Rothko Records Launches Artist Development Initiative for Emerging Bands
Artist-run independent label Rothko Records has launched the Rothko Records Artist Development initiative, providing a paid opening performance slot and funding a professional development scheme for an emerging alternative or heavy band aged 16 to 20. With a focus of building the next generation of underground music, the successful band will join the bill with progressive post-metal trio Sunwraith at their Entropics debut album release show at Big Fan on Friday, 26 February 2027. Six one-hour mentoring sessions will also be offered by youth-orientated live music promoter and Big Fan Ignite graduate, Malachi Freeman of Beatdown Events, February to March.
“Our goal is to showcase young talent and provide what might be their first professional experience in a safe, inclusive space with strong community support to help grow and sustain the scene,” says Rothko Records founder and Sunwraith guitarist/vocalist Mathew Bosher. “We want to make this an amazing experience for a high-potential band with a rewarding opportunity to play full-noise for friends and family and receive professional development from a young live music promoter who has walked the DIY path.”
The mentorship programme is designed to equip the young band with fundamental stage and industry skills. Freeman, who completed Big Fan’s event production stream before establishing Beatdown Events and fronting alternative outfit Scream By Tulips, will guide the band through stagecraft, working with sound engineers and venue operators, DIY gig booking, and building relationships in the Tāmaki Makaurau scene.
“Graduating from Big Fan Ignite and building my own promotions company has provided me with professional skills and experience that I want to share,” says mentor Malachi Freeman. “I know there are incredible young musicians writing in school music rooms or practice spaces after university lectures who simply need a supportive entry point. We want to give them the tools to not just play this show, but keep gigging sustainably.”
Applications are open now to bands based in the Auckland region whose members are aged between 16 and 20 years old, performing original alternative and heavy music (rock, metal, punk, shoegaze, post-rock, or adjacent styles). Bands are invited to apply simply using unedited rehearsal footage recorded on a mobile phone and completing the application form.
Submissions close on 6:00pm Friday, 22 January 2027, with outcomes communicated Friday, 29 January 2027.
Further line-up announcements for Sunwraith’s Entropics release show and ticket pre-sales will follow.
Sunwraith Entropics Album Release Show
+ Supports TBA
Friday, 26 February 2027 @ Big Fan, 25 McDonald Street, Morningside, Auckland
Hours: Doors open 7:00 pm | First band on stage 7:30 pm
Admittance: All ages
Tickets: $15 Pre-sales / $20 Door Sales
ticketing outlet to be announced
