Young Dunedin musicians are being given their first taste of recording and media promotion, through OAR FM Dunedin’s Youth Zone Mobilised initiative.
OAR FM is providing recording and interview sessions for 10 solo, duo or group performers under the age of 18 years, for broadcast and for podcast from the station’s website, social media platforms and Youth Zone app.
Shorter video segments from OAR FM’s YouTube channel are also posted on the website and can be accessed via the app.
OAR FM Youth Coordinator Domi Angelo-Laloli said funding support from the DCC Creative Communities scheme enabled participants to write record their own compositions, and to talk about the place of music in their lives.
“The focus is on original song writing, because we want to encourage young musicians in expressing their own ideas.
“The artists also get experience in talking about their writing process and the things that have shaped their music. For many of them, it’s the first time they’ve been asked the kinds of questions that they might face from the music press, later in their careers.”
Taieri College pupil Ashlee Maxwell, who performed two songs for Youth Zone Mobilised, said she enjoyed comparing an audience’s interpretation of her lyrics with the “truth” behind her words.
“It’s really cool to break down that third wall, to put yourself out there and have other people enjoy what you’re doing.
“The music goal I’m working towards is to never give up. Even if I don’t get big, I’d like to keep doing gigs around Dunedin and other places.
“If something comes up, then something comes up. Fingers crossed!”
Youth Zone Mobilised airs Mondays at 5pm and Saturdays at 1.30pm on OAR 105.4FM and 1575AM, with video and audio podcast from www.oar.org.nz, iTunes and the Youth Zone smart device app, available from YZNZ.app.
Photo: Emerging talent: Ashlee Maxwell (17) performs her original songs for OAR FM’s Youth Zone Mobilised.