AWME pioneers new networks and creates opportunities for musicians in Australia, the Pacific and worldwide by engaging with industry representatives from around the globe. In 2012 AWME brought together 300 musicians, over 500 local and international delegates and over 8500 audience members for four days of music, workshops, seminars and showcase concerts. This year's AWME was held from Nov. 14th - 17th in Melbourne. For this week's shout-out we highlighted three Sonicbids who were sleceted to play.
Sola Rosa
Funk you. Yeah, I said it but Sola Rosa says it even better. Combining funk, jazz, latin and hip hop is just the beginning for this New Zealand four piece. Stirring up modern classic instrumentation with crisp vocal rides and transcending lyrics this band is only going in one direction, top the top. Sola Rosa has made their TV debut on a bunch of shows including, Criminal Minds, Gossip Girls and Mob Wives. If you want to feel the groove live, check out the next stop on their Europe and US tour coming to a city near you.
Blackchords
Blackchords formed back in 2005 in Melbourne, Australia and have been climbing their way up the indie music ladder ever since. Most recently their 2013 album A Thin Line has garnered critical acclaim across Australia and garnered airplay on Triple J and Radio Australia. Their polished sound and tight hooks have caught the ears of promoters in their native Australia as well as here in North America, having booked other Sonicbids gigs like Canadian Music Week and SXSW.
Whiri Tu Aka
I think most people have a specific image of a capella groups (likely based on Pitch Perfect) and believe the genre really only lives on college campuses. But Whiri Tu Aka has changed my perception of the genre entirely. Composed of 5 women who all sing in the Maori language, this New Zealand group sets a whole new standard for the meaning of great a capella. Composing beautiful harmonies with an equally beautiful language, Whiri Tu Aka make songs with incredible depth that can be appreciated by all music lovers.
