Independent Music NZ Announces Taite Music Prize 2024 Nominations Are Now Open
Independent Music NZ Announces Taite Music Prize 2024 Nominations Are Now Open
January 17th, 2024
Independent Music New Zealand (IMNZ) with the support of Founding Partner Recorded Music NZ announces the return Taite Music Prize for 2024.
Auckland Live Best Independent Debut nominations now OPEN:
www.indies.co.nz
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2024 NZ On Air Outstanding Music Journalism nominations now open:
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Taite Music Prize ceremony is confirmed for April 23rd, 2024
Q Theatre, Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland.
For the full detail on specific eligibility and nomination forms please visit:
www.indies.co.nz
Nominations for the Taite Music Prize close at 5.00 pm on Tuesday, 31st January 2024.
The 2024 Taite Music Prize event continues to celebrate the vibrant and diverse voices of Aotearoa’s music community. We are now welcoming nominations for various prestigious categories: the Taite Music Prize, the Auckland Live Best Independent Debut Award, and the NZ On Air Outstanding Music Journalism Award.
As we look forward to the 15th year of the Taite Music Prize in 2024, we remember Dylan Taite, not only as an inspirational figure in the music industry but also as a beloved TV personality who captured the hearts of 80’s-early 2000’s audiences with his coverage of local happenings. He left an indelible mark on the music scene, from playing soccer with Bob Marley during his visit to NZ to breaking stories about rising Kiwi artists including The Datsuns.
Dylan’s son, John Taite, reflects on this significant anniversary: “Dylan may have left the building, but his legacy lives on thanks to the Taite Music Prize. As we hit the 15thAnniversary, the Taite family are incredibly grateful that his passion for music and rebellious spirit continue to inspire.
There’s really nothing in the world quite like these Awards. They’re a true celebration of Aotearoa’s vibrant musical community and year after year they remain as unique and unpredictable as the man they’re named after. My dad celebrated the characters, chancers and geniuses within New Zealand’s music scene in equal measure. He was drawn to rock ‘n roll weirdos and brave souls kicking against conformity because they reminded him he wasn’t alone.
If there was a message within Dylan Taite’s work, it was simply ‘believe in the long shots’. And he always did. Here’s to the next 15 years!”
IMNZ remains committed to showcasing the exceptional talent across Aotearoa’s music scene. This award recognises albums from all genres, focusing solely on artistic excellence, without regard for genre, sales, or label affiliations. Any album released by Aotearoa/New Zealand artists during the 2023 calendar year is eligible. The recipient will be awarded a $12,500 cash prize, generously provided by our Founding Partner, Recorded Music NZ. Last year, the Taite Music Main Prize was awarded to Princess Chelsea for her album Everything Is Going to Be Alrightreleased on Lil Chief Records.
Reflecting on the previous year, IMNZ’s Chairperson, Pippa Ryan-Kidd, remarks, “2023 was a year of significant achievements for our independent musicians, who excelled in their musical releases, awards, and tours. The 2024 Taite Music Prize jury is set for an exciting challenge in choosing this year’s winner from such a talented pool of artists. IMNZ is immensely proud to support and contribute to, our diverse and vibrant music culture.”
As a founding partner of the Taite Music Prize, Recorded Music NZ CEO Jo Oliver says, “We are very proud to continue to support the Taite Music Prize and celebrate the artistic excellence of the independent music sector in Aotearoa.”
In 2024, the awards ceremony will once again usher in NZ Music Month in May. This event, deeply entrenched in celebrating artistic talent, invites the Aotearoa music community to join in the festivities.
The Auckland Live Best Independent Debut Award recognises emerging talent in Aotearoa. It is awarded to debut albums or EPs (minimum four tracks and/or over 20 minutes) released by IMNZ members in the preceding year. The 2023 award went to Te Kaahu for their te reo Māori project, Te Kaahu O Rangi. The winner of the 2024 award will receive a $2000 cash prize and a chance for performance or technical upskilling, courtesy of Auckland Live.
The selection process for these awards involves a diverse academy of IMNZ members, musicians, and industry experts who shortlist the finalists. An independent panel then determines the winners after a thorough deliberation.
Last year’s NZ On Air Outstanding Music Journalism Award celebrated Namnita Kumar & Nadia Freeman for their Eastern Sound Stories Podcast in conjunction with Radio Active FM. This award recognises those who have made significant contributions to the Aotearoa music industry through innovative and truthful journalism.
The ceremony will also feature the Independent Music NZ Classic Record award, which in 2023 was presented to the electronic music act micronism for the 1998 album, inside a quiet mind, on Kog Transmissions. Denver McCarthy as micronism delivered an exhilarating live performance that had the entire audience out of their seats dancing! This award acknowledges a New Zealand record released over two decades ago on an independent label that has become an essential part of our musical heritage.
The Independent Spirit Award, which in 2023 honoured Paul Huggins for his remarkable contributions to the industry, will continue to recognise individuals who passionately support and inspire growth in the NZ music scene.
For complete details on eligibility and nomination forms, please refer to the information provided at the end of this page.
Nominations for the 2024 Taite Music Prize close at 5.00 pm on Tuesday, 31st January 2024.
Visit the Taite Music Prize website here for more information.