To complement the 2015 Spotlight on Australia previously announced, CAAMA (Canadian Association for the Advancement of Music and the Arts) is pleased to present an expansion to the initiative to include a Focus on New Zealand at Canadian Music Week 2015 (May 1-10, 2015 in Toronto). A part of CMW’s International Buyer’s Program, the 2015 Focus on New Zealand will bring key buyers, market experts and industry reps from various sectors together with the Canadian music industry in Toronto during the event’s conference schedule, May 6-9. With the support of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada, delegates from New Zealand will participate in export market training sessions and share their expertise and insights while opening new trade routes for business investment and revenue potential for all in attendance.
Now in its 33rd year, Canadian Music Week is one of the world’s most important and longest running international music business destinations, as well as one of the biggest new music festivals in Canada showcasing global talent. Attracting thousands of delegates from more than 30 countries each year, the event serves as a convergence point for international networking, business to business transactions, structured one-on-one meetings, and specialized export programming.
New Zealand is a major player in the Australasian region and an important like-minded partner for Canada. Powered by a market economy, New Zealand depends greatly on international trade. Free-market reforms have removed many barriers to foreign investment, making it one of the most business-friendly countries in the world. New Zealand’s extensive bilateral relations with Canada combined with the country’s close relations and proximity to Australia, multiplies the number of opportunities available to Canadian artists, labels and SMEs.
Music radio broadcasting and live music are the two main economic drivers of the New Zealand music industry, accounting for more than $300m. The country’s digital retail sector has grown significantly over the last three years and now makes up almost half (49.7%) of total retail gross output. Online consumption channels for music – from digital retail services such as iTunes or Amplifier and on-demand services such as Spotify to mobile music downloads and other services – have given labels and musicians solutions to monetising digital music, as well as more and better platforms to reach new audiences.
Recognized for earlier contributions to pop music made by Kiwi musicians Split Enz, Crowded House, and OMC, New Zealand has gained prominence in the last few years with the chart-topping success of Lorde as well as breakthroughs by Kimbra, The Naked and Famous, and Broods. This strong investment in music, supported by a healthy market for music festivals of various sizes catering to a wide range of musical tastes, makes New Zealand an alluring territory for discovery.