2012 City Showcase - Spotlight Napier (New Zealand)

The search for new musical talent in New Zealand has begun with registrations now open for City Showcase, the live music event taking place in Napier from 6-8 July.

One artist will receive a US$1,000 travel stipend towards their trip to City Showcase: New Zealand provided by Sonicbids.



City Showcase: New Zealand was first held in Napier in 2010 and is based on the successful City Showcase in London, England. This year's event will be held in conjunction with the cycle extravaganza, Napier - For The Ride Of Your Life. The event acts as a showcase for new and emerging musicians who will be given the opportunity to perform at free gigs in and around Napier’s Art Deco city centre, with the ultimate winner scoring the right to play in London in 2013. The winner will also get the opportunity to have one-on-one sessions with some of the industry’s most influential executives.

A judging panel made up of leaders from the New Zealand music industry will be in Napier to judge the competition and the public will also have the chance to vote. One of the events judges will be Mike Chunn, CEO from the Play it Strange Trust.

“The City Showcase concept is a wonderful opportunity for new music and top-flight performance. It's about taking the music to the people and proving that young and emerging talent is there to be enjoyed. We live in special times - and NZ music has come of age” says Chunn.

City Showcase: Spotlight London has been launching new musical talent in the UK since 2003. The event is widely recognised as being one of the most diverse and high profile festivals in the world with over 200 musicians performing in central London, covering a range of musical genres.



It has launched the careers of: Amy Winehouse, Gabriella Cilmi, Keane, Laura Marling, N-Dubz, Newton Faulkner, Ray LaMontagne, Razorlight, Hot Chip, Scouting for Girls and Seth Lakeman.



City Showcase organizer Kevin Murphy said New Zealand had a wealth of musical talent but musicians needed more high profile platforms to promote themselves. “This is a chance for talented Kiwis to perform for, not only the public, but also the leaders of the New Zealand music industry,” Mr Murphy said.



City Showcase London Director Nanette Rigg “This event presents a fantastic opportunity for the cream of New Zealand’s emerging acts to gain exposure worldwide and become stars of the future.”



Rhythm & Vines Festival Director, Hamish Pinkham says “City Showcase will provide an exciting opportunity to showcase up and coming acts in NZ. Providing a stage in front of industry and public alike is something young musicians can strive for and create a goal on the way to achieving future success.”