The MMF New Zealand, Recorded Music New Zealand, Apra, Neuw Denim and the New Zealand Music Commission are proud to announce the finalists for the 2015 Music Managers Awards.

A highlight on the calendar for the true superstars of New Zealand music, the MMF Music Managers Awards are being held at The Tuning Fork in Auckland on Wednesday 13 May.

Celebrating the endless contribution that managers make behind the scenes to the music that we all love, the MMF Music Managers Awards recognise the work of managers who go above and beyond the call of duty – those who don’t simply organise their artists but are there for every single step of the way.

The awards are always a fun filled affair, with artists and industry specialists taking the chance to say thank you in true style for the tireless efforts of all managers behind the scenes of New Zealand’s biggest acts.

The finalists for this year’s awards are:

Manager of the Year

• Ashley Page (Broods, Joel Little)
• Cushla Ashton (Louis Baker, Thomas Oliver, Estere)
• James Southgate (Blacklistt, Devilskin, The Feelers, Lightening on Me, City of Souls)
• Scott Maclachlan (Lorde, Sol3 Mio, Thomston, Mt Eden, Parson James)

Breakthrough Manager of the Year

• Ami Holifield (Ulcerate)
• Fraser Browne (Paper Cranes)
• Nick Dwyer and Dick Johnson (Weird Together)
• Tim Couch (Ha! The Unclear, Summer Thieves)

International Achievement

• Andy Murnane (Savage, Janine and the Mixtape, Aaradhna)
• Ashley Page (Broods, Joel Little)
• Campbell Smith & Paul McKessar (The Naked and Famous, Brooke Fraser)
• Scott Maclachlan (Lorde, Sol3 Mio)

Self Managed Artist

• Andrew Spraggon (Sola Rosa)
• Flip Grater
• Mel Parsons
• Nick Dwyer and Dick Johnson (Weird Together)

Independent Tour

• James Southgate (Devilskin We Rise Album Release Tour)
• Lorraine Barry and Rodney Hewson (Anika Moa and Benny Tipene So Good They Named It Twice)
• Mel Parsons (Mel & Anika Canterbury Winter Tour)
• Teresa Patterson (I Am Giant Science and Survival Album Release tour)

Lorraine Owen from MMF says, “New Zealand music is continuing to shine both locally and on the international stage.  The list of finalists this year goes to show how far our talent and their managers have come over the past 12 months, and we are proud to say New Zealand managers are amongst the best in the world”.

The awards would not be possible without the support of our incredible sponsors, who recognise the key role that managers play in the success of New Zealand music. This year they have contributed some incredible prizes for the winners.

In 2015 the sponsors include:

• The NZ Music Commission
• Recorded Music
• APRA
• Neuw Denim

Media Release: MMF New Zealand via Noise PR