Graham Reid | | 2 min read
One of the most presigious events on the local music calendar is the annual Taite Music Prize which recognises an exceptional album and is judged on musical merit not sales.
The awards have expanded to include Best Independent Debut Award, another for outstanding music journalism and a classic independently released album from our past.
There is also an award for someone who has contributed greatly to the development and growth of New Zealand music.
So it's important stuff.
Here are the finalists in a couple of those categories and we have highlighted albums we have written about, the link takes you to our review.
The 2023 Taite Music Prize finalists are:
Aldous Harding - Warm Chris
Avantdale Bowling Club - Trees
Erny Belle - Venus Is Home
Fazerdaze - Break!
Hans Pucket - No Drama
Marlon Williams - My Boy
Princess Chelsea - Everything Is Going To Be Alright
Tami Neilson - Kingmaker
TE KAAHU - Te Kaahu O Rangi
The Beths - Expert In A Dying Field
(There is a playlist of these albums at Spotify here)
The Auckland Live Best Independent Debut Award celebrates the freshest talent of Aotearoa. The winner receives a $2000 cash prize plus a performance or technical upskilling opportunity thanks to Auckland Live.
The three albums nominated for the 2023 Auckland Live Best Independent Debut Award are:
Wiri Donna- Being Alone
TE KAAHU - Te Kaahu O Rangi
Erny Belle - Venus Is Home
(There is a playlist of these albums at Spotify here)
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The fourteenth Taite Music Prize ceremony includes the presentation of the NZ On Air Outstanding Music Journalism Award. IMNZ and NZ On Air look to celebrate a special individual who made a creative contribution and significant impact with coverage of Aotearoa music in 2022. The winner receives a $2500 cash prize thanks to NZ On Air. A shortlist of finalists for this award will be announced in the coming weeks.
The Independent Music NZ Classic Record award acknowledges one New Zealand record released over 20 years ago on an independent label. These records, whether a 12”, a compilation, EP, or full-length album have become quintessential gold nuggets of our musical history.
Now in its fifth year, the Independent Spirit Award recognises and celebrates a New Zealander: someone who is passionate about NZ music; who's ahead of the game in creativity, diversity, and imagination; and has dedicated themself to helping artists and the wider music community to grow and find their own unique pathways. The annual recipient is determined by the IMNZ Board.
The Taite Music Prize 2023 and the Auckland Live Best Independent Debut Award will be presented on Tuesday, April 18th alongside the NZ On Air Outstanding Music Journalism Award, IMNZ Classic Record and the Independent Spirit Award.
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