The VNZMA’s 2010 – Oh what a night!!

It’s all over for another year and there are quite a few sleeps till the 2011 VNZMA’s… but media and industry peeps are saying it was the best VNZMA’s event ever!

It really was action packed from start to finish, with the incredible mash-up opening number putting Dane Rumble, Stan Walker and J Williams on stage together. From head-spins to back-flips those three really started the night with a bang!

Ben Hurley kept the audience entertained with his wit and co-presenter Shannon Ryan looked stunning in her dress by Stitch ministry. Getting down by the Mosh Pit and involving the audience was a nice touch also.

Stan Walker and Gin Wigmore both took home 4 awards each including; Album of the Year, Breakthrough Artist of the Year, Best Pop Album, and Highest Selling NZ Album going to Gin and Highest Selling NZ Single (Little Black Box), Airplay Record of the Year, Vodafone People’s Choice and International Achievement going to Stan Walker.

There were lots of other winners on the night with Kids Of 88 taking out Single Of The Year for ‘Just a Little Bit’, The Phoenix Foundation winning Best Group, Dane Rumble nabbing Best Male Solo Artist and Anika Moa taking home the Tui for Best Female Solo Artist.

Anika Moa and her band (including Julia Deans) performed ‘Running Through The Fire’ with some stunning visuals and as always, a nice touch of humour and fun from Anika.

David Dallas and The Phoenix Foundation also performed, followed by Kids Of 88 to mix things up. With an abundance of smoke and lasers these guys went down a treat and had the audience cheering.

Gin Wigmore delivered an awesome live performance and then it was time for Luger Boa and his crew to pay homage to Shihad, who received the NZ Herald Legacy Award. They rocked out while Shihad stood to the side and watched appreciatively.

But an awards night would never be complete without an array of celebrity presenters and this year didn’t disappoint. From sports stars such as Winston Reid and Lance HoHaia to TV stars like Robyn Malcom, Kate Rodger and Samantha Hayes.

There was a healthy dose of muso’s amongst the presenters including Brooke Fraser, Liam Finn, Don McGlashan and even Ronan Keating. Ronan Keating actually said the VNZMA’s was the best Awards he’s ever been to, have a read here!

So an incredibly successful night once again and not without plenty of hard work behind the scenes during the months and weeks leading up to the event.

For me it was an absolute privilege to get such an interesting look into the awards and so much fun to rove around and report back to all you amazing fans… because you’re what the VNZMA’s is all about. Without you guys and your support for the artists there wouldn’t be any need for an awards night.

So keep doing what you’re doing, keep supporting Kiwi music and the talented people out there doing it!

Ren x

p.s. to see all the winners just click here, if you’d like to see lots more photos click here, and to check out any of the performances click here

Shannon and Ben head to Vada for a hair rehearsal.

After spending this morning at Vector Arena – on day three of the set-up madness – I popped out to Vada on Pitt Street to hang out with the hosts for this years awards, Ben Hurley and Shannon Ryan.

Draped in his black hairdressers cape I asked Ben how he was feeling about the awards.

“I’m really looking forward to it. Everyone keeps asking me if I’m nervous about it, but I’m not, just looking forward to it.”

I also asked Ben if he would be having an up-do, but he thought some cornrows might be better. Guy Roberts, the director of Vada was in charge of Ben’s hair and didn’t agree with either of our ideas.

Guy worked quickly and skillfully on Ben’s hair and despite sporting a ‘Bieber’ during drying, left the salon a happy man.

Shannon did admit to being a bit nervous, but mostly excited about the whole thing and a good sort of nervous.

“When I went down to Vector yesterday I was looking at the signs on the doors as I walked down the hall; Anika Moa, Gin Wigmore, Ben Hurley and then there was one with my name on it… I was so excited, I’ve never had my own dressing room before!!”

Leonie Nicholls was in charge of Shannon’s hair and started with a nice gloss treatment and then a quick trim.

Guy then came over to discuss hairstyle ideas for Shannon and through the noise of blowdryers I managed to catch; slick, flick, wave, top-knot, piled up and mohawk-effect!

Shannon’s hair was then flicked and clipped into various styles and she still managed to look stunning in her black cape… which I for one, NEVER do.

Shannon also left a happy girl, though which style she’s going with is still undecided. Guess we’ll have to wait till Thursday to find out.

Ren x

Quick Q & A with Dane Rumble

In between traveling to Wellington for a Vodafone in-store signing and performing on a billboard, Dane Rumble managed to fit in a quick Q & A with Ren as the countdown to the VNZMA’s 2010 begins.

How did you feel when you found out you were a finalist?
I was over the moon! It’s a very satisfying feeling to be recognized for your music. When you invest so much blood, sweat and tears into something, it’s nice to know that somebody out there enjoys it.

Any idea what you might wear on the big night?
Still trying to work that out.

What are you most looking forward to about the VNZMA’s this year?
I’m really looking forward to performing! We’re doing something special for the opening… and we’re hoping people will be into it.

Of the other nominees, is there anyone you think really deserves a win?
I think Stan is super talented and  hope he gets something… Gin has had a big year too.

Any good luck charms you’ll be taking along or wearing?
Just a piece of Culet, from the Blackwater range.

Have you cleared a space for your Tui? Where would you display it?
If I won one I’d probably sleep with it on my pillow. Or hook it up to a gold chain, and wear it around my neck.

So if you like what you’ve read or want to send some support, leave a comment below AND you’ll be in the draw to win 2 x GA tickets. If you haven’t managed to win any, don’t forget they’re only $20 each and you can get them by following this link on our website – http://www.nzmusicawards.co.nz/2010/07/30/vnzma-tickets/

Happy VNZMA’s week everyone!!

Ren x

Quick Q & A with Jonathan Pearce from Artisan Guns

Only a few days until the VNZMA’s hits town but Jonathan Pearce from Artisan Guns found some time to answer a few questions.

How did you feel when you found out you were a finalist?
Head-over-heels in love (ask me, the answer’s yes).

Of the other nominees, is there anyone you think really deserves a win?
Connan Mockasin for best male solo artist.

Heels or flats for the big night?
Oh, we’re all quite tall, so heels do nothing for our figures.

Any good luck charms you’ll be taking along or wearing?
Is it a game of chance?

Is there anyone that hasn’t been nominated that you think should have been?
Yes! I don’t know what it was about Flip Grater, Lisa Crawley, Surf City, The Sneaks, The Mint Chicks, Good Laika, Ruby Frost, Teacups, Dave Parker, Djeisan Suskov, Tono and the Finance Company, Julia Deans, Die Die Die, Dear Time’s Waste, Cool Rainbows, Dictaphone Blues, The Ruby Suns, Family Cactus, Bannerman, Liam Finn, Glass Owls, TFF, F in Math, God Bows to Math, Nevernudes, Tommy Ill and the Brunettes which kept them out of the awards this time. Hopefully they’ll get a look in next year! !!

After all the great comments on the last Q & A posts I managed to get my hands on a few more tickets so we could have some more winners. If you’d like to get your hands on 2 x GA tickets for the VNZMA’s this Thursday October 7th, all you need to do is leave a comment below and you’re in the draw.

Ren x

Quick Q & A with Hollie Smith

Ren asked Hollie Smith a few important questions about this years VNZMA’s and here’s what she had to say.

Any idea what you might wear on the big night?
I normally go to Zambesi and borrow something from them. When I do promo I often borrow from a number of different NZ designers but for the awards its nice to wear something a bit different. They are always happy to lend me an outfit which is great.

What are you most looking forward to about the VNZMA’s this year?
NZ music events are nice cause you get to hang out with people from within this industry that you normally don’t see on a regular basis. We generally all get on well but its events like this where friendships and relations of like minded people become closer… the wine helps.

Heels or flats for the big night?
Logic is saying one thing and fashion is saying another. I’m not able to have too big a night this year as I have an early flight to Oz the next day, so I think I’ll be able to handle heels for one day.

Have you cleared a space for your Tui? Where would you display it?
Ha, I’m not sure I’m gonna have the same luck this year as the last time I was nominated. But if I am lucky I give them to my mum.

Is there anyone that hasn’t been nominated that you think should have been?
Always…

After all the great comments on the last Q & A post, thought we had better give you guys another chance to win some tickets – so great to see the support and encouragement for our finalists! So, if you’d like to get your hands on 2 x GA tickets for the VNZMA’s this Thursday October 7th, all you need to do is leave a comment below and you’re in the draw.

Ren x

Quick Q & A with Anika Moa

Ren caught up with Anika Moa this week  and asked her a few important questions about the VNZMA’s.

Any idea what you might wear on the big night?

I have 3 costume changes on the night so I am going for Cybele and Salasai hopefully.

What are you most looking forward to about the VNZMA’s this year?

I’m looking forward to hanging out with my muso mates and watching all the live acts on the night.

Have you been on the red carpet before and if so, ever done anything embarrassing?

I feel so shamed out when I’m on the red carpet. The first 5 years I would go in the back way but I have to come to actually enjoy walking down the red carpet, I am a showoff so love all the attention. I ran up it one year. Shames!!

Of the other nominees, is there anyone you think really deserves a win?

Me, me, me, me, me, me, me!!!

Heels or flats for the big night?

Heels for the first 30 minutes then it’s no shoes for the rest of the night so I don’t fall over!

Is there anyone that hasn’t been nominated that you think should have been?

I have a long list of people I think should have been nominated, unfortunately there’s not enough space for 10 best female finalists… or is there? Could make the awards more interesting. I think we have some wonderful albums by amazing artists released in the last year.

If you’d like the chance to get your hands on 2 x GA tickets for the VNZMA’s next Thursday October 7th, simply leave a comment below and you’re in the draw.

Ren x

Critics’ Choice gig a great success.

Wednesday saw the first ever Gravity Coffee Critics’ Choice prize gig take place at The Kings Arms, and what a night it was!

The popular Auckland venue was absolutely packed with a mixture of music fans, the bands friends and families and industry people

There was a great vibe and Shannon Ryan – looking lovely in Stitch Ministry – started the evening and welcomed Street Chant to the stage.

It was the first time I’d seen Street Chant perform and they absolutely rocked it. In true rock ‘n roll style an enthusiastic audience member even jumped on stage mid-set and threw himself round for a bit… I think he was dancing??

With an energetic live set and a wildly supportive crowd they set the tone for an awesome night of live kiwi music.

Next up was Home Brew and they had massive support from the audience. They also had massive numbers on the small stage, managing to fit eight awesome performers up there.

Always entertaining, these guys dished out tunes about the Benefit, Corona’s and other important subject matter with great musical diversity.

Last to take to the stage was The Naked & Famous who recently won the Silver Scroll Award for 2010.

After a stunning set it was not hard to see why they won , delivering a technically demanding and mesmerising live set to an appreciative audience.

The judges then gathered together to cast their final votes as everyone eagerly awaited the verdict. Shannon and I tried to predict who would take the title but couldn’t; three brilliant performances and three equally deserving bands.

Luckily we didn’t have long to wait and within a few minutes Shannon was back on stage with the envelope. And as most of you know by now, Street Chant were called back to the stage and became the first winners of the Gravity Coffee Critics’ Choice Prize!

Emily Little, Billie Rogers and Alex Brown seemed pretty happy and excited about the whole thing, also a little surprised. They shouted support to the other bands and in particular Home Brew as they were drinking their beers.

I found them outside after the big win and Emily said, “We’re completely surprised and pretty stoked with the win, especially considering the tough competition we were up against.”

So, as well as the acknowledgement of top critics, they took home recording time at York Street Studios, $5,000 worth of equipment from NZ Rockshop and mentoring from some industry heavyweights.

All in all a great party and a great night out thanks to the VNZMA’s 2010… definitely an awesome addition to the VNZMA’s season!

Ren x

VNZMA Finalist Showcases cancelled

The organisers of the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards have just advised that the two Finalist Showcase performances – due to take place next week in Wellington and Christchurch – have been cancelled.

The decision is due to the Christchurch earthquakes, making the cancellation of the Christchurch concert on September 17 necessary, and this means the tour is no longer viable. The Wellington showcase was scheduled to take place on September 16.

RIANZ and the VNZMA have pledged their support to disaster relief and are currently investigating appropriate fundraising avenues.

People who have bought tickets to either of the Finalist Showcases will be able to get a full refund from Ticketek.

VNZMA’s Team x

Vodafone launches iPhone App for the VNZMA’s

Vodafone’s gone geek chic with a FREE Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards iPhone app, launched today.

The app is FREE from the App Store on iTunes and features artist profiles, competitions, the latest news from finalists and voting for the People’s Choice Awards.

The release of the app is part of ‘Vodafone’s 30 Days of Music’, a celebration of Kiwi music and a countdown to the biggest night on the Kiwi music calendar, the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards.

Vodafone’s Head of Brand Engagement, Tessa Tierney, says “The development of the app has been really exciting, it’s a nifty little tool for Kiwi music lovers who want to check out all the finalists, purchase their music, listen to video messages from them or vote for the Vodafone People’s Choice Award. Oh, and it’s free so there’s no excuse”.

To get on board simply download the VNZMA iPhone app at the iTunes App store and click to vote.

Those without an iPhone can still have their say for the VNZMA People’s Choice Award by either;

1.       Visiting www.facebook.com/vodafonenz, then click on your favourite artist to register your vote (one vote per person only).

2.       Texting the name of the artist you want to win to 787 (txts are free for Vodafone customers and 20c for other networks).

Dane Rumble:    Txt Dane to 787

Gin Wigmore:      Txt Gin to 787

Shapeshifter:      Txt Shape to 787

Kids of 88:           Txt Kids to 787

Stan Walker:        Txt Stan to 787

In coming weeks Vodafone will be updating the app, giving users the chance to win a VIP Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards experience for two… so keep a look out for updates.

For more information on 30 Days of Music visit www.vodafone.co.nz/play.

Have your say by voting with Vodafone for the People’s Choice Awards.

As part of the VNZMA Finalists’ Announcement last night, the Vodafone Peoples’ Choice nominees were released and now YOU get to have a say in who actually takes home this Tui.

Gin Wigmore, Dane Rumble, Kids of 88, Shapeshifter and Stan Walker are this years nominees. And while this group certainly delivers on diversity, it’s pretty male dominated with Gin Wigmore being the only female artist making the list.

The great thing about this award is that you can actually help your favourite artist win by showing your support and voting for them.

So here’s your chance to voice your pick for the 2010 Vodafone People’s Choice Award and it’s super easy with online and text voting options… there is also an iPhone app coming soon.

1. Visit the Vodafone NZ facebook page and click on your favourite artist to register your vote (one vote per person only).

2. Txt the name of the artist you want to win to 787 (txts are free for Vodafone customers and 20c for other networks).

• Dane Rumble   – txt Dane to 787

• Gin Wigmore   – txt Gin to 787

• Kids of 88         – txt Kids to 787

• Shapeshifter    – txt Shape to 787

• Stan Walker      – txt Stan to 787

I also need to add that by voting not only are you helping decide who will win the People’s Choice category for 2010 but there’s also a really amazing prize up for grabs.

When you vote you’ll automatically go in the draw to present the People’s Choice Award to the winner at the Vodafone NZ Music Awards on October 7 (this also includes a travel package for two from anywhere in NZ).  You could be up on stage with the stars… pretty cool huh!

There will also be 10 runner-up prizes of double passes to the VNZMA’s, so what are you waiting for? GET VOTING!

Ren x