The MMF New Zealand and PPNZ Music Licensing are proud to announce the finalists for the 2013 Music Managers Awards.

The MMF Music Managers Awards aim to recognise the hard work of the managers who are the driving force behind a lot of New Zealand’s most popular acts.

A manager today has to have the knowledge & can-do attitude to work tirelessly for the love of their band.  They’re more than a manager; they’re a booking agent, record company, travel agent, merchandise seller, driver, counsellor and wardrobe assistant.  The MMF offers professional development and networking opportunities around the country for people to share and learn from the experiences of others.  The MMF ultimately seeks to improve the managers' capacity to support the careers of the artists they represent.

Lorraine Owen from MMF says “New Zealand music has gone from strength to strength with some fantastic achievements for these managers both at home and internationally over the preceding year.  The list of finalists shows a diverse range of genres and talent and displays New Zealand managers are amongst the best in the world”.

This years finalists show both accomplished and new managers with Andy Murnane (Home Brew, Aaradhna) and Teresa Patterson (Six60, Iva Lamkum, I Am Giant) sharing the top nominations with four each.

As well as the managers being awarded for their hard work and dedication, MMF members voted for the best venue which was this year split into two categories – best small and best large – and as with previous years the "Industry Champion" award recognises an organisation that is dedicated to the support and championing of the New Zealand Music Industry.

The winners of the 2013 Music Managers Awards will be acknowledged and presented with their awards on Wednesday 15th May at an invite only event at Auckland’s Backbeat Bar.

Finalists for the 2013 Music Managers Awards are:

Manager of the Year

• Scott Maclachlan & Tim Youngson – Mt Eden, Chaos in the CBD, Leno Love Craft, Dave Parker, Lorde
• Matt Coleman – Avalanche City, Tom Lark, Titanium, Artisan Guns, Dane Rumble, Jupiter Project
• Teresa Patterson – Six60, I Am Giant, Iva Lamkum
• Andy Murnane and Frequency Media Group – Aaradhna, Home Brew

International Achievement

• Scott Maclachlan & Tim Youngson – Mt Eden, Chaos in the CBD, Leno Love Craft, Dave Parker, Lorde
• Matt Mcleod & Craig Pearce – The Black Seeds
• Teresa Patterson – Six60, I Am Giant, Iva Lamkum
• Andy Murnane and Frequency Media Group - Aaradhna

Upcoming Manager

• Dino Lawton – Sons Of Zion, Jordon Luck, Soljah, Josh Leys, Sam Allen
• Ian McDonald – Five Mile Town
• Janette Searle – Sola Rosa
• Tana Tupai & Avina Kelekolio – Tomorrow People

Best Independent Tour

• Andy Murnane and Frequency Media Group – Home Brew Speakeasy album release tour
• Teresa Patterson – Six60 v The World tour
• Mark de Jong – Ruby Frost Summer Road Trip
• Scott Grafton – Batucada Sound Machine 2012 European tour

Best Venue Small

• Wunderbar - Lyttelton
• Leigh Sawmill – Leigh
• 4:20 – Auckland
• The Dux Live – Christchurch

Best Venue Large

• Black Barn Vineyard - Havelock North
• Sammy’s – Dunedin
• The Powerstation – Auckland
• The Bedford @ CPSA – Christchurch

Self Managed Artist of the Year

• Patu Colbert – 1814
• Natalia Sheppard – Tali
• Tory Staples – Decortica
• Ria Hall – Ria Hall

Online Achievement

• Dino Lawton – Sons Of Zion Good Love video
• Matt Coleman – Jupiter Project Hook Up Girl video
• Tana Tupai & Avina Kelekolio – Tomorrow People Facebook
• Teresa Patterson – Six60 website wins international design award

Outside the Box Award

• Andy Murnane and Frequency Media Group – Home Brew Speakeasy album release party
• Mark de Jong – Ruby Frost Summer Road Trip

Media Release: MMF New Zealand