Christchurch is on track to having a world-class music industry hub that helps local talent thrive with the opening of SOLE Music Academy’s new purpose-built space.
For the past two years, SOLE Music Academy has specialised in vocal and songwriting sessions, production skills and artist development, operating from a single studio located at The Piano.
Due to growth and demand, in February 2020, SOLE will move to its new premises in the ground floor of the historic Woods Mill Building in Addington, and they can’t wait to bring this beautiful grand old lady back to life.
The project is the vision of international platinum recording artist Sacha Vee, who returned to Christchurch 3 years ago and felt musicians, songwriters and producers were lacking a clear and guided pathway to establish a career in music. She is now bridging that gap by creating a community based around the SOLE concept, which stands for a ‘Source of Learning and Empowerment’.
“For decades, our local talent has been forced to look further afield for greener pastures,” Sacha says. “It’s time for Christchurch to take the power back by nurturing and providing opportunity, support and a hub for our Christchurch talent to learn and be empowered.” SOLE aims to create a music industry hub where Christchurch musicians can not only improve their skillset, but also learn about the music industry and what is needed to turn their hobby into a sustainable career.
SOLE delivers quality music session skills, knowledge from industry professionals, and up-to-date guidance and advice on how to ‘bridge the gap’ and make a career in today’s music industry - whether you’re the talent, or the business.
Sacha established SOLE Music Academy to de-mystify the music industry by making sure every one of her students is equipped with the necessary tools, skills and knowledge to enable them to achieve their goals, no matter how high. “I wanted to create a service I needed when I was starting out.”
However, ensuring their musicians and community have the quality rooms, gear and technology they deserve isn’t cheap! “We need your help to deliver this to our Christchurch musicians and make Christchurch the musical hub of Aotearoa,” Sacha says. “The fit-out bill is getting close to $200,000, but after years of dreaming and saving, one final push is needed and we would love the public’s help!”
SOLE Music Academy is launching a PledgeMe campaign on 18 November and there are some awesome rewards as a small thank you for helping and joining the SOLE community.
"WE BELIEVE SACHA HAS THE RIGHT ATTITUDE AND CONNECTIONS TO MAKE THIS ACADEMY SUCCESSFUL AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH HER ON ANOTHER LEVEL, NOT JUST AS AN ARTIST WE PROUDLY SUPPORT."
- James Meharry, Station Director RDU 98.5FM
"SACHA HAS DEVELOPED CONSIDERABLE SKILLS, CAPABILITY AND REPUTATION AS AN ARTIST AND EDUCATOR HERE IN NEW ZEALAND AND ALSO IN EUROPE AND JAPAN. THAT EXPERIENCE AND HER GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE HAVE GIVEN HER AN ENORMOUS WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE TO PASS ONTO UP AND COMING MUSICIANS."
- TOM RAINEY, HEAD OF CREATIVE INDUSTRIES, ARA INSTITUTE OF CANTERBURY.