Six60, Alien Weaponry, Drax Project, Unknown Mortal Orchestra lead New Zealand Music Awards

Multi-platinum rock band Six60, teen Maori heavy metal band Alien Weaponry, pop group Drax Project and psychedelic space outfit Unknown Mortal Orchestra lead the nominations for the 2018 Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards n November, with four each.

The awards are called “the Tuis”.

Six60, firing on all cylinders after becoming the first ever Kiwi group to sell out the 50,000-capacity Western Springs stadium in Auckland, are up for best group, best pop artist, best album for their third self-titled record, and best single for Don’t Give It Up.

Alien Weaponry, who made their debut Australian visit in July and whose international interest has translated into being signed to management by a German company, are in the stakes for album, group, rock and Maori.

Drax Project, who were the opening act for the biggest tour to hit NZ this year (Ed Sheeran, who else?) are listed for best group, best pop artist, breakthrough and single for Woke Up Late.

Unknown Mortal Orchestra returns to the awards for best group, alternative artist, single (for Hunnybee) and album (for Sex & Food).

Past winners as Marlon Williams, Kimbra, Katchafire, Kingi, Julia Deans, Tomorrow People and Tami Neilson are also on the finalists’ list.

Recorded Music New Zealand CEO Damian Vaughan is pleased with the diversity of the NZ scene.

“From rock and metal through to reggae, electronica, hip hop and funk, there’s so much diversity in the music being created by Aotearoa’s talented musicians at the moment,” says Vaughan.

“We’re proud of all recording artists in New Zealand who are taking charge of their own creativity and pushing the boundaries of what is Kiwi music is capable of.”

To see the full list of 2018 nominees, click here.