Andrew Dubber     

I’ve been trying to find a way to get over to New Zealand in the next few months. I’ve been asked to present a radio documentary about Zane Lowe, and I need to sit down with some people back in New Zealand with a tape recorder rolling.

Of course, there’s no budget, and so I put the call out to a bunch of friends and contacts back in Auckland and Wellington to see if there’s anything going on out that way that may add to the list of reasons to head home, and which may help subsidise the journey.

It’s £1000 return at the moment (summer in NZ, you see…), which is pretty prohibitive.

Anyway, I had an email last night from Russell Brown, asking if I’d take part in a Great Blend event, alongside science fiction author Bruce Sterling and feminist political activist and filmmaker, Jasmina Tešanović.

And of course, I’d love to do that. It’s a huge honour. Unfortunately, as with all such things, the appearance fee doesn’t go terribly far towards covering my travel – but it’s a good start. Here’s the thing though – it’s in just over two weeks time – and I need to find the rest of the money from somewhere.

I went to CMJ in New York late 2007 on donations from New Music Strategies readers, but that was a one-off. First, it was completely relevant to the interests of the site (rather than a documentary about a radio presenter).

Second, I’m reluctant to ask people who read my website (largely poor musicians and struggling independent music businesses) for donations to get me to New Zealand in summer – seems a bit rich, right?

And third, I actually think there must be some value in this for somebody who’d find this sort of cash down the back of the couch. I’m talking corporate sponsorship.

Whether UK Trade and Industry want to load me up with products and brochures; some brand wants me to represent them globally; New Zealand On Air want to send me back to the UK with press kits and CD samplers for the UK market; Air New Zealand want me saying nice things about the high standard of their business class on my blog; a distillery company can think of a use for an online whisky taster to sample their delightful products in an antipodean environment; or somebody wants me to wear their t-shirt at the prestigious Great Blend event – I’m pretty much up for sale.

I just want to get to New Zealand and back. Accommodation’s all sorted (right, Mum?)

Here’s the trick though: just over 12 hours ago, I told Russell that I would let him know whether I’d be attending within 48 hours. So – I’m looking for ideas, and I’m looking for them quickly. Thoughts? Contacts?

If you could send this to people you think may be able to find other people who may be able to help, I’d really appreciate it. The Zane Lowe documentary (and the Great Blend event – not to mention NZ itself!) is very personal to me, and I’d really love this opportunity to do it justice.

If you’ve been sent here and are wondering who I am, what I do, and how I might be helpful… have a look at these links:

My bio on New Music Strategies
A bit about me personally
Whisky tasting on Dubber and Clutch

Thanks in advance for any help you can be. It’s much appreciated.

Tagged: New Zealand, Seminar, Travel