Electro pop star Zowie to launch NZ music showcase in The Cloud

The best of New Zealand contemporary music will be showcased inside The Cloud, Queens Wharf, Auckland, for two days from Monday 19 September when our own electronic pop star Zowie and her 4-piece band take the stage for a series of free performances.

Zowie’s performances inside The Cloud are part of the nationwide REAL New Zealand Music Showcase during Rugby World Cup 2011 of 50 bands playing in 22 different towns and cities from Kaitaia to Invercargill, plus 99 bands playing on Queens Wharf alone. “Music in The Cloud” builds on last week’s successful NZ Music Commission’s Going Global summit, also held on Queens Wharf.

“The reason we’re putting this on is not only to showcase New Zealand music but to inspire young New Zealanders and musicians to take the next step and go global with their talent,” says Leon Grice, Director of NZ 2011 Office.

The music industry is worth $30 million in annual export earnings to New Zealand and has the opportunity to grow exponentially.

“We have an impressive depth of New Zealand music being offered and there is considerable international interest in our music. RWC 2011 is a ripe opportunity to showcase talents like that of Zowie and others who are ready to take their talent to the next level,” says Leon Grice, Director of NZ 2011 Office.

The Government’s NZ 2011 Office has overseen the design of the REAL New Zealand Music Showcase to ensure it fits in with key moments during the tournament. The majority of concerts are free or very low-priced to ensure widespread participation.

Music Showcase inside The Cloud:
Monday 19 September 5:00pm FREE performance by Zowie – open to media and public audiences
Tuesday 20 September 12:30pm and 5:00pm FREE performances by Zowie – open to public audience

Latest information and quotes about Zowie:

"But what really blew me away was Zowie. She's a pop artist signed to Sony worldwide and on the face of it not a perfect fit for an indie fiesta, but she brought a ton of energy to her show. It's one thing saying you're going to do a glam-rock electro-pop dance pastiche – quite another to realise that concept as well as Zowie and her band do. I was very impressed. I totally get the hype now." Russell Brown, reviewing bFM’s bStreet show, September 2011

Zowie's Gold Single Broken Machine just voted WINNER of NZ Video Of The Year at Juice Awards September 2011

Signed a worldwide deal with Sony Music in 2010.

Brand new single Smash It just released to radio - Instant add to ZM, George FM and bFM, and Slab Rotate on The Edge too!

Smash It featured in major nationwide synch on TV Four throughout September in New Zealand, and hit US TV Show Pretty Little Liars

Main Support for KATY PERRY across her 11 date arena tour in Australia and New Zealand May 2011.

Has also toured with MARK RONSON & THE BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL, ARCHITECTURE IN HELSINKI and KIDS OF 88

Performed at celebrity uber-blogger's Perez Hilton's SXSW Party in Austin, Texas. Picked as Top 5 Artist for 2011.

"Sounds like a mix of Karen O, Amanda Blank and Prince. She's a bit of glam pop and a bit of dirty grunge. Check out the self-described "pixie" from New Zealand... and discover why she's been recruited to support the likes of Mark Ronson and Katy Perry on tour." NME

"Wowie, Zowie, is all I can say about this dynamite Down Under wonder, who really ought to become a superstar on this side of the equator soon." LINDSEY PARKER, Yahoo Music US

"The sound is like Pat Benatar meets Gaga at an indie rave. Zowie has a degree in music (drums!) and she brings percussive and assured musicality to all of her songs." JOHN POLLY, New Here Now Next Blog US

"Zowie delivered a powerful performance at the Nylon magazine party on the rooftop of the W Hotel, playing a set of songs that neatly balanced between edgy electronica and sweeping girl-power rock.”
AJRAN WRITES, Grammy Blog US

"New Zealand dynamo Zowie rocked our stage at Perez's 4th annual One Night In Austin event on Saturday. She may be little, but she packs a big punch!" PEREZ HILTON, Perez Hilton