Breaking into the music industry can seem like an insurmountable challenge for aspiring musicians. Universal Music New Zealand, along with principal funding partners NZ On Air and Creative New Zealand, has launched nextWAV., a unique artist development programme designed to identify and support emerging young artists across Aotearoa. The 12-month programme will bring together leading organisations from across the New Zealand music industry. Through a series of workshops, selected students will receive one-on-one guidance from industry professionals in songwriting, production, branding, live performance and digital strategy, as well as practical experience in studio environments, creative development spaces and live performance settings.