Taite Music Prize 2025 Finalists Announced

Named in tribute to legendary music journalist Dylan Taite, the ten finalists for the sixteenth Taite Music Prize have been announced by Independent Music NZ (IMNZ) and Recorded Music NZ. Aiming to recognise "outstanding creativity for an entire collection of music contained on one album", the shortlist for the prestigious accolade was determined by a voting academy comprised of 584 IMNZ members, musicians, and music industry professionals.

Conferring upon the winner an imposing trophy reminiscent of 2001: A Space Odyssey, plus a cash prize of $12,500 courtesy of Recorded Music NZ, an independent judging panel of musicians, journalists, and industry experts will decide the ultimate recipient of the 2025 Taite Music Prize. The winner will be announced on 15th April at Tāmaki Makaurau's Q Theatre, along with the Auckland Live Best Independent Debut Award, NZ On Air Outstanding Music Journalism Award, IMNZ Classic Record, and the Independent Spirit Award....

"As we enter this exciting time of year we are thrilled once again to celebrate the immense creativity and passion that Aotearoa/New Zealand’s music scene has to offer. It's an opportunity to honour those who push the boundaries, inspire others and enrich our cultural landscape." - Dylan Pellett, General Manager, Independent Music NZ

The 2025 Taite Music Prize finalists are: (in alphabetical order)

Anna Coddington - Te Whakamiha (Loop Recordings Aot(ear)oa)

DARTZ - Dangerous Day To Be A Cold One (Flying Nun Records)

Delaney Davidson - Out Of My Head (Rough Diamond)

Earth Tongue - Great Haunting (In The Red Records)

Fazerdaze - Soft Power (Butterfly Records)

Georgia Lines - The Rose Of Jericho (independent)

Holly Arrowsmith - Blue Dreams (Leather Jacket Records)

Mel Parsons - Sabotage (Cape Road Recordings)

MOKOTRON - WAEREA (Sunreturn)

Troy Kingi - Leatherman & the Mojave Green (AllGood Absolute Alternative Records)