As SXSW Sydney® approaches, today Creative New Zealand, Te Māngai Pāho and the New Zealand Music Commission have announced Aotearoa New Zealand @ SXSW Sydney, a 3-day activation within the festival & conference including one of the biggest Kiwi music line-ups to be seen outside of New Zealand alongside a series of networking events, panel presentations showcasing contemporary culture and creativity from the land of the long white cloud.
The programme will open on Wednesday 18 October with a focus on NZ gaming innovations led by NZ esports company Letsplay.Live. An indigenous screen content series will follow on Thursday with Friday focusing on music performances.
Music standouts across Aotearoa NZ @ SXSW Sydney include ASHY, Park Road, Daily J, Foley, Jordyn With A Why, Vera Ellen & Will Swinton. With 2.5 million+ streams across all platforms R&B, dance & contemporary artist ASHY will be performing off the back of her NZ Charts #1 single ‘No Man’s Land’. Indie band PARK RD have drawn comparisons to The 1975 & have just wrapped up a string of SOLD OUT shows across Auckland & Wellington before their jaunt to SXSW Sydney. Auckland act Daily J need no introduction to Australian audiences, with 2 x SOLD OUT Australian tours already in their back pockets. Wellington-based Vera Ellen will be looking to capitalize on a string of accolades, including being named ‘Best Alternative Artist’ at the 2022 Aotearoa Music Awards.
“It’s an absolute pleasure to be amongst the Aotearoa contingent this year at the first ever SXSW Sydney. We are so inspired by our fellow kiwi artists, and to stand alongside them to perform at Aotearoa NZ House is incredibly exciting – it’s going to be one for the ages’
FOLEY
Aotearoa NZ @ SXSW Sydney will also feature performances from Auckland based kapa haka Angitu who will infuse the space at Rouge Sydney on Darling Harbour with the essence of Aotearoa with their unique and modern take on traditional Māori performance.
Wednesday, October 18th will open with ‘The New Zealand Gaming Panel – embracing indigenous Māori to accelerate the sector’, with speakers from Ara Journeys, NZ Esports Federation & Te Papatipu Matihiko, alongside the first ever indigenous esport test match competing at the video game ‘Rocket League’.
Thursday, October 19th sees a focus on Māori content creation, featuring the Māori Content Producer’s Series.
Friday, October 20th’s panel switches focus to music and the revitalisation of Māori language through waiata (song). ‘Waiata Anthems’, an initiative that is changing the contemporary sound and attitudes of Aotearoa NZ will feature in discussion, followed by performances by Waiata Anthems artists Mohi, & Jordyn With a Why.
Each day is finished with live music showcases from the line-up of Kiwi artists.
AOTEAROA NZ @ SXSW SYDNEY LINEUP
0800
ASHY
Daffodils
Daily J
Foley
Huia
JessB
Jordyn With A Why
Jujulipps
Mazbou Q
MELODOWNZ
Mim Jensen
MOHI
Mousey
Paige
PARK RD
PERE
Rebel Reid
Rei
RIIKI REID
Soaked Oats
SWIDT
Swizl Jager
Te Kuru Dewes
There’s a Tuesday
Tipene
Vera Ellen
WHO SHOT SCOTT
Will Swinton
PRAISE FOR AOTEAROA NZ ARTISTS
“There are hints of Olivia Rodrigo and Dua Lipa in “LA Talk”, with ASHY’s luscious vocals sliding effortlessly over a lightly funky bassline.”
ASHY – Rolling Stone Australia
“With subtle hints of pop electronica, floaty synth-laced melodies, and delicate guitar blends, Daily J has carved themselves a niche that’s proving popular, particularly on the summer festival circuit.”
Daily J – Live Nation ‘One’s To Watch’
“Jordyn With A Why has only been releasing music professionally since 2021 but in that time, she has emerged as an artist to watch; an important new storyteller joining the current wave of young Pacific Islanders putting their music on the map.”
Jordyn With A Why – ABC Pacific
“‘TONGUE’ yet again showcases Ash Wallace and Gabe Everett’s innate creative understanding, with the former’s sugary vocals flourishing over a resolutely upbeat rhythm. It’s difficult to not to get swept up in the addictive rush of such pure pop.”
FOLEY – Rolling Stone Australia
“West Auckland has been a proven breeding ground for musical talent over the years. Park Rd, the latest act to emerge out of the Titirangi hills, hadn’t released their first EP when they played a sold out gig at the central city’s The Tuning Fork. Their motor’s running hot, and showing no signs of cooling.”
Park Rd – NZ Musician
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