The Technical Sessions started as a showcase of prominent New Zealand music artists who shared their insights as well as tips and tricks that only come with experience. The show is hosted by Kerry Adams who is one of New Zealand’s foremost authorities in electronic music production.
The interviews were held monthly in the Auckland Red Bull studio and filmed in front of a live audience. Each month established musicians sat down and relaxed while they discussed the technical aspects of their work and divulge their story on how they got started. The interview documents those artists that exist at the forefront of their genre in the New Zealand music scene today.
Changing the format slightly for 2011, the Technical Sessions will see the interviews broadcast live over the internet, allowing people from anywhere in the world to watch, and interact in the talks.
‘Kerry is one of those unique personalities in New Zealand who has the ability and respect to get along with a variety of different ego’s within the industry, connecting the dots and having people open up and talk about the real reasons why they are in this, i.e. their knowledge, experience and passion for the music they craft and are a part of. With so many DJ’s and producers spread out among the many different genres, the industry could really benefit from someone credible contacting, interviewing and exposing all the potential available. Not only does it develop awareness and spread ideas within the scene, but it builds anticipation and momentum for future progression.’ – ProseStylist
‘Anything which makes the fundamentals of music making/output technology more easily available to newcomers is a welcome addition to current resources. Most people are remarkably reluctant to take advantage of in-depth technical advice such as manuals etc, often because they don’t know where to look, but easily accessible quick online lessons will likely find a ready audience.’ – Richard Thorne (NZ Musician Magazine)
‘I appreciate the Technical Sessions! Slick well produced videos full of useful info and insights. Thanks. ’ – Rua Haszard Morris (Producer)
‘The Technical Sessions is awesome! Thanks Kerry and the crew for putting these together! No one in New Zealand is doing this. ’ – Charlie Brown (Optimus Gryme/Producer/Label Owner)
‘I get to these when I can, keep up the good work!’ – Barry Dapht-One (DJ/Producer/Promoter)
‘I would love to see the technical sessions continue. Such a vehicle for the expression and sharing of creativity and knowledge relating to music should be celebrated. ’ – Karn Hall (DJ/Radio Host/TV Host of the ‘Becks List’)
‘It’s a concept everyone wants to be watching and hugely enjoys being part of. I think there’s lots of value in this creative and informational project. . . NZ needs it to continue!’ – Shaveer Mirpuri (Promoter/DJ/Radio Host)
‘Kerry is a stand up guy doing a stand up job! Full support. ’ – Tim Richards (Producer)
‘you have my support, eyes and ears locked in mate! Keep those interviews a coming, always keen to hear what the top DJs in the country have to say. ’ – Dennis Prakash
‘Keep up the good work Kerry. Full support from the Highlife crew. ’ – Adam Bennett (Promoter, Young New Zealander of the Year Nominee)
‘You’ve always got my support mate. People can’t share this valuable knowledge without this sort of thing going on, so keep up the good work man. ’ – Brendon Spain (Antiform)
‘100% support for Kerry and the Technical sessions, these sessions are much needed in these modern times and are a leading example for the whole world. ’ – Belinda Trewern (DJ/Radio Host)
‘The technical sessions have been amazing for someone like me, a newcomer who loves music but has little musical/technical background to gain invaluable experience and insight into the production methods/equipment use of some incredibly talented and creative musicians/DJ’S/producers. It is a unique concept which is not done anywhere else in NZ, and deserves all the support/funding that it can get! Awesome work mate, we can only be lucky to have someone like you organising this for us!’ – Ivan Ivanovic (Radio Host, Up FM)
‘This has been a great resource thus far and I would be ecstatic to see it continue into the future. With more show being produce this has the potential to be an awesome point of reference for a lot of musicians, DJ’s and producers here and abroad. Keep up the good work!!’ – Adam Grey (Producer/DJ)
‘Great to have Kerry putting these events together as it not only provides a great career and creative development resource for producers and artists it also provides promotional material for the interviewees and is a great source of archival material on the music scene in New Zealand. ’ – Jason Fishwick (Promoter/Music Career Advisor)
‘. . something that has been missing from the New Zealand music scene full stop. When Antiform was starting out we didn’t have such great free NEW ZEALAND resources such as this. It gives people who are serious about music insights into taking the next step in their music careers and which is the ‘right’ path to move forward. Kerry and crew thank you so much for your contributions to NZ music in general. ’ – Josh Purcell (Antiform)
‘I think it also makes for invaluable networking opportunities for producers and DJ’s in a scene that is often highly separatist and divisive. Those interviewed so far have been “big names” that garner respect from across genres. Whilst it’s not uncommon for Auckland based guys to see each other at gigs and the like, that sort of environment doesn’t lend itself to in depth discussion. Often it’s great to just get a bunch of people from across genres in a room together for an open discussion.’ – Kris Bainbridge (Scene Personality/Man about Town)
‘I think what Kerry and the Team are doing for the community is of great benefit to all those who watch the Technical Sessions videos or turn up to the sessions. As a result new contacts are made and people exchange a lot of information – be it technical knowledge, or simply different approaches to being creative. No doubt there is a mountain of work behind the scenes just to ensure all of this goes ahead, and I just want to express my gratitude to Kerry & all those involved for their devotion to this project.’ – New Clear Music
‘Becks sees the Technical Sessions as a valuable resource for the New Zealand Musician and are proud to involved in the project, we look forward to keeping working with them, and are excited by some of the new projects they have in development.’ – Mark Neale (Lion Nathan)
‘New Zealand’s electronic artists are well known for their creativity both locally & internationally. The Technical Sessions is an important part of documenting and sharing the innovation & talent of such New Zealand electronic artists. It also gives other artists the opportunity to collaborate, share ideas and further their knowledge in all areas musical. From a business point of view, this is great as it extends the exposure of equipment and product, which we have seen result in sales in these areas. ’ – Leon Dahl (Product Manager Hitech/DJ/PA NZ Rockshop)
‘I have known Kerry Adams for many years, first as a professional in the musical equipment wholesale industry, and subsequently as a live electronic performer and mixing/mastering engineer. Kerry has an abundance of enthusiasm and knowledge in the area of electronic music production, and has in recent times been working on a few clinics where he has been calling in successful local producers/performers, and having them discuss their techniques and workflow to eager listeners. After the event, recorded footage of the clinics is made available on-line for future reference. Kerry has approached me with the idea to grow the Technical Sessions events with some funding. I believe these events are important for local musicians for the sort of exposure they provide and for the trading of “tricks of the trade” which electronic producers so often use. Considering Kerry’s professionalism, motivation and knowledge, I formally provide an endorsement for this endeavor and would be happy knowing my tax dollars are being used for something so educational. ’ – Darin King (Manager – Music Planet Queen St/Leading Audio Technician – Fu Bar/Zen)
For all our latest interviews – visit – www.theproof.co.nz
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