Independent Music New Zealand (IMNZ) with the support of Founding Partner Recorded Music NZ announces the return Taite Music Prize for 2024. This event continues to celebrate the vibrant and diverse voices of Aotearoa's music community. Nominations are now open for the following categories: the Taite Music Prize, the Auckland Live Best Independent Debut Award, and the NZ On Air Outstanding Music Journalism Award.
2024 will mark the 15th year of the Taite Music Prize in 2024, named after legendary music journalist Dylan Taite, who was not only as an inspirational figure in the music industry but also as a beloved TV personality who captured the hearts of 80's-early 2000's audiences with his coverage of local happenings. He left an indelible mark on the music scene, from playing soccer with Bob Marley during his visit to NZ to breaking stories about rising Kiwi artists.
Dylan's son John reflects on the awards: "There’s really nothing in the world quite like these Awards. They’re a true celebration of Aotearoa’s vibrant musical community and year after year they remain as unique and unpredictable as the man they’re named after. My dad celebrated the characters, chancers and geniuses within New Zealand’s music scene in equal measure. He was drawn to rock 'n roll weirdos and brave souls kicking against conformity because they reminded him he wasn’t alone. If there was a message within Dylan Taite’s work, it was simply ‘believe in the long shots’. And he always did. Here’s to the next 15 years!"
You can read all about the categories, eligibility, prizes, and more at Taite Music Prize | Independent Music New Zealand (indies.co.nz)
Entries close at 5pm on Tuesday 31 January, and the Taite Music Prize ceremony is confirmed for April 23rd, 2024 at Q Theatre, Tāmaki Makaurau.