Nexus cops criticism from Hamilton music community following online faux pas
Nexus slips up during turbulent time in Hamilton’s music scene.
Staff at the University of Waikato’s student magazine Nexus, were left scrambling for cover following a scrap with an independent recording studio on campus this week.
The old guard of Hamilton’s music scene were incensed when an online controversy blew up over the repurposing of “In the Fridge,” a music podcast operating independently of Nexus.
A since-removed post on the official Nexus Instagram page teased the adoption of the Hamilton-famous podcast “In the Fridge,” despite not owning the rights to the brand.
Hamilton music studio The Volume Collective, known for running the long-standing podcast, was also made aware their lease will not be renewed on campus.
The mistaken adoption of their podcast came as news to The Volume Collective, who described their shock as a”bitter pill to swallow” in a blog post on their website.
“A post on Instagram by Nexus Magazine (run by the Waikato Student Union) showed our “In The Fridge” live to air logo with the intention of using the space and the term for their own podcasts.
“This is far too hurtful to remain silent on.”
Managing director of The Volume Collective Jake Tait said their enterprise represented an independent home for musicians on campus, providing a home for Hamilton’s underground music scene.
“We tried our best to protect our community as much as possible.
“This has been an uphill battle constantly.”
In a statement on Facebook, Nexus staffers said the editor who made the mistake “was unaware of the proud history associated with space and the brand.
“At no point did she intend to suggest the Volume Collective, Contact FM or anyone associated with the brand was endorsing the use of the space by Nexus.”
A post from The Volume Collective’s titled “Let’s clear some things up” outlined the toll this had on the members of the community.
“Last night a co-founder of The Volume Collective shed tears watching the “In The Fridge” logo she painstakingly hand painted become just for a tool for Nexus Magazine podcast promotion.”
Tait thanked the public, and said they were humbled by the community outcry in support.
“This was an amazing amount of support, and we feel very loved.”
Ex-leaser of the studio and long-time Hamilton muso Kat Waswo described the move as “horrendous,” and praised the organisation for their contributions to Hamilton’s music scene.
“The Volume Collective have been doing so many awesome projects with the Hamilton music scene.
“They’re super supportive, and tend to take anyone under their wing.”
Hamiltonian Mark Servian also spoke out on social media, describing the WSU as “sneaky” and accused them of “stealing intellectual property.”
“If you’re going to start a new thing, come up with your own brand.
“Shame on you WSU and Nexus.”
