The award, named in honour of late Dylan Taite, one of Aotearoa’s respected music journalists, recognises outstanding independent New Zealand albums released in the past year.
The award will be presented on Wednesday, 29 April at the International Convention Centre, Auckland, at the same time as the NZ On Air Outstanding Music Journalism Award, IMNZ Classic Record and the Independent Spirit Award.
Marlon Williams will tour NZ in 2026 before taking a break for a ‘wee while’.
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The winner will receive a cash prize of $12,500 from Recorded Music NZ.
The 2026 Taite Music Prize Finalists (in alphabetical order):
Dick Move – Dream, Believe, Achieve (1:12 Records & Flying Nun Records)
Tāmaki Makaurau punk band’s second album delivers high-voltage garage punk with sharp social commentary.
Geneva AM – PIKIPIKI
Independent Tāmaki Makaurau beatmaker and vocalist’s debut album showcases a bilingual approach blending R&B and electronic influences.
Jazmine Mary – I Want to Rock and Roll (Flying Nun Records)
Tāmaki Makaurau-based artist’s third album spans noir folk and alternative, with a visual and sonic world shaped by their performance art.
MĀ – Blame It On The Weather
Te Whanganui-a-Tara rapper and singer-songwriter’s second album explores personal and political themes across hip-hop, neo-soul, and jazz-infused tracks.
Marlon Williams – Te Whare Tīwekaweka (Marlon Williams Music)
Ōtautahi-born artist’s fourth solo album, recorded entirely in te reo Māori, is a deeply personal folk work that topped the Official Aotearoa Music Charts.
Phoebe Rings – Aseurai (Carpark Records)
Tāmaki Makaurau dream-pop project’s debut album blends lush synth textures with introspective songwriting, earning critical acclaim for its immersive soundscapes.
Reb Fountain – How Love Bends (Fountain Records Limited)
Tāmaki Makaurau songwriter’s sixth album refines noir-tinged indie rock into intimate, emotionally resonant tracks, with seven songs landing on the Hot 20 Aotearoa Singles Chart.
Ringlets – The Lord Is My German Shepherd (Time for Walkies) (Flying Nun Records)
Tāmaki Makaurau post-punk outfit’s second album combines angular instrumentation with darkly humorous lyrics.
Tom Scott – ANITYA (Years Gone By)
The Tāmaki Makaurau artist’s first solo album blends experimental hip-hop and jazz into a spiritually reflective, genre-defying work.
Womb – One Is Always Heading Somewhere (Flying Nun Records)
Te Whanganui-a-Tara sibling trio’s third album delivers expansive, atmospheric indie rock marked by emotional depth.
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand