Taite Music Prize 2022 Finalists Announced

In the upper echelon of Aotearoa's most prestigious music awards, the finalists for the 2022 Taite Music Prize have been revealed by Independent Music NZ (IMNZ). Sure to prompt chin-stroking and side bets aplenty in our music community until the winner is revealed on 20th April, this year's all-star shortlist includes Anthonie Tonnon, Dianne Swann, French For Rabbits, Lips, Luke Buda, Reb Fountain, Sheep, Dog & Wolf, Team Dynamite, Troy Kingi and Vera Ellen.

Named after legendary music journalist Dylan Taite, the coveted award recognises "outstanding creativity for an entire collection of music contained in one recording," released by an Aotearoa artist / group in the past year, judged on "artistic merit regardless of genre, sales, or record label." The recipient will receive a cash prize of $12,500, thanks to founding partner Recorded Music NZ and supporting partner NZ Music Commission.

As if that's not enough thrill power to jazz up your Friday, the shortlist for the 2022 Auckland Live Best Independent Debut Award has been unveiled, celebrating inaugural long players by Adelaide Cara, Jazmine Mary and Proteins of Magic. They're in the running for a $2000 cash prize, plus a performance or technical upskilling opportunity thanks to Auckland Live. The above awards will be presented alongside the newly launched NZ On Air Outstanding Music Journalism Award, IMNZ Classic Record and the Independent Spirit Award recipients.

“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

The 2022 Taite Music Prize finalists are:

Anthonie Tonnon - Leave Love Out Of This (Slow Time Records)
Dianne Swann - The War On Peace of Mind (Bads Music)
French For Rabbits - The Overflow (AAA Records)
Lips - I Don't Know Why I Do Anything (Independent)
Luke Buda - BUDA (Buda Records)
Reb Fountain - IRIS (Flying Nun Records)
Sheep, Dog & Wolf - Two-Minds (Aphrodite)
Team Dynamite - Respect The Process (Independent)
Troy Kingi - Black Sea Golden Ladder (AAA Records)
Vera Ellen - It's Your Birthday (Flying Nun Records)

The three albums nominated for the 2022 Auckland Live Best Independent Debut Award are:

Adelaide Cara - How Does This Sound?
Jazmine Mary - The Licking of a Tangerine
Proteins of Magic - Proteins of Magic