New Zealand's musicians will be celebrated in the next month as the country celebrates the 13th annual NZ Music Month.

Home-grown music will play across the airwaves throughout clubs, libraries, schools and theatres as part of the 350 planned events helping integrate a higher number of local songs on commercial radio and promote local musicians.

Mount Maunganui duo Joseph Thompson and Maia Potier will be playing at Major Toms as part of NZ Music Month this Saturday.

Mount Maunganui singer Maia Potier, recently teaming up with singer/songwriter Joseph Thompson, says the month is an excellent opportunity to highlight all the musical talent which goes unnoticed.

'It's so good because there's so much talent which goes a bit unseen with all the international bands which come over.

'Even in the Bay of Plenty there is so much talent.”

The duo, collectively known as Joseph & Maia have recently released their debut EP ‘Roll Up Your Sleeves' and are looking to build on a whirlwind 12 months.

'We are really excited about the EP. We recorded it about a year ago and are just excited to hear it now.”

Maia says the month is a perfect time for musicians to get out there and stamp their mark.

For Rotorua based drummer Michael Barker, the month is a great thing to be a part of and anything helping promote local music is fantastic.

'I view every month as New Zealand Music Month. But I still believe there was a lack of lack of local music being broadcast and I still think that's the case.

Michael, the long-time member of The John Butler Trio and touring drummer with Kiwi legends Split Enz, have now joined with Tauranga singer-songwriter Grant Haua to form power blues duo Swamp Thing.

He says with an influx of international artists touring New Zealand it has made it even harder for artists to get on the airwaves and make it in the industry along with internet downloading.

'I've been very fortunate and have worked hard and look around and think it's a lot harder now with the internet.

'Music is being pushed down the list of things we knowingly pay for.”

But Broadcasting Minister Craig Foss says Kiwi music is fast becoming accessible thanks to the emergence of digital platforms and the availability of content online along with traditional broadcast media and live performance.

'This means Kiwi artists can not only reach an audience at home, but also overseas.

'It is fantastic we have a whole month dedicated to supporting New Zealand musicians and artists with hundreds of promotional events running throughout May.”

Youth Affairs Minister Nikki Kaye says it is heartening to know talented young musicians have the support of a strong New Zealand music industry and the month is a superb opportunity to celebrate both established and emerging young Kiwi artists.

'Recently we have seen the likes of Lorde – who has been hailed by US website Buzzfeed as a future star – and Kimbra, who won Record of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the Grammy Awards. These artists and other New Zealand musicians show some of the talent and creativity inherent within young Kiwis.”

Joseph & Maia are playing with Farah Loux and Great North National Flaws at Major Toms, Mount Maunganui as part of NZ Music Month this Saturday.

To download their debut single visit http://itunes.apple.com/nz/album/roll-up-your-sleeves-ep/id627087261

The Music Month scheduled events can be found at www.nzmusicmonth.co.nz