Creative harmony Q&A NZ Music Month

For New Zealand Music Month, reporter William Woodworth spoke to Gabe Bertogg and George Waterhouse at Pluto Projects Artspace in Blenheim around how they’re becoming an alternative creative lounge for Marlburians, carrying The Plant’s legacy and their own passion for music.

What inspired you to create this creative space for music, and what gigs have you had?

Since we’ve been open since December, we’re still finding what Blenheim’s creative community needs. Especially since The Plant shut down, Blenheim really missed a live music venue, and we want to fill that gap in a laidback environment.

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We inherited The Plant’s sound system, so being able to reuse something that fuelled music here for so long is important to us. People ask “can I bring my kids?” - we’re an alcohol-free venue they absolutely can and be in-

We’ve also been to Marlborough Girls College, did DJ tuition and had students play us some of their tracks. We showed live gigs from Half Queen who brings so many cultural influences into her DJ sets. It’s great being infused back with these savvy kids that bring so many ideas, so we brought the cultural collaboration through music. Most of the girls only really approached dance music in their room so it was great for their thought processes and worldly awareness.

How do you aim to bring regional New Zealand culture to the forefront of the musical and artis-

We’re all creative naturally and Pluto’s about enhancing yours within our environment and nurturing the confidence no matter what. We are an accessi- ble platform for people to take the opportunity – with the new library people can walk in the door and be inspired there, and we want to be a place they can express that inspiration.

Outside of music, we’ve been collaborating with the Art Gallery, and exhibit a new artist every month here. Historic museums in London have ‘Friday Lates’ where they curate multi-media experiences, and we’d love to explore that. We have open doors and no rules around giving creatives an opportunity.

By having a limited space and a multi-media creative hub, how does that allow you to host artists that wouldn’t otherwise have their music translate well into spaces like pubs?

Pub music is incredibly integral to communities, but we couldn’t go to a dedicated gig in Marlborough. Pluto does not open all night long – we’re shut by 11 so people are welcome to continue their nights into Blenheim’s bars. We want to be Marlborough’s lounge rather than a late-night venue.

Josie (Tuck) said “Wow, everyone is so quiet and intensely listening” and the community put their whole heart and soul into that night. There’s plenty of smaller venues in bigger cities, but Marlborough is just as creative – just look at the Dharma Bums Club up the Wairau Valley.

Paul from the Rockshop came and practiced and really set off the music idea. He’s been incred- ible. People were willing to trust we’ll be something unique. We couldn’t do it without Clayton though, he’s our in-house artist and talent spotter here with an open-door Tuesdays and Fridays from 11-4, and we completely trust each other.

What should people do for NZ Music Month to celebrate local artists?

NZ Music Month celebrates music no matter where it’s from, if you love it. Swap music with friends and introduce them to something you think they’ll enjoy. Take friends to a gig and support artists with purchases on Bandcamp of music you can’t find anywhere else. It is such a love to make music, the majority aren’t making millions so celebrate their passion.

Go in to the Rockshop, have a chat with Paul because he’ll be interested in anything. Look through Sub Urban Records and niche places. Having new music in your mind and your everyday life is a beautiful thing. Share the love through a new experience, because that allows artists to keep doing what they’re doing.

Upcoming Gigs at Pluto Projects Artscapes this New Zealand Music Month

17th – Pluto Dance hour, 7-8pm 20th – Ailin & Juan, acoustic session, 7pm

25th – Virginia, soundscape meditation, 7.30 – 8.30pm 28th – The Watchamacallits, 2pm onwards

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