Recorded Music NZ has released the list of the 2018 NZ Music Awards finalists today. The list below reveals four acts are in the running for the highest number of podium visits with four potential (new) Tuis each – and coincidentally all featuring in the Best Group category.
Six60 might well be able to add to their nine previous Tuis after releasing their third self-titled album earlier this year, and becoming first Kiwi act to sell out Western Springs stadium in Auckland.
Waipu’s already legendary metal three-piece Alien Weaponry are also up for four possible Tuis. Their combination of classic thrash with te reo Māori has been wowing festival audiences in Europe since the release of their debut album ‘Tū’ earlier this year on Austrian label Napalm Records.
Just as fresh but perhaps less talked about for now, Drax Project have had a wildly successful 2018 including a big overseas stint, and like Six60 being a fixture in the local charts for most of the year.
Seemingly up for all available awards in NZ year round, psychedelic rock act Unknown Mortal Orchestra released their ‘Sex & Food’ album in autumn, and gained a finalist spot on for 2018 Tui award categories.
While there is no replacement for the Critics Choice Award last held two years ago, there will be a series of music-related workshops around the time of the November 15 awards ceremony, as well as a newly added award for Best Music Teacher. For the first time, all finalists are eligible for the People’s Choice Award, the winner to be announced on the night.
