Named after one of Aotearoa's most respected journalists, the late Dylan Taite, the prestigious Taite Music Prize (made possible with the support of Founding Partner Recorded Music NZ) and its sister award The Independent Debut are responsible for bringing together and rounding up a lot of the previous years' best music, irregardless of genre, sales count or record label.
IMNZ General Manager, Dylan Pellett says, “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!"
Recorded Music NZ CEO, Jo Oliver 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.”
From 10 finalists for the main prize and 3 for the Independent Debut award, there must eventually be one for each prize (and when you see the list, you'll realise it's going to be an excruciatingly difficult decision). The awards will be presented on Tuesday, April 18th, 2023 alongside the NZ On Air Outstanding Music Journalism Award, IMNZ Classic Record and the Independent Spirit Award (finalists to be announced).
The 2023 Taite Music Prize finalists are:
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 albums nominated for the 2023 Auckland Live Best Independent Debut Award are:
Wiri Donna - Being Alone (Independent/DRM)
TE KAAHU - Te Kaahu O Rangi (Theia Music Ltd)
Erny Belle - Venus Is Home (Flying Nun Records)
Congratulations to all the finalists — and a special congrats to all the Flying Nun Records' whānau included. Stay tuned for more coverage of the event.
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