Supplied Content
Nelson, July 7, 2022
There will be a commotion on the Nelson campus of Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT), causing excitement among young musicians.
The Youth Music Colab Commotion will give 13 to 20-year-olds the opportunity to learn from New Zealand’s premium musicians over a weekend of workshops, panel discussions and performances.
Laughton Kora (Kora), Joel Shadbolt (L. A.B) and Sam Trevethick (Shapeshifter) are just three of the presenters who will be in Nelson to run workshops and perform at the Saturday Showcase at Commotion from August 12 to August 14, 2022, at NMIT G-Block on Nile Street, Nelson.
Demystifying Pathways
Coordinators Scott Burnett and Emily Sanson experienced Commotion in Wanaka and wanted to bring the concept to Nelson.
They said that the purpose of the weekend is to demystify pathways within the music industry by exposing youth to ‘content and inspiration’ from music mentors.
“We wanted to give young musicians in our region the chance to learn from the pros and explore music from a range of angles, whether they are singers, songwriters, DJs, future Rockquest contestants or bedroom producers. There is no minimum ability level required, and the focus of Commotion is on songwriting, creating music, mixing with other kids and sparking the creative process,” Scott said.
NMIT is supporting Commotion along with the Nelson Centre of Musical Arts and the New Zealand Music Commission. The weekend is based at NMIT’s G-Block.
An incredible experience
Programme Lead Specialist for Creative Industries Sara Mathews said that the collaboration will showcase the facilities and the music programme at NMIT.
“Through our relationship with Commotion we can show students they can take their musical journey further without leaving the region-plus it is an incredible experience for young people in Nelson to be exposed to music rock stars. There is also some currency in having our tutors involved-connecting with the local and New Zealand music scene and working together to produce music,” she said.
There will be a selection of workshops including music composition and producing, DJing, creation software, songwriting, promotion, live performance, vocal coaching, guitar techniques, stage presence, sound mixing and how to get a good live sound.
No matter where the participants are on their musical journey, whether they are taking music at school or just dreaming of playing in a band, Emily and Scott hope that Commotion will give them a contemporary musical experience to remember.
