News October 27, 2015

Marlon Williams, UMO, Shihad, Broods, lead NZ Music Awards nominations

Alt-country music singer songwriter Marlon Williams leads the nominations for the New Zealand Music Awards. He’s up for five wins, including Best Album, Best Single, Breakthrough Artist, Best Male Solo and Best Alternative Album.

Williams moved to Melbourne two years ago from his hometown of Lyttelton, near Christchurch. Since the release of his self-titled debut album in autumn, he’s been setting up his career for a crack at the US and European markets.

Unknown Mortal Orchestra and recently Capitol USA-signed Six60 had four each. Shihad and Broods have a chance for three wins each.

The Exponents will be handed the NZ Herald Legacy Award for their contribution to shaping the New Zealand music industry. The band formed in 1981 as The Dance Exponents (changing it in 1990), based around Jordan Luck’s songs. Their run of hits included Why Does Love Do This To Me, Who Loves Who The Most, Victoria and I’ll Say Goodbye (Even Though I’m Blue).

They also released nine albums. Their first Live at Mainstreet went double album and stayed in the NZ charts for a year. The band, which toured Australia often, was also based in the UK for two years. They split in 1999 but have reunited a number of times since.

The three Technical Award winners have also been announced. Best Producer is Sean Donnelly for his work on his Saint John Divine. Lee Prebble and Oliver Harmer took out Best Engineers for Mel Parsons' Drylands;. His artwork on Broods’ Evergreen won Kelvin Soh Best Album Cover.

The awards, organised by Recorded Music New Zealand and celebrating their 50th anniversary this year, are held on November 19 at Auckland’s Vector Arena.

Performing on the night are Marlon Williams, Broods, Gin Wigmore, Savage, Janine and The Mixtape, and Devilskin. Dave Dobbyn and Tami Neilson team up for a tribute to The Exponents.

The full NZ Music Award nominees list:

Album of the Year

Broods – Evergreen

Marlon Williams – Marlon Williams

Shihad – FVEY

Six60 – Six60

Unknown Mortal Orchestra – Multi Love

Single of the Year

Avalanche City – Inside Out

Lorde – Yellow Flicker Beat

Marlon Williams – Dark Child

Six60 – White Lines