Bring the Noise returns for 2025

Bring the Noise, presented by Radio One, is underway for 2025, with the grand finals set for 1 October. In its seventh year under this title, Bring the Noise has become a renowned event in Dunedin’s music scene.

It’s all about nurturing new talent across every style and genre, celebrating originality, and helping musicians progress professionally.

The initiative not only showcases emerging musicians but also creates clear pathways for artists to develop locally and nationally, while helping to bridge the gap between Dunedin and the wider New Zealand music industry.

This year, the programme now includes the Blueprint Sessions, a series of industry-focused seminars supported by OUSA and Radio One’s ongoing support for Dunedin music. These sessions will provide vital industry insights on distribution, PR, marketing, the studio process, branding, and more. This addition also links the local and university music communities, strengthening connections and fostering a more unified scene for future success.

Leading industry professionals, including No Cigar, DRM NZ, NicNak Media, Sublime Studio, K. Frost Photography, and Daniel Wells Design, are supporting the initiative. The sessions are open to anyone from the Dunedin music scene.

The 2025 prize package is designed to fast-track the winner’s music career and includes:

· Single recording package
· Music video package
· Radio promotion and PR package
· Custom merchandise package
· Professional press photography and logo design
· Cash prizes

Beyond the prizes, Bring the Noise reinforces the message that music is a viable career path, whether on stage or within the wider industry.

“Ōtepoti has always punched above its weight when it comes to music. Bring the Noise is about celebrating that talent, giving our musicians the tools to thrive, and showing the industry just how strong and diverse our scene is,” concludes Max Cane, OUSA Events Coordinator for Bring the Noise 25.