New Zealand Music Month was first celebrated in 2001. In that May, only 6 per cent of album sales for the month were by New Zealand acts. Aiming to boost homegrown music, the initiative gave NZ media a chance to showcase local talent. After five years, homegrown acts made up 29 per cent of albums sold, and there was similar increase in radio airplay. In the last couple of years, the month has started to become a truly national celebration, with the public encouraged to show their support through attending events, buying music and wearing the T-shirt.
During May there are displays at each of our libraries showcasing our New Zealand music collections on CD and DVD and our book collections on New Zealand musicians and the music industry.
Check out some of our newer titles like Dave Dobbyn : the songbook or Faces in the firelight : New Zealand folk song & story by Phil Garland or CDs like Black, brown and white by Tahuna Breaks or Freak controller by Salmonella Dub.
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