Thursday September 3, 10:02 AM

Newcomers dominate Music Awards nominations

By Yahoo!Xtra Midnight Youth, Ladyhawke and Smashproof dominate the finalists list for the 2009 Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards.

Midnight Youth and Ladyhawke are finalists in six categories, Smashproof in five, and The Mint Chicks and Fat Freddy's Drop in four.

The finalists were announced this evening at a function at Auckland's Langham Hotel. The winning artists are set to be honoured at the 44th annual awards when the red carpet is once again rolled out at Vector Arena in Auckland on October 8.

The prestigious Vodafone Album of the Year category includes The Mint Chicks (Screens), Midnight Youth (The Brave Don't Run), Ladyhawke (Ladyhawke), Cut Off Your Hands (You And I), and Fat Freddy's Drop (Dr Boondigga and the Big BW).

Ladyhawke, Midnight Youth and Smashproof are also finalists in the Vodafone Single of the Year category for their singles 'My Delerium', ´All On Our Own' and 'Brother' respectively. P-Money featuring Vince Harder (Everything) and Kids of 88 (Our House) round out the category finalists.

Also announced today was the recipient of the New Zealand Herald Legacy Award - Ray Columbus and the Invaders. The legendary 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 is very strong.

"There's a huge range of musical styles represented here - and all of it is top class. It's great to see new artists coming through and starting to carve out their place in NZ music history. It's also pleasing to see some older hands also making the cut."

Also announced today were the winners of Technical Awards. Tuis were presented for: Best Album Cover - Ruban Neilson - The Mint Chicks (Screens) MAINZ Best Engineer - Andrew Buckton - Midnight Youth (The Brave Don't Run) MAINZ Best Producer - Fat Freddy's Drop - Fat Freddy's Drop (Dr Boondigga and the Big BW)

"It's testament to the extent of our musicians' skills that they also continue to scoop up technical awards, but it is reassuring that New Zealand also has dedicated professionals in studios across the country working to make Kiwi music sound as great and get presented as well as it does," Smith says.

"Congratulations to Fat Freddy's Drop and Ruban Neilson for demonstrating that their talent runs far deeper than simply being amazing musicians. And it's a just reward for Andrew Buckton for his years of sterling work."

Smith says holding the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards at Vector Arena for the second year in a row is a huge buzz for all involved.

"Vector is this country's premier music venue, and we knew the move there was a massive step up for RIANZ but it worked so well for us last year. This is the biggest and boldest night in Kiwi entertainment, it deserves to be staged in such a venue and it's awesome to have the space to share this with music lovers and fans."

The Tuis presented at the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards 2009 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, C4 Best Music Video, Vodafone People's Choice, PPNZ Best Rock Album, 42Below Best Urban / Hip Hop Album, Kiwi FM Best Aotearoa Roots Album, New Zealand Herald Legacy Award, Best Dance / Electronica Album, Best Gospel / Christian Album, Best Classical Album

No finalists are announced for the Highest Selling NZ Single, Highest Selling NZ Album and 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 8.

Public tickets to the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards cost just $47 including booking fee and are available exclusively through Ticketmaster. Tickets are on sale now.

For more information about the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards go to www.nzmusicawards.co.nz