Eight Highlights of NZ Music Month 2016

The annual month-long celebration of New Zealand music has arrived and we couldn't be happier. This year there seems to be an exceptionally impressive list of acts ready to rock you through the month of May so we have undertaken the quest of finding and selecting the greatest so you can get along and check them out in the flesh. This is our guide to New Zealand Music Month.

Shihad

In an event which sees history repeat itself, and to kick things off for the official launch of New Zealand Music Month 2016, Shihad shall take the stage in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch – all in the same day. After enlightening Christchurch and Wellington, the four-piece will headline Auckland's Powerstation at 9pm on May 1. After recently releasing their self-titled third album on vinyl, it should be a powerful 50-minute show of their latest and greatest, by the end of which the boys will be guaranteed a decent night sleep.

Powerstation, May 1

Doprah and Yumi Zouma

Enigmatic trip-pop group Doprah are fresh off the release of their much anticipated album Wasting, which is good news for us as they head out on tour to celebrate…and Yumi Zouma are coming along for the ride. Yumi Zouma you will know as the Christchurch-bred electronic-inspired band that sprung into the music world and gained support from the likes of Lorde who selected them to open her arena tour around New Zealand. Doprah, who formed in 2013, is made up of Indria Force and Steven Marr, the vocalist and producer respectively, who were once named as the 'Next Big Sound' by Billboard. We can only imagine great things for the tour which is taking place at The Crystal Palace on May 6.

The Crystal Palace, May 6

Average Rap Band

Off the back of the release of their new album El Sol, Tom Scott and Lui Tui are getting off the couch to make the way from their home in Melbourne to Auckland's Neck of the Woods to captivate audiences with their musical craftsmanship and ingenious talent. Synonymous with both thinking outside the box and doing things the hard way, the two gents have managed to combine their musical identities to emit a whole new style, with both lyrical masterminds creating a new vibe, new sound and new flow. On their Bandcamp bio the boys describe themselves as, "Two dyslexic track pant enthusiasts with nothing else going for them but a talent to make pointless words rhyme in succession," – couldn't have said it better myself.

Neck of the Woods, May 7

Queens Wharf Block Party

On May 8 there'll be plenty to see and do at the Queens Wharf Block Party which won't leave any room for boredom. With music, interactive workshops, art and surprises there really is something for everyone. Drawing inspiration from community congregations which took place in 1970s New York, the block party hopes to draw an eclectic gathering of minds to indulge in the plethora of art displays, breakdancing, vintage goods, homemade treasures and delicious food. Live entertainment will be on full blast with songstress sensation Bailey Wiley, Womb, Randa, Trip Pony, up-and-comers Terracotta Cat and more.

Queens Wharf, May 8 

Tahuna Breaks - Final Ever Show

It is not a typo; this year's New Zealand Music Month will too mark the last time Tahuna Breaks take to the stage as a group. After an amazing 12-year dedication to music the group released a statement saying, "After having the privilege of writing and performing our music to an amazing audience for the last 12 years, we have decided to retire as a band and will be performing our final ever show this May. Our experiences during this time together have far exceeded our expectations, and we feel that time has come for the band to acknowledge its natural conclusion, giving us the opportunity to focus on our individual lives and ambitions." Although it will be a sad day, this makes their gig at Studio on K Road a must see this NZ Music Month.

Studio, May 14

Racing

On May 20 Racing will be making an appearance at Whammy Bar celebrating the very fresh release of their new album Misbehaving. Known for emulating their recorded sound in the live arena, the band's recent performance at Auckland City Limits grabbed the attention of Highly Suspect who were taken aback by their authentic sound from side of stage. Racing incorporate a variety of sounds from intense up-tempo grooves to disco to psychedelic heavy fuzz which resonates with mind, body and soul in a breathtaking live show. The album is currently circling the alternative radio stations across the country while Racing finds their place in contemporary culture.

Whammy Bar, May 20

The Official NZ Music Month Summit 2016

Fancy rubbing shoulders with some of New Zealand musics biggest names? On Sunday, May 28 at the SkyCity Convention Centre the Official Music Month Summit is to return following the overwhelming success of last year's event. Utilizing the much appreciated new format following last year's summit, the opportunity to ask the questions that matter to you most about the industry as well as meet some of the most experienced music industry professionals is one to be grasped. Ideally, the summit is free, and the day will see attendees broken into five groups and rotated through each 40-minute session. Anyone is welcome but as spaces are limited and you must RSVP to secure a spot. With the speaker list including names behind Lorde, Dave Dobbyn, Sol3 Mio, Kora, Anika Moa, Fat Freddy's Drop and Avalanche City, as well as representatives from record labels, APRA, NZ On Air and many more, it really is a day not to be missed.

SkyCity Convention Centre, May 28

Fancy New Band

Hosted at the ol' King's Arms Tavern, 95bFM and TheAudience.co.nz present the seventh annual Fancy New Band Showcase. Get ready to fill your ear holes with a fresh selection of up-and-coming bands, the night is comprised of bands that bFM believe in and support as they take off on their quest to find musical success. The doors open at 8pm and feature sets from Bloodbags, Trust Punks, Lttle Phnx, Doprah, Salad Boys and Muirs. Musical styling from DJs Gin and Charlotte Red will see the night in and out in which is sure to be a banger of an eve, particularly for those inclined to be sourcing tunes from new underground artists before anyone else knows about them.

King's Arms Tavern, May 31