New dates for music awards

News release date – 1
25 February 2004

New dates for music awards

Kiwi music fans are going to have to wait a little longer in 2004 for the annual awards.

The organisers of the New Zealand Music Awards – The Tuis have moved the 39th annual music extravaganza to September 22.

Last year the awards were held at the end of April to launch New Zealand Music Month.

The new date means the 2004 awards include material released between January 1, 2003 and May 31, 2004 says the Recording Industry Association of New Zealand (RIANZ)

RIANZ says it is continually monitoring feedback on the awards and trying to improve them year by year.

“Last year’s awards were right up there among the best, but in 2004 we want to take them up another level,” says Music Awards spokesperson Adam Holt.

He says the awards are being held later in 2004 for two main reasons.

“We have tried to better align the awards eligibility dates so they are more in line with the times music is really on peoples’ minds. Previously the award calendar has been out of kilter with the main music-buying season”

“By holding the Awards in late September, both the award winners and the nominated artists can benefit greatly from the exposure the Awards give them in the lead up to the industry’s peak selling period”.
“Also, moving the awards ceremony to September, gives us two high points to the Kiwi music calendar – New Zealand Music Month in May and the NZ Music Awards later in the year.

“We believe this is better for everyone – the artists, the fans and all those involved in the industry,” Mr Holt says.

Mr Holt says RIANZ expects to better last year’s awards, an event that a number of industry commentators described as the best in The Tuis’ 38-year history.

ends

Issued for the Recording Industry Association of New Zealand by Pead PR

Note to editors
An adjustment has had to be made in 2004 to the eligibility dates accommodate the changes. However, the following year’s awards will be for music released in the 12 months between June 1, 2004 and May 31, 2005.

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