The Dunedin City Council project Ōtepoti Hou, which loosely translates to ‘‘Fresh Dunedin’’, was celebrated at a launch event at Burns Hall on Friday.
Released as part of New Zealand Music Month, the not-for-sale album comprised 10 acts representing a diverse range of musical talent.
The artists involved were Crash Out, Cuck, Dunedin Youth Jazz Orchestra, HŌHĀ, Keira Wallace, Scapegoat MERCY, Seek Help!, Suge Sound, Tough Guy and Turama Ite Ara.
Teira Dean, a member of Turama Ite Ara, said the project gave them ‘‘a sense of belonging within the city’’.
‘‘A lot of us are born and bred here, so being able to be part of the ‘New Dunedin Sound’ is awesome.
‘‘It’s humbling to be able to be included among some of the talented artists Dunedin has to offer.’’
The Cook Islands group had its own unique sound and their culture was one of a kind.
‘‘It belongs to us as proud Cook Islanders, but also represents our Pasifika people as well.’’
Included on the album is an original composition by the Dunedin Youth Jazz Orchestra, Sliding.
The music was written by band director Bill Martin and singer Maya Satake contributed the lyrics.
‘‘The project is a great idea,’’ Mr Martin said.
‘‘It recognises all the diverse and wonderful music happening around Dunedin.’’
Keira Wallace said the compilation's aim to capture Dunedin’s diverse sounds made the recording ‘‘an incredibly rewarding experience’’.
Scapegoat MERCY said the project provided him with the confidence to engage with the music-making process in a fresh way.
‘‘Not only did it highlight resources I didn't know existed, but it also meant I could help others in the future without leaving Ōtepoti.’’
The project was led by the council’s Ara Toi/Creative Partnerships team, which invited music organisations and communities to recommend suitable artists.
Project costs were expected to come in under $24,000.
The album artwork and associated graphics were designed by Kāi Tahu artist and musician Madison Kelly.
University of Otago and Radio One staff, sound engineers, producers and music advisers also collaborated with artists on the project.
The album is available for download on Bandcamp and, following the official launch, participants received a vinyl record, cassette and Zine publication.
Archival copies of the release would be set aside for local and national collections. — Allied Media
