Island Base Masterclass is a personalised, one on one programme for emerging & upcoming local musicians, producers & artists.
We look at each application, where they are in their music journey, and pair them with a mentor/s we think will offer the best experience & knowledge. We offer wrap-around support & learning – which means if a mentor is unable to help in one or more area’s and feels it is beyond their capability, we have others that can step in. Our mentors are local established artists, producers and experts in the music industry.
To celebrate their achievements and build on their experience as well as strengthening their community, we are bringing it all together THIS MAY for NZ Music month.
Island Base & The Fringe District presents TAKE IT TO THE STREETS
Every Saturday throughout May, we’re turning Kingsland’s Royal Plaza Train Station into a vibrant hub of local music talent every Saturday evening, 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗴e! 🚖🎤
Get ready for a showcase of original music from a diverse lineup of local artists, including Island Base mentees and mentors, all coming together for an unforgettable month-long celebration of music and community 🌟
Featuring some of the finest established and emerging local artists ⤵
- 4th May 5:30 – 8:30pm – DJ Downtown Brown, Chryzler, Dez Rydah
- 11th May 5:30 – 8:30pm – Poetik, Kumbaya, Nathan Grey, Kyla Greening, DJ Scizzorhands
- 18th May 5:30 – 8:30pm – Sandy Mill, Bree Rose, Haanaa
- 25th May 12 – 3pm – Hollie Smith, Mols, Juga, Sola Rosa (DJ Set)
Don’t miss out on the excitement – see you at the Royal Plaza!
#NZMusicMonth #IslandBase #Connectingthesoundsofthesouthpacific
MEET OUR MENTORS AND MENTEES
CHECHO THE KID: Checho the Kid | Spotify
Checho is a bilingual artist performing a distinct blend of classic genres of hip hop & pop in his own style. With rap & singing, he has an innate ability to seamlessly blend Spanish and English into his compositions.
Checho applied to masterclass to learn more about reaching his goals and audience as an emerging artist.. He knows what he wants to achieve and is working hard to get it, with the help of his mentor Sam V.
Pictured left to right: Checho & Sam V
KUMBAYA: https://linktr.ee/kumbayamusic
‘Kumbaya’ is Amua Te Maioha. Hailing from the west coast town of Whaingaroa/Raglan, 21 year old Māori producer and recording artist, “Kumbaya” now resides in Auckland looking to grow in the local scene. As a producer, vocalist and rapper, Kumbaya blends genres creating a perfect place to kick back with friends.
Amua approached Masterclass having just moved to Auckland from Raglan. He is working to get his sound out there, and meet like minded people, and be part of a larger community. Mentor Poetik has helped make that possible and continues to do so with a guest verse on the next Kumbaya single. “Long White Cloud”
Pictured left to right Poetik and Kumbaya
KYLA GREENING: https://linktr.ee/kylagreening
Sweet and soulful, Hamilton raised singer/songwriter Kyla Greening writes songs that make you want to sing, fall in love, and dance in the rain.
This Ngati Kahungunu girl is a multi-instrumentalist grounded in R&B music, her musical sensibilities and personal style make a fresh take on those nostalgic feel-good grooves. True to the title of her debut single “Rich Girl”, Kyla always offers a rich sound, brimming not only with warm vocals and lush instrumentation, but with heart, and the grounding reminder that often the most important things in life are the ones we have right here.
Kyla wanted to learn more about writing, releasing and readying herself for the life of being a musician. To gain knowledge of writing in Te Reo maori. Paired with Mentors Punialava’a And Huia Hamon, we have that covered.
Pictured left to right Kyla with mentors Punialava’a and Huia
NATHAN GREY: Nathan Grey / Spotify
Nathan Grey is from Taupō (Ngāti Tūwharetoa) New Zealand. His musical odyssey began at a tender age, ignited by his family’s intrinsic passion for music. Drawing inspiration from a dynamic fusion of contemporary artists such as Masego, Tom Misch, and FKJ, alongside the soulful melodies of Boyz II Men and Eric Benet, Nathan’s musical influences have shaped his unique style.
Nathan wanted to make his dream of releasing his music a reality. Already a competent producer, he is paired with Mentor Elton Noyer, a fellow producer, studio owner & scratch DJ (Scizzorhands) Nathan has just released his debut single ‘Motion’
Pictured Left to right, Nathan & Elton
HAANAA: Haanaa | Spotify
Te Amohaere “Haana” Jefferies (Te Whakatōhea, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Maniapoto) After a two-year break from music, 29-year-old solo mother Te Amohaere “Haana” Jefferies is making a triumphant return to the music scene. Excited and humbled, Haana continues to contribute to the vibrant Māori music scene. Single “Rongoa Tuku Iho,” has just been released as Haana opens a new chapter in her huarahi waiata, sharing the strength found in healing.
Te Amohaere approached Masterclass via Dr Stephen Small, Grammy award nominated Pianist, Composer, Arranger, Producer. We teamed her up with Mentor Huia Hamon.
Pictured Haanaa with Huia
BREE ROSE: Bree Rose | Spotify
21 year old Bree Rose is an Indie-Rock artist from Waihi based in Tamaki Makaurau. From an early age Bree was playing piano and guitar, writing her first song as a 9 year old. And playing Cafe gigs at 15.
From her live performance experience, Bree has created an authentic and sultry sound, seamlessly blending elements of indie, folk, and rock, crafting melodies that linger in the soul. Inspired by Gin Wigmore, Amy Winehouse, and Lily Allen, Bree brings a unique and compelling voice to the music scene.
Bree Rose approached masterclass for songwriting, planning and release tips. She was gathering written material to record and release. We paired her with producer, songwriter, DJ and vocalist Sandy Mill. Bree is about to release her single ‘Your Obsession’ on local label Big Pop.
Pictured left to right Sandy & Bree
JUGA: Spotify / JUGA
Introducing Juga, the stage moniker of talented emerging artist Jazmin Ugapo.
At just 18 years old and hailing from the vibrant community of One Tree Hill, Juga is already making waves in the music scene with her captivating blend of alternative R&B.
Juga’s musical journey has been marked with notable achievements, with the release of her debut single ‘Wonder’ in 2024 collaborating with esteemed producer’s Sam V and Hales.
In 2023 Juga’s talent was recognised with a prestigious win at SUSO, solidifying her status as one of the most promising artists in Aotearoa.
After winning SUSO and leaving High School last year, and working with Sam V; Sam suggested Masterclass to Jazmin. We decided Jazmin would do well working with our mentor Villette. And she is flourishing.
Pictured Juga & Villette
MOLS: Spotify / Mols
MOLS is an emerging singer-songwriter based in Tāmaki Makaurau;
Ireland and Tonga form part of her rich, mixed ancestry, laying the foundation for her incredible talent.
Mols worked with producer Andrew Spraggon (Sola Rosa) on her newly released debut single ‘Float’
Mols signed up for masterclass to get help with her single release and planning.
We paired Mols up with Mentor Villette & Bev Adair. They have successfully helped with her release and set her up with skills and knowledge to move forward on her chosen path.
Pictured left to right Bev Adair & Mols
CHRYZLER: CHRYZLER | Spotify
West Auckland based hip hop artist CHRYZLER, released his 1st single ‘NO MIC ’in 2022. In 2023 he released a new single every month, and is currently working toward releasing an EP in 2024.
His mentors Aidan Fine & Elton Noyer of Beatspun studios are helping him navigate production, mixing and release.
Pictured left- CHRYZLER & Elton
DEZ RYDAH: Dez Rydah Soudcloud
Hailing from Kaitaia, Dez Rydah is an entrepreneur and rising creator. He is a rapper and has been crafting tracks for years. He is currently on tour with one of Aotearoa’s finest fellow Māori MCs, Tipene. His Island Base mentor is Poetik and he has jumped up, recording tracks together with Kumbaya.
