(National Library Photo by Mark Beatty)
Venkat Raman
Auckland, April 2, 2022
As New Zealanders return to the international departure gates, they will hear a fresh taste of Kiwi and Pacific music while cruising at 11,000 metres, thanks to a playlist featuring homegrown artists.
The ‘In The Vault’ tracks are curated by the Alexander Turnbull Library, which holds the extensive music collections of the National Library. With the support of Te Puna Foundation and aired in collaboration with Air New Zealand on their in-flight entertainment system, a new selection of 20 songs will be available from April 1, 2022, as a part of an ongoing series.
Featured artists and songs will include ‘Tally Ho!’ by The Clean, ‘He Puti Puti Pai’ by The Tui Trio, and ‘Call of the Bellbird’ by Maria Dallas.
A preserved mix of songs
Alexander Turnbull Library Music Curator Michael Brown said that the initiative showcases an eclectic mix including some lesser-known tracks.
“All the tracks relate to material that the Library has had a hand in preserving. They include digital reissues from master tapes held in the Archive of New Zealand Music, from the Viking Sevenseas, Ode, and Flying Nun collections, and by artists such as The Clean and Disasteradio. Also featured are tracks from the Library’s Treasures in Sound reissue project. It is a great early preview of New Zealand Music Month which starts in May each year,” he said.
For those still planning their next trip, the first ‘In The Vault’ playlist is now being made available on the National Library’s YouTube channel and website from 1 April. Every three months, another playlist will be archived.
National Librarian Rachel Esson said that the popularity of the series encouraged the curators to extend its accessibility and reach.
“In The Vault is a wonderful way not only for New Zealanders to enjoy the musical talent we have, but also for visitors to get a taste of Kiwi, so to speak, and find out a bit more about what makes us tick. We are thrilled to be working with Air New Zealand to offer a sample of our culture and musical heritage as part of their in-flight experience. And from 1 April the back catalogue will be online for everyone to enjoy,” she said.
The challenge
The songs were selected by Alexander Turnbull Library music specialists including Mark Hector and Mr Brown. With an estimated 55,000 published and 20,000 unpublished music recordings, it will be a big challenge to narrow it down to a select few.
“It is fantastic to be able to introduce some Flying Nun-related songs now, including the peerless ‘Tally Ho!’ by The Clean. We hope that previously unreleased material will be added in due course,” Mr Brown said.
