Hawke’s Bay Music Hub unveils 2024 record filled with local talent

Excitement is building for the launch of the fourth Hawke’s Bay Music Hub-led record featuring a mix of emerging and established local musicians.

There were 40 songs submitted to the industry panel for consideration this year, said the hub’s co-founder Kevin Murphy.

“As word has spread about what we’re trying to achieve with our annual record pressing, and the usefulness of the hub, the number of musicians submitting songs has grown too.

“We’re excited to announce the 11 artists who have made the cut in 2024.”

The selected musicians and their songs are:

• Nick Herbison - Moment
• Ella Pollett - In Your Arms
• Danica Bryant - Acid
• Dos Ovni - Sinners
• Rosez - Need U
• Maria Williams - Humbled And Defanged
• Kenya Boerman - Ain’t No Way
• Mahina Lawrence - 7 Seas
• Chris Drabble & Thomas Oliver - Real Love
• Liberty - I Wanna
• Phil Edwards - Cocoon

The selection panel this year featured Paula Yeoman from Nicnak Media, Laughton Kora from Black Comet Band and Kora, along with DJ and drummer of Th' Dudes Peter Urlich.

This year’s cover artwork was designed by Hawke’s Bay artist Richard Boyd Dunlop.

The project involves pressing 300 copies of the vinyl record that are distributed for free to help market Hawke’s Bay’s musicians.

Funding for the project this year was received via Lion Foundation and Grassroots Trust Central.

Murphy urges those who missed out this year not to give up and stay connected via the hub.

“The reason we established the hub was to allow punters, venues, promoters, and musicians to connect with each other,” he said.

“We’re constantly on the lookout for chances to offer mentoring and workshops, find out who needs players and who is organising events, and what resources are available.”

The launch of the record will take place at the end of February, with the date set to be announced via the Hawke’s Bay Music Hub website.