SWIDT lead the pack with an impressive six finalist positions for the 2017 NZ Music Awards that will be held at the Spark Arena on 16 November.

The Onehunga rap crew is up for Album of the Year, Single of the Year, Best Group, Best Hip Hop Artist and the People’s Choice award. In addition to all of which – as well as band member SmokeyGotBeatz standing in line for the Best Producer Tui, which will be presented earlier at the Artisan Awards.

Remarkably SWIDT numerically head off Lorde, who is in the running for Album of the Year, Single of the Year, Best Solo Artist, Best Pop Artist, and People’s Choice.

Aldous Harding is also a finalist in multiple categories with a look in for Album of the Year, Best Solo Artist, Breakthrough Artist of the Year and Best Alternative Artist. In what is a strong year for the ladies, Auckland’s Fazerdaze is up for Best Alternative Artist, Album of the Year and Breakthrough Artist of the Year. Producer super-group Leisure are also up for Album of the Year as well as Best Group.

Outstanding RnB newcomer Teeks crashes the party with a chance at being Breakthrough Artist of the Year, Best Soul/RnB Artist, and Best Māori Artist.

Nadia Reid’s second album ‘Preservation’ has earned her three finalist spots; Best Solo Artist, Breakthrough Artist of the Year, and Best Alternative Artist.

David Dallas, who is the fifth finalist for Album of the Year, is also in the running for Best Hip Hop Artist and Single of the Year for his track Fit In.

A stellar line-up of performers on the night will include Lorde, SWIDT Teeks, Theia and Devilskin.