In June 2026, Karangahape Road saw iconic institutions like Flying Out and Neck of the Woods face closure, signaling a crisis in Auckland's live-music culture. While the community rallied to save venues, a deeper issue emerged: the total collapse of music journalism in Aotearoa. Dedicated magazines and newspaper teams have vanished, leaving the scene without a mirror to document its vitality.

Despite the lack of coverage, the music sector is thriving, contributing over $901 million to the GDP in 2023. However, a massive visibility gap exists; local artists captured only 9 percent of streaming and sales revenue in 2024. Without journalists to document shows or artists, the scene becomes invisible, impacting bookings and income.

To combat this, Propel is rebuilding the lost media landscape. By providing dedicated coverage alongside free professional tools for artists, Propel aims to close the loop between visibility and opportunity. The goal is to ensure that New Zealand's vibrant music scene finally has a home that turns coverage into real-world careers.