Silicon Awarded Taite Music Prize 2016

Kody Nielson aka Silicon has been awarded the prestigious Taite Music Prize for his futuristic funk-tinged album Personal Computer. The award comes with a $10,000 cash prize along with a chunk of recording time at Red Bull Studios, and a year's supply of Red Bull. However, Nielson was unable to make last night's ceremony in Auckland to receive the prize in person for reasons unknown.

Named after late music journalist Dylan Taite, the Taite Prize aims to recognise outstanding creativity and innovation for an entire collection of music contained on one album. Silicon was one of eight finalists, going head-to-head with his sibling's musical project Unknown Mortal Orchestra as well as SJD, The Phoenix Foundation, Marlon Williams, Nadia Reid, Anthonie Tonnon, and Princess Chelsea.

The ceremony also saw Upper Hutt Posse presented with the Independent Music NZ Classic Record award for their 1988 release E Tu, as announced earlier this month. The award was presented by Tame Iti and saw the group deliver a capella rendition of the groundbreaking song.

Kody will be exhibiting his artwork from the album as part of the Seen & Heard exhibition at The Depot Artspace in Auckland, opening Saturday 30th April. Head over here for more information.