As part of New Zealand Music Month, eight acts will each have 20-25 minutes on stage at the Penguin Entertainers Club in Oamaru tomorrow night, giving the audience an opportunity to hear original voices.
Organiser and musician Steve Zonnevylle said it was hoped the event would "contribute new music to the region’s already strong musical scene".
"There is something a bit magical about original music in small communities like ours, it’s not just background noise, it’s heartbeat stuff.
"It’s the sound of people having a crack, telling their own stories, and putting a bit of themselves out there for others to feel," he said.
Zonnevylle said while there were some "awesome" cover bands in Oamaru, it was good to highlight original songwriters too.
Acts included Dr Hank Trio (Joe Browne, Dave Pettersson and Hank the dog), Jess Luxton, Eddie Robinson, Lee Clark, Winnie Conlan and Olivia Morriss, Black Doris Plums (Steve Zonnevylle), Little Old Man Limited (Peter Mitchell) and GYRO (Martin Horspool and G).
Zonnevylle said a broad range of music would be showcased, including folk, soul, rock, jazz and blues, and they hoped to have a "warm and supportive" atmosphere on the night.
"It’s fantastic having a venue like the Penguin Club who support such an event, they really are committed to the musicians in Oamaru and North Otago," he said.
"I’ve spent enough time lugging gear into halls, pubs and half-lit corners to know that original music isn’t always the easy road, far from it . . . it forces creativity, resilience and a bit of Kiwi ingenuity to get a gig off the ground," Zonnevylle said.
Black Doris Plums would play "indie folk", he said.
Two piece band GYRO will play a mix of genres including punk, garage and glam.
"There are so many amazing musicians, I don’t think we need to listen to another Alanis Morrisette cover ever," Horspool joked.
Performing for the first time on stage will be solo artists Luxton, originally from Ashburton and now based in Oamaru, and Mitchell (Little Old Man Limited).
Luxton, who plays "folky, acoustic stuff", said she was "excited and nervous" to play at the event.
"I think it’ll be fun, and it’s great to get everyone together and meet other songwriters," she said.
Mitchell said his musical act would be "three chords and the truth, maybe".
"I’m slightly terrified," he said.
Browne, originally from Colorado and of Dr Hank Trio, said his dog Hank, the inspiration for the band, was a valued member of their folk trio.
"He’ll be coming along, he loves people . . . he’s in charge of the woofers," Browne joked.
Harbour St Jazz and Blues Talent Quest and Smokefreerockquest winners local teen music duo Winnie & Liv will also hit the stage.
The Original Voices Songwriter Showcase will be at The Penguin Club tomorrow from 8pm.
