O1a Visa - Alien of Exceptional Ability

I often get asked how I can reside in the US and what visa I am on. It is the O-1 visa that I applied for while spending some time in LA in 2013. I was charmed by the creative and positive outlook of the city and its residents. Being one of the leading entertainment hubs of the worlds it also a place I thought to develop my skills and networks in my profession as a music entrepreneur. 

Broadly the O-1 is for highly skilled migrants to the US, or as the term goes 'aliens of exceptional ability'. A holder of this visa is a 'non-resident' which means you are still a resident in your own country (in my case NZ) rather than a US citizen. So a kiwi who is allowed to live and work in the US in his chosen profession. You are not a resident like the official Greencard makes you.

The O-1 is broken into 2 catagories - the O1a for business and the O1b for creatives (actors, musicians etc). In both cases you must stay in the role that you have applied under - that which you are exceptional in your home country. The basis is that you have reached a world class level in your chosen profession and you are living in the US to help build the economy with your specific set of skills.

Mine was applied for in 2013 and took 6 weeks to pull together using a visa agent in Hollywood. I pitched myself as the CEO of an entertainment company which is theory is what I was doing in NZ  in my 10 years founding, leading and building Rhythm Group. 

For my application I had to get together a number of documents - evidence of financial success, leading industry awards, extra-curricular activities in my industry, social achievements, along with leading character references. I had to get an expression of interest to be employed in the US, this via a friend who ran a production company in California. This was bundled into a thick, binded document along with a letter form my visa agent summarising the evidence and why I should be allowed in to the land of the free and home of the brave.

Once I was given the green light for my application I had to go into the US Consulate in Auckland for a final interview. This is when the visa was presented and now sits proudly in my passport. It is valid for 3 years and can be renewed relatively easily Im told, as long as you continue to upkeep your exceptional ability. I now get a friendly welcome on arrival at LAX and can come and go from the county with ease!

Once I entered the States I could then apply for Social Security, and my O1 gives credibility when building credit, taking out insurance, setting up companies etc.

One thing that I am prevented from doing is being a majority shareholder in a venture. For this I need a Greencard which is the next step of this process. I also have to remain in my chose profession (in theory). This will become particularly relevant when it comes to renew my visa in future.  So no acting, legal work or working in a burger joint!

This is only my guide, there is plenty of other ways to get visas - be it Greencard lotteries, bonded to US companies, student visas, 6 month holiday visas etc.

Here is the official details of the O1 application process below.

O-1 Visa: Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement

The O-1 nonimmigrant visa is for the individual who possesses extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or who has a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry and has been recognized nationally or internationally for those achievements.
The O nonimmigrant classification is commonly referred to as:

• O-1A: individuals with an extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics (not including the arts, motion pictures or television industry)

General Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for an O-1 visa, the beneficiary must demonstrate extraordinary ability by sustained national or international acclaim and must be coming temporarily to the United States to continue work in the area of extraordinary ability.

Extraordinary ability in the fields of science, education, business or athletics means a level of expertise indicating that the person is one of the small percentage who has risen to the very top of the field of endeavor.

Evidentiary Criteria for O-1A

Evidence that the beneficiary has received a major, internationally-recognized award, such as a Nobel Prize, or evidence of at least (3) three of the following:  

• Receipt of nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in the field of endeavor
• Membership in associations in the field for which classification is sought which require outstanding achievements, as judged by recognized national or international experts in the field
• Published material in professional or major trade publications, newspapers or other major media about the beneficiary and the beneficiary’s work in the field for which classification is sought
• Original scientific, scholarly, or business-related contributions of major significance in the field
• Authorship of scholarly articles in professional journals or other major media in the field for which classification is sought
• A high salary or other remuneration for services as evidenced by contracts or other reliable evidence
• Participation on a panel, or individually, as a judge of the work of others in the same or in a field of specialization allied to that field for which classification is sought
• Employment in a critical or essential capacity for organizations and establishments that have a distinguished reputation

If the above standards do not readily apply to the beneficiary’s occupation, the petitioner may submit comparable evidence in order to establish eligibility.

The Rhythm Roady - North Island Pt2

It felt like getting the band back together as we met up again in Auckland for the final leg of the Rhythm Roady - heading deep into the mighty Waikato and BOP to Hobbiton and Tauranga specifically.

First pit stop was into A brand jeans to get kitted out, then to iLab for some of the latest Rhythm merch gears. The glow in the dark 'Shredder of the Rhythm' kit is set to be a winner! As are the paneled hats.

Then to pick up our new wheels 'Bernie' the Chevy Van in Avondale. Being an old school left hand drive, it ran like a tank and purred with bass on the straights. With comfortable seats to lounge in the back and flash fluro branding, Bernie will be a sure fire head turner on the road this summer.

Up early Friday morning and we were on the road to Matamata. We followed our nose over the rolling green hills to Hobbiton. Hosted by Shayne and the team it was impressive to see the world reknown movie set in all its misty glory. The vistas looking down on the village were breathtaking. We walked passed to the famous Party Tree to the Green Dragon pub where we enjoyed a medieval brew overlooking the lake.

On over the Kaimais to Tauranga. It was a sticky, hot summer afternoon as we met up with the boys from Please Please and enjoyed some lunch at Astro Labe. What a garden bar - surely one of the best in the county. We did a walk up the Mount, first time for me. It was nice to sit in silence for 15 mins, enjoy the views and take in the beauty of the region.

We did some more flying and promo around the main beach, including the night markets before settling back in for a night on the town. Loads of young people pumped for summer and festival season!

Lazy morning Satuday as we enjoyed Bacon and Eggs in the shadow of Mount Maunganui. Jules picked up the crate and began the challenge of the day while Louis and I watched the road. We stoppped for a bomb in the Karangahake Gorge (with some convicts on a day release) before another photo op at the L&P Bottle in Paeroa.

Auckland traffic was at a standstill as we entered the city, calling down to BCC to enjoy the third installment of the Britomart Rhythm Club.

Overall the Roady was an epic adventure. We got to touch parts of NZ we had only dreamed of, along with meeting characters from all walks of life. We got our festival collateral out there and spread the good word about the upcoming festivities. The Two Kids and I got along famously and swapped advice, perspectives, dreams and goals.I came back recharged, inspired with loads of ideas for how we could grow this concept in future.

Stay tuned for more antics with Bernie this summer along with a bigger and better Rhythm Roady in 2015!

The Rhythm Roady - North Island Pt1.

Well the Rhythm Roady has wrapped up for its first North Island leg and what a week it was!

After calling through Hawkes Bay from Wellington we woke up lake side Taupo in our Jucy Rental van. We made ourselves known at the backpackers around town with our flyers and bumper stickers before we set off to Rotorua, stopping on the way to hide a Golden Ticket at Huka Falls.

That afternoon we were well looked after by James and the team at Rotorua Canopy Tours, zipping high across the forest and native flora and fauna below us. What an experience! Then it was on to set up our campsite on a friends lawn, testing out the bells and whistles of our Jucy Condo. Our busy day of travel and adventures finished with a a relaxing soak in the Polynesian Spa.

We awoke to another big day of adventures up on the luge, the giant swing and finally another zipline that took us to speeds of 100 km/ph with views over Rotorua. We tried to fit in the Zorb but it was just too busy with tourists and backpackers lining up to experience all the wild adventures tourism Rotorua had to offer.

The crew at 15b Greensboro St in Hamilton hosted the 'Rhythm Roady Refuel' that Thursday night, and we made a sizable punch or ‘Jungle Juice’ for the occasion. Noize Radio DJ’s smashed out the hits as dozens of ‘Wai Kat’ students settled in for a memorable flat party.

Check out some of our antics here - Rhythm Roady Recap Video!

An early start at drive towards Auckland. Was a bit of culture shock cruising the streets of trendy Ponsonby after such a rough and ready tour of NZ’s heartland. We picked up our tickets for Our House tickets from the Remix crew and kitted ourselves out in new ilabb festival merch. We were pumped to see Skrillex, Steve Aoki, What So Not and others destroy the d-floor at Mt Smart. Skrillex even dropped our Roady theme song as his final track!

By Saturday the weekend had well and truly begun and after a solid breakfast we did some flyer-ing at the Grey Lynn Festival before heading down to our new event ‘Britomart 

Rhythm Club‘ held at the BCC. This will be a weekly event bringing some day time shenanigans and international DJ’s to the CBD.

By Sunday it was sad to break the band up but it had been a busy week.  Stay tuned for the next instalment, after a short pitstop and catch up on sleep we will be back on the road!

The Rhythm Roady - South Island, NZ

It is amazing how we kiwis travel the world yet many of us have never seen the beauty of our own back yard. 

When I had the chance to fly back from LA to head on a 10 day promotional trip to push our music festival Rhythm and Alps I jumped at the opportunity. I'd seen much of the trip from a memorable family holiday when I was younger and some roady's when I was a student in Otago. But I had never done a full circum-navigation of the island which my business partner Alex was planning for us to help push our show held over new years eve.

Rather than just plod along handing our flyers, talking to punters I thought lets brand it up as a marketing initiative and share our journey with our audience. Not only could we post photos and blog about our journey and festival, we might also encourage others to get our in their cars and see the beauty of NZ. Ideally around new years! The Rhythm Roady was born.

I was still shaking jet leg as I flew into Christchurch on a still wintery Wednesday night. My business partner and roady buddy Alex Turnbull was waiting in our trusty wagon.  We were soon were settling into the Chardonay Motel in Belfast on the outskirts. A brisk morning run around the set the scene for what was to be a mammoth week on our feet ahead. We hit the road to Kaikoura, aiming to be in Blenheim by days end.

After the first night I woke up with a cold. It may have had something to do with the open mike night at local Blenheim bars and rums at a house party following. Either way I was now on the back foot and although would have to carry this over the rest of the trip.

Rhythm Roady - Day 1 Recap

The routine on the first day was to set the scene for the coming days. After a hearty breakfast, sampling the local coffee and saying farewell to what ever town we were in we hit the road. Alex would scan the  ahead, looking for potential spots for our R&A coreflute signs.  I would sit and chip away on my laptop or half charged phone. Uploading photos to instagram, sending content back to Ben in the office and texting/calling contacts ahead to make sure we keeping to schedule.

When we hit the next town / city we would do a quick walking tour dropping off flyers and posters to cafes and tourist hot spots.  We would chat to everyone we met and tell them about NYE in Wanaka. Not once did we have any negative attitude. Mainlanders and extremely hospitable people! 

Conversation revolved around current decisions around festival promotion, music, team strutuces etc. It would soon wonder to a of topics including naming the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World and  It wouldn’t be strange to pull over and take a phone call from one of our staff in Auckland or one of our Australian touring partners.

Highlights of the trip had to be the drive from Franz Joseph to Wanaka – via Haast Pass. The view of Mt Aspiring blew me away! We looked at sites along Lake Hawea with stunning vistas of lake and mountains alike.

A highlight was get back to my scarfie roots with a Castle Street party at Otago University. One night was enough!

Rhythm Roady comes to Southland!

Rhythm Roady - The Final Stretch!

I felt very blessed to have experience an epic trip around my country. I would love to do it next year and build on the current concept.  Maybe look at working closer with media partners to cover the trip.  More sponsor activations and giveaways on the way. Even take some entertainment - bands, DJs etc on the way? A magical mystery of sorts.

Bring on the next installment of the #RhythmRoady!

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.

Black White Dynamite

I was asked a few questions about my new band Black White Dynamite by The Audience Magazine around my new track - Build Me Up - and the history around the band.

What does BWD mean?

Black White Dynamite. Our original drummer James Goodhue and I are from Hawkes Bay - where the rugby team - the Magpies are the hometown heroes. Holders of two prestigious Ranfurly Shield reigns, one more prominant than the other. We grew up with the folklore of the mighty Magpies who wore black and white hoops. One chant yelled from the bank at McLean Park was ‘ Black White Dynamite!’ with a few expletives lined up in there. So the name was a nice homage to our Hawkes Bay roots.

Kyle Bell our bassist is from ‘the fake Bay’ - the Bay of Plenty - so didn’t get a look in. He might have suggested ‘The Steamers’ which just doesn’t work in my opinion…

BWD was also nice segaway out of Kyle and I other band Blackbird, which had more of a kiwi folk sound. And reference to musical heroes of mine the White Stripes. With the dynamite it adds a bit of energy and swagger…...sssssss boom!

Build Me Up has been in the song bank for a minute now, how does it feel to finally put it out?

Build Me Up - Black White Dynamite

Its been really satisfying. Especially since I wrote the song over 10 years ago now.   I had the vision for the song initially when I was listening to the White Stripes. It loved the bass riff of Seven Nation Army and the chant that would accompany it. The way it would keep a monotonous rhythm and then build into a thrashing chorus.

Seven Nation Army - The White Stripes

I want to create something similar. The riff I stumbled upon has a more a hypotinc, marching pace but I’m hoping it will be just as effective. Especially when played in a live sense.

I like the idea of soft and heavy song which is what Nirvana was built on too. It is one of Kurt Cobain's signature moves you can hear in Smells Like Teen Spirit. Simple melodic verses before unleashing hell in the chorus.

Smells Like Teen Spirit - Nirvana

What is the song about?

The song is about coming out of a relationship and things crashing back down to earth.

Any relationship - be it love, business, friendship is built up like constructing a house or any building. Step by step the past is buried under foundations, trust is built up, things are forgiven and added towards the creation of something real and lasting.  Your partners are in essence builders who construct the relationship with you.

And in an instance it can be torn away leading to bricks, walls, materials all come crashing down as a relationship ends.

You have such a theatrical and emotive voice that really tells a story in Build Me Up. Who are you biggest vocal influences?

Thank you. I really feel I have a kind of alter ego when singing this song and others I wrote for this band. I really wanted to lose myself in the role as singer and write songs I could really express myself in. That's rock and roll after all!

From a performance perspective there are two notable inspirations. Jack White and Jim Morrison. Jack’s wacky and original rock alterego that we know as errr Jack White.

And Jim Morrison's poetic swagger that made him an original rock god. From just down the road from my current home in Venice nonethless.

I also think Robert Plant from a lyrical perspective as well but I’m not even going to attempt to try and emulate him from a vocal perspective.

What do you think about the current state of guitar music?

Good question. I don’t think there has been one band that is leading the charge out of an industry that is dominated by likes of EDM and Pop and too a lesser extent hip hop.

It has been good to see the Arctic Monkey finally realise their potential as the best band of their generation. Jack White also with his new album and the ability to headline festival shows. Muse are still the leading live act in the world and the Black Keys have crossed over to mainstream appeal. Figureheads like Dave Grohl and Josh Homme have also been doing a stella job holding the fort for some time. There are others flying the flag like Kasabian and to a lesser extent the Vaccines and the 1975 but just haven’t got the x Factor to turn the heads of the masses.

I expect in the next year we will see a new movement. Two leading rock movements in the last few decade have come about out of the ashes of crazy, outlandish scenes that had overgrown themselves and their popularity. Nirvana and grunge grew as a direct undergound reponse to the pomp and cheese hair rock of acts like Motely Crew, Guns and Roses and Poison.

Then the likes of the Stokes, the White Stripes and Kings of Leon came out of a heavy commercial pop time at the turn of the millenium, dominated by the likes of Robbie Williams, Britney Spears and NSYNC.

You could also say Punk was the antithese as Disco as well so there you go. After any storm comes a rainbow or what ever that saying is...

Expect a big backlash in the next few years to the circus that is EDM, and the souless commercial pop that in one minute out the next.  I expect it to be rocks rule the earth again and BWD hopes to play some part of this change. Bands like Royal Blood are already paving the way....

Royal Blood - Little Monster

You’re currently based in California do you have plans to play & work on music there?

It is nice to be in a legendary music city such as Los Angeles. The history of bands coming here to record play has definately inspired me. The Doors, The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Guns and Roses, and all the deals, recordings and memorable performances that have been done here over the years. It really is the most important music capital of the world.

My band are still in NZ so at the moment it at the moment I’m just working just finising the EP, and creating / building our digital assests frm my Californian base. Im looking to network with as many people as possible in the industry to sieze opportunties in all aspects be it live or recorded space.

So yes it will be great to at least network, meet other musicians and be inspire with being in such a creative and dynamic hub.

Light the wick you could say!