VNZMA 2010 Finalists Announced

VNZMA 2010 Finalists Announced

Gin and Dane Rumble are finalists in six categories and the Phoenix Foundation in five. Anika Moa and J. Williams are finalists in three categories each.

The finalists were announced this evening at a function at Auckland’s Langham Hotel. The winning artists are set to be honoured at the 45th annual Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards when the red carpet is once again rolled out at Vector Arena in Auckland on October 7.

Behind-the-scenes work on The Phoenix Foundation’s Buffalo saw the album win three Tuis tonight in the Technical Awards sections. MAINZ Best Producer went to the band, who self produced the album; MAINZ Best Engineer went to Lee Prebble; and Best Cover to Paul Johnston.

The Phoenix Foundation also line up in the prestigious Vodafone Album of the Year category which includes Anika Moa (Love in Motion), Dane Rumble (The Experiment), Gin Wigmore (Holy Smoke), Shapeshifter (The System is a Vampire), and The Phoenix Foundation (Buffalo).

The Phoenix Foundation, Dane Rumble and Gin are also finalists in the Vodafone Single of the Year category for their singles ‘Buffalo’, ´Cruel’ and ‘Oh My’ respectively. J. Williams (You Got Me) and Kids of 88 (Just A Little Bit) round out the category finalists.

Also announced today was the recipient of the New Zealand Herald Legacy Award – Shihad. The band will be officially honoured at the main awards ceremony and will also be inducted into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame.

Awards spokesperson, RIANZ CEO Campbell Smith, says the finalists list again shows the depth of New Zealand music.

“There’s a real mix of new talent and seasoned artists in the finalists line-up. It’s great to see people like Gin and Dane coming through strongly, but also to see bands like Dimmer and Shapeshifter, and artists like Anika and Hollie being recognised for their contribution to Kiwi music."

The winners of Technical Awards were:

Best Album Cover – Paul Johnson – “Buffalo” (The Phoenix Foundation)

MAINZ Best Engineer - Lee Prebble – “Buffalo” (The Phoenix Foundation)

MAINZ Best Producer – The Phoenix Foundation – “Buffalo”

Smith says: “It’s great to see a band and album making a clean sweep of the technical awards. Every year we expect to see Lee Prebble’s name in the shortlist, and another Best Producer win is testament to all the hard work he has done helping create some of the country’s best albums.

Smith says he’s really excited that the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards are being held at Vector Arena for the third year in a row, and hopes that music lovers will snap up the $20 tickets and come along.

“It’ll be a really special night, celebrating another great year of New Zealand music and especially to pay tribute to, in my opinion, New Zealand’s greatest rock band - the mighty Shihad”.

The Tuis presented at the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards 2010 ceremony are:

Vodafone Album of the Year, Vodafone Single of the Year, Steinlager Pure Best Group, Best Male Solo Artist, Mazda Best Female Solo Artist, Pacific Blue Breakthrough Artist of the Year, Best Pop Album, C4 Best Music Video, Vodafone People’s Choice, PPNZBest Rock Album, Best Urban / Hip Hop Album, Kiwi FM Best Aotearoa Roots Album,New Zealand Herald Legacy Award, Best Electronica Album, Best Gospel / Christian Album, Best Classical Album

No finalists are announced for the Highest Selling NZ Single, Highest Selling NZ Albumand the New Zealand On Air Radio Airplay Record of the Year awards. These, along with the International Achievement award – which is judged by the RIANZ Board and awarded at the Board’s discretion – will be announced at the main awards on October 7

ENDS