Music Commission News

The New Zealand Music Commission | Te Reo Reka o Aotearoa is pleased to announce the results for the Round 3 of Outward Sound 2025.

Outward Sound provides assistance for market development initiatives, encouraging and supporting the entry of New Zealand music and musicians into global markets. New Zealand music industry practitioners (artists, managers etc.) and firms (record companies and associated businesses) can apply for assistance through the programme for a range of international market development activities including:

– Market visits
– In-market representation
– Publicity and promotion
– Marketing materials
– Showcases, trade fairs and other events

The Outward Sound programme is implemented and managed by the New Zealand Music Commission. It is inclusive of music from all genres, styles and niches and applicants may target the international markets that are appropriate to them. Bands, composers, songwriters, producers, and solo artists – at different stages of international market development – are able to access the programme. The foundations of the programme are research, collaboration, network development and information sharing.

For further information, please visit the International section of our website here.

Congratulations to the 15 International Music Market Development Grant recipients this round:

1. Alien Weaponry for a 28 date tour of North America in opening slot for Avatar in support of band’s third album.

2. ASHEZ for a tour of North America, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico and Canada.

3. Borderline for showcasing in and around The Great Escape 2025.

4. Bret McKenzie for an international tour featuring multi-night residencies in key cities in Australia in support of second solo album, Freak Out City.

5. Dick Move for a 13 date European follow-up tour.

6. Earth Tongue for 37 shows in Europe, the UK, USA and Australia.

7. Fazerdaze for a North American tour featuring support slots with Pixies and Spoon at major theatres, alongside a run of headline shows in key cities including Los Angeles, New York, and Boston to promote her sophomore album, Soft Power.

8. Luca George for a 6 date support tour of UK with Australian artist PEACH PRC.

9. Mel Parsons for 4 Australian shows as part of an AUS/NZ Tour in support of new music release.

10. Mild Orange for a 22 date UK and Europe tour The//Glow Tour 2025 in support of the release of their new album.

11. NO CIGAR for an 11 date tour of UK and Europe for the Great Escape Festival, and in preparation for the release of third album in July 2025.

12. Phoebe Rings for a 7 date Aseurai Asia Tour.

13. Ringlets for a debut tour of Australia in support of sophomore album, The Lord Is My German Shepherd (Time for Walkies).

14. Stan Walker for an USA promo tour in July including a Nashville writing trip in August.

15. The Veils for a May/ June return visit to key European markets and an Australian album release tour in October.

Round 4 of Outward Sound 2025 is currently open for applications. Applications close 28th July Hūrae 2025 at 5:00PM (NZST).

For further Outward Sound funding timelines, please visit our website here.

More information on the scheme can be obtained by emailing international@nzmusic.org.nz

Media enquiries should also be directed to international@nzmusic.org.nz Artist photos are available upon request.

Pictured: Alien Weaponry | Photo credit: Frances Carter