Hey computer, where have all the real stars gone?

So, last week the New Zealand music industry took to Auckland’s Vector Arena for its annual backslapping gala royale that is the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards.

Over the last year there have been a number of great records released by artists of varied style here in Aotearoa and most of these great albums probably didn’t even make it onto the short list for the prizes awarded at the hugely glitzy “star studded” affair. Last week the nation was treated to performances from the big nominees with The Naked and Famous, Brooke Fraser, Avalanche City, Ladi 6 and Tiki Tane all playing on a stage fit for any international performer. Now you will most probably know by now that the big winners on the night were The Naked and Famous and Brooke Fraser, two acts that indeed have had big years with both high charting albums here at home and tour dates dotted across the globe and quite rightly, they do deserve some high fives from the industry.

Now, I didn’t watch it on TV, nor did I go, I have seen all of these acts a few times and know what’s on order. I did however look at some pictures of people all dressed up to the nines and taking to the red carpet for the big night though. Folks that I probably wouldn’t look twice at in the street but tonight… They are in the big league and all eyes are on them. Something I’m finding more and more these days is that there are hardly any memorable, charismatic, intelligent and stylish (I’m not just talking about wearing popular clothing and holding your hand up in the air onstage) musical performers in the country. I can make a couple of immediate exceptions from this years batch in the form of Tiki Tane (despite not being my cup of tea he can still rock the mic), Matt Hyde (front man for exceptional rock band Beastwars), Ladi 6 and new comer Kimbra all have the ability to engage with their audience passionately and showcase their own style/personality while matching their din.

In a world where it is becoming increasingly easy to make music in your bedroom, without even setting foot on a stage, I’m left hoping we haven’t thrown the baby out with the bathwater. Are we getting the wrong end of the stick and therefore short changing our own level of entertainment? 

I wait with bated breath.

Edward Castelow

Sales Consultant - Lewis Eady Ltd