Next Level Sound for All-Ages Gigs in Ōtepoti

I provide stage sound for young musicians at all ages venues that lack installed PAs. This has been mostly at Port Chalmers' Pioneer Hall. We have had a great series of all ages gigs in 2025, and 2026 can be even better. Everything we need is in place, but what would bring us to the next level is more powerful speakers. Rather than push things to their limit, we want to be able to effortlessly deliver the best sound possible in the rooms we use; the sound the musicians and audience deserve. The young bands / artists are ready to go next level, this will keep up with them.

Thankfully it feels like the Ōtepoti music community is behind me/us.

Experienced musicians, local sound engineers and producers, Amped Music Project, Radio One, the venues, secondary school music teachers, parents!...everyone can feel the energy, something very special is happening.

1. A pair of 15" Wharfedale Typhon loudspeakers, as an upgrade to the present 12" version. The 12" are perfect to be repurposed as stage monitors, to compliment the existing set and give performers more channels of monitoring, and better bass response.

2. A single Wharfedale 15" T-Sub subwoofer, to pair with the one we have. This will allow a fuller sound.

In Ōtepoti, the tradition of excellent music continues. Currently there is a more than normal thriving live scene, a large part of the music community are young - still at high school, or University age, and they are consistently playing all ages shows, to an equally committed audience.

One of which is known as “the little hall that could”, Pioneer Hall in Port Chalmers has in particularly become focal point. As the younger musicians put on their own shows, and the young crowd turns up.

I have spent the past two years building up a sound system for these shows, self funded, and hire it and myself out at the lowest rate possible. It is also available for other spaces that doesn't have a sound system/

Also on offer is pastoral care, as any newbies to playing live can learn how to play shows. And boy do they play shows. Over 20 young acts have played Pioneer Hall this year, and bookings for 2026  are well under way.

And we need to go next level with the sound. Why? To keep up with the musicians. The current PA is very good. As the acts get better, and the audiences get larger, it needs to be great.

Going next level will allow the quiet bits to be heard, and the loud parts to go loud without blowing things up. And the foldback will finally provide that "more bass please".

An upgraded PA for the hall, also will double as a portable PA for others shows. Some of the acts are ready to go further afield,

And there is a great opportunity to provide all ages shows in other parts of Ōtepoti, and hopefully even further afield. The hire fee will remain as low as it is. 

If you have the opportunity, come to a show and you will see, the inclusiveness of the audiences; the safe third place where so many young people feel a sense of belonging. The community, where older artists support the younger. The music - it is great, and it is necessary. These acts have something to say. In a world that isn't easy for youth, this has been so essential. Creativity, inclusivity, community, mental health, being supported, mentored, having something to say, and a way to say it. There is kindness, respect, encouragement to wear ear plugs. This is an opportunity for you to help this young music community go next level, as they deserve to.