Its a brand new prize, awarding a cash prize to the artist believed most worthy of it according to an album's artistic merit, rather than radio play or sales. (Along the same lines as the Mercury Prize in the UK.)
Dylan Taite, if you didn't know him, was one of NZ's most respected music journalists. You can read about him here.
The five finalists were announced last night and we are thrilled that David Dallas's Album 'Something Awesome' is one of them. The others are The Checks 'Alice By The Moon', Keretta's 'Vilayer', Shapeshifter with 'The System Is A Vampire', and Lawrence Of Arabia with 'Chant Darling'.
More info about the prize can be found here, and best of luck to all the finalists. Its great to see NZ music acknowledging such artists.
