"The street poster campaigns achieved nothing. The ROI was laughably appalling. I looked at how much money I threw away on street postering, only to have posters up for a week or two, then gone forever. It just didn’t make sense. It seemed a total waste of energy and art."

#Blink, 2026

https://www.alowhum.com/2026-poster-rethink

(2/?)

Blink (Ian Jorgensen) is a legend of kiwi music promotion. He's spend decades running live tours, supporting record releases, running his own label, complete with All Tomorrow's Parties style indie music festival (Camp a Low Hum).

I've never me the guy. But just from what I know second hand, I can tell you he's done as much for music communities in Aotearoa, and around the world, as anyone I can think of. His insights in this article are often saddening, but undoubtedly reliable.

(3/?)

"Unless you’re hiding under a rock, you’re well aware of the current crisis in the events industry. Festivals and major events are losing truckloads of money. The economy is struggling and events are tanking. Just like I put the responsibility of Camp going ahead into the hands of those wanting it to happen, I’m tired of promoting events and tours passively."

#Blink, 2026

https://www.alowhum.com/2026-poster-rethink

(4/?)

But the good news?

"When I announced Camp A Low Hum 2027 back in 2025, I gave people five days to purchase enough tickets for me to do the event and not lose money. People understood the task and that it was up to them, and they came through."

#Blink, 2026

https://www.alowhum.com/2026-poster-rethink

So today's music fans care about scenes surviving, so they keep getting music. They're willing to be part of active community efforts to support them. That's heartening.

(5/?)