Welcome to the Mostly Music blog. We write about music, mostly.
Standing up for our scene: reflections on the Kāpiti Music Industry Workshop
On 12 November 2025 we held the Strengthening the Music Scene: A Kāpiti Industry Workshop in collaboration with Kāpiti Business Chamber. It was a milestone moment for us — about two and half years in the making — and moment to celebrate for the Kāpiti music community.
Guitar Mastery Meets Cross-Cultural Celebration with Rameka Tamaki
The fourth gig of the Soundscape Series at The Bond Store was on Saturday night, 27 September. It featured classical guitarist Rameka Tamaki with an awe-inspiring repertoire and display of cross-cultural musicality. How has he become the maestro that he is? Where to from here? And, pointedly, what advice does his longest-serving fan have for him?
Michelle Velvin Weaves a Late-Winter’s Night Dream
The third gig of the Soundscape Series at The Bond Store was on Saturday night, 30 August. It featured harpist Michelle Velvin. Was it melodic, classical and ethereal, as advertised? Was it heavenly music for harp and voice? Here’s an essentially earthbound perspective on how it went, written by Dave Hornblow.
It’s a ‘Boy Oh Boy’ for the Seth Boy Trio
The second gig of the Soundscape Series at The Bond Store was on Saturday night, July 26. It featured the Seth Boy Trio, with Leonardo Coghini, pianist, Hikurangi Schaverien-Kaa, drummer, and Seth Boy, bassist. How did it go? Dave Hornblow shares an eye and ear witness report.
Shout out to Andy Snaps
Andy Russell (known as Andy Snaps when holding a camera) is a friend, peer and collaborator. He’s a revered live music event photographer, and the generous genius behind Mostly Music’s new brand photography. “When passionate people take risks on a dream, it’s inspiring. It grows into something more than the sum of its parts, evolves in ways that weren’t first apparent, and radiates positivity.” — Andy Russell
It’s time to Face The Music
What started as a humble gig guide has evolved into a growing platform that supports artists, amplifies live music, and connects music lovers with the beating heart of our creative scene. Over the past few months, we’ve been working hard behind the scenes to build something that reflects the true diversity, energy, and talent found here in Kāpiti and Horowhenua. It’s time to Face The Music.
The business of being in the music business
Without humans following a career path in music, there is no soundtrack to ornament and enrich our lives. So I want to put this to everyone: please don’t take The Arts for granted. Because without the things that so often are referred to as ‘the fluffy stuff’, what would we be left with? Roads, sturdy water pipes and a great big sea wall? Yes, they’re important too. But let me also ask you this: what album are you putting on first when it’s time to sit and reflect on the life you’ve lived?
Amplifying Kāpiti’s live music scene
We were invited to share the story of Mostly Music as a case study for the Business Kāpiti website, and we’re stoked – not just because we had the opportunity to talk about Mostly Music, but because it helps shine a light on something much bigger: the value of music in our community.
The conversations we had!
The Mostly Music Radio Show is having a wee break for now while we focus on other initiatives. But please take the opportunity to listen back to past episodes and explore new music!
The first Muso Meetup
Reflecting on the first Muso Meetup, held on Saturday 25 May 2024.
Celebrating one whole year of Mostly Music
The ups, the downs, the stats, and the plans for the future.