Music Commission News

Each month, we’ll be featuring some members of our music community taking part in both our Industry Internship Programme and Musicians Mentoring in Schools Programme.

This month, we’d like for you to meet Phaedra Love and Mazbou Q. Phaedra currently interns at South Link Productions in Ōtepoti, building their skillset as a recording studio assistant under our Industry Internship Programme. With his fresh new album RAP SCIENCE., Maz still finds time for mentoring and inspiring the next generation under our Musicians Mentoring in Schools Programme.

MEET THE INTERN: PHAEDRA

What’s your name and your internship position?
Kia ora! I’m Phaedra and I’ve been a recording studio assistant at South Link Productions in Ōtepoti.

Outside of your internship, what other things do you get up to?
Outside of my internship, I play in a band called Pearly* with some of my good friends! Our band practice is usually the highlight of my week. I also love to read and go for long drives or walks.

What’s something you have learnt through your internship?
I have learnt so much through this internship! Nick Roughan has been the best mentor. Mostly, it has given me a lot of confidence in my abilities in all aspects of the music industry, and having confidence in yourself is so important.

What have you enjoyed the most about your internship?
The thing I enjoyed the most about this internship was when we would be recording and mixing for younger bands, who hadn’t been in a studio before, and seeing the excitement on their faces when we played them back what they’d made! It was also very fun to record my own stuff on days where there wasn’t as much to do.

Photo credit: dunedinsound.com 

MEET THE MENTOR: MAZBOU Q

What’s your name and how long have you been involved with the NZMC Mentoring in Schools Programme?
Kia ora, I go by the name Mazbou Q (or Maz for short). I’ve been involved in the Mentoring in Schools Programme since 2021.

How are you connected to music? Do you have any musical projects and/or are you involved in other ways?
I’m connected to music in a number of ways. As Mazbou Q, I’m an active recording and performing artist, as well as a producer for both artists and brands. My sound blends Hip Hop with elements of Afrobeats, funk, rock, and classical music — a reflection of my diverse cultural and musical upbringing. I have a strong background in live performance, having toured both as a solo artist and formerly as the frontman of a metal band. Most recently, I released my third full-length album, RAP SCIENCE., which ties into my work as a content creator and public educator.

Online, I’m known as The Rap Scientist for my theoretical approach to rhythm and rap flow. Through short-form educational videos, I break down complex rhythmic concepts in a way that’s accessible to learners of all levels. This work has led to guest teaching opportunities at institutions such as Harvard, Berklee College of Music, NYU, and Louisiana State University.

What do you enjoy most about the Programme?
I have a passion for knowledge sharing and an interest in music pedagogy. It’s a joy to be able to discover unique ways to help students deepen their understanding of different aspects of music. Seeing them become excited when something finally clicks or they notice an immediate improvement in their own output is awesome. I also love getting the chance to perform for students also and inspire them to hone in on their craft.

What is one of your favourite mentoring memories or moments from the Programme?
It’s difficult to highlight any because each experience is so valuable – but I recall a lunch time showcase at Hereworth Intermediate School, where all the bands I was working with over the two days were able to put all my coaching into practice and perform for the rest of the school. All the bands did a fantastic job, and the most rewarding part was hearing how the rest of their classmates hyped them up. They really felt on top of the world, and some even said to me that it was the best couple days of their lives.

What aspect of the Programme are you most excited about this year?
As part of my ongoing research into rap, rhythm, and music pedagogy, I’ve developed some exciting syllabus-style material focused on rap flow and rhythmic language. These are interactive exercises — designed for both group and individual work — that explore the intersection of rhythm and language, and encourage students to expand their skills in both areas. Some of this material was developed in collaboration with faculty at Louisiana State University, and it’s still very much in its early, experimental phase. I’ve really enjoyed testing it out with students so far, and I’m excited to keep refining it throughout the year.