Amplifier

16.09.10
[press release]

Auckland band Street Chant has been named as the first winner of the Critics' Choice Prize, presented by Gravity Coffee. 

Street Chant faced off with Home Brew and The Naked and Famous at the King's Arm last night as the three acts vied for the prize. 

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

Emily Littler of Street Chant says: "We're completely surprised and pretty stoked with the win, especially considering the tough competition we were up against." 

As well as the acknowledgement of top critics, the Critics' Choice prize also provides tangible support. The winning artists 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 Street Chant fought off tough competition to take out the prize. 

"Considering the strong performances all three bands put in last night, choosing a winner was no easy task for our panel of critics. I'm absolutely delighted for Street Chant, they played a fantastic set and proved to everyone that they've got the talent to become a Kiwi music success story." 

Street Chant

Auckland three-piece Street Chant (formally 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.

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" was released on September 6 and has since shot to the top of the charts. The band has played at the Laneway Festival and the Big Day Out, and says supporting Nine Inch Nails was a highlight. 

About the Critics Choice Award

All Artists are eligible, provided they have not released an album either during or prior to the eligibility period 

Solo artists and groups are not eligible if they have previously been a finalist in any New Zealand Music Award category. Solo artists are not eligible if they are or have been a member of another group that has previously been a finalist in any New Zealand Music Award category, or that has had an album appear in the official New Zealand Music Chart Top 40 charts. 

Groups are not eligible if any member of the group has been a finalist in any New Zealand Music Award category (either as a solo artist or as part of a group), or had an album appear in the official New Zealand Music Chart Top 40 charts (either as a solo artist or as part of a group).