Amplifier

14.04.10

As May gets ever closer the first signs of NZ Music Month are starting to appear. This week see's the launch of Music Month's website and the announcement of a series of 10 shows to kick the month off in fine form. Seeing as we're celebrating the tenth year of music months expect plenty of 'ten' themed events and activities.

"Firmly entrenched as part of our cultural landscape, over the course of the last decade the month of May has gone from a period of encouraging radio to play more local tunes to a thirty one day celebration of homegrown talent across the length and breadth of the country.

While we're excited about hitting double figures and are already thinking about a nice birthday cake to celebrate, here at NZ Music Month HQ everyone can still remember back to when it all kicked off. There was plenty of great music being made but not enough people got to hear it, see it, or have it on their shelves (let alone know what an mp3 actually was) and it is awesome to see how far things have come."

Ten years on and we have a completely different industry and a supportive public for our local produce. Bring On May!

But for now  here's some music... 

Release Of The Day:
The Haints Of Dean Hall - Sleeper

The Haints Of Dean Hall are a trans-Tasman brother and sister in law duo. Once their musical tastes were so opposing; Kathryn found the guitar noises of Stephen curious, loud and bewildering, and Stephen could hardly sit through a hearing of a Conway Twitty/Loretta Lynn duet so loved by Kathryn. That was years ago.

Sleeper is their new album.

Charting the mainstream:

Slash pushes our local acts out of contention for the top album spot this week. His gat antics see's Dane Rumble relegated to 3 this week. Anika Moa's latest album Love In Motion debuts just behind Dane at 4.

Dragon have climbed to 5 with their Greatest Hits collection, we haven't sold a copy - do Dragon fans not use the internets?

Gin Wigmore's Holy Smoke remains in the top ten still and is at 7 whilst Hollie Smith is back at 9.

Five out of ten is an impressive showing I'd say.

There are only 3 entrants from local artist in the rest of the top 40 this week; Nathan Haines recent release is at 28 down from 18 the previous week and last but by no means least is 1814's Jah Rddem at 33. 

The singles chart is a much healthier shade of green this week with eight singles charting. J Williams loses the top slot this week, being edged out by Usher.

Nesian Mystik are at 5 with Sun Goes Down. Dane Rumble is at 10 and in the mid teens are Kids Of 88 at 14 and the Dukes at 16. Stan Walker's at 24 with Black Box and 1814's Jah Rasta Fari is at 26.

Anika Moa's Running Throught The Fire (Storm) is the last entry from the kiwis and debuts at number 38.

The Pasifika compilation is at 8 this week in the compilation chart and The Great NZ Songbook isn't budging and stays at 9.

You can visit the official NZ Music Chart here.

Gigs

Here are our pick for live music for this week as found on the Makuna gig guide.

For a full breakdown on whats on offer around the countries pubs and clubs take a look at Makuna

Have a good day.
Ed