Themed songwriting comps
Mike Chunn tells us how lyrics are proving to be imaginative and revealing in the Play It Strange 'themed' songwriting competitions for secondary schools.
A strange year gone by
Mike and Barney Chunn reflect on 2014 and playing a part in 'the swirling world of song – music and lyrics - in New Zealand, as it twists and turns around us, taking us to the top.'
Songwriting in secondary schools
Songwriting in NZ secondary schools is flourishing as more music teachers embrace this unique craft. Words and Music.
Getting into the swing
Mike and Barney Chunn finally return from the beach replenished and revitalised, and tell us what they're excited about this year in the world of young singer/songwriters in New Zealand.
Another Strange Year
Mike and Barney Chunn promised this blog would bring us the evolving and exciting world of young singer/songwriters in NZ. And what a year it's been.
Switching on The Wireless
Mike and Barney Chunn tell us about Radio New Zealand's new youth-orientated web-based platform The Wireless.
Jamie's World
The Jamie's World Facebook phenomenon points to, what is in essence, a youth revolution. There are no adults near it. Mike and Barney Chunn meet Jamie Curry.
Jam Bus
Mike and Barney Chunn report from the Play It Strange 'Jam Bus', a mobile recording studio that rolls into primary and intermediate schools to record students in song and musical action.
Lorde and the 'new world'
Lorde's manager Scott Maclachlan talks to Mike and Barney Chunn about the 'new world' where time-honoured practices in the craft of management and A&R have been shaken.
Let's make a record
Forty percent of songwriters entering a secondary schools songwriting competition don’t take Music as a subject. Mike and Barney Chunn explore why.
Good Lorde
While this post focuses on the emergence of Lorde across NZ, we shall begin with Simon Cowell - creator of reality talent quest shows, with X-Factor the latest to assault TV screens.
Playing it Strange in 2013
In their first Strange News blog for the year, Mike and Barney Chunn share ten reasons why they're excited about 2013.