The inaugural Artisan Awards’ ceremony, held at Pullman Hotel on 20 October is a special platform created by Recorded Music New Zealand to celebrate and honour the success of New Zealand’s music technicians and highlight their achievements over the past year.

Commemorating the nominees for their artistic flair and contributions to some of the biggest hits of 2016, Tuis are handed out to winners across four categories: Best Producer, Best Engineer, Best Album Art and Best Music Video. 

For his efforts in crafting Broods’ sophomore album Conscious, Kiwi producer Joel Little won awards for both Massey University Best Producer and Best Engineer. This is the second time he’s won both awards in a single year, the first being in 2014 for his work on Lorde’s debut album Pure Heroine.

Cover artwork is an important part of an album’s statement and the artist’s creative vision. The recipient of the 2016 Best Album Cover is Anns Taylor for her phenomenal work on Lawrence Arabia’s album Absolute Truth.

The winner of the 2016 NZ On Air Best Music Video award is Chris Lane’s video for ‘Inside Out’ by Avalanche City, which highlights the sweeping landscapes of New Zealand to dramatic effect.

Massey University Bachelor of Commercial Music Scholarship

The Massey University Bachelor of Commercial Music Scholarship is once again up for grabs in 2016 in association with the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards to help young Kiwi musicians achieve their dreams.

The scholarship assists a promising student with full tuition fees and associated costs for their full-time undergraduate Bachelor of Commercial Music degree.

The first scholarship winner of the new degree, Katherine Winitana is finishing up her opening year with a focus on Music Practice.

Led by practising musicians and industry experts, the programme is future-focused and technology-driven, emphasising originality and innovation. The degree provides a choice of three majors - Music Practice, Music Technology and Music Industry along with a range of collaborative papers.

Further information and application details for the scholarship can be found at www.massey.ac.nz/musicscholarship

The full list of finalists and winners of the Artisan Awards are:

Massey University Best Producer
Winner: Joel Little – ‘Conscious’ (Broods)
Devin Abrams – ‘The Stillness’ (Pacific Heights)
Josh Fountain – ‘Composure’ (MAALA)

Best Engineer
Winner: Joel Little – ‘Conscious’ (Broods)
Miller & Phil Yule – ‘Shoot Me In The Heart’ (Miller Yule)
Samuel Flynn Scott & Lee Prebble –‘Harmony House’ (Dave Dobbyn)

Best Album Cover
Winner: Anns Taylor – ‘Absolute Truth’ (Lawrence Arabia)
Henrietta Harris – ‘I'll Forget 17’ (Lontalius)
Simon Faisandier – ‘Road To You’ (ARISE)

NZ On Air Best Music Video
Winner: Chris Lane – ‘Inside Out’ (Avalanche City)
Sam Peacocke – ‘Buried By The Burden’ (Pacific Heights Ft. Louis Baker)
Simon Oliver – ‘Secret Lives of Furniture’ (Ha the Unclear)

The Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards take place on 17 November at Vector Arena. Tickets are $25 general admission plus booking fee, but be in quick!