Universal Music New Zealand Launches Industry-First Artist Development Programme

Universal Music New Zealand (UMNZ) has launched a first-of-its-kind artist development programme. 

UMNZ, Aotearoa's largest record label, today announced the launch of next.WAV., which is designed to identify and support emerging young artists across the country. 

The 12-month programme will bring together leading organisations across the New Zealand music industry, providing mentorship and development opportunities for secondary school students pursuing careers in music. 

The programme will be delivered through a series of workshops, offering chosen students access to industry expertise, creative development, and practical experiences across key areas of the music business.

UMNZ Co-Managing Director Matt Kidd, who is the co-programme creator, says UMNZ created nextWAV. "to help shape the future of New Zealand music by supporting local artists at the very beginning of their journey. 

“At a time when discovery is global and competition is greater than ever, it's critical that aspiring artists are given access to the right tools, networks and opportunities early,” Kidd continues. 

“NextWAV. is about building confidence, capability and connection, while establishing a pathway for New Zealand artists to develop sustainable careers both at home and on the global stage.”

Sean Warner, President of Universal Music Australia & New Zealand, adds: "Aotearoa has a proven track record of producing globally successful artists and remains an independent and well-established environment for developing talent.

“Continued investment in emerging artists is key to sustaining that momentum, and initiatives such as nextWAV. support long-term growth across the wider music ecosystem.”

UMNZ Co-Managing Director Myra Hemara, also a co-programme creator, says nextWAV. “is designed to play a role” in “bringing together the right expertise, partners and support to help shape the next generation of recording artists.” 

The programme is supported by NZ On Air and Creative New Zealand as its principal funding partners.

The programme is also supported by APRA AMCOS, Big Fan, Live Nation New Zealand, The Tuning Fork, New Zealand Music Commission, Launchpad, and Play It Strange.

Applications for nextWAV. open today (June 4th) and close on Sunday, July 19th. Find out more here.