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The members of Dunedin band Black Boy Peaches, Hamish and Tom Mepham, are looking forward to a string of New Zealand Music Month gigs around the lower South as they promote their new single Apocalypse Sun.
"This is the first track we've released in 18 months, and it's the first one we've released as a two-piece," says Tom. "It's a big step closer to the sound and style we're aiming for."
After encountering both success and difficulty with their Slasher and Company Feel Good releases, the Mepham brothers want to make sure they put the lessons they have learned into practice. "The music is the fun part. It's much harder to organise a great tour, and to ensure we have a strong promo plan in place for a release," Tom says. "We're taking our time; we want to be as good with the business as we are with the music."
You can see Black Boy Peaches live at any of the following concerts:
Saturday 19 May The Penguin Club, Oamaru
Saturday 26 May Dux de Lux, Queenstown
Saturday 2 June Re:Fuel, Dunedin
Saturday 9 June Darkroom Bar, Christchurch

In an invitation only awards ceremony held at the Backbeat bar on Auckland's K'Rd on Wednesday 16 May, around a hundred industry guests including some of New Zealand's best music managers got together to celebrate some standout successes from last year.
Teresa Patterson of CRS Management scored the prestigious 'Manager of the Year" award for her management skills reflecting in her artists Six60, I Am Giant and Iva Lamkum's rapid success in 2011.  She also took out the top prize for 'Best Independent Tour' recognising the extra work required to put together several of Six60's tours throughout the year which have culminated in her and the band currently being on a two month world tour.
Haddon Smith guided indie artist Annah Mac's sweet single Girl In Stillettos all the way to platinum - earning him this years award for "Breakthrough Manager" & Ingrid Bennie's lateral thinking, saw her pick up the newly established "Outside the Box" category for the idea to create a David Dallas pop up store in Ponsonby to coincide with his album release.
Nominated for the first year ever, Cushla Aston took home the 'Upcoming Manager' award for her work with The Thomas Oliver Band, Rio Hemopo & Cornerstone Roots while Patu Colbert got the thumbs up as "Self Managed Artist" for his amazing effort for managing roots reggae favorites 1814 as well as being the bands guitarist.
Another first were the awards voted exclusively by members of the MMF - "Best Venue" went to the picturesque Leigh Sawmill and the Industry Champion award was given to the "NZ Music Commission" who continue to advocate, champion and support the New Zealand Music Industry.
Veteran music managers, Paul McKessar & Campbell Smith from CRS Management were crowned with the "International Achievement" award the second year running recognising the continued international progress of their artists The Naked and Famous and Brooke Fraser.
Tim Youngson & Scott Maclachlan, managers for dub step super group Mt Eden, were honored in another new category for "Online Achievement" with close to 95 million views on their Youtube Channel and the most viewed youtube video in New Zealand plus over 250,000 fans on facebook.
MMF spokesperson Wairere Iti says he is particularly excited about the volume of new and emerging managers represented in the winners line-up.  "It's so good to see such a fresh group of upcoming managers receiving accolades. These managers are vital to the future of New Zealand Music and being able to acknowledge the long hours, hard work and passion that they have for their artists is why we hold the awards every year."
The MMF is an organisation for music managers that is funded by the New Zealand Music Commission and provides advocacy, support and mentoring to it's members. Ryan Kershaw was presented with the "MMF Mentoring Success" award by Lorraine Barry, an MMF Mentor and manager for Dave Dobbyn and Bic Runga.
Iti concludes "This is the eighth Music Managers Awards and help from our amazing prize sponsors, MMF members and the academy of judges has made the night a massive success."
The 2012 Music Managers Awards Winners Are:
Manager of the Year - Teresa Patterson (Six60, I Am Giant, Iva Lamkum)
Breakthrough Manager of the Year - Haddon Smith (Annah Mac)
International Achievement - Paul McKessar & Campbell Smith (The Naked & Famous, Brooke Fraser,Opossom, Lydia Cole, Collapsing Cities)
Best Independent Tour - Teresa Patterson (Six60 Mini Tours 2011)
Best Venue - Leigh Sawmill
Online Achievement Award- Tim Youngson & Scott Maclachlan (Mt Eden)
Self Managed Artist of the Year - Patu Colbert (1814)
Outside The Box Award - Ingrid Bennie (Concord Dawn, Julia Deans, co manage David Dallas and Computers Want Me Dead)
Upcoming Manager of the Year - Cushla Aston (The Thomas Oliver Band, Cornerstone Roots, Rio Hemopo)
Industry Champion - New Zealand Music Commission
MMF Mentoring Success Story - Ryan Kershaw (self managed artist)

After nine years of dirty rock 'n' roll, The Twitch are going to bid us adieu (for now) in the only way they know - putting on a massive show.
The Twitch will be rocking Auckland's King's Arms one last time on Friday 1 June. Doors open at 8pm. It's an R18 event and tickets are $15 (door sales only).
Joining The Twitch in the celebration will be Bearhat, Thee Rum Coves and The Dirty Sweets.
The Twitch's debut album What The F**k Is Going On? was released to wide acclaim in 2006. The Twitch are Fleur Jack, vocals, bass and all-round rock star; Jesus, guitar, vocals and legendary party messiah; and Josh Crowther, drums, vocals and captain of chaos juice.

Raggamuffin Festival is extending it's support of Pacific music, announcing a collaboration with the Pacific Music Awards Trust. On Thursday 31 May two major events celebrating Pacific music will be held at the TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre - the 2012 Pacific Music Awards and the Raggamuffin Roadtrip concert.
"The events will run side by side, presenting the best Pacific music talent from New Zealand and around the world" explains Raggamuffin Festival Director Jackie Sanders, "expect some guest appearances and surprises at both and a massive finale with Fiji who is celebrating his 20th Anniversary in the music industry."
"We see this as the beginning of a long term relationship between the Pacific Music Awards and the Raggamuffin Festival" continues Ms Sanders, "Key outcomes of this relationship will be the continued acknowledgment and support for Pacific music, recognition for the success of Pacific music artists both locally and overseas; and more performance opportunities for Pacific music artists within Raggamuffin events"
To mark the occasion, South Auckland reggae stars Three Houses Down have been added to the line up on 31 May. With Samoan and Tongan members, this 10 piece band have just released a new single 'She's My Woman' featuring international superstar Spawnbreezie, also of Samoan and Tongan descent. The single will be available from on Friday 18 May and you can see them perform it live, with Spawnbreezie on 31 May in Manukau.
Raggamuffin Roadtrip continues with dates in Christchurch, Porirua, Hastings and Rotorua. Headliner Fiji will be joined by J Boog, Hot Rain, Spawnbreezie and Morgan Heritage's very own Peetah Morgan! NZ is represented by Sons of Zion and Soljah and fans have voted Merchants of Flow (Christchurch), Oku Roots (Porirua) and Majic Anania (Hawkes Bay) on to their local line-ups. Due to time restrictions on Queen's Birthday, Monday 4 June, we unfortunately are unable to add a local band in Rotorua.
Christchurch fans obviously couldn't wait for their taste of Raggamuffin, with tickets for The Bedford on Friday 1 June selling like hotcakes! The location of the Bedford marquee has now been confirmed as 198 Hereford St, but if you want to be there book soon to avoid disappointment!
All updates and event info can be found on the RaggamuffinNZ Facebook page and at http://www.raggamuffin.co.nz
RAGGAMUFFIN ROADTRIP CONCERTS
Thursday 31 May TelstraClear Pacific Event Centre, Manukau
Friday 1 June The Bedford, Christchurch
Saturday 2 June Te Rauparaha Arena, Porirua
Sunday 3 June Hawkes Bay Opera House, Hastings
Monday 4 June Energy Event Centre, Rotorua

Auckland based three piece The Jury and the Saints have announced the release of their brand new single 'Revival' to coincide with NZ Music Month and a nationwide tour.
Since the band exploded on the scene in 2010, they have been used as music television's theme song, toured Australia and NZ with Paramore, had a number 1 video, a top 5 single, released an EP and a full length album, had Stan Walker feature on one of their songs, a mini documentary made about them, released 7 singles and videos, had over 70,000 online views of their videos and live performances - and toured the country 4 times!
The new single 'Revival' is a reflection of the band's drive for music that is real and energetic. Jesse Smith, lead singer and guitarist for the band had this to say of the sound of their new recordings: "It's no secret that the music world is dominated by pop and R'n'B at the moment, but Rock/Punk has never been about trends or fashion, it's about the heart and soul of music and the fans who keep turning out to the shows and who stay connected online. Our new songs have a raw sound, we kept the focus on the song rather than the details of recording."
To support the release of the single the band have been confirmed as headliners for the nationwide Revolution Tour and will also continue to work with the Smokefreerockquest events where the band finds excitement in seeing young NZ talent being nurtured.
The new single and video for 'Revival' will be released on 21 May 2012.
TOUR DATES
Thursday 17 May Baycourt Theatre, Tauranga
Monday 21 May TSB Showplace, New Plymouth
Tuesday 22 May Wanganui Memorial Hall, Wanganui
Wednesday 23 May Napier Municipal Theatre, Napier
Thursday 24 May Lower Hutt Town Hall, Lower Hutt
Friday 25 May Auckland Town Hall, Auckland
Saturday 26 May Eastside Vision Church, Hamilton
Tuesday 29 May Edgar Centre, Dunedin
Wednesday 30 May CBS Arena, Christchurch
Monday 4 June Mercury Theatre, Auckland
Friday 15 June Rotorua Convention Centre, Rotorua
Saturday 16 June Baycourt Convention and Arts Centre, Tauranga
Friday 22 June TelstraClear Pacific Centre, Manukau

The Music Managers' Forum (NZ) in conjunction with the NZ Music Commission are proud to present the annual New Zealand Music Month Summit. The NZ Music Month Summit features a wide range of seminars where top industry experts explain the intricacies and behind the scenes facets of the NZ Music Industry. Based on "How To..."  this is a rare insight into what makes the NZ Music industry tick and how to succeed in the market. The day features a range of industry experts including managers, funders, labels and songwriters For members of the Music Managers' Forum (NZ) each seminar will be followed by the highly successful speed networking sessions, where members get the exclusive opportunity to speak one on one with a range of the day's speakers
The NZ Music Month Summit is Open to the Public and is Free Entry
The NZ Music Month Summit Saturday 26th of May Q Theatre 305 Queen Street (Just up from the Town Hall) Auckland With Support from NZ On Air and APRA www.mmf.co.nz www.nzmusic.org.nz For more information please contact: Rebecca Caughey 021 886024. rebecca@funktionmusic.co.nz SEMINAR 01 10.00am to 11.00am HOW TO .....do it the Indie Way (sponsored by NZ On Air) An artist development talk on how artists and bands can take control of their music and releases themselves. This session will guide you through the funding processes, how to release and distribute your products and will also give  you tips, tools and ideas to enable you to leverage your music through promotions, marketing and on line avenues. Speakers: Lorraine Barry - Lorraine Barry Management Jan Hellriegel - Aeroplane Music Services Scott Maclachlan - Universal Music Brendan Smyth - NZ On Air Jubt Avery - NZ On Air 11.00 - 11.30am  speed networking for MMF members SEMINAR 02 11.30am - 12.30pm HOW TO....  create a live career (sponsored by the NZ Music Commission) How do I get on that festival? How can I create a sell out show or tour? What are bookers looking for? How do I make my live touring profitable? All these questions and more are answered by a panel of experts in the live world.   Speakers: Hamish Pinkham - Rhythm & Vines Mark Wright - Homegrown & Coro Gold John Minty - Splore Ara Adams-Tamatea - Exodus Festival / Reggae by Nature Dave Munroe - Brent Eccles Entertainment 12.30pm - 1.30pm lunch (speed networking for MMF Members) SEMINAR 03 1.30pm - 2.30pm HOW TO.... write a hit song  (sponsored by APRA) APRA presents Songwriter Speaks: An informal discussion between two APRA members. The charismatic Julia Deans will be interviewed by music reporter and Supergroove member Nick Atkinson to provide invaluable insights into the art of song writing and composing for developing music creators.     From fronting Fur Patrol's pop-rock to her electro-pop stylings with Tiki Taane; from co-conspirator with supergroup The Adults to sultry chanteuse with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, Julia Deans' diverse voice is seasoned. Aided by the interviewing prowess of Nick Atkinson, these experienced musicians will lift the lid on the secrets of song writing.   Speakers: Julia Deans interviewed by Nick Atkinson 2.30pm - 3.00pm speed networking for MMF members SEMINAR 04 3.00pm - 4.00pm HOW TO.... find a manager or how to manage your own band Wanted:  someone to manage my band. Must be contactable 24/7, have excellent long haul driving skills, ability to maintain two conversations at once (one on phone, one face to face), have basic relationship counselling skills, immediate start.  Little pay.  Inevitable tinnitus.   Our team of expert managers discuss what is a healthy model for artist management, where is the time best spent,  should you be more concerned about what you aren't doing, than what you are?  How do some of the most effective managers and self managed artists use their time.   Speakers: Ninakaye Taane-Tinorau - Tikidub Productions Rebecca Caughey - Funktion Music Lorraine Barry - Lorraine Barry Management Janette Searle - The Playground Te Awanui Reeder - (self managed) Awa Music 4.00pm - 4.30pm speed networking for MMF members
 

Lucy Lawless and friends invite you to a night of wickedness, all in the name of rock'n'roll licks, good times and tickling the funny bone.
With a cluster of high grade musical and comedic friends, Lucy Lawless invites you to a one night only event of rock 'n' roll 'n' revellry and R18 indulgence on Sunday 27 May at Auckland's iconic King's Arms.
It's an all-star team up including Amazon queens - Anika Moa and Julia Deans, Scott Wotherspoon, Ben Jurisich and JaSonic Smith. Plus long-time Lawless compadre Joe Lo Duca; composer of Xean, Hercules and Spartacus soundtracks. On this occasion he's likely to channel his 15 year old soul - when he was a support act for 70s rock legends Ted Nugent and Bob Seger.
Fanning the flames of this wild desire is the wickedly talented Urzila Carlson, the Sarf Afrikaan comedienne well known to NZ audiences and the woman who is solely responsible for convincing kiwis that South Africans are good bastards and bitches.
It's a gonzo inspired event - one decided over late night wine - a gathering of great musicians and an irreverent comedienne; with the a manifesto that tantalises the naughty parts of nocturnal activity. As Ms. Lawless says "this is not your typical daytime Lucy".
This ain't a night for prudes, it is a rare chance to see Lucy Lawless in raw form - embracing the extremities of her persona, performing songs by Kiss 'I Was Made For Loving You Baby', Lana Del Ray 'Blue Jeans', The Killers' 'Somebody Told Me' and many more bonafide classic covers of iconic songs.
Tickets for 'Lucy Lawless & Friends' are on sale now from http://www.undertheradar.co.nz. R18 event, not for the faint hearted!
 

Aspiring rock musicians sang, strummed and strutted their stuff at the Massey College of Education in Sunday's Smokefreerockquest heats in Manawatu and Rotorua, with the 12 top bands and soloists selected by the judges to go on to the regional final next month.
SFRQ founder and director Glenn Common says Smokefreerockquest is a unique vehicle for engaging and inspiring young people right around New Zealand.
"This year we expect to crack the level of 800 bands entering - that is around 3000 kids being giving the experience of playing their own music live on stage to their peers," he says. "Smokefreerockquest is an empowering and valuable experience even for the bands who don't make it through to the finals."
The bands selected to compete in the Manawatu regional final are:
Abi Symes: Freyberg High School Annie Webster: Feilding High School 1 Week 3 Daze: Waiopehu College Switch: Palmerston North Boys' High School The Impediments: Feilding High School Hydro Raspberry: Freyberg High School Planting Pyramids: Waiopehu College Amphora: Palmerston North Boys' High School Minus 52: Freyberg High School Maddie: Otaki College Shayla Armstrong: Palmerston North Girls' High School Ellusive Inc: Manawatu College
The bands selected to compete in the Rotorua regional final are:
Aftershock: Western Heights High School / John Paul College Stella and Georgia: Rotorua Lakes High School Sincerity Asid: Western Heights High School Euphonix: Rotorua Lakes High School Rachel Carson: Taupo-nui-a-Tia College Jenna-Lee Minchin: Rotorua Lakes High School Logan Forster: Western Heights High School Ruby: Tauhara College Coolkids: Rotorua Girls' High School Resolution: Western Heights High School A Bit Nigel: Taupo-nui-a-Tia College Rangi Marie: Rotorua Lakes High School
 

Today Street Chant are releasing two music videos. The double A-side singles Frail Girls/Salad Daze get the double A-side video treatment, with both videos released on the SAME DAY!
Out of the cave and into the club, the Frail Girls video is a full spectrum experience. You can watch it at http://www.amplifier.co.nz/video/85625/frail-girls.html
Salad Daze was 'shot' and mixed by Damian Golfinopoulos on the charming but obsolete VHS format using an old, tempramental 70's camera and a cheap late 80's video mixer. You can watch that video at http://www.amplifier.co.nz/video/85677/salad-daze.html

Much has happened in the 18 months since the release of Great North's debut album Newfoundland. One guitarist joined a modestly successful pop band, their drummer cut his head open on a piece of coral in Hawaii. Frontman and songwriter Hayden Donnell trumped them both by marrying his partner and bassist Rachel Donnell.
This has resulted in an unconventional collection of love songs, as Auckland's coyest alt. country charmers dispense with the familiar tales of infatuation and heartbreak. Great North turns instead to contemplate a less turbulent, more meaningful kind of relationship on their sophomore album Halves. It is a collection of songs about the hours spent with those who are counting on our promises.
Those stories are set to music that owes as much to the soundscapes of experimental indie rock as it does to Okkervil River, Gillian Welch, Justin Townes Earle, Bruce Springsteen and other stalwarts of the Americana genre. This is both the most traditional, and most alternative, collection of recordings the band has produced to date.
The Donnells are joined by Dale Campbell on piano and vocals and electric guitarist Strahan Cole. Olly Scott-Dye provided the drumming, before leaving to pursue romance and conveyor belt construction in the tropics. Long-serving producer Dave Parker (of Oratia-based Little Monster Studio) once again filled the gaps with everything from marching drums to digital soundscapes.
Halves is a carefully considered leap from the band's celebrated debut. It channels a depth that has come with maturity, and the mix of confidence and self-examination that comes from making big promises.
Great North will release their sophomore album Halves at Grey Lynn Library Hall on Saturday 26 May, with support from Tono and the Finance Company. This will be followed by a nationwide tour in June.
TOUR DATES:
Thursday 21 June Wunderbar, Lyttelton
Friday 22 June Darkroom, Christchurch
Saturday 23 June Taste Merchants, Dunedin
Thursday 28 June Yot Club, Raglan
Friday 29 June Meow, Wellington
Saturday 30 June Wine Cellar, Auckland