talent and skill. I think our uniqueness comes from our Kiwi ingenuity, grassroots jamming and can-do attitude. We punch above our weight globally and aren’t afraid to create music that pushes the boundaries of the art form.
How do you think technology has influenced the music industry over the past 10 years? What excites you most about it?
High quality music production and music distribution is more accessible than ever due to things like CPU processing power, software subscriptions, internet speeds, smartphones, Spotify, TikTok etc. Hit songs & albums are historically and intrinsically linked to new technologies, so I’m excited to see which upcoming artists breakthrough and how they used modern tech to achieve that.
What does the opportunity to access a recording studio and experienced mentor mean for a young artist’s career?
Even though new tech has meant upcoming artists can make great music in places like their bedroom, creating and recording music in a professional studio with world-class equipment means that artists can raise their ceiling in terms of quality, productivity and creativity.
Having access to an active industry mentor helps to fill the musical gaps and networks that new artists often struggle to fill. It may also come from places like family, friends, teachers, artforms or nature, but every great artist needs influences and mentors to inspire and uplift them.
How will BIG FAN’s mentor support the winner of Spark Open Audition?
BIG FAN will provide one-on-one mentoring to the three finalists of Spark Open Audition via development and collaboration within our recording studios in Morningside, Auckland. The winner will get further time to create the music that they want to create with some of New Zealand’s top producers at BIG FAN.
For more information on Spark Open Audition including Terms and Conditions, visitspark.co.nz/hellotomorrow.
