About
We understand the value of a personal story being heard and acknowledged and the transformation songwriting can bring to an individual’s sense of wellbeing.
Song Conversations aims to cultivate creativity and connection between individuals and communities. We offer residencies, workshops, online forums and courses, as well as opportunities to collaborate and participate in creative projects.
Creating a new song presents meaningful opportunities for self-reflection and contemplation. We believe writing a song is an expressive outlet that can foster personal growth and increase resilience and self-awareness.
Poipoia te kākano, kia puawai
Nurture the seed and it will blossom
We aspire to foster people’s relationship to place, identity and their need for self-expression.
Nāu te raurau, nāku te raurau, ka mākona te iwi
Your contribution and my contribution will
provide enough for all
Our kaupapa embraces manaakitanga (generosity, kindness, respect for others)
and whakawhanaungatanga (developing close relationships with each other).
Meet the founders
Kiri Eriwata
Co-founder
Stephen (TĪpene) Matthews
Co-founder
Kiri Eriwata
Co-founder
Ngāti Toa, Ngāti Raukawa, Te Ati Awa, Scotland
Kiri is a songwriter, vocal coach, recording artist and music industry consultant. She has a passion for fostering projects that connect songwriters with their community and the music industry. She has written and released her own music and supported an array of other songwriters in the studio and on stage.
Kiri taught vocal performance, songwriting and music industry studies at the University of Auckland’s School of Music, a role she held from 2011 – 2019.
She currently holds the role of General Manager for Te Whai Community Trust, Mangawhai.
Listen to Kiri’s music on spotify
Testimonials
“I have known Kiri Eriwata for over 10 years and in that time I have always been impressed with her music industry knowledge, musicianship & songwriting skills, and her ability to interact with and mentor young musicians. I believe Kiri is one of the best-qualified people in the music industry today and we need more of her ilk leading the way.”
Jan Hellriegel, Music Publisher Songbroker
“Kiri’s work as a lecturer at the Auckland University School of Music; a crucial network for those looking to develop within the music industry, providing mentoring and upskilling services from a well-qualified and respected member of the industry.”
Dean Cameron, Recorded Music NZ
Stephen (Tīpene) Matthews
Co-founder
Heretaunga, Aotearoa
Stephen is a composer, songwriter and educator. He is passionate about helping songwriters explore and discover new things and we’ve discovered he has quite a knack for teaching online.
Stephen’s creative work explores the deep connections between people and the land, water and sea. Much of his work discusses issues to do with social justice and sustainability.
For twenty years Stephen has taught and mentored all the songwriters advancing their craft at the University of Auckland’s School of Music.
learn about Stephen’s creative work on his website
Our INSPIRATION
When we asked our kui to teach us something she would tell us a story, drawing us in with her inquisitive voice, weaving words and pictures together. Quietly she was able to plough our imaginations offering hidden treasures to discover.
* Kui is a Māori word — a term of address for an older Māori woman.
Organisations we have worked with:
UNESCO
Apra Amcos
Nz On Air
Recorded Music NZ
Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra
IMNZ
Songbroker
Creative NZ
University of Auckland
Roundhead Studios
Mainz
Mushroom Music Publishing
MMF
NZ Music Commission
Aeroplane Music Services
MusicWorks
Native Tongue Publishing