Born with blues in her blood, Deva Mahal is a powerhouse vocalist and masterful songwriter who forges a rare blend of soul, R&B, funk, and blues. Raised in Hawai'i and discovering her voice in Aotearoa New Zealand before making her mark in New York City, Deva released her acclaimed debut album, Run Deep, in 2018, followed by a series of impactful singles and EPs, including the recent Future Classic: Vol 1 – Classic. Her career has seen her grace major international stages such as the Hollywood Bowl, Carnegie Hall, Bonnaroo, and the Montreal Jazz Festival, sharing them with legends like Etta James, The Roots, and Cyndi Lauper. Her music often explores themes of love, loss, resilience, and self-worth, delivered with raw emotion and breathtaking vocal talent. We are lucky to have her global experience, profound artistry, and passion for authentic connection at COMMOTION.

As the acclaimed lead singer and guitarist for one of Aotearoa's most beloved bands, L.A.B., Joel Shadbolt is at the forefront of New Zealand music. L.A.B.'s phenomenal success includes dominating the Aotearoa Music Awards with multiple wins for Best Album, Single, Group, and Roots Artist, and consistently selling out shows across New Zealand, Australia, and achieving significant breakthroughs in the USA. With degrees in Jazz Music and Music Production and Performance, Joel brings a deep understanding of his craft. Alongside his dynamic career with L.A.B., he remains dedicated to nurturing upcoming talent, maintaining some teaching in Mount Maunganui and serving as a valued mentor with the New Zealand Music Commission. Joel's passion for music and extensive real-world experience make him an inspiring tutor for COMMOTION.

A true pioneer in the international electronic dance music scene, Tali is an award-winning MC, singer, songwriter, producer, and author. Originally from Taranaki, she moved to the UK in 2001, signing with the legendary Full Cycle Records and achieving a UK Top 40 hit with her iconic track "Lyric On My Lip." Tali has toured the world extensively, working with some of the biggest names in Drum and Bass. Her impressive discography includes eight studio albums and numerous singles, earning her multiple accolades, including a New Zealand Music Award for 'Best Electronic Artist' for her album Love & Migration (2019). Also a published author with "The Little White House," Tali is a trained teacher and dedicated NZ Music Commission mentor. She frequently performs at Aotearoa's major festivals, bringing her vast experience and dynamic energy to inspire the next generation at COMMOTION.

A dynamic force in Aotearoa music, Laughton Kora's journey began early, performing with his father’s band from age six and winning the Smokefree Rockquest national final at 17 with his band Aunty Beatrice. He then co-founded the iconic band KORA, who, with their electrifying fusion of reggae, rock, funk, and electronic elements, achieved massive success, including platinum-selling albums and extensive tours across New Zealand and internationally, playing major festivals like Big Day Out, WOMAD, and Rhythm & Vines. Beyond KORA, Laughton's immense vocal talent and multi-instrumental skills have seen him lead solo projects, front a new band Black Comet, perform in theatre (including a critically acclaimed Judas in 'Jesus Christ Superstar'), and act in the TV series 'Coverband'. A graduate of Toi Whakaari (NZ Drama School) and a dedicated NZ Music Commission mentor, Laughton is passionate about fostering new talent.

Award-winning Auckland singer-songwriter Paige has captivated audiences worldwide with her honest, heartfelt music. Her 2020 debut EP, ALWAYS GROWING, featuring hits like ‘Too Much To H8’ and ‘Waves’, dominated NZ charts, achieved Platinum status in South Korea, and earned her multiple Aotearoa Music Award nominations (2020, 2024). Paige was also recognised as ‘Best Māori Female Solo Artist’ at the 2021 Waiata Māori Music Awards. With over 60 million career streams, Paige has toured extensively with acts like Six60 and Drax Project, and supported international artists including George Ezra and Ruel. Her 2023 debut album, KING CLOWN, showcased her versatile RnB, Pop Punk, and Soul influences, debuting at #2 on the NZ charts and leading to successful headline tours. Paige is set to release her new EP, paigesspace, in 2025, bringing fresh insights and her signature songwriting prowess to COMMOTION.

A pioneering figure in New Zealand's electronic music scene since 1990, Paddy Free is renowned worldwide as one half of the iconic multimedia duo Pitch Black. With Pitch Black, he has captivated audiences globally with mind-blowing live performances and groundbreaking albums, their music featuring in films like Whale Rider and TV shows such as CSI: Miami and True Blood. As a solo artist, composer, and an award-winning producer/engineer (2002 Tui for Best Engineer), Paddy has worked with a diverse array of Aotearoa's top artists, and composed extensively for film, TV, dance, and theatre. A passionate and experienced educator, Paddy is an Ableton Certified Trainer. He has delivered Ableton Live clinics and lectures internationally and developed the Introduction to Ableton Live course at the Music and Audio Institute of New Zealand, bringing unparalleled expertise to COMMOTION.

UK-born, Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland based Nigerian artist Mazbou Q is a dynamic rapper, producer, and educator. His unique hip hop style is forged from a diverse musical background encompassing classical piano, heavy metal, and West African Highlife, often infused with socio-political commentary. Formerly known as Unchained XL, he has released a number of albums, EPs and singles as Mazbou Q establishing his distinct voice. As ‘The Rap Scientist’, Mazbou Q has gained international recognition for his theory-based framework analysing rap flow, covering concepts like polymetricism and micro-timing. He shares this knowledge through online platforms and has even guest lectured at institutions like Harvard and Berklee College of Music. This innovative approach, combined with his experience as a producer, makes him an inspiring and invaluable mentor for young artists at COMMOTION.

Emily is a dynamic New Zealand-based guitarist, singer-songwriter, and producer, known for her captivating compositions and strong presence in the online guitar community. A 2022 Silver Scroll nominee, Emily has recently stepped into sole production on her own alt-pop tracks and has producer credits with artists like Phoebe Vic and ASHY. With a background as a session guitarist and experience touring internationally with artists like Cory Wong, Emily brings a wealth of practical industry knowledge. She has shared writing sessions with members of Maroon 5 and also served as a guest producer at APRA SongHubs Ōtepoti. Emily is passionate about sharing her skills in songwriting, production, mixing, and editing, offering valuable insights for musicians looking to shape their own sound and navigate the creative process. Her hands-on approach and diverse experience make her an inspiring mentor for aspiring producers and artists at COMMOTION.

Christian is an Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland-based music producer, engineer, songwriter, and a skilled multi-instrumentalist. Born in Indonesia and moving to New Zealand at age 10, he honed his skills as an in-house producer/engineer at Parachute Music, working with some of Aotearoa's top artists. Now a freelance creative, Christian has collaborated with established acts like Sons of Zion, Zed, Georgia Lines, and Corrella—with Corrella's "Blue Eyed Maori" achieving platinum status and a remarkable 64 weeks at #1 on the NZ singles chart. He's also passionate about developing emerging talent, having worked with artists such as Borderline, Hales, MAYJUN, Brody Leigh, and Christabel. Known for his versatility across a multitude of genres, Christian has also extended his collaborative reach to writing sessions in Australia and the USA. He brings a wealth of studio experience and a keen ear for diverse sounds to COMMOTION, ready to guide and inspire young producers and songwriters.

Bella is the dynamic lead vocalist and guitarist for Auckland's indie pop-rock band, Coast Arcade. Known for their high-energy performances and catchy tunes, Bella and Coast Arcade have quickly made a mark on the Aotearoa music scene. Bella's songwriting and Coast Arcade's infectious energy have led to chart success with singles like 'Highest Heights' and 'Tattoo' from their debut EP, Next To Me. The band has already played major festivals like Rhythm and Vines and supported iconic Kiwi acts such as The Beths. Alongside her success with the band, Bella showcases her individual artistry with her solo project, Bella Rafflyn, achieving further NZ chart recognition and critical acclaim with grunge-pop singles like "Overdrive" and "Corduroy Boy." As a young artist who has navigated Rockquest, releases music across multiple projects, and is actively touring and performing, Bella brings incredibly current and relatable experience to COMMOTION, ready to share her journey and insights with fellow emerging musicians.

A true force in Aotearoa's DJ culture, Pōneke/Wellington-based DJ Shan is a top-tier party-rocking DJ and MC, renowned for his ability to electrify any crowd across all styles of music. He is the founder of Aotearoa DJ Academy and was instrumental in creating New Zealand's first tertiary-accredited DJ school, cementing his role as a key mentor to hundreds of DJs emerging from the capital.
A Serato-certified trainer, DJ Shan's expertise is highly sought after. His performance resume is a testament to his skill, having been the headline DJ or host MC for many of New Zealand's largest and most iconic events, including Rhythm & Vines, Homegrown, Bay Dreams, Cuba Street Carnival, and Synthony. At COMMOTION, DJ Shan brings not only his infectious passion for music and turntable mastery but also his extensive experience in DJ education, ready to introduce aspiring DJs to the art and craft of rocking the turntables.

Hailing from the Marlborough Sounds, Sam's passion for music and drumming ignited early. As a young adult he immersed himself in Auckland's vibrant music scene for over four years, gaining extensive experience through consistent gigging with multiple bands and numerous studio recording sessions. This dedication led to a significant international opportunity in 2018: recording in Norway with acclaimed NZ-based producer Greg Haver. Now based in Nelson, Sam is a dynamic presence in the local music community, actively performing with a diverse range of bands including vocals with his bands Grip-Tape and Shuv-It, or on drums with Papercity, Little Oceans, Reece Milton, Liam Poole + Friends, Spinoza, and Deranger, bringing a wealth of real-world experience to COMMOTION.

Luke Wilkes is a versatile Nelson-based multi-instrumentalist, across many styles of music. He has extensive performance experience both on stage and in studio environments. Luke is well known as the lead guitarist for original local act Spinoza, who blend heavy rock, psychedelic, and fusion influences. He also lends his guitar skills to the indie-pop group The Violet Project, known for their rich, melancholic sound. An active collaborator in the local music scene, Luke also performs with artists like Ngaio Aida and the soul/jazz ensemble We Three, showcasing his adaptability and passion for diverse musical expressions. Further cementing his commitment to supporting and developing local music infrastructure, Luke is a founding partner in Nelson's new recording facility, STUDIO 7010. This breadth of experience makes him a valuable mentor for COMMOTION.

Dayna Sanerivi from Nelson/Whakatū is a highly respected Singer and Vocal Coach, deeply embedded in the local music community. An accredited teacher at the Nelson Centre of Musical Arts and running her own private music studio for the past decade, Dayna is passionate about assisting youth in their musical pursuits, focusing on helping them build strong vocal technique and discover their unique artistic voice. As an active performer, Dayna also fronts the Nelson-based Neo-Soul and R&B trio, Sukalati Beats. For the past 10 years, she has worked for Smokefree Rockquest in judging, mentoring, and event management, giving her insight into guiding young artists. Dayna is dedicated to creating a supportive environment where young performers can flourish at COMMOTION.

Dylan Galletly is a Nelson-based sound designer, music producer, and composer at the forefront of crafting audio for emerging media. With extensive international experience, including a decade in Europe, his businesses Wolf Horse (sound design, music production and interactive specialists) and SuperNatural (communication through design, media and technology) showcase his passion for innovative sonic experiences. Dylan is also a founding director and shareholder in Nelson's new recording and music facility, STUDIO 7010™, bringing his international expertise to the local New Zealand creative scene. With a background as a performing musician, he possesses a well-rounded understanding of the music landscape. At COMMOTION, Dylan is excited to share his specialist knowledge, guiding attendees through the dynamic worlds of immersive and interactive sound design, exploring music+tech trends, and demystifying the art of crafting impactful audio for games and advertising.

Trilby grew up in the world of music, going to live shows, being surrounded by PA and production talk and always having some sort of musical instrument at home being fixed or played with. So wasn’t a shock to her parents when she started working alongside bands at shows, doing the door as soon as she was of age, booking shows and tour managing. Trilby loves music and especially seeing live bands! But she also gained interest in Music licensing and production when she started working for a film and TV production company in Wellington. Since joining the APRA AMCOS team in 2016, Trilby has become a vital part of Member Services. In this role, she supports songwriters and composers, helping them navigate the complexities of music rights and royalties. At COMMOTION, Trilby will draw on her extensive industry experience to demystify the essential business side of music, providing young creators with crucial knowledge about how APRA AMCOS supports their careers.

Nelson-based videographer Claire Watson is passionate about visual storytelling and working with artists to bring their music to life on screen. With experience in a variety of film projects - from writing and filming to supporting production teams behind the scenes - Claire is building her career in film through various creative channels, including her work with goodtwin, a new NZ/UK record label where she creates visual content to help musicians strengthen their online presence. At COMMOTION, Claire will lead a hands-on 'DIY Music Video Workshop,' discussing what video content is essential for musicians, from visualisers to official videos, and practical tips on making a music video with zero / low budget.

Lucy is a Wellington-based songwriter and producer, originally from Motueka. Known for crafting songs with heartfelt stories, she has been recognised nationally for her songwriting in both te reo Māori and English. Lucy has experienced firsthand the transformative power of the event, which inspired her to help create and take on the Kaiarahi (guide/pathfinder) role. As Kaiarahi, Lucy is passionate about supporting attendees, helping them connect, feel comfortable, and make the most of their COMMOTION weekend. Having been a national finalist for Tangata Beats and Play It Strange, and winner of Hook, Line and Sing-along, Lucy brings her own experience as an emerging artist to this leadership role. She is currently studying Music at Massey University and is excited to help guide and encourage this year's participants.

Currently studying Commercial Music at Massey University in Wellington, Kahu is an active songwriter, versatile musician, producer, and live sound technician. A multi-instrumentalist proficient in Ableton and Pro Tools, he performs with bands JOLA BURNS (2nd place, Rockquest National Final) and Parallel Park, gracing stages at festivals including Rhythm & Vines, Soundsplash, and Cuba Dupa. Kahu's technical expertise is also well-utilised running sound for numerous gigs and performances, and he currently works as a sound engineer at Wellington live music venues Meow and Meow Nui. He strongly believes in paying it forward.

Bringing her infectious energy and firsthand experience, Kloey is stoked to return to COMMOTION, knowing exactly what makes this weekend so special. Originally from Whakatū Nelson and high school band The Batteries, Kloey is now in her final year of a music degree in Pōneke/Wellington. She's an active songwriter and performer, fronting the indie pop-rock band College Try and crafting alt-pop tunes with her solo project, Kloey. With new music on the horizon for both projects and a deep passion for supporting fellow musicians, Kloey is excited to help make COMMOTION 2025 an unforgettable experience for everyone.

COMMOTION alumni Jayden returns to capture the magic of the weekend as our official Event Photographer! Jayden is a Nelson-based photographer, specialising in creative portrait and event photography. Jayden won the Nelson regional final of Smokefree Rockquest in 2020 and 2022 with his band Muted. This experience as a musician gives him a unique perspective and intuitive eye for capturing the energy, collaborations, and standout moments that make COMMOTION special. With his passion for both music and photography, Jayden is perfectly placed to visually document the story of COMMOTION 2025.

We've got an awesome rōpū of interns from Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) joining the COMMOTION crew this year! Dan, Ruby, Cairo, and Josh are all in their senior year of music study at NMIT and are bringing their energy, skills, and passion to help make COMMOTION an epic experience for everyone involved. They're fulfilling their placement requirements with us, and we are stoked to have them!

With nearly two decades of self-taught experience as a bedroom producer, Tony Tomorrow brings a deep passion for music creation to every project. After honing his skills in contemporary music at NMIT Nelson, he quickly became an invaluable part of Nelson's vibrant creative community. Tony's dedication to supporting others in their musical journeys shines through his extensive involvement. He hosts a show on Fresh FM, and his expertise in sound production is highly sought after, with work spanning Venue Tech, the Nelson Arts Festival, and providing sound for various local musicians at different venues. Giving back to his roots, Tony also volunteers his sound engineering skills for NMIT music student gigs twice a year. Beyond his collaborative efforts, Tony is an active musician himself, pursuing both solo and band projects.

JR is the founder of VenueTech, who spearhead the technical operations of Nelson’s Theatre Royal and Centre Of Musical Arts. He has over 12-years experience in the live events industry during which he’s worked with many leading artists from NZ and abroad. JR leads the tech team for the Nelson Arts Festival. His core passion is live sound engineering for concerts, where he seeks to create a professional and positive environment that supports artists to perform at their best.

Emily Sanson's journey is one of global impact and heartfelt community building. For over ten years, she applied her skills in international project management and development with United Nations Electoral and Peacekeeping Operations, living in Cambodia, Nigeria, South Africa, East Timor, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Burundi, New York and Haiti. This extensive experience in complex environments honed her exceptional organisational and cross-cultural communication abilities.
Driven by a commitment to making a difference, Emily then founded the Kenbe La Foundation Charitable Trust. Its highly successful 'Purple Cake Day' fundraiser, now active for over a decade, has empowered children globally and provided vital educational opportunities for communities affected by poverty and hardship. With a double degree in Law and Political Science and a postgraduate certificate in Business Administration, combined with her deep love for music, Emily brings deep experience to her role as a volunteer organiser.

Scott brings a background of leadership, programme management, and community engagement experience to his role as a volunteer organiser for COMMOTION. Currently the Top of the South Regional Conservation Manager for Forest & Bird and Board Chair of the Tasman Environmental Trust, Scott has a strong background in fostering community-focused initiatives. Scott holds a Masters in International Development. His experience also includes founding and running Pacific Discovery, an international experiential education organisation, for 20 years. In this role, Scott designed and delivered impactful, Outward Bound-style programmes for US university students across five global regions. This involved managing complex logistics, leading diverse teams of staff and instructors, and focusing on the personal development and learning of young adults – all vital skills he brings to COMMOTION.