Sound check: calling all young songwriters

The chance to record alongside a chart-topping musician is the prize on offer for young Devonport songwriters entering the Depot Sound schools songwriting competition.

The competition, which is in its third year, is partnering with the New Zealand Music Commission and New Zealand Music Month for 2023

As part of the collaboration, former Goodshirt front man Rodney Fisher will be providing the benefits of his experience during the two days of studio time the winner receives.

The competition is open to intermediate and secondary school musicians and bands, who submit an original song for judging by a panel of former winners and industry experts.

The winners of the intermediate and secondary school categories will be allocated two days at the Depot Artspace studio facility to record and produce their song.

Second-placed contestants will receive one day of studio time.

Studio manager and audio engineer Noah Page said he and Fisher will select the 10 entries to be judged by the panel.

This year’s theme is ‘community and collaboration’.

Page said it was chosen to reflect the importance of collaboration, which often goes unnoticed by young musicians.

Many make music alone in their rooms or began making music during periods of Covid restrictions.

“I’m really interested in the idea of musicians being in a room with other people and enhancing the power of that.”

He said that the studio experience will also reflect the theme.

He and Fisher will bring in session musicians, collaborate with the musicians themselves and also encourage them to work with their peers.

The competition attracts around 80 entries a year. Judging them in the past has been hard, Page said.

Previous finalists have ranged from folk to RnB and electronic music to live bands.

Depot Sound, which has a reputation for supporting young songwriters, has previously hosted acts such as Harper Finn, Head Like a Hole and Dead Favours.

For more information and to submit a song, visit depot.org.nz. Entries close on 31 May.

WHAT’S ON @ Devonport Library

Tēnā koutou katoa

It’s been another stormy few days with dramatic cloudbursts, hail, lightning and rainbows too. If you need a warm, dry space to hang out, the library is the perfect spot. Come and find a good book and a cosy corner till it all passes over. Check out the recommendations in our Great Reads section too. Plenty on this coming month too. All sessions are free and you can just turn up on the day.

Monday 22nd May 2pm - 3pm Conscious

Breathing Techniques. Jefferson Chapple, an experienced breathing coach will lead this calming session of breath techniques to reduce stress.

Tuesday 23rd May 10am - 11 am Borrow Smart and Pay Off Debt Lisa, the local ASB Community Banker will share tips and information on credit and debt. A practical friendly session over a cuppa.

Saturday May 27th 2pm - 3pm Tessa Duder will launch her young adult novel, The Sparrow A historical story of early Auckland with a plot twist, written by a treasured Devonport author. If you loved her Alex book series, you will love The Sparrow.

Sunday May 28th 11am- 12 noon Traditional Composting Techniques. Learn with Pip from the Compost Collective. $40 voucher for each attendee towards a Compost Collective composting system.

Tuesday May 30th 7pm for drinks, 7:30pm for speakers. Two Works, Karl Stead and Kevin Ireland, chaired by Steve Braunias. An unforgettable evening of poetry, memoir and conversation with these very well known authors. A Devonport Library Associates (DLA) event. Our children’s programme goes from strength to strength with fun activities focused on preschoolers on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays at 10am. Afterschool Lego on Thursdays is extremely popular.

As well, we are promoting the upcoming Auckland Writers Festival authors with a display of their books.

See you here or see you there. Remember, books, minds and umbrellas all work best when opened. Ka kite anō māua i a koutou. See you again soon