Soul Sunday Sessions with Remix

In our third #soulsundaysessions we caught up with Hamish Pinkham, founder and director of Rhythm And Vines, to talk about this year’s festival, the acts on their way down under and his most memorable story from the last 13 years.

As part of the new Remix #soulsundaysessions, we’ve been inviting some of our friends and contributors down to our favourite Sunday spot, Soul Bar & Bistro, to have a late lunch and a chat about what they’re up to. And, we’ve been sharing the mouth-watering dishes we’ve tried over our lunches as well!

What makes Rhythm & Vines so special?

Well, we think it’s pretty unique. One of the biggest draw cards is the venue. It’s set in the rolling hills of Waiohika in the picturesque vineyard. I guess, Gisborne, as a destination as well, with the sunshine and the beaches, is world class. All the punters and artists comment on how magnificent the venue is, so I think that’s something that sets us apart. Also the fact that it’s New Year’s Eve and we’re the first place in the world to bring in the new year gives the festival a real sense of occasion and that’s something I haven’t really felt at other festivals.

Who are some of the big name artists and how hard was it to get them this year?

We’ve really tried to focus on what the market want and what we think works well for the festival and predominantly that’s been drum and bass music and hip hop. We’ve got some of the leading guys in drum and bass like Nero, Subfocus, Pendulum this year. We’ve got the reputation and the relationships to attract that kind of talent. We’ve also got leading trap artist RL Grime who had heard a lot about the festival as well. And then on the hip hop front we’ve got Mac Miller and Yung Lean – two really respected MC rappers in their own right.

Above: The boys spent the afternoon sipping on the exceptionally refreshing Langs Beach Cup, comprised of green chilli infused gin with Pimms, fresh strawberries, mint, lemon and orange, ginger ale. 

Do festivals have a lifespan? You guys have been going for 15 years nearly.

Yeah, definitely! I think it’s just about keeping fresh and keeping relevant. If you look at something like Glastonbury, it’s been going for 45 odd years, so if you keep it at the forefront, changing and adapting, and listening to your market, you can stay in the game. I think we’ve done bloody well to be here 13 years later. It’s just about being original. But definitely we’ve had some tough years and had competition come to our space, trends have changed, we’ve had different alcohol policies change on us, so it’s just about keeping fresh and keeping relevant.

Yeah, you’ve managed to get lots of different market segments. Like you have different camp areas, different types of people, and you have VIP areas and all that as well.

Yeah, it’s just working out what your core market is. Our recipe hasn’t changed too much, it’s a festival for young Kiwis that want to celebrate the New Year. They want a big experience and an adventure over that time and you know there’s going to be a captive market over those kids every year that want to get in their car with their mates and have some fun. We capture that audience.

If you could pick another job what would it be? If you started it all again?

I’m really passionate about my music, but I think that’s more of a hobby. I love creative industries though, like I love hospitality. I love having creative visions and then trying to make them work so something like a hospitality space, maybe a restaurant. I’ve always liked movies as well so maybe trying to come up with a movie concept and trying to get that off the ground. I’ve never been much of an actor, I like the idea of kind of coming up with an idea and trying to make it happen, a producer really. The talent side of things I don’t know, I like more behind the scenes. I’d rather be pulling the strings in the background. It’s more that I like that creative entrepreneurship.

Above: Hamish enjoyed the pan fried hapuku, complete with mushrooms a la Grecque, porcini gnocchi cigars and chervil crème fraiche. Tim had the slow cooked pork belly, with butternut squash puree, crunchy pig’s cheek, black pudding fritter and celeriac remoulade.

You also love being overseas, why is that?

Just ambition, I think. I love New Zealand, but it’s limited in some aspects and you’ve got to get out. Life is about meeting new people and coming across ideas and attending some of the world’s best events or restaurants or whatever and you’ve only got a small selection of things in New Zealand, so I think it’s important to get out and travel, network, and bottle that up and bring that home.

How is the band?

It’s kind of the music that I grew up playing on the guitar, that early Kings of Leon, The Strokes, White Stripes, the stuff I really enjoy. The genre may be a little bit out of date at the moment, but I think rock ‘n’ roll will come again. Again, it’s just been fun as a creative pursuit – get ideas out of your head, get them down, have some fun with a couple of good friends and perform live. It’s all part of being a musician I guess.

You always play the last set at Rhythm & Vines, right?

Well we’ve had a few DJ sets at the end when the sun’s coming up. But most of the DJs, and, we’re finding it this year, all want to play in the lead up to New Year’s. No one really wants to play after midnight, which is interesting, so it’s just come about by no one wanting to work late that we play.

It’s funny how at Rhythm & Vines, after you’ve done the big New Year’s celebration, everyone kind of just goes back to their tents and stuff.

Well not everyone, but yeah. I guess we’ve just catered for like all the staff that are still there at the end as well as friends. It’s always been a bit of an ease up as the sun’s coming up.

So tell us the craziest Rhythm story that you’ve never told anyone else?

There was one I was thinking about the other day actually. I don’t know how ‘crazy’ it is, but it was just quite a funny situation. Flava Flav was bailing me up outside the marae as these local kids did the haka to Public Enemy and Flava Flav was like “I want those kids on stage with me during our set!” And I was thinking to myself – well we’re R18, we don’t really have kids at the festival, I’ve got a million and one things to do, so I don’t really want to be chaperoning these kids. And Flava Flav’s last instruction was just like “Make it happen!”, so there I was at like ten to 8, or whenever they were playing, at the gate trying to find these kids and their parents and get them passes to try get them on stage and kind of running through the vines like a Pied Piper with like four or five little local kids running up to the stage. They ended up krumping and breakdancing during the Public Enemy set and it was something really memorable and special. Not too crazy but definitely a memorable story.

Above: Hamish and Tim also shared the Ricotta and Meyer lemon tortellini, new season asparagus, lemon and chervil butter. Mouthwateringly delicious!

Tell us about the next season of The Bachelor?

Can’t talk about it right now, still going through negotiations. I don’t want to air my dirty laundry on New Zealand television.

Do you cook?

Yeah, I really like cooking. It’s one of my passions and pursuits.

What’s the best dish you’ve just had?

The tortellini’s great, I’m a big fan of pasta! I eat it even though it’s probably not that good for you. I just love that Italian way of eating. I’ve actually never been to Italy, but I can’t wait to get there and eat any sort of that pasta and all the antipastos. I’m looking forward to just heading over there one day and having a food binge.

What does Soul Bar mean to you?

Soul Bar reminds me of my first experiences with Auckland. When I was young and leaving university and coming up here around the America’s Cup time.

Stay tuned for our #soulsundaysessions next week, which will be with the boys of Jupiter Project, asking them about their latest music. Anything else you want us to ask? Comment below!

If you want to head down to Soul for your own Sunday session (which we strongly advise), then visit Soul Bar & Bistro online here for booking details. Also remember to ‘Like’ them on Facebookhere and Instagram here for their latest menu offerings and news.

Building the Entreprenuerial Team

This week I am giving a speech to the Spark Vision to Vision Business seminars at Auckland University. Here are a few excerpts from my talk

When you start a business you will need to think about building a team to help realise your vision. Although the idea and drive may come from yourself individually, it is unlikely you will be able to work alone, and as your business grows you will be dealing with a number of key suppliers, advisors, mentors. Today I will talk about some key members of my start up team and roles they served to get our vision off the ground.

First up is the founders. Probably the most important role because without a dream and taking action on that dream, you don't have anything. An unless you have a steel-like vision and unwavering commitment, it may be you rely on a partnership in the foundation of your company. As it was in my case  - three of us would flesh out our idea, share the load and continue to motivate each other.

Fellow R&V founder Tom and I shared a passion for our idea to host friends at a summer party. While Tom came up with the initial idea for a party of friends for new years, it was me that seized it. I could see the vision immediately and arranged a meeting at Gardies to flesh out the idea. I was looking for a business idea in the music industry and this seemed the perfect project. Tom has a creative mind and wicked sense of humour and I had loads of fun discussing and dissecting the idea him. It wasn't long until we had fleshed out a vision for our festival and began taking steps to get it off the ground. It was my job to perhaps keep Tom propped up and engaged, because he had a short attention span and tendency to drift off.

My flat mate Andrew was also a key part of the our initial team.  We went to him with our idea for having a party at his parents place and asked for his support in making it a reality. Having run a summer fruit truck for some time he already had great business experience already. He knew about budgets, cashflow, contracts, staff, along with selling a product. He was social and well connected, and had already hosted friends in Gisborne over prior summers. He was most supportive of our idea and invested his own time and money to get the first wheels in motion, including booking our flights to Gisborne to meet his father. He was a great support and while his focus has been predominantly on BW, he continues to be across all areas of the business.

One key member in our initial team was a mentor. Having Dean Witters (Andrew'
s father) involved was paramount to getting things off the ground. In Dean we had an experienced and well-versed business man in our corner. From that first presentation to him he was on board. Asking us the hard questions. Make us think outside the box. Inspiring us. Giving us confidence to move forward. Being a sounding board for any issues we were coming across. And being commercially minded and focused. As little things like deposit dates, and pricing of local suppliers Dean was our eyes and ears along with our bank!

As we grew we need to bring on support in key areas.  The second year of the event we had bigger bands on board and with 5000 expected it became clear we need a more commercial manager to help us dot the i's and cross the t's. Dean helped enagage a local business man to be our Event Manager. This guy was in the radio industry so new a little bit about promotion already, along with being commercially driven.  He was able to contract all the event team, suppliers, sponsors, staff. We were focused on the grass roots, promotion and advising him on the music, brand and creative direction for him to pull it all together.

By year 3 it was soon clear that our small team not big enough. We were now dealing with top professional kiwi bands like Fat Freddys Drop and we had 60 days before 10,000 people were coming to our little party. We split up roles and began to look for specialist contractors in key areas of the event. We bought on a production manager who worked on Splore a similar sized festival set west of Auckland. We took our accounts to a local accountant to provide some cost control and advise on. While Dean took care of the venue alterations with a team of local tradesmen, I tried to keep an overview on all was happening while trying to learn as much as I could It was all a bit over our head as we had just finished our studies. We weren't scared to delegate when the going got tough!

In building your team you need to surround yourself with positive people who are supportive of your quest. I was lucky to have my good friend and band member Kyle Bell on board to help seek sponsors and partners. Kyle was excited about the opportunity to be part of our event, not just to play but to have a summer in Gisborne. He was a loyal confidant in listening and suggesting inital ideas and constructive criticism. His support has been unwavering and he still with me today as our Head of Partnership.  Find these people and keep them in your life. Other mates didn't particularly understand my journey.  While my flatmates were downstairs playing Playstation and watching Frat-boy movies I was upstairs in my room hustling, on the phone to sponsors and negotiating with bands. We would have some crude dial in conference calls between the 3 of us and Dean. But that small team would inspire each other towards getting our idea off the ground.

Family were supportive, if not at times a little confused about my journey. They continue to offer love and support through the good times and the bad. My sisters handed out posters to their network of friends and helped with artist hospitality. While my parents helped set up the venue. Dad being an ex Policeman helped get us resource consent and an alcohol licence. They offer unwavering and love and support and are all part of an extended entreprenurial team.

As your business builds you will need to continue to grow this team. In building a world class event we haven't pretended to be experts in event management. But we have surround ourselves with those who are. In areas such as marketing, artist liasion, corporate governance etc.  I do think our vision is one of excellence, and we have demanded a level of behaviour and respect - for the product, the market and each other. This includes removing those are not on your team. Don't settle for well poisoners, or people that aren't 100% in support of you and your idea. Start with a small and loyal team all working towards a common go and build from there.

Seafarers Club, Britomart

There was an excitement in the air when news of the vision for the Seafarers Members Club was whispered around Auckland town late last year. Finally a private space downtown where commerce and culture could collide, where networks could be forged all within the class of a world class hospitality experience. 

The brainchild of creative geniuses Shine Group and leading chef Josh Emmett of Ebisu / Ostro fame - Seafarers was founded on the premise of stimulating, inspiring and connecting a certain breed of Auckland's movers and shakers.

Drip feeding the foundation memberships was a surefire way to build momentum and although reasonably quiet during the days, the outdoor deck was getting busier and busier come in the lead up to silly season come late afternoon. The Club lacks a certain pretentiousness present in other Auckland establishments, while still evoking a level of sophistication on par with international members clubs such as Shoreditch House and Soho House of London and New York.

Set over 3 levels, the Club caters for all energy levels and . A private screening room, long lunching lounge and cafe are nestled indoors, while the top floor deck is the perfect spot for visitors and potential clients, showcasing the Auckland waterfront in all it's sparkly splendor.

As summer hits full swing, it is not hard to see that Seafarers will become a major hub for dreamers, doers and thinkers alike.

http://www.seafarers.co.nz/members-club

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!