I know this column has different audiences, from musicians and music fundis, to general listeners and the bored just looking for something to read.

All of you send correspondence, even that last group, who can regularly be relied upon for the most creative insults.

Sadly actual letters have long dried up so it’s emails, and more recently Facebook messages. Yes, you can now be my online friend; apparently you can never have too many...

I get a lot of questions, and I try to answer. Questions about jam nights, bands, venues, even musician’s phone numbers. I’m happy to help. Many communications point towards music that I’d otherwise miss. Thank you.

Creatives… 

But let me take a minute to address musicians, bands, and general “creatives”, though I must confess to still struggling with that word being a noun. Do people really say: “I’m a creative”? I guess in a world where some voluntarily self-describe as “content creators” anything goes...

Specifically, I want to mention media releases. I get a lot, mostly about upcoming gigs and new music. And they’re getting increasingly “vibey”. They say things like this...

“So and so is a wahine from Tāmaki Makaurau delivering groundbreaking, thought-provoking, soulful sounds that flow from the deeply meditative, reflective life journey they have travelled, enabling a special connection with diverse, inclusive audiences, to proudly share a message of positivity and strength…”

Now that contains one useful bit: it says where they come from.

The thing is, despite the Weekend Sun being populated by some of the most engaged creative people I know, what we want is facts. Poetry is for artistic magazines; at newspapers it’s prose.

Here are things a media release should contain: who you are, including names of band members and what they play; where you are from; and either a biography or a link to one. That bio should describe your music, how long you’ve been doing it, and list a few prominent milestones such as important gigs, previous releases and so forth...

Exceptions 

There are exceptions. You can be deliberately mysterious, use pseudonyms – no, Joey, Dee Dee and Johnny Ramone weren’t really brothers! – whatever, as long as you have actual information and your photographs are in focus. Sorry, no getting all arty with the pics – save that for your socials.

Okay. If that sounds cross or patronising, all apologies. It’s worthwhile advice, trust me. Here’s something else that might be useful...

I get asked frequently about rehearsal spaces. Both by bands, and parents wanting their garages back. By coincidence I ran into Julian Henry in the supermarket the other day. Julian’s been on the scene since arranging gear for Ritchie Pickett way back when and is currently running Seaside Sounds, fully-equipped practice rooms in Judea. There are surely others too; check Facebook.

You will have noticed the distinct lack of specific music mentioned this week – thus this week’s Playlist will comprise simply of recent things I like. And The Ramones. Till next week...

Hear Winston’s latest Playlist: