Fazerdaze, Marlon Williams, The Beths, and TE KAAHU are among the nominations for this year’s Taite Music Prize.
Independent Music NZ (IMNZ) announced the 10 finalists for the Taite Music Prize 2023 today, with the winner set to be announced next month on Tuesday, April 18th. They’ll follow last year’s winner, Anthonie Tonnon, who triumphed with his acclaimed album, Leave Love Out Of This.
The prestigious award recognises the best New Zealand albums released in the past year, with the winner receiving a cash prize of $12,500 (thanks to founding partner Recorded Music NZ). A voting academy comprised of IMNZ members, musicians, and industry professionals decided the final shortlist.
This year’s ten nominees highlight the variety and diversity of Aotearoa’s current music scene, ranging from scintillating power pop to alternative country, avant-garde pop to beautiful waiata:
Aldous Harding – Warm Chris (Flying Nun Records)
Avantdale Bowling Club – Trees (Years Gone By)
Erny Belle – Venus Is Home (Flying Nun Records)
Fazerdaze – Break! (Flying Nun Records)
Hans Pucket – No Drama (Carpark Records)
Marlon Williams – My Boy (Marlon Williams Music Limited)
Princess Chelsea – Everything Is Going To Be Alright (Lil Chief Records)
Tami Neilson – Kingmaker (Neilson Records)
TE KAAHU – Te Kaahu O Rangi (Theia Music Ltd)
The Beths – Expert In A Dying Field (Ivy League Records)
The three nominations for the 2023 Auckland Live Best Independent Debut Award have also been revealed as Wiri Donna (Being Alone), TE KAAHU (Te Kaahu O Rangi), and Erny Belle (Venus Is Home).
At April’s awards ceremony, both of the above awards will be given out alongside the NZ On Air Outstanding Music Journalism Award, IMNZ Classic Record, and the Independent Spirit Award.
“As we move through these crazy times, it’s still so heartening to hear fresh new music being made and released in Aotearoa. Congratulations to all this year’s finalists!” IMNZ General Manager, Dylan Pellett says.
“We are very proud to continue our support of the Taite Music Prize and celebrate the artistic achievement of the vibrant independent music sector in Aotearoa,” adds Recorded Music NZ CEO, Jo Oliver.
