Independent Music NZ (IMNZ) has opened nominations for the Taite Music Prize 2022 and the Best Independent Debut award, adding the new NZ On Air Outstanding Music Journalism award to the ceremony, which will take place at Auckland’s Q Theatre on April 20. 

The new award will celebrate a special individual who made a creative contribution and significant impact with coverage of Aotearoa music in 2021. For the award’s inaugural year, finalists will be shortlisted by the IMNZ board.

“In addition to our current awards, the introduction of the Outstanding Music Journalism award is in the spirit of Dylan Taite. We wish to congratulate those who give media space to NZ music and wish to encourage new and young writers to take up the voice that some of our leading music journalists have worked so hard to give a platform to over the years,” says IMNZ chairperson, Pippa Ryan-Kidd.

Now in its 12th year, the main Taite Music Prize highlights outstanding albums recognising and celebrating the depth of talent and breadth of genres that make up Aotearoa’s unique musical voice. Previous recipients include Aldous Harding, Avantdale Bowling Club, Ladi6, Lorde and Troy Kingi.

The award is open to all genres of music and judged on artistic merit regardless of genre, sales, or record label. Any album released during the calendar year of 2021 is eligible for nomination. A voting academy of all current members of IMNZ, musicians, and music industry personnel vote to produce the shortlisted finalist albums. 

The Taite Music Awards ceremony also includes the Independent Music NZ Classic Record, the Independent Spirit Award and the Best Independent Debut Award presentations.

Nominations close on February 8. For more detail about specific eligibility and nomination forms click here.