Walking in to the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards I was excited to see a long row of limousines, young woman dressed to the 9’s tottering around on heels like baby Giraffes, photographers cameras flashing away, reporters and TV presenters with microphones interviewing the NZ music stars.
I managed to score my wife and my sister tickets, they watched from the GA seats and I watched it on the telly in the media room where we were well fed and watered. My sister saw Lorde show up with her parents in an ordinary white family car instead of a limo. Lorde keeping it real and walking away with a staggering 6 Tui awards. She did a quick whip through the media room mid event too. It was like a hurricane hit the place. There was a bustle and commotion then Lorde appeared surrounded by an entourage and as soon as she had appeared she was gone again. So was that the coming of the Lorde?
The other award winners and award presenters took their time and strolled through casually as most Kiwi’s would including a dapper looking David Dallas who took out Best Male Solo Artist and Best Urban/Hip-Hop Album.
I was also captivated by winner of Best Maori Album Rob Ruha and his female companion who had the most amazing Moko's I’d ever seen up close. I was starring a bit trying to take in all the intricate details. I may have weirded them out a little.
The other stand out moment for me was the announcement of the Best Gospel Christian Album when the clip went from some la da da church music to the chugging guitars and guttural vocals of Christian Heavy Metal band Saving Grace. My attention was instantly grabbed. If there was an award for best piece of juxtaposition they surely would have won.
I really enjoy going to the music awards. I think in a little country like New Zealand it means a lot to celebrate the artists who make New Zealand Music in such a grand way. When you look at the venue, the stage lighting the amazing live performances and on top of that the fact that it was televised, you get the feeling that New Zealand is beginning to embrace and value New Zealand music more than it ever has. It was only 15 years ago that NZ radio only played 5% Kiwi music. Now It’s up to 20% thanks to Helen Clark. But still most of these bands are relatively obscure. But it all could have been so much worse. There's enough exposure now for Kiwi artists to grow and it’s moments like these where the New Zealand music industry gets to shine and celebrate with New Zealand its success stories and most importantly the great music we make.
We’ve come along way baby!. I can’t wait until next year.