Excitement is building for the launch of the fourth Hawke’s Bay Music Hub-led record featuring a mix of emerging and established local musicians.
There were 40 songs submitted to the industry panel for consideration this year, says Kevin Murphy, hub co-founder. “As word has spread about what we’re trying to achieve with our annual record pressing, and the usefulness of the hub, the numbers of musicians submitting songs has grown too. We’re excited to announce the 11 artists who have made the cut in 2024.”
The selected musicians and their songs are: Nick Herbison (Moment), Ella Pollett (In your arms), Danica Bryant (Acid), Dos Ovni (Sinners), Rosez (Need U), Maria Williams (Humbled And Defanged), Kenya Boerman (Aint no Way), Mahina Lawrence (7 Seas), Chris Drabble & Thomas Oliver (Real Love), Liberty (I wanna), Phil Edwards (Cocoon).
On the selection panel this year were Paula Yeoman (Nicnak Media) Laughton Kora (Black Comet Band) and Peter Urlich (Th’ Dudes)
The record cover artwork this year has been designed by local artist Richard Boyd Dunlop.
The project involves pressing 300 copies of the record that are then distributed for free to market Hawkes Bay music.
Funding for the project this year was received via Lion Foundation and Grassroots Trust Central.
Kevin urges those who missed out this year not to give up and stay connected via the hub. “The reason we established the hub was to allow punters, venues, promoters and musicians to connect with each other. We’re constantly on the look out for chances to offer mentoring and workshops, find out who needs players and who is organising events, and what resources are available.”
The launch of the record will take place at the end of February, to stay updated on that and other music information go to www.hbmusichub.co.nz
The website has just had some updates. If you are a local artist that performs please register so people can find you.
Here are a few artists from the album, showcasing the diversity of our Hawke’s Bay artists.
Dos-Ovni
A dark ambient duo, crafts haunting soundscapes that captivate and immerse listeners. Formed in 2021, members Dee and Liv bring decades of musical experience to their minimalist approach, blending dark textures with reverb-laden vocals. Their fifth single ‘Sinners’ has garnered critical acclaim for its esoteric themes and emotional depth. Collaborating with producer Nick Blow from Sister Lung Records, Dos-Ovni achieves a surprisingly full sound that transcends the limitations of a two-piece setup. Inspired by artists like Low, Chelsea Wolfe, and King Woman, they are currently recording their debut album.
Producer: Nick Blow
Photo credit Joseph James (@willnotfadeblog on Insta)
Liberty
19-year old artist Liberty, ‘I Wanna’ marks the start of something big. After accumulating hundreds of thousands of views and followers who have rallied behind the track, Liberty is overjoyed to finally share it with her growing fanbase. The song is an upbeat pop anthem about breaking free from the monotony of daily life—capturing the feeling of being stuck in an endless loop of routine and longing for something different.
Rosez
Born Ella, Rosez is a mesmerising R&B musician, Producer, Singer/Songwriter, Multi-instrumentalist, live performing and studio recording artist whose soulful voice and captivating melodies have created a raw and In-depth sound for her music. Born with an innate passion for music, Rosez discovered her love for singing at a tender age and quickly became immersed in the world of rhythm and blues
