{"id":273086,"date":"2026-03-02T14:00:29","date_gmt":"2026-03-02T01:00:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.muzic.nz\/?post_type=news&p=273086"},"modified":"2026-03-02T14:03:52","modified_gmt":"2026-03-02T01:03:52","slug":"taite-music-prize-2026-ten-main-prize-finalists-announced","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/www.muzic.nz\/news\/taite-music-prize-2026-ten-main-prize-finalists-announced\/","title":{"rendered":"Taite Music Prize 2026: Ten Main Prize Finalists Announced"},"featured_media":0,"template":"","news-category":[25],"class_list":["post-273086","news","type-news","status-publish","hentry","news-category-general"],"meta_box":{"summary":"Recognising ten outstanding albums of artistic merit, chosen by a voting body of 1000 Independent Music New Zealand members and music industry peers.","article":"

Independent Music NZ (IMNZ), in partnership with Founding Partner Recorded Music NZ, is proud to announce the ten finalists for the 2026 Taite Music Prize - Aotearoa\u2019s premier celebration of independent album-making.<\/p>\n

Now in its 17th year, the Taite Music Prize continues to honour albums of depth, vision, and artistic integrity, recognising work that transcends trends and contributes meaningfully to New Zealand\u2019s cultural landscape.<\/p>\n

This year marks a historic new chapter: the ceremony will be held at the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC), and for the first time in its history, the event will be open to the public. Expanding into a new venue and welcoming a wider audience reflects the Prize\u2019s commitment to sharing the celebration of independent music more extensively, while preserving the prestige and rigour that define the award.<\/p>\n

Spanning a wide range of genres and styles, this year\u2019s awards celebrate purely artistic merit, showcasing how independent artists consistently punch above their weight. Historically, the Taite Music Prize has offered a lens into Aotearoa\u2019s creative and cultural landscape, and the 2026 finalists reflect the creativity, ambition, and diversity of New Zealand\u2019s music scene \u2013 offering a snapshot of the nation\u2019s culture, ideas, and even its political climate as expressed through music.<\/p>\n

The 2026 Taite Music Prize Finalists<\/strong>
\n(in alphabetical order)<\/p>\n

Dick Move<\/strong>
\nDream, Believe, Achieve<\/em> - 1:12 Records & Flying Nun Records<\/strong>
\nT\u0101maki Makaurau punk band\u2019s second album delivers high-voltage garage punk with sharp social commentary. Endorsed by Iggy Pop on BBC Radio, and set to open for the Foo Fighters again in 2027.<\/p>\n

Geneva AM<\/strong>
\nPikipiki<\/em>\u00a0- Independent<\/strong>
\nT\u0101maki Makaurau beatmaker and vocalist\u2019s debut album showcases a bilingual approach blending R&B and electronic influences. Winner of Te Tohu Puoro o te reo M\u0101ori at the 2023 Student Radio Network Awards.<\/p>\n

Jazmine Mary<\/strong>
\nI Want to Rock and Roll<\/em> - Flying Nun Records<\/strong>
\nT\u0101maki Makaurau-based artist\u2019s third album spans noir folk and alternative, with a visual and sonic world shaped by their performance art. Former Best Independent Debut winner, with national and international tours.<\/p>\n

M\u0100<\/strong>
\nBlame It On The Weather<\/em> - Independent<\/strong>
\nTe Whanganui-a-Tara rapper and singer-songwriter\u2019s second album explores personal and political themes across hip-hop, neo-soul, and jazz-infused tracks. Featured on the cover of Sunday magazine and performing at WOMADelaide 2026.<\/p>\n

Marlon Williams<\/strong>
\nTe Whare T\u012bwekaweka<\/em> - Marlon Williams Music<\/strong>
\n\u014ctautahi-born artist\u2019s fourth solo album, recorded entirely in te reo M\u0101ori, is a deeply personal folk work that topped the Official Aotearoa Music Charts.<\/p>\n

Phoebe Rings<\/strong>
\nAseurai<\/em> - Carpark Records<\/strong>
\nT\u0101maki Makaurau dream-pop project\u2019s debut album blends lush synth textures with introspective songwriting, earning critical acclaim for its immersive soundscapes. Following a showcase at BigSound 2025, the band toured the United States supporting The Beths.<\/p>\n

Reb Fountain<\/strong>
\nHow Love Bends<\/em> - Fountain Records Limited<\/strong>
\nT\u0101maki Makaurau songwriter\u2019s sixth album refines noir-tinged indie rock into intimate, emotionally resonant tracks, with seven songs landing on the Hot 20 Aotearoa Singles Chart.<\/p>\n

Ringlets<\/strong>
\nThe Lord Is My German Shepherd (Time for Walkies)<\/em> - Flying Nun Records<\/strong>
\nT\u0101maki Makaurau post-punk outfit\u2019s second album combines angular instrumentation with darkly humorous lyrics. Gained international attention at The UK\u2019s Great Escape Festival and will open for the Foo Fighters in 2027.<\/p>\n

Tom Scott<\/strong>
\nAnitya<\/em>\u00a0- Years Gone By<\/strong>
\nThe T\u0101maki Makaurau artist\u2019s first solo album blends experimental hip-hop and jazz into a spiritually reflective, genre-defying work. Widely acclaimed as a bold pivot from his previous projects.<\/p>\n

Womb<\/strong>
\nOne Is Always Heading Somewhere<\/em> - Flying Nun Records<\/strong>
\nTe Whanganui-a-Tara sibling trio\u2019s third album delivers expansive, atmospheric indie rock marked by emotional depth. Featured on NPR and spent three weeks on the Official Top 20 Aotearoa Albums.<\/p>\n

Selected from albums released in the 2025 calendar year, these ten records represent the breadth, ambition, and creative excellence currently shaping Aotearoa\u2019s independent music scene. The winning album will receive a $12,500 cash prize, courtesy of Recorded Music NZ.<\/p>\n

\u201cEach year we\u2019re struck by the extraordinary depth and quality of album-making in Aotearoa. To recognise these ten outstanding works - and to now share that celebration with the wider community - is incredibly special,\u201d says Dylan Pellett, General Manager, Independent Music NZ.<\/p>\n

A voting academy comprising 1000 IMNZ members, musicians, and industry professionals determined this year\u2019s shortlist. From there, an independent panel of artists, journalists, and industry experts will deliberate and select the ultimate winners \u2013 ensuring the final decision reflects both expertise and a diversity of perspective.<\/p>\n

The Taite Music Prize ceremony will also present a suite of significant awards, including:<\/p>\n

- Auckland Live Best Independent Debut Award, recognising Aotearoa\u2019s most exciting emerging talent
\n- NZ On Air Outstanding Music Journalism Award, celebrating excellence in music storytelling
\n- IMNZ Classic Record, honouring an album that has left an enduring mark on New Zealand\u2019s musical history
\n- Independent Spirit Award, acknowledging individuals or organisations making a lasting impact on the independent music community<\/p>\n

In the lead-up to the ceremony, finalists for the Auckland Live Best Independent Debut Award and the NZ On Air Outstanding Music Journalism Award will be announced, as will the winners of the IMNZ Classic Record, recognising achievement across New Zealand\u2019s independent music scene. The Independent Spirit Award recipient is revealed on the night.<\/p>\n

Named in honour of the late Dylan Taite - one of New Zealand\u2019s most respected music journalists, renowned for championing independent music with insight and integrity - the Taite Music Prize remains a testament to the enduring power of artistic vision and the cultural significance of album-making in Aotearoa.<\/p>\n

Journalists, industry professionals, and music audiences are encouraged to follow IMNZ for further updates and event details.<\/p>\n

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