Music Industry News

Play It Strange is inviting music lovers to come together for a special one-night-only “Play It Strange: Live at The Tuning Fork” on Wednesday 26 August, helping the organisation reach its $10,000 fundraising goal for their 2026 Waiata Māori Competition.

Featuring intimate performances from acclaimed Aotearoa artists Paige, Nat Hutton (There’s A Tuesday) and Play It Strange alumni Rebel Reid, alongside fellow alumni Lily Stiven, Salem Māhia and Cameron Beattie, the evening celebrates the community that has grown around Play It Strange while helping secure opportunities for the next generation of young songwriters.

For more than 20 years, Play It Strange has empowered rangatahi to find their voice through original songwriting. Since launching in 2003, more than 8,000 original songs have been entered into its nationwide competitions, with over 1,600 of those professionally recorded in studios across Aotearoa. The organisation’s alumni include Kimbra, Georgia Nott (Broods), Liz Stokes (The Beths), CHAII, Louis Baker, Frankie Venter, Ratbag, Luca George, Thomston and many more.

This year, however, the Play It Strange Waiata Māori Competition received no dedicated funding, placing one of the organisation’s most important initiatives at risk. Funds raised through Play It Strange Live will help cover judging, mentoring, professional recording opportunities and continue giving young people across Aotearoa the opportunity to write original waiata, embracing and celebrating te reo Māori through music.

2005 Play It Strange alumni from her days at Papatoetoe High School, Rebel Reid was the first Māori artist to record at Elvis Presley’s studio in Memphis. She remains closely connected to the organisation, returning as both a competition judge and youth mentor. Rebel says:

“I will always be there for Play It Strange!! It’s like Team Avatar – if the Avatar aka Play It Strange calls, you answer! I’m so excited to play for this fundraiser – this is what it will be like for future alumni!! 20 years in the future you will get the call, and you will answer, because we are now all family.”

Pop artist, winner of a Waiata Māori Music Award for ‘Best Māori Female Solo Artist’ and with twelve Aotearoa Music Awards nominations under her belt, Play It Strange’s very own Marketing Operations Manager Paige says:

“Working with Play It Strange over the past year has been so inspiring to see how talented our young Rangatahi are, and I’ve loved seeing how the power of songwriting can change a young persons livelihood. I’m so excited to be part of this kaupapa and to perform at the Play It Strange Fundraiser in August. I’d love to see more support from our community to back our young emerging talent”

A three-time Play It Strange finalist between 2021 – 2023, Lily Stiven now works at Play It Strange coordinating the same songwriting competitions she once took part in. Lily says:

“Play It Strange has been such an important part of my journey as an artist. From entering the competitions as a student to now being part of the team, I’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact it has on young musicians across Aotearoa. I feel really privileged to perform at this fundraiser and help support the Waiata Māori Competition, so more young people have the opportunity to share their stories through music.”

Play It Strange CEO Stephanie Brown says:

“This fundraising concert was Nat Hutton’s idea, and Lily and Paige said yes immediately. Quickly, Salem and Cameron came on board – then Rebel a few days later. It is incredibly rewarding to see such talented musicians generously using their skills to help us fundraise, so we can continue providing opportunities to the next generation of emerging artists.

We would love our community to join us on the evening and buy a ticket. And if you can’t attend, please consider donating to our campaign still. This year more than ever, we really need your support.”

The lineup reflects the strong community that has formed around Play It Strange, bringing together established artists alongside alumni who first found their footing through the organisation’s songwriting competitions.

Fresh from judging this year’s Play It Strange Peace Project competition, platinum-selling artist Paige returns to support the organisation, joined by There’s A Tuesday’s Nat Hutton, 2005 Play It Strange alumni Rebel Reid, and more recent alumni Lily Stiven, Salem Māhia (2025 National Songwriting Competition winner), and Cameron Beattie (2026 Peace Project winner).

Through their Community Events Fund, Spark Arena is kindly covering venue hire for this event.

Tickets are on sale now via Moshtix, with early bird tickets available for $20 until 31 July, increasing to $25 from 1 August, or $30 on the door.

Those unable to attend can still support the campaign by donating to the campaign here, with every contribution helping Play It Strange reach its $10,000 fundraising goal and ensure the 2026 Waiata Māori Competition can continue.

PLAY IT STRANGE LIVE AT THE TUNING FORK

Fundraising for our 2026 Waiata Māori Competition

Wednesday 26 August 2026
The Tuning Fork
42–80 Mahuhu Crescent, Auckland

PAIGE | NAT HUTTON (THERE’S A TUESDAY) | REBEL REID | LILY STIVEN | SALEM MĀHIA | CAMERON BEATTIE

Tickets are available from Moshtix for $20 Early Bird (until 31 July), $25 General Admission (from 1 August) and $30 on the door.

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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.