Here are five free events Aotearoa music fans should check out throughout the month.
Six60 free movie screening
If you need your Six60 fix after the band's historic Eden Park concert last month, head along to Aotea Square for a free movie screening to learn more about the band.
Six60 performing at Eden Park on April 24. Photo / Getty Images
Hear the band's untold story during the band's documentary film SIX60: Till The Lights Go Out, directed by Julia Parnell.
Other music videos and short documentaries will also screen in the square.
There are countless iconic albums from NZ musicians, but how much do you know about the artists behind the covers?
Twenty-one artists' albums feature in the exhibition presented by the NZ Music Commission, marking 21 years of NZ Music Month. To be eligible, the albums have to be by an NZ band or musician and the cover art had to be created by an NZ artist.
The Art of the Record exhibition is touring the country throughout May, and is open now at Auckland's Monster Valley gallery.
Otis Frizzell with his work for the Fat Freddy's Drop album Dr Boondigga And The Big W. Photo / Stephen Langdon
When:
May 1-8 in Auckland, May 10-15 in Wellington, May 17-23 in Christchurch, May 25-31 in Dunedin.
Where:
Auckland at Monster Valley on Karangahape Rd, Te Auaha Gallery on Wellington's Dixon St, Christchurch's Art Centre and 19 George St In Dunedin.
Auckland City of Music x NZMM Space
As part of the music month festivities, Britomart will be transformed into a pop-up music hub, featuring live gigs at DJs from 95bFM.
Performers from the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra's Aspiring Musicians Programme will brighten the mornings of commuters on Tuesdays and Waiata Wednesdays.
Midweek, SUSO (Stand Up Stand Out) Emerging Artists will also perform.
When:
Thursday evenings 5-6pm – DJ (95 bFM)
APO Young Achievers – Tuesday mornings
Auckland Live and SUSO presents – Wednesday 5.15–5.45pm (weekly)
The live music scene in Auckland has had a vast and colourful history, and gig-goers can take a walk down memory lane with music author and historian Gareth Shute for a special tour of where iconic venues once stood from Queen St through to Aotea Square.
The tour is also available as a self-guided option on the Akl City Tours app.
When: Saturdays between May 8 and 29, 12.30-1.30pm
Wear your favourite NZ music T-shirt and show your support for the MusicHelps Live charity appeal, which provides vital support to Kiwi musicians impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. New Zealanders can text MUSIC to 2448 to donate $3.
On the day, Auckland Live has partnered with fan-favourite record store Flying Out for a pop-up vinyl and merch store at Auckland Unlimited's See.Do.Auckland shop at Britomart station.
