NZ Musician Magazine
A DigitalNZ Story by DigitalNZ
NZ Musician magazine published its first issue in September 1988. DNZ explores some of the great music the magazine has featured over that time.
music, bands, songs, compositions, nz, new zealand, culture, musicians, art
NZ Musician magazine published its first issue in September 1988.
It has been an important source of information for up and coming musicians and also features lessons and technical advice. Many bands like Shihad, Aaradhna, Hex, Ladyhawke, Nadia Reid and Anna Coddington have been featured in the magazine's pages and online.
1980S
The NZ music charts
In 1988, when NZ Musician was established, Phantom of the Opera was the number one album in New Zealand.
Ardijah, Crowded House, Cat's Away and the Holidaymakers were high performers on the singles chart.
The first issue of NZ Musician published in September 1988
NZ Musician
Phantom of the Opera soundtrack
This original London cast recording was the number one album in New Zealand in 1988.
Radio New Zealand
'Better be Home Soon' by Crowded House
Came in at number 20 on the year end single charts in 1988.
South Canterbury Museum
'Melting Pot' by Cat's Away
Came in at number 32 on the year end single charts in 1988
NZ On Screen
'Sweet Lovers' by the Wellington-based band Holidaymakers
This was the number one single in New Zealand in 1988.
NZ On Screen
Formats
When the magazine was established, the reign of vinyl as the most popular musical format was significantly waning. By the end of the decade, the share of sales of cassette tapes and compact discs about about equal and vinyl sales accounted for only 2% of sales.
"Denis Welch"
Wairarapa Archive
"Records Anyone?" Vinyl Records For Sale
Palmerston North City Library
Victoria St Record Exchange
Hamilton City Libraries
1990s
Push Push
Push Push were featured in the magazine in 1993
NZ Musician
Shihad
Shihad were featured in the magazine in 1999
NZ Musician
2000s AND BEYOND
As ways of consuming music moved online, so did NZ Musician. The last print magazine was published in 2017 but the digital content available at the NZ Musician website is a rich resource of features, reviews, technical and industry advice and lessons.
The magazine has an international focus and also offers a wealth of advice for New Zealand musicians looking to make it big overseas.
Bandcamp's Andrew Jervis
NZ Musician
Review: Duesenberg Starplayer III Guitar
NZ Musician