Music management dream could take student to big stage

BESTIES: Kiwi international pop star Gin Wigmore, left, with student and promoter Poppy Tohill.

Though learning piano at seven years of age, then the guitar at nine, Poppy Tohill admits to not being overly skilled but has always been musically inclined and in recent years has become the number one fan of multi-award winning Kiwi singer Gin Wigmore.

Like many her age, the year 13 Otamatea High School student became friendly with Wigmore through social media such as Facebook and Twitter, not just writing sugary comments but taking an active interest in the singer’s music and career generally. 

In time she met Wigmore in person – which she has now done on several occasions – and her interest in the career and promotion of Wigmore has led to her being labelled by Wigmore as her ‘official’ unofficial publicist. 

On her own volition Poppy contacted a number of agents and record production companies offering whatever services they may be able to use, even on a voluntary basis , in an effort to get a foothold in the industry and has been thrilled with the result. Her ability to network well at all levels has led to her attending several NZ music awards nights, the ever popular Wine Tour throughout the north, as well as rubbing shoulders with Ruby Frost in making a documentary on NZ Music Month as a school project. 

In February Poppy, through Doit Records in Auckland, was involved in the presentataion, sound checks and show for the recent tour by the 90s group Presidents of the United States of America as assistant tour manager/promotor.

Though she is doing music journalism and media studies at school, Poppy is aiming for a career in music promotion and management. Poppy is very complimentary of MAINZ (the music audio institute of NZ) in assisting her wherever possible with information and contacts of those who can further her career and she also runs a very popular ‘music madness’ page on Facebook which reports on music news, reviews, critiques of new albums, a bit of gossip and general promotion of Kiwi music.

Despite being a small place, New Zealand has produced some world acclaimed musical and entertainment acts and with a lot of enthusiasm and hard work Poppy may just be our next Popsta.