ENTER COMPETITION HERE
BIG FAN, Holiday Records & Downbeat Mastering have come together for NZ Music Month 2025 to present FIRST CUT, united by a shared love for music and a passion for supporting artists at every level.
About FIRST CUT
BIG FAN, Holiday Records & Downbeat Mastering are teaming up to offer one artist the chance to take their music from studio to stage—and press it to wax. This unique competition will see the winner’s songs professionally pressed onto a 7” vinyl by Holiday Records, marking a major milestone for any artist. Alongside this, the winner will receive five days of free dry hire studio time at BIG FAN to get their single finished, with access to our professional-grade recording facilities, and free venue hire to host a release show. Downbeat Mastering will also master the songs ready to get pressed on wax!
The prize also includes one-on-one support and guidance from both the BIG FAN and Holiday Records teams, providing tailored advice throughout the recording, pressing, and release process. Whether it’s your first release or your next big step, this competition is designed to celebrate and support local talent.
What’s on Offer
- 100 copies of your single professionally pressed onto a 7” vinyl by Holiday Records - including full printed packaging
- 5 days of free studio time at BIG FAN’s professional recording studios
- Free venue hire at BIG FAN to host your single release show (Thursday or Sunday)
- 1-on-1 mentorship and support from the BIG FAN and Holiday Records teams throughout the process
- Creative and strategic guidance from recording to pressing to release
- A chance to connect with industry professionals and grow your artistic network
- Vinyl Mastering by Josh Llewellyn at Downbeat Mastering
All other costs related to the project must be paid for by the artist.
Applications are open for submission from the dates listed below:
All entries will be reviewed by a panel of industry professionals with experience across recording, production, live performance, and vinyl pressing.
Before applying, please make sure to read through the entry criteria to ensure your submission meets the requirements.
Applications Open: Thursday 01st May 12pm
Applications Close: Sunday 18th May 10pm
Applicants Notified By: Friday 30th May*
*Subject to change
ELIGIBILITY: Who Can Apply
This opportunity is open to:
- Unsigned artists based in Aotearoa
- Applicants aged 18 or older from 1 May 2025
- NZ citizen or permanent resident
- Have previously never released music on vinyl
- Projects featuring original songs only (no covers or remixes)
- Songs must be submitted in demo format and must not be previously released or fully complete
All other costs related to the project must be paid for by the artist.
APPLICATION PROCESS
To apply, we ask for:
- A few short paragraphs about yourself and why you think youre ready for this opportunity
- Up to two demos of original music that you’ve written as audio or video links hosted on another platform. These can be voice memos recorded on your phone - it does not have to be a professional recording.
- Contact information of the applicant
- Confirmation of eligibility criteria
- Social media or video links (optional)
SELECTION CRITERIA AND PROCESS
Our focus in selection centres on:
- Demonstrated need for the opportunity
- Potential of applicant to further their creative endeavours
- Strength of application
CONDITIONS: All successful applicants are required to:
- Cover all additional costs related to the projects
- Use the facilities and resources to create original music
FAQS
Individuals or Groups:
Applications can be from individuals either as a solo artist/producer/songwriter or an individual on behalf of a group. Applications can be submitted on behalf of artists on the condition that that person has authorisation to apply.
Engineers & Producers:
Competition is for dry hire only, so if you require an engineer or producer this must be organised and paid for by the successful applicant.
Equipment/Instruments/Studio:
Recording studios will be allocated by our studio team, based on applicant requirements.
Full list of gear and instruments are on our website.
Outside Tāmaki Makaurau:
We strongly encourage applications from across Aotearoa.
International Applications:
FIRST CUT is open to New Zealand citizens and residents only.
However, our facilities are available for hire to all.
Live Show:
Whilst we will support you as much as possible the live show will be up to you to organise, programme and promote
Criteria Eligibility:
All outlined criteria must be met for this competition. If you’re unsure or have any questions, please get in touch with us at info@bigfan.co.nz. Our venue and studio facilities are available to hire to all, so if this competition isn’t quite the right fit, please feel free to get in touch to enquire, or check out our other programmes on offer.
Application:
You (or a representative) can apply once. You cannot submit multiple applications for the same project with different songs.
Anything Else:
Get in touch with us cuillin@bigfan.co.nz