North Shore Times (New Zealand)
Push for musicians to collab
More minds at work creates stronger music that’s the premise behind a new collaboration project spearheaded by a Kiwi musician.
Singer-songwriter Ciaran McMeeken noticed an absence of collaboration in New Zealand.
‘‘It’s such an amazing process really connecting and sharing your world with someone and turning that into a song,’’ McMeeken said.
‘‘There’s an underlying tone of disconnection among Kiwi musicians.’’
So he’s teamed up with Takapuna Library to create Co.Vibe, a project which will partner established Kiwi musicians with aspiring songwriters.
‘‘If you get together the song becomes stronger, there are more minds at work.’’
The project is aimed at 16 to 18-year-olds, serious about songwriting. It will see them collaborate with either McMeeken or Abby Wolfe.
Music producer Greg Haver will help select the students.
‘‘We’re really looking for certain qualities. I doesn’t have to be the best voice or singer, it’s the connection within the song,’’ McMeeken said.
He said while some people would be hesitant to share the songwriting process he’d encourage them to step out of their comfort zones.
‘‘It is such a personal space people are used to, it’s really scary to share that with someone.’’
Co.Vibe is being piloted in the DevonportTakapuna region, where McMeeken and Wolfe live, with plans to do an Auckland-wide project in 2018. Takapuna librarian Lisa Hampe said the underlying reason for the project was to support the next generation.
‘‘Our future within libraries isn’t just holding information, it’s supporting our community,’’ Hampe said. ‘‘Our task is also to proactively encourage and engage our local community and promote innovation in different modes.’’
In order to be eligible, students need to be 16 to 18, and have written at least five songs.
For more email covibemusic@gmail.com or find Co.Vibe on instagram. Applications for the project are open until October 30. The songs will be written and recorded at Fort Takapuna on November 29 and 30 and showcased on December 1 at Takapuna Library.