Taite Music Prize 2019 Finalists Announced

The shortlist of local artists in the running for this years coveted Taite Music Prize has been unveiled today by Independent Music NZ (IMNZ). Named after legendary New Zealand music journalist Dylan Taite and celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, the Prize has long been considered to be a critics' choice award that "recognises outstanding creativity for an entire collection of music contained on one recording," bestowing a cash prize of $10,000, plus recording time at Red Bull Studios Auckland and a year’s supply of Red Bull product upon the recipient. The winner will be announced at a presentation ceremony event happening at Auckland's Q Theatre on Tuesday 16th April. Here are the finalists for the Taite Music Prize 2019, from a list of 67 nominations submitted by record labels both independent and major from across Aotearoa...

Alien Weaponry - Tū (Napalm Records)
Avantdale Bowling Club - Avantdale Bowling Club (Years Gone By)
Jonathan Bree - Sleepwalking (Lil' Chief Records)
Julia Deans - We Light Fire (Tigerhorse)
Marlon Williams - Make Way For Love (Marlon Williams Music Limited)
Mel Parsons - Glass Heart (Cape Road)
Tami Neilson - SASSAFRASS! (Neilson Records)
The Beths - Future Me Hates Me (Dew Process / Carpark)
Unknown Mortal Orchestra - Sex & Food (Jagjaguwar)
Wax Chattels - Wax Chattels (Flying Nun Records)

Along with the main prize, three additional awards will be presented on the evening: the Auckland Live Best Independent Debut Award, the Independent Music NZ Classic Record Award and the newly created Independent Spirit Award, awarded to "a New Zealand person who assists our NZ musicians to grow and find their own unique pathways."