The New Zealand Music Month web site has all the information on news, events, gigs and music releases.

For the latest news and information on New Zealand music have a look at the New Zealand Music Commission’s website.

New Zealand History online has an article on the history of the New Zealand Music Month. TKI gives a brief overview of the history of popular music in New Zealand from the sixties onwards, with links to other websites for music students. The Music of New Zealand wikipedia article looks at the different styles of New Zealand music.

New Zealand Music is a great site for up to date New Zealand music news, events and photos.

Rent 2 Library CD's for the price of 1 during New Zealand Music Month

North Shore Libraries have a comprehensive collection of New Zealand music. Click on the headings below to access a catalogue search under that topic or take a look at our featured artists below each heading. Clicking on the artist's name will provide a catalogue search of our holdings of their work.

Composers

Douglas Lilburn (1915-2001) is a hugely influential New Zealand composer. He was a prolific writer of music as this timeline of his work will attest. His obituary describes the scope of his impact on the development of New Zealand music as a standalone force.

Gillian Whitehead (1941-) has also been influential within New Zealand classical music. In 2000 she was the inaugural Laureate for the Arts Foundation of New Zealand. See their biography of her for more information.

New Zealand Rock

Split Enz are a significant rock band in New Zealand history in that they were, and in some ways are, our longest lasting success in Rock Music. Their work spans decades from their early work in the 1970s through to their ENZSO collaborations with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. Many members of the band, notably the Finn brothers, Neil and Tim, have also achieved independent success.

Don McGlashan has been a very innovative force within New Zealand rock. He was involved with Phil Dadson in his project From Scratch, which used unconventional materials such as PVC pipe to create music, as well as many seminal New Zealand bands such as Blam Blam Blam, Front Lawn and Mutton Birds.

New Zealand Popular Music

Bic Runga has carved a distinctive place for herself in New Zealand music since she made her major breakthrough in the New Zealand Music scene with her album Drive in 1997, and has gone on to success both on her own and in collaboration with other significant New Zealand musicians including a tour (including live album) with Dave Dobbyn and Tim Finn.

Goldenhorse took New Zealand pop by storm with the release of their debut Riverhead. Their sound is shaped by the distinctive voice of their lead singer Kirsten Morrell. For up to date information on their movements, view their website.

New Zealand Hiphop Music

Scribe is one of the major current figures in the New Zealand Hiphop scene. His first single, 'Stand Up' (from the album The Crusader) went platinum within days, and its B-side, 'Not Many' is also a huge fan favourite, increasing the longevity of the disc.

Singer Che Fu has been hugely influential in the soulful side of New Zealand Hiphop for two decades starting with his involvement in ensemble band Supergroove. Since leaving the band over artistic differences, he has pursued a strong solo career, highlights of which are held on our catalogue.

Here are links to the music cd collections by genre:

New Zealand Musicians
New Zealand Composers
New Zealand Rock Music
New Zealand Popular Music
New Zealand Hiphop Music
New Zealand Jazz Music
New Zealand Soul Music

Amplifier is both a great resource for information on current happenings in New Zealand popular music and a way to access preview tracks so you can decide whether you'd like to pay to download a great NZ song.

If you're considering a career in music, the Auckland University School of Music has a wide range of programmes on offer.

APRA is the organisation which tracks the use of music writer's works and collects and pays out royalties on the musician's behalf.

Events in the North Shore to celebrate New Zealand Music Month:

NZ Music Month gigs in Devonport

Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra presents: APO 4 Kids

The North Shore Music Theatre presents: Fame at the Pump House, Takapuna