AudioCulture to launch the “noisy library” of NZ music

12th October, 2012

AudioCulture to launch the “noisy library” of NZ music

NZ On Air today announced funding for a new website telling the story of popular New Zealand music. Made by the people who were there, AudioCulture will map the NZ music landscape, connecting people, recordings, places, scenes and record labels from the early twentieth century until today.

Until now there has been no single place to go to find out about NZ music. Information, recordings and histories are being lost. Led by site Creative Director and music doyen Simon Grigg, AudioCulture will work with artists, historians and music industry people to tell the stories of our music over the last hundred years from the first recording in the 1920s.

AudioCulture will contain reviews, discographies, interviews, biographical information, background articles, images, recordings and music videos, discussion and commentary from fans and artists.

NZ On Air chief executive Jane Wrightson said the funding agency was delighted to support the initiative. “We’ve been approached many times over the years seeking to tell the full story of popular NZ music. Until now we had never had the right vehicle,” she said. “When Simon approached us with his idea, with support from right across the music industry, we knew the time was right”, she said.

audioculture.co.nz will launch in mid 2013. The site has partnered with nzonscreen.com, the online showcase of NZ television, film and music video. The two sites will share technology, back-room resources, and governance, with the content for each site curated by separate teams.

AudioCulture, focusing on popular music, will complement the classical music site sounz.org.nz, the streaming capability of which was funded by NZ On Air in 2009.

And with its focus on the past, AudioCulture complements NZ On Air’s major online New Zealand music initiative, theaudience.co.nz, which looks to the future and new and up and coming artists.

“Countless New Zealanders treasure this content. It’s fantastic to see it being extended and brought to life with AudioCulture in a further digital initiative that NZ On Air is proud to support ” said Ms Wrightson.

AudioCulture website, Digital Media Trust: $380,000

ENDS

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