There has been a lot of noise about New Zealand music over the past year - and for good reason. New Zealand music is hot. There has been a lot of noise about New Zealand music over the past year - and for good reason. New Zealand music is hot.Both at home and abroad, there is a buzz about the diverse array of sounds emanating from these isles down under. NZ audiences are becoming even more passionate and enthusiastic about their own homegrown artists - and the music industry big wigs around the globe are starting to take notice too -

In May 2003, we have the chance to celebrate what is becoming one of NZ's most exciting and most potentially successful of the creative industries.

But first, let's recap some of the highlights that made 2002 such a magical year for New Zealand music.

Sales
* In 2002, Six New Zealand albums made it to the number one spot on the RIANZ Top 50 album chart - The Datsuns, Nesian Mystik, and Blindspott all had debut albums that reached the Top Spot on the charts against fierce international competition
* As a percentage of the total music sales market as reported to RIANZ, New Zealand music made up 9% of total sales in 2002, compared with 6% in 2001!
New Zealanders are buying more New Zealand music than ever before!

Airplay
* In 1995, the amount of New Zealand music played on New Zealand commercial radio was 2%. By the end of 2002 that figure had reached 15%. 15% of all music played across all formats of commercial radio in New Zealand is homegrown. Rock format stations in particular have greatly increased their support for NZ music, with over 25% of the playlists made up of NZ artists at the end of 2002.
New Zealand radio stations are playing more New Zealand music than ever before!

International exposure
* In November 2002 the Government and music industry worked together to host the World Series in Auckland, showcasing 31 New Zealand acts to a VIP list of fifteen international music industry executives
* The Datsuns, Pacifier, Concord Dawn, The D4, Che Fu, Goodshirt, 8 Foot Sativa, Nesian Mystik, Betchadupa, Evermore, Fur Patrol and many more New Zealand bands have been touring overseas, securing international record deals, and having albums released in foreign markets.
More New Zealand bands are making breakthroughs in overseas markets than ever before!

It's time to celebrate the depth, diversity and talent that make up the rich homegrown culture that is New Zealand music.