Artist development for emerging bands
Score an opening slot & mentoring supporting
Independent music thrives when artists elevate each other. Rothko Records is creating a paid opportunity for young bands to get professional experience without all the usual barriers.
Friday, 26 February 2027 progressive post-metal trio Sunwraith will celebrate the release of their debut album, Entropics, live at Big Fan in Morningside, Auckland. Rather than filling the opening slot with an established act, Rothko Records is dedicating the stage to an emerging Auckland band aged, 16 to 20. In addition to a performance fee, the successful artist will gain a mentor with real industry experience.
This is not a battle of the bands. There is no public voting, no social media popularity contest, and no ticket-selling quota. Bands don’t need expensive recordings or professionally produced demos to apply. Entering is as simple as shooting a video on a phone and completing a form.
What the programme provides
Play at a great venue: A 20-to-30-minute set at all ages and licensed venue where you can bring your friends, family, and make new fans opening for Sunwraith and co-headliners/main supports.
Payment: A modest, fixed-fee artist guarantee.
Mentoring sessions: Six one-hour, professional development sessions with Malachi Freeman (Beatdown Events promoter, Big Fan Ignite graduate, and vocalist for Scream by Tulips), fully funded by Rothko Records.
Full production and venue support: Professional soundcheck with Big Fan’s front-of-house sound engineer, shared stage backline (drum shells, guitar cabs, bass cab), and complimentary guest passes.
Mentoring the next generation
The sessions are an investment in a high-potential young band and structured to provide real-world insight and support across two phases:
Pre-show preparation: Constructing an effective live set, production management (stage plots and input lists), monitor mixing communication, stagecraft, and preparing for event day.
Post-show momentum: How to approach venue bookers and promoters in Auckland, booking your own DIY gigs, and building relationships across the independent scene.
Mentoring sessions take place online via video call.
Who can apply
Age: All performing band members must be aged 16 to 20 years old as of 22 January 2027
Location: Based within the greater Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland region.
Genre: Rock, metal, alternative, shoegaze, punk, grunge, noise-rock, post-rock, or other heavy styles.
Original material: You must perform your own original music and have at least 20 minutes of rehearsed material ready to play.
Availability: All members must be available for afternoon soundcheck and evening performance on Friday, 26 February 2027 in Morningside, have their own transport arrangements to and from Big Fan (with escorts for under-18s), and have one or more members committed to completing the six one-hour mentoring sessions between February and March.
How to apply
You don’t need to have recorded or released any music. We want to hear your songs and see your live performance energy.
Record a rehearsal or live video: Set up a mobile phone in your practice space, garage, bedroom, or school music room. Film your band playing one or two original songs live. This doesn’t have to be a music video: only one shot is needed and raw phone audio with video is completely fine.
Upload the video: Upload your video to Google Drive, Dropbox, or YouTube (for private sharing or otherwise) or otherwise.
Submit the form: Fill out the short application form below before 6pm Friday, 22 January 2027.
If shortlisted, the panel will contact bands for a brief phone or video interview before selection and communication of outcomes, Friday, 29 January 2027.
Every submission is reviewed by an independent panel from Rothko Records, Sunwraith, and Beatdown Events.
SUBMISSIONS: APPLY FOR ROTHKO RECORDS ARTIST DEVELOPMENT 2027
Helpful resource: Preparing your video and application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a paid gig?
Yes. The successful artist will receive a guaranteed performance fee and mentoring sessions are fully funded by Rothko Records.
Do we need a website and social media profiles?
No. Only a basic practice room video of one or two songs is needed to submit an application. You can include links to your online profiles if you have these, but they are not required.
Does this include a ticket-selling competition or social media ‘like and follow’ contest?
No. This isn’t a popularity contest. The successful artist will be expected to promote the show to their friends, family, and fans just like any other band on the bill. This helps us all to deliver a succesful DIY event that creates profit share for the independent artists. But there is no requirement to ‘pay to play’ in order to apply.
Does our video need high production value?
No. A simple, stationary phone video captured during band practice is ideal. We’re assessing song structures, dynamics, and performance energy.
Do we need to have recorded a demo or released music on Spotify or elsewhere?
No. You don't need expensive recordings or professionally produced demos to apply.
How will you use our video, music, image/likeness, logo, and intellectual property?
The video you submit is for application assessment purposes only. We won’t publish your private rehearsal video without your permission. You retain ownership of your music. We won’t release, distribute, or monetise your music. If your band is selected, we will use your band name, approved promotional photos, and logos to promote the show—including the gig poster, press releases, and social media announcements. Any media captured during the event at Big Fan by us (such as live photos or short recap video clips) will be shared with you for your own promotional use and archived by Rothko Records to showcase and celebrate the community initiative. (Independent professional photographers are a normal part of live music events and offer a great service in promoting local bands through media outlets and their own profiles. However, if you have a specific request to not photograph your performance for any reason, we can advise them.)
Is there a cost for the mentoring?
No. This is fully funded by Rothko Records. You’ll need to be able to attend video calls (Zoom, for example) using your own phone, tablet, to laptop, but the mentor’s time covered by the label.
Can we play covers?
Your set must consist primarily of original songs (minimum 20 minutes). If your set includes one reimagined cover that fits your musical aesthetic, that is acceptable, but the focus of this programme is developing original songwriters.
What backline gear is provided?
Yes. Big Fan provides full front-of-house PA and monitor engineering. On stage, a shared backline will be provided (drum shells, hardware, and bass/guitar speaker cabinets) to make changeovers straightforward. You will only need to bring your personal instruments, guitar/bass amplifier heads or modellers, pedalboards, snare drum, kick pedal, and cymbals.
Why is parental/guardian consent required for under-18s?
Big Fan is an all-ages and licensed venue. As this programme includes evening hours and video call-based mentoring, we promote transparency and safety standards by ensuring parents or guardians are fully informed and supportive. You must comply with the terms and conditions (T&Cs) and application form requirements including all safety standards. This means ensuring each under-18 member has parental/guardian consent, safe transport and on-site supervision arrangements, and has provided emergency contact details.
When are applicants notified?
The selected band will be notified on or around Friday, 29 January 2027.
Are you seeking sponsors or other support for the initiative?
We’re open to working with values-aligned organisation that want to make a social impact on youth, the arts, and live music culture in Auckland. Interested to talk? Please get in touch.
