Watercolours Wins 2012 Critics Choice Prize

Watercolours, aka Auckland musician Chelsea Metcalf, took out the 2012 Critics Choice Prize at an event last night in Auckland. One of three finalists in the running for the award, she took the stage with a talented bunch of musicians including members of Artisan Guns, The Ruby Suns and Tiny ruins (aka Holly Fullbrook). Beach Pigs and Loui The Zu, the other two finalists, also put in impressive performances, the former gathering a dedicated group of fans who worked hard to bring the party.

The Critics Choice Prize is a precusor to the New Zealand Music Awards, with a panel of critics selecting artists they feel will be future Tui Award winners.  In it's third year, all but one finalist - Popstrangers who have yet to release their debut album - from the past two years have been nominated for a New Zealand Music Award.

Chelsea first popped up in the music scene with band Teacups who released a well received album Forest Fiction back in 2009. Here are two of her excellent Watercolours singles: