A Kiwi Abroad - Interview

I did an interview with Connor Nestor at my flat in Venice Beach about what the hell I'm doing here in the US of A.

You can listen the whole thing here!

A Kiwi Abroad - Episode 4 - Hamish Pinkham

Home Sweet Home - Interview

I recently gave an interview with Air New Zealand's blog for ex-pats living overseas. - Home Sweet  www.homesweetas.com.au

This was originally started as a community for kiwis to connect and networking - be it to share thoughts on All Blacks games or source tickets, recommend local cafes or just exchange experiences.

Here was my interview which will also be up soon on the website Home Sweet As

1.     How did you discover your passion for music and events, and what prompted you follow it as a career?

I grew up at a co-ed school in Napier called Taradale High which can best be described as NZ’s version of Sweet Valley High. It was pretty laid back with free periods and mufti in my last year. It wasn’t the best sporting school but we had a great music program. I learnt to play guitar with my friends and its where my love of music grew.

At University I continued with my music and formed a little covers band called Big Me on Campus that played weekly at the Captain Cook. Was a chance to learn about performing, production and promoting shows.  From there it only gave me the confidence and enthusiasm to organize a bigger party – the first installment of Rhythm and Vines.

I had been studying law at the time but thought the chance to be a promoter would give me some experience to work towards a career in the entertainment industry. I was thinking of using my legal training to become a music lawyer, or work for MTV or Universal Music. Instead my own venture took me on my own path into the music and events industry, one I am still following today.

2.     The grapevine told us R&V started out as a small ‘summer party’ idea… when did you realize its full potential to be NZ’s number one new years event? Was there a particular ‘ah-ha’ moment, and if so, what was the feeling?

I think even that initial year we knew we were on to quite a unique recipy. Friends from around NZ coming together from around NZ to celebrate under the bright blue summer sky. It really was an unbeatable combination and made us inspired.

The proceeding years seeing the number grow expotentially while also hosting popular kiwi acts gave us momentum.

In 201o when we sold out all 25,000 tickets with a cutting edge lineup including Pharrell Williams and  we knew R&V was on the map. It felt good to be on the hillside with my fellow founders, popping champagne and enjoying. It only took 8 years haha

I have always thought the fact the festival is held in the first city in the world to bring in the new year is our unique selling proposition. It has the potential to be world reknown and you can’t take that way from us! 

3.     Who have been your inspiration and/or mentors throughout the process of making R&V world famous? How did they help you and your business grow?

Initially my friend Andrew’s Dad Dean mentored us. He helped us set up a business structure, budgets, and advice on how to approach deals with artists, sponsors, media partners. It was an important part of our formation to have his guidance and experience to give us confidence to pursue our vision.

Then we started surrounding ourselves with a number of event experts. I learnt loads of each one, and many are still involved today. From production, artist liaison, marketing – we weren’t scared to bring in some of the best people in their field. One particular Paxton Talbot was a great inspiration in giving us the confidence to turn our one day summer party into a three day world class style experience complete with international touring acts, camping and creative national media campaigns.

We have an independent board as well who have been great mentors. Entertainment lawyer Chris Hocquard and entreprenuer Dallas Fisher have bough some governance, accountability to the company, along with years of wisdom and experience. They ask the hard questions and keep us in line with our business plan and goals.

On a big picture scale of inspirational kiwis, I’ve always been impressed by Peter Jackson. Running a world class business here in his own back yard, and making the whole world sit up and take notice. And use best practice and leading creative ideas while doing it. That is something I’ve strived to do with R&V and Rhythm Group.

4.     What’s the best thing about festivals in NZ compared to other places in the world? Is there anything that sets them apart - making them special for you?

I think the crowds in NZ are unique. Not only are we passionate music lovers and fans, we also get loose and enjoy our selves. I have been to concerts and festivals all over the world and I don’t think I have seen a crowd as boisterous and energetic as kiwi crowds. The artists notice and love it too.

Our locations are stunning as well. Green rolling amphitheaters, near the water, vineyards, surrounded by mountains. I know our locations are stunning and we strive to deliver world class events in world class settings. For us the venues are our headliner.

5.     We hear you booked a one-way ticket to L.A? What promoted the move and what’s keeping you busy over there?

After celebrating the 10 year anniversary with my business I decided to do some travelling and spent a couple of months in LA. I was uniquely charmed by the city and lifestyle here. I find it very creative, progressive with a very positive outlook. Along with fantastic weather, proximity to the beaches and a rich entertainment history.

I decided to make it my new home so applied for the O1 visa for ‘exceptional aliens’ which gives me three years here. I booked a ticket here in April and here I am in a new chapter of my life.

This past 6 months I’ve really just been settling in.  Networking and getting a lay of the land, how the city works. I’ve been trying to meet as many people as possible and establish a good contact base. It is inspiring hearing different stories of what people are up to. From hospitality, fashion, events, there are people doing cool stuff.

I’ve been working on my own music too with my new project Black White Dynamite and releasing our debut EP.  I also have some irons in the fire with some new business projects so along with keeping an eye on the NZ festivals, I look forward to continue to establish myself in this market.

6.     Is there anything you really miss from home being overseas? (Family aside). 

Decent coffee. And brunch. At the same location. Being here has really made me appreciate the café culture in NZ.  They have great diners and great coffee shops but not often in the same breath.

Other than that LA seems to have it all. Except maybe only taking 10 mins to get across town….

7.     What’s one thing that makes you proud to be a Kiwi (other than music)?

I think our scenery. The picturesque setting in NZ is unlike anywhere else I have been.

It is special to have our festivals nestled in between some of this most stunning country side. Namely the beach and vineyards of Gisborne, and the mountains and lakes of Wanaka.  I love it when I meet people and show them photos or footage of our festivals. It is the environment that blows them away and something I’m really proud of.

8.     Is there a kiwi musician you would really like to work with (past or present), and why?

I really admire and respect Warren Maxwell. I actually asked him to produce an album for my band Blackbird but he was too busy with his own projects.

He’s inspiring in the fact h has been in a number of leading kiwi bands – Trinity Roots, Fat Freddys Drop and then Little Bushman. The later band particular love with its influences rooted in the Jim Hendrix, Doors, Bob Dylan sound I grew up being inspired by.

Warren’s currently running a venue north of Wellington and has been a great servant and asset to NZ music industry.

9.     Any small piece of advice for an aspiring Kiwi entrepreneur? (music related or not)

You are only as strong as your network so get out there and meet as many people as possible. Both here and abroad. Never think you are above anyone and treat everyone with equal respect.