NZ music icon Hollie Smith joins Wintec music school

Thursday, 13 September 2018

Acclaimed New Zealand singer songwriter Hollie Smith is now Musician in Residence at Wintec. Image supplied.

Internationally acclaimed New Zealand singer/songwriter Hollie Smith, described as “the reigning queen of Aotearoa soul”, has joined Wintec’s School of Media Arts to mentor and teach music students.

Hollie announced the appointment on Twitter soon after receiving her Wintec access card, saying she had started a new job as Musician in Residence.

“I hope that taking what I’ve learnt and sharing that with students is going to be gratifying for all of us,” says Hollie.

“We can all learn from others and I’m really looking forward to that aspect of this experience.”

This is the first time Wintec has welcomed a ‘Musician in Residence’ and David Sidwell, team manager of Wintec’s music department, says this is an outstanding opportunity for both students and staff to work alongside and be mentored by a New Zealand music legend.

“Hollie Smith is a high calibre musician, a prolific singer/songwriter known for her powerhouse vocals and she has an enviable working knowledge of the local and international music industry.

“Our music students will benefit greatly from a learning experience delivered with an industry focus.”

Hollie will assist the students with their song writing, performance, and support them with producing projects, consulting and critiquing.

David says that Wintec music staff are looking forward to working alongside Hollie who is no stranger to Wintec, having presented at Wintec’s Spark International Festival of Music, Media, Arts and Design in 2017.

“The fact she has achieved number one hits brings credibility to her role, reaffirming the teaching and learning that already happens within the teaching programme here at Wintec.”

About Hollie Smith
Hollie Smith is one of New Zealand's most iconic musicians. She has performed with numerous bands including Trinity Roots, Fat Freddy’s Drop and Detroit dance legend Recloose. Hollie is perhaps best known for her single ‘Bathe in The River’ that topped the New Zealand singles charts.

Her debut album ‘Long Player’ released in 2007 went straight to number one on the New Zealand charts, reached multi-platinum status and saw her awarded ‘Best Producer’, ‘Best Female Solo Artist’ and ‘Breakthrough artist of the year’ at the New Zealand Music Awards. She has produced a number of singles and albums since, including a collaboration with fellow Kiwi singers Anika Moa and Boh Runga.

In 2014, Hollie toured Canada, the US and the UK, including two powerhouse performances at the prestigious Montreal Jazz Festival, wowing the crowd performing two sets to more than 50,000 people.

Her most recent solo album was released in New Zealand in April 2016. ‘Water Or Gold’ entered the New Zealand charts at number one, and was listed in the ‘top 10’ for three weeks.

Find out more about Hollie Smith.

Find out more about studying music at Wintec.