New Plymouth’s Singer Songwriters Celebrate 20 Years of Talent

The Singer Songwriters New Plymouth event marks two decades of celebrating local musical talent, with its upcoming anniversary celebration set for November 22, 2023. The event has become a cornerstone for musicians in Taranaki, offering a platform for artists of all ages to showcase their original songs.

Matt Sturgess, a dedicated participant who has attended the event for the past four years, made a notable appearance in a wheelchair after recovering from a series of heart attacks. “I can’t get enough of it,” Sturgess said. “I’m forever impressed with the talent that’s out there in people’s lounges and their bedrooms. But, having the opportunity to get on a stage in front of an audience—it’s one nerve-racking and two really empowering.”

Typically, each monthly show features up to 22 performances, with artists ranging from high school students to those in their 80s. This inclusivity reflects the event’s commitment to nurturing a diverse musical community.

Founding and Evolution of the Event

The Singer Songwriters event was brought to New Plymouth by Irishman Anand Rose in 2006, inspired by a similar concept he enjoyed in Dublin. He collaborated with Dave Ritchie Smith, a fellow musician from Scotland, to establish the event in a basement bar on Tuesday nights. Over the years, it transitioned to the Little Theatre, where it gained popularity for its intimate atmosphere that encourages attentive listening.

According to Andre Manella, a trustee of the Taranaki Singer Songwriters Development Trust, Rose often remarked on the serene ambiance of Dublin’s music scene, stating, “You could hear a pin drop, and it was dead quiet in there.” This philosophy of silence during performances has become a hallmark of the New Plymouth events, allowing audiences to fully appreciate the lyrics and emotion behind each song.

Manella took over the event’s management about five years ago. Originally from Switzerland, he was drawn to Taranaki while busking across New Zealand. “I wanted to find a cool place in the North Island,” he explained. “I had the nicest response in Taranaki, and I heard about Singer Songwriters through someone I met along the way.”

Creating Opportunities and Fostering Community

Under Manella’s leadership, the event has continued to thrive, evolving to ensure its longevity. “I really wanted to make sure this has a long history and a long future,” he noted. “It was bigger than me, so I started the trust and set it up with help from a lot of amazing people.”

The Singer Songwriters event serves two primary purposes. Firstly, it helps individuals develop their musical careers. Manella himself has been a full-time musician for over 12 years and credits the event with helping him connect with fellow artists. He is now part of the band Turkey the Bird, which formed through collaborations initiated at these gatherings.

Secondly, the event offers a sense of belonging for participants. “It’s about giving it a go, and maybe overcoming your fear of performing in front of people,” Manella explained. “Or maybe you always had the dream to write this song and perform it in front of people.”

The upcoming 20th-anniversary celebration will take place at Butlers Reef in Oakura and is designed to be a family-friendly event with a festive atmosphere. Entry is based on koha, encouraging community participation and support.

As the Singer Songwriters New Plymouth event approaches its milestone, it stands as a testament to the vibrant and supportive musical landscape in Taranaki, where both seasoned musicians and newcomers can find their voice and an audience.