Youthtown is proud of our partnership with Play It Strange, a collaboration that brings opportunities to young people, promoting their music, skills, and talent.

Shared Vision

Every great partnership has a shared goal in mind promoting mutual benefit for each partner and assisting in achieving each organisations goals. Play It Strange is dedicated to uplifting young musicians and pushing their talent to the forefront of Aotearoa’s music scene. Likewise, Youthtown is focused on supporting and inspiring young people to be the best they can be.

Through Youthtown’s longstanding relationship with Play It Strange our investment support has been instrumental in supporting young people on their musical journeys, allowing them to develop their skills and share their voices with the world.

Key Milestones Achieved Together over the past year

In 2024, the Play It Strange National Year 9-11 School Songwriting Competition, proudly supported by Youthtown, received 161 entries from more than 60 schools across New Zealand a ten percent increase on the previous year. This year’s competition was a great success, showcasing the immense talent of young songwriters.

One of the highlights of the competition was a guest judge appearance by the acclaimed Marlon Williams, whose insights and mentorship inspired participants. The winners, Hinemaurea Wikitapu Waikari and Breanna Osgood-Lloyd from Gisborne Girls’ High School, impressed everyone with their original song, “He Can’t Be Mine.”

As winners of the competition, Hinemaurea and Breanna had the opportunity to record their song professionally. They also received a $500 Rockshop gift voucher and the chance to be personally mentored by Marlon Williams. This incredible experience has opened new doors for their musical journey and exemplifies the kind of impact we strive to make through our partnerships.

Looking Ahead

It is a privilege to continue to support Play It Strange into 2025 and continue to enable young people the opportunity to embrace and share their musical talents. Youthtown is proud to be able to support five young people through a recording scholarship to enable these finalists of the Play It Strange National Year 9 – 11 School Songwriting Competition 2025 to have their songs recorded and mastered at a professional studio.

Together, we look forward to continuing to provide platforms where young people can shine, share their stories, and connect with their communities through music. We are excited to continue our collaboration and help support a new generation of musicians. Make sure you take a listen to some of the original songs by these talented young musicians on Spotify. 

Entries for this years competition open on February 1st, find out more here.
 

Article added: Thursday 09 January 2025