Taite Music Prize#Independent Music NZ Classic Record award
{{Short description|Music prize in New Zealand}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2025}}
{{Infobox award
| name = Taite Music Prize
| current_awards =
| image = File:Taite Music Prize logo.jpg
| imagesize =
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| caption =
| awarded_for = Best album from New Zealand
| presenter = Independent Music New Zealand
| sponsor = PPNZ Music Licensing
| host =
| date =
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| country = New Zealand
| reward = $NZ10,000 – $12,500
| year = 2010
| holder = Mokotron (Tiopira McDowell)
| total_recipients = 16
| website = http://www.indies.co.nz/taite-music-prize.html
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The Taite Music Prize is an annual New Zealand music award event. A prize of the same name (sometimes called the Taite Music Main) is one of five to be awarded. It recognises the best New Zealand album from the previous year.
The prize is named after respected New Zealand music journalist and broadcaster Dylan Taite, who died in 2003. It was established in 2009 by Independent Music New Zealand (IMNZ) in conjunction with the Taite family, and first awarded in 2010.{{cite news|last=Kara|first=Scott|title=Music prize honours journalist|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/arts-literature/news/article.cfm?c_id=18&objectid=10616415|publisher=The New Zealand Herald |accessdate=25 October 2012|date=19 December 2009}} The Taite takes its inspiration from successful international prizes such as the Mercury Prize in the UK and the Australian Music Prize.
The annual event has grown over time and now includes the Independent Music NZ Classic Record award (since 2013), Best Independent Debut Award (2017), Independent Spirit Award (2019), and Outstanding Music Journalism Award (2022).
The Taite Music Prize
The award carries a cash prize of NZ$12,500 and sponsors' prizes. It is primarily sponsored by Recorded Music NZ (formerly known as PPNZ Music Licensing).{{cite web|title=Taite Music Prize|url=http://www.indies.co.nz/taite-music-prize.html|publisher=IMNZ|accessdate=25 October 2012}} The award is judged on originality, creativity, and musicianship displayed on an album, rather than on sales or commercial factors.
Each award cycle begins with open nominations. Self-nominations are accepted. Albums must be:{{cite web |title=Terms & Judging Criteria |url=https://indies.co.nz/taite-music-prize/terms-and-judging-criteria/ |website=Independent Music New Zealand |access-date=2 March 2025}}
- At least 6 songs or 25 minutes long.
- Original (no rereleases, no more than 25% covers).
- Released in the previous calendar year (e.g. the 2025 award is for albums released in 2024).
- Attributed to one artist or group – no compilations.
- Recorded by artists who are New Zealand citizens or permanent residents. For bands, at least half of members must qualify.
- Either self-released, or owned by a recording label that is NZ-owned or has an office in New Zealand.
The prize shortlist is decided by votes from a group of over 1,000 musicians (APRA members), industry figures and IMNZ members. The size of the shortlist has varied, but since 2019 there have been 10 albums each year. The winner is decided by a 10-person judging panel chosen by IMNZ.
Other awards
In 2013 a second award was added to the Taite Music Prize event. The Independent Music NZ Classic Record award honours a previously released record that is now considered a classic, and the award aims to "acknowledge New Zealand’s rich history of making fine records that continue to inspire us and that also define who we are." Like the Taite Music Prize, it is selected by music media and music industry specialists. The inaugural recipient of the Classic Record award was the Gordons' 1981 album Gordons.{{cite web|title=The Taite Music Prize: announcing the inaugural 'Independent Music NZ Classic Record' award|url=http://www.indies.co.nz/imnz/the-taite-music-prize-announcing-the-inaugural-independent-music-nz-classic-record-award/|publisher=IMNZ|accessdate=11 April 2013}}
In 2017, a third award was added to the Taites. The Best Independent Debut Award ({{as of|2025|04|11|alt=currently}} known as the Auckland Live Best Independent Debut Award) honours the best debut release of an artist or group on a member label of Independent Music New Zealand. The winner receives $2000 cash and other sponsors' prize. Like the Taite Music Prize award cycles begin with a open call for nominations (including self-nominations). The same judging panel selects the winners of both awards. Unlike the main Taite, entrants must be IMNZ members and EPs of at least 4 tracks are eligible. The first winner was Merk for Swordfish.{{cite web|title=Auckland Live Best Independent Debut award|url=http://www.indies.co.nz/imnz/taite-music-prize-in-search-of-the-years-finest-new-zealand-album/terms-judging-criteria/|website=Independent Music NZ|accessdate=10 March 2017}}
Since 2019 the Independent Spirit Award has been given to an individual to acknowledge their support for the local music industry and their personal contribution to its growth. The winner is selected by the IMNZ Board.{{cite web |title=Taite Music Prize 2024 – Nominations are now open |url=https://www.indies.co.nz/news/taite-music-prize-2024-nominations-are-now-open/ |website=IMNZ |access-date=19 March 2025 |date=17 January 2024}}
An Outstanding Music Journalism Award, {{as of|2025|04|11|alt=currently}} sponsored by NZ On Air, was added in 2022. The winner receives a $2500 cash prize. The first recipient was RNZ music journalist Tony Stamp.{{Cite web |last=Jack |first=Amberleigh |date=29 May 2022 |title=Anthonie Tonnon the big winner at Taite Music Prize 2022 |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/music/300599776/anthonie-tonnon-the-big-winner-at-taite-music-prize-2022 |access-date=29 May 2022 |website=Stuff |language=en}}{{Cite web |last= |last2= |first2= |last3= |first3= |title=Anthonie Tonnon Wins 2022 Taite Music Prize For His Album "Leave Love Out Of This" |url=https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU2205/S00195/anthonie-tonnon-wins-2022-taite-music-prize-for-his-album-leave-love-out-of-this.htm |access-date=29 May 2022 |website=www.scoop.co.nz}} Each year three or four finalists are announced ahead of the award ceremony. Documentary directors, podcasters, radio journalists and website creators have all been nominated for the award.
History
The Taite Music Prize was first awarded in 2010. In 2009 Independent Music New Zealand, Phonographic Performances New Zealand (which has evolved into Recorded Music New Zealand) and members of Dylan Taite's family, notably his music executive son John, worked together to establish and fund the award.{{cite news |last1=Kara |first1=Scott |title=Music prize honours journalist |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/music-prize-honours-journalist/RWBATI26NEPDQ2U6AOADFYWREE/ |access-date=18 March 2025 |publisher=New Zealand Herald |date=19 December 2009}} John has remained closely involved with the Prize, often as a judge.{{cite web |title=The sounds of our lives |url=https://keanewzealand.com/the-sounds-of-our-lives/ |website=Kea |access-date=18 March 2025}}
With prize money originally set at $10,000 (and since raised to $12,500), the award was designed to focus on originality, creativity and musicianship. It was compared to the APRA Silver Scroll, which awards similar aspects of singles rather than albums.
The first ceremony included the smallest ever shortlist, five albums. The number has varied between seven and ten ever since. From 2019 on there have been ten finalists.
A record of 92 nominations was set in 2018, while the smallest (known) longlists contained 52 albums in 2014 and 2016.{{cite web |title=The Taite Music Prize: Announcing the finalists! |url=https://www.muzic.nz/news/the-taite-music-prize-announcing-the-finalists-3/ |website=Muzic.NZ |access-date=2 March 2025 |date=5 March 2012}} There were 81 in 2025.{{cite web |last1=Johns |first1=Max |title=All 81 albums nominated for the 2025 Taite Music Prize, reviewed |url=https://thespinoff.co.nz/pop-culture/28-02-2025/all-81-albums-nominated-for-the-2025-taite-music-prize-reviewed |website=The Spinoff |access-date=2 March 2025 |date=28 February 2025}}
=Notable winners=
Lawrence Arabia won 2010's inaugural Taite Music Prize, accepting it via video link from London.{{cite news |last1=NZPA |title=Lawrence Arabia wins first Taite Music Prize |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/lawrence-arabia-wins-first-taite-music-prize/7M3XNMPJVEX26RJ6A3Y6J5OBUE/ |access-date=18 March 2025 |publisher=New Zealand Herald |date=31 March 2010}}
In 2014, Lorde asked that the $10,000 cash prize, studio time and other sponsors' prizes be split among the seven other nominees, saying, "I think everyone is kind of sick of me winning stuff at the moment and other people are in more in need of the funds and exposure right now."{{cite news|title=Taite Prize: Lorde giveth back|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=11239442|accessdate=16 April 2014|newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |date=16 April 2014}}
Brothers Ruban and Kody Nielson, both formerly of The Mint Chicks, have each won the Taite Music Prize for different music projects – Ruban as Unknown Mortal Orchestra in 2012 and Kody as Silicon in 2016.{{cite news|title=Silicon wins 2016 Taite Music Prize|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/music/79152690/silicon-wins-2016-taite-music-prize|accessdate=20 April 2016|work=Stuff |publisher=Fairfax|date=20 April 2016}} Kody was also nominated in 2013 for OPOSSUM.
In 2019 Tom Scott of Avantdale Bowling Club won after being shortlisted for a record fifth time (which he extended to six with Home Brew in 2024). His acceptance speech began,
"Um. Fuck. I’ve lost this thing four times already."{{cite web |last1=Scott |first1=Tom |title='Fuck. I've lost this thing four times already': Tom Scott wins the Taite Music Prize |url=https://thespinoff.co.nz/pop-culture/17-04-2019/fuck-ive-lost-this-thing-four-times-already-tom-scott-wins-the-taite-music-prize |website=The Spinoff |date=17 April 2019}}
The first album in te reo Māori to be honoured was WAEREA by Mokotron in 2025.
=Venues=
The first Taite Music Prize award ceremony was held at Plaything Gallery in Auckland on 31 March 2010.{{cite news |title=Taite Music Prize Finalists Announced |url=https://www.undertheradar.co.nz/utr/more/NID/1932/Taite-Music-Prize-Finalists-Announced-.utr |access-date=2 March 2025 |publisher=Under the Radar |date=2 February 2010}} Auckland has hosted every live ceremony, with 2020's event moving online due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite web |title=11th Annual Taite Music Prize 2020 Winners Announced |url=https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU2005/S00035/11th-annual-taite-music-prize-2020-winners-announced.htm |website=Scoop |access-date=2 March 2025 |date=5 May 2020}} Previous venues have included Sale Street Bar (2011),{{cite news |title=Taite Music Prize 2011 Finalists Announced |url=https://www.undertheradar.co.nz/utr/more/NID/3199/Taite-Music-Prize-2011-Finalists-Announced.utr |access-date=2 March 2025 |publisher=Under the Radar |date=10 March 2011}} Gelatos Live (2013–2015),{{cite web |last1=Taite Music Prize |title=The Taite Music Prize Announced |url=https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU1304/S00334/the-taite-music-prize-announced.htm |website=Scoop |access-date=2 March 2025 |date=18 April 2013}}{{cite web |last1=Taite Music Prize |title=The Taite Music Prize: unveiling the finalists |url=https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU1502/S00396/the-taite-music-prize-unveiling-the-finalists.htm |website=Scoop |access-date=2 March 2025 |date=19 February 2015}} and the Wintergarden at the Civic Theatre (2017–18).{{cite web |last1=Taite Music Prize |title=Announcing a New Award, a New Venue, a New Red Carpet! |url=https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU1702/S00137/announcing-a-new-award-a-new-venue-a-new-red-carpet.htm |website=Scoop |access-date=2 March 2025 |date=8 February 2017}}{{cite web |last1=Taite Music Prize|title=Taite Music Prize 2018 Finalists |url=https://nzmusician.co.nz/news/taite-music-prize-2018-finalists/ |website=NZ Musician |access-date=2 March 2025}} Since 2019 Q Theatre, also used in 2012, has hosted the ceremony.{{cite web |last1=Taite Music Prize |title=The Taite Music Prize: announcing the Winner |url=https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU1204/S00352/the-taite-music-prize-announcing-the-winner.htm |website=Scoop |access-date=2 March 2025 |date=21 April 2012}}{{cite web |last1=Taite Music Prize |title=The 10th annual Taite Music Prize announced |url=https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU1904/S00189/the-10th-annual-taite-music-prize-announced.htm |website=Scoop |access-date=2 March 2025 |date=16 April 2019}}
Winners and shortlisted nominees
= Acts with three or more shortlisted albums =
Although a number of acts and artists have been shortlisted multiple times, {{As of|2025|4|16|alt=after sixteen annual awards}} there has not yet been a two-time winner of the Taite Music Prize. Troy Kingi and @Peace are the only acts to have been shortlisted in three consecutive years.
| class="wikitable sortable"
!Artist !Shortlists !Wins !Years |
| Unknown Mortal Orchestra
|5 |1 |2012, 14, 16, 19, 24 |
| Lawrence Arabia
|4 |1 |2010, 13, 17, 20 |
| Troy Kingi
|4 |1 |2020–22, 25 |
| The Phoenix Foundation
|4 |0 |2011, 14, 16, 21 |
| Tami Neilson
|4 |0 |2015, 19, 21, 23 |
| Tiny Ruins
|4 |0 |2012, 15, 20, 24 |
| Aldous Harding
|3 |1 |2018, 20, 23 |
| David Dallas
|3 |0 |2010, 12, 14 |
| @Peace
|3 |0 |2013–15 |
| Beastwars
|3 |0 |2012, 14, 20 |
| Nadia Reid
|3 |0 |2016, 18, 21 |
| Marlon Williams
|3 |0 |2016, 19, 23 |
| The Beths
|3 |0 |2019, 21, 23 |
| Mermaidens
|3 |0 |2018, 20, 24 |
=People with three or more shortlisted albums under different names=
Tom Scott and Kody Neilson have been shortlisted as members of three different acts, and have both had two shortlisted albums in a single year. Three other individuals have been finalists with two acts.
| class="wikitable sortable"
!Person !Acts !Shortlists !Wins !Years |
| Tom Scott
|Home Brew (2), @peace (3), Avantdale Bowling Club |6 |1 |2013 (2), 14, 15, 19, 24 |
| Kody Nielson
|OPOSSOM, Silicon, Unknown Mortal Orchestra (3) |5 |1 |2013, 16 (2), 19, 24 |
| Luke Buda
|The Phoenix Foundation (4), Luke Buda |5 |0 |2011, 14, 16, 21, 22 |
| Gussie Larkin
|Mermaidens (3), Earth Tongue |4 |0 |2018, 20, 24, 25 |
| Haz Beats (Harry Huavi)
|Home Brew (2), Team Dynamite |3 |0 |2013, 22, 24 |
{{reflist|group=Note|refs=
Excludes UMO albums before Kody Nielson was a full band member.
}}
Independent Music NZ Classic Record award winners
| class="wikitable"
! Year ! Winner ! Record ! Label !Year of release !class="unsortable"|Ref(s) |
| align="center"| 2013
| Gordons | Gordons | align="center"| 1981 |
| align="center"| 2014
| Various artists | AK79 | Ripper Records | align="center"| 1979 |
| align="center"| 2015
| Herbs | Warrior Records | align="center"| 1981 |
| align="center"| 2016
| "E Tu" "E Tu" is a 12-inch single. | Jayrem Records | align="center"| 1988 | align="center"| {{cite news|title=Upper Hutt Posse to receive Taite classic award|url=http://www.newshub.co.nz/entertainment/upper-hutt-posse-to-receive-taite-classic-award-2016040821|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160417081100/http://www.newshub.co.nz/entertainment/upper-hutt-posse-to-receive-taite-classic-award-2016040821|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 April 2016|website=Newshub |publisher=Mediaworks|accessdate=11 April 2016}} |
| align="center"| 2017
| Boodle Boodle Boodle Boodle Boodle Boodle is a 12-inch EP. | align="center"| 1981 |
| align="center"| 2018
| Stunt Clown | Flying Nun Records | align="center"| 1988 |
| align="center"| 2019
| Tahi | Southside Records | align="center"| 1993 |
| align="center"| 2020
| South | Pagan Records | align="center"| 1987 |
| align="center"| 2021
| "Poi E" "Poi E" is a single. | Maui Records | align="center"| 1983 |
| align="center"| 2022
| Alan Jansson | Proud: An Urban-Pacific Streetsoul Compilation | Huh Records | align="center"| 1994 |
| align="center"| 2023
| Micronism | Inside a quiet mind | Kog Transmissions | align="center"| 1998 |
| align="center"| 2024
| Compilation | Flying Nun Records | align="center"| 1991 |
| align="center"| 2025
| Shihad | Killjoy | Wildside Records | align="center"| 1995 |
{{Reflist|group=note}}
Best Independent Debut Award finalists and winners
Jazmine Mary, 2022's winner as a solo artist, is also a Best Independent Debut finalist in 2025 as one half of Pony Baby.
Independent Spirit Award winners
| class="wikitable"
!Year !Winner !Refs |
| --
|align="center"| 2019 |Bernie Griffin, founding IMNZ chairman and mentor |
| align="center"| 2020
|Murray Cammick, music journalist record label founder |
| align="center"| 2021
|Pate Rainey & Glenn Common, Smokefree Rockquest |
| align="center"| 2022
|Karyn Hay ONZM, broadcaster and author |
| align="center"| 2023
|Paul Huggins, producer and store owner |align="center"| {{cite news |last1=Fuller |first1=Piers |title=Tribute to influential music man Paul Huggins |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/music/300919631/tribute-to-influential-music-man-paul-huggins |access-date=19 March 2025 |publisher=Stuff |date=3 July 2023}} |
| align="center"| 2024
|Teremoana Rapley, musician and presenter |
| align="center"| 2025
|Rohan Evans, founder, The Wine Cellar |
Outstanding Music Journalism Award finalists and winners
| class="wikitable"
!Year !Winner !Finalists !Refs |
| --
|align="center"| 2022 |Tony Stamp, RNZ |
|align="center"| {{cite web |title=2022 Taite Music Prize Classic Record and finalists for NZ On Air Outstanding Journalism Award |url=https://www.apraamcos.co.nz/about-us/news-and-events/2022-taite-music-prize-classic-record-and-finalists-for-nz-on-air-outstanding-journalism-award |website=APRA AMCOS |access-date=19 March 2025 |date=31 March 2022}} |
| align="center"| 2023
|Namnita Kumar and Nadia Freeman, Eastern Sound Stories |
|
| align="center"| 2024
|Cushla Dillon and Andrew Moore, King Loser documentary directors |
|
| 2025
| Chris Schulz, Boiler Room |
|
References
{{reflist|2}}
External links
- [http://www.indies.co.nz/imnz/taite-music-prize-in-search-of-the-years-finest-new-zealand-album/ Taite Music Prize (Independent Music NZ)]