MUSHROOM MUSIC NZ SIGNS DIE! DIE! DIE! AND SEAN DONNELLY

Mushroom Music NZ Ltd has further strengthened its position as New Zealand’s leading publisher of local songwriters, signing two acts that add richness to an already diverse catalogue.

Die! Die! Die! is a three-piece band originally from Dunedin which has solidified its reputation as one of the most exciting live bands to emerge from this part of the world. Die! Die! Die! left New Zealand in March 2005 for an extensive tour of the USA where they recorded their debut album with Steve Albini (Nirvana, Pixies, Shellac) at his studio Electrical Audio in Chicago. The band’s desire to work overseas, whilst doing it rough sleeping on couches, has led to New York based management and a gruelling touring schedule. The band is currently touring in the UK to support their first UK single release. Come early November, Die! Die! Die! will return to New York City for CMJ and then will tour New Zealand and Australia from November through January 2007 to support their upcoming EP.

Singer, songwriter, scorewriter, musician and producer, Sean Donnelly [pictured] is a classic New Zealand artist who diversifies beyond writing and releasing albums. The 2005 b-Net Awards saw Sean and his latest album ‘Southern Lights’ nominated for an unprecedented 6 awards including Best Album, Best Song, Best Male Vocalist and Most Outstanding Musician. Sean was also a finalist for Best Male Artist at the New Zealand Music Awards 2005 and won the award for Best Producer. Don McGlashan, award winning songwriter in his own right, has covered Sean Donnelly’s song “I Will Not Let You Down” which is used over the closing credits in the New Zealand feature film ‘Out of the Blue’ that opened at the Toronto Film Festival last month. Sean is currently writing for his new album.

Mushroom Music NZ is excited to sign Die! Die! Die! and Sean Donnelly who join an extensive catalogue boasting household names such as Neil Finn, Tim Finn, Salmonella Dub, The Mint Chicks, Scribe, Elemeno P, The Feelers, Anika Moa, Nathan Haines and King Kapisi amongst others.

Mushroom Music Publishing opened the New Zealand office in January 2005 to have a local A&R presence, to increase licensing income for its songwriters and to keep New Zealand residents’ money in New Zealand. Jackie Dennis, Managing Director [picture]of the NZ office states, “after just 20 months we’ve had incredible results, which confirms the value of a local office for our writers.”