Musicians Of Aotearoa Unite To Save Our Nation's Dolphins

4th July 2008 - Press Release
Campaign director Gemma McGrath has two passions: music and dolphins. She is the driving force behind 'Music 4 Mauis', a well-compiled CD of tunes by New Zealand musicians to benefit endangered Maui's and Hector's Dolphins. The album features songs made possible for inclusion by Native Tongue Publishing and will be distributed by Rhythmethod, and is available in the shops now.

'Music 4 Mauis' is a perfectly-sequenced, rhythmic, and haunting tribute to the dolphins that reside only on our coastline. Artists include Sola Rosa, Don McGlashan, Minuit, Fur Patrol, The Black Seeds, Ragamuffin Children, Pitch Black, Flip Grater, The Bads, Gasoline Cowboy and Ariana Tikao.

Maui's dolphins (Popotu), the world's smallest and rarest dolphins, hug the coast of the North Island. They are a close cousin to South Island Hector's dolphins/Pahu, but are genetically different. There are only about 100 remaining and perhaps only 25 of them are females of breeding age. They are tiny, playful, spirited dolphins and considered to be kaitiaki, guardians and protectors of our soul. One more fishing season could forever erase Maui's dolphins from our shores. Hector's dolphins are now a quarter of their original population size.

The CD booklet features a fold-out map of New Zealand with the latest scientific estimates for Hector's and Maui dolphins. Other Hector's dolphin populations or hapu are just as endangered as Maui dolphins, like Kaikoura and the far south. The album also features some poetry and artwork from Jono More - no longer anonymous, after his dolphin graffiti recently featured on Campbell Live. Thanks to such a great response, McGrath and More are embarking on another national tour in the dolphin van later this month to stencil commissioned dolphins and promote the album.
 
Such was the positive response from local musicians that there will be a second CD release in the near future. It will include artists such as Hollie Smith, Shapeshifter, Cornerstone Roots, Tiki, Ladi 6, The Nomad, and many more of the nations finest. Some are working with actual sound samples of Hector's dolphins and weaving them into their music.

Gemma's seven years as a Kaikoura Whalewatch guide allowed her to see firsthand the sharp decline in Hector's dolphin sightings. She became concerned enough to earn a degree in Zoology from the University of Otago and is now pursuing a Masters in Science Communication.

All proceeds will benefit the New Zealand Whale and Dolphin Trust, which will continue to raise awareness, fund research, and pursue legislation to protect our endangered dolphins.

Visit www.music4mauis.org for more information or email info@music4mauis.org

Tracklisting
01 Ragamuffin Children – Sea Shanty
02 Don McGlashan – Miracle Sun
03 Pitch Black with KP – Rude Mechanicals
04 Fur Patrol – Hidden Agenda
05 Minuit – A Room Full Of Cute
06 Sola Rosa – Lights Out
07 The Black Seeds – The Answer
08 Gasoline Cowboy – I Hear You Call My Name
09 The Bads – Valid State Of Mind
10 Flip Grater – Where's The Door?
11 Ariana Tikao – E Rere

Buy the album at:
www.smokecds.com
www.amplifier.co.nz

www.music4mauis.org