Welcome to Backstage Pass

Home of the Youth + Music Development Trust

Backstage Pass is for all young - and some not-so-young - musicians looking for information about playing in a band in small town NZ.

Inside you will find stuff to help you become a better musician and some resources about technology, music business and running a gig.

There's also a bunch of mp3s and videos so, after you've done your practise, take some time-out and follow some of our hand-picked links, enter a competition or contribute to backstagepass.co.nz.

What's on at Frank's?

Whatever your interest that brings you to our site, whether you're almost famous or simply a fan of live music - enjoy and thank you for visiting.

Our News

Leah's tour supporting Kàren Hunter as part of Kàren's Words & Groove album release tour was awesome, with gigs in Karamea, Granity, Onekaka, Kaitaki ferry, Raumati (Kapiti Coast) and Whanganui. So much for just being "Roadie Chick", next time I'll be prepared for anything!

Open Auditions - OK they've been and gone but you can contact us anytime for a special audition. We found so far there are a lot of singers who'd love to sing with a band, but there was only one musician that came along with an instrument, so naturally he got into a band since there was no competition, and now we've just got a stack of singers looking for bands!

Thanks so much to all those who did come along, and if I haven't got back to you yet, we'll be in touch soon - Nigel is on the phone.

YMDT are currently looking for a bass player and guitarist to join a very progressive new youth band - needs to be committed to practising and rehearsals. We also have a band looking for a drummer, and the soloist did find a guitarist, but still needs a rhythm section (drum and bass), and yep, we're good for singers right now. So if you think you can play a guitar, play bass, drums or keyboards you could audition. Contact me if you want more details. Age preference is 12 - 18 yrs, but don't be shy if you're outside that bracket, exceptions do apply.

We are always looking for new tutors to work with our youth bands in Greymouth or to hold special workshops - if you're interested flick me an email

Congratulations to our performers who entered the Rock the Woodstock Competition. Our results: Vanessa Cone: Best Original, Best under 14 and Overall Winner. Lochie Jennison: Judges Award. Desolution Whim: Best Group.

Jasmine and Clint had to return the Best Duo trophy as it transpired they had not met the criteria (both had to be singing), so the other duo get to claim the trophy by default... nevermind, easy come easy go as they say, lesson learnt, yes must do more BV's.... However they got to keep the cash, and they're investing it wisely - look out for some DW merchandise becoming available for sale at the next DW gig.

Upcoming Gigs - events our youth bands or mentor bands are involved in:

Hokitika, Saturday 13th March - Wildfoods - Eve 3 awakening the day at 9.45am
The Gig '10 - Open Music Forum is coming up soon. Date TBA