01 September 2010 - 0 Comments

The critics have spoken: and named three of New Zealand’s hottest young bands as in the running for the inaugural Critics’ Choice Prize, presented by Gravity Coffee.

Street Chant, The Naked And Famous and Home Brew have been shortlisted for the Prize. The winner will be decided on September 15 after the three artists play a showcase gig at the King’s Arms in Auckland.

A panel of 13 top music industry critics have been charged with choosing a winner they believe is on track to become a Kiwi music success story and a potential future Tui winner.

The Critics’ Choice prize also provides tangible support for the winner. The winning artist will receive recording time at York Street Studios, $5,000 worth of equipment from NZ Rockshop and mentoring from Dave McLaughlin from McLaughlin Law, Lynda Parsons from Entertainment Accounting, touring guru Brent Eccles and various members of the Music Managers Forum.

RIANZ chief executive Campbell Smith says the shortlist features three very different but equally talented artists.

“The talent and promise of these three artists is very exciting. It is brilliant to be able to recognise this early in their careers and provide support to help them push on to great success. I look forward to seeing them all perform on September 15 and wish them all the best of luck.”

Smith says that to be eligible, the artists must not have released an album prior to or during the 2010 VNZMA eligibility period and not been a finalist at any stage for any Vodafone New Zealand Music Award.

Home Brew

A three-piece Hip Hop group from Auckland that has released two EPs - “Last Week” and “Summer Ale”. Asked what the shortlist means to them, Home Brew’s Tom Scott says: “[This] pushes out the most improved player award that Lui won for the Avondale Wolves under 12 to become the new greatest achievement the band has ever made.”

The Naked and Famous

The band’s single ‘Young Blood’ debuted at number one on the NZ singles chart. The Auckland-based five piece’s debut album “Passive Me Aggressive You” is out September 6. The band has played at the Laneway Festival and the Big Day Out, and says supporting Nine Inch Nails was a highlight.

Street Chant

Auckland three-piece Street Chant (formerly Mean Streets) has been feted by student radio and music critics. The band has just released its debut album “Means” and is set for a national tour and gigs in the United States. Already this year, Sheet Chant has toured / played shows with Dead Weather, The 3ds, Black Lips, The Datsuns, Head Like a Hole, Transistors and performed at the Laneway Festival.

There will be limited door sales to the Gravity Coffee Critics’ Choice Showcase available at the Kings Arms on September 15. The artists will also have a guest list that they will be filling with their biggest fans, so keep an eye on them online via twitter, facebook, myspace and their websites.

Doors open at 7.30pm.

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