Music Industry News

Play It Strange today announced kiwi music royalty Ladi6 will be joining Play It Strange founder Mike Chunn as the guest judge for the 2024 National Secondary School Songwriting Competition, sponsored by Lion Foundation.

Play It Strange CEO Stephanie Brown says: “Ladi6 is an incredibly inspirational judge and mentor for young songwriters. Not only has she has she been writing songs, performing, and winning awards since she was 16, she has also given so much back to the music scene of Aotearoa. We are thrilled to have Ladi6 lend her talents to our biggest songwriting competition of the year.”

Mike is also excited to have Ladi6 on board as a judge for 2024, and says: “Ladi6 is a most welcome songwriting judge for the third competition this year – all supported by the Lion Foundation. Ladi6 has established a successful career in the world of music with her original songs forming a solid foundation. Her recordings and live concerts and tours all bring a spotlight on her talents. She is truly magnificent.”

Ladi6 brings a wealth of musical knowledge which the winner of the National Secondary School Songwriting Competition will be able to experience firsthand.

The winner will receive:
– A one-on-one mentoring session with Ladi6
– A $10,000 recording package including a music video and PR thanks to New Zealand On Air
– A $1,000 Rockshop gift card

Entries close for the Lion Foundation National Secondary School Songwriting Competition at 5pm on July 31. This competition would not be possible without our principal sponsor Lion Foundation, and the support of NZ on Air and Rockshop. Please visit https://www.playitstrange.org.nz/competitions for more details.

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Established in 2003, Play it Strange runs annual national songwriting competitions, with finalists awarded a day in a recording studio to professionally record their songs. Play it Strange then mentors many students and helps provide them with performance opportunities to launch their career. Our alumni list includes Kimbra, Georgia Nott of Broods, Liz Stokes of The Beths, Annah Mac, Louis Baker, CHAII, Luca George, Ratbag and so many more. While many alumni have turned that passion into full-time music careers, we hear inspiring stories every day from past alumni who now have careers as music teachers, in music therapy, and even teaching music in prisons.

Extensive research highlights the positive impact of music and the arts on emotional well-being, personal development, and cognitive skills in young people. Studies show music education improves academic performance, self-esteem, and social engagement. Our competitions provide young people with this opportunity.