2023 Panhead Rolling Stone Aotearoa Awards nominees revealed

SYDNEY, Wednesday: Rolling Stone New Zealand publisher The Brag Media AU has unveiled the nominees for the second annual Rolling Stone Aotearoa Awards, with NZ brewer Panhead returning as the headline sponsor.

The invite-only event will be a night of live music, celebrating the best in Kiwi music, taking place at St Matthew-In-The-City in Auckland on Wednesday 20 September.

Rolling Stone New Zealand editor in chief Poppy Reid (who’s based in Sydney) said: “The 2023 edition of the awards see a wide range of genres represented across four categories: Best Record, Best Single, Best New Artist, and the Rolling Stone Global Award.

“Across the four award categories, several artists have secured multiple nominations, with Princess Chelsea, Coterie, Six60, The Beths, Te Kaahu, Fazerdaze all up for two gongs. They are also in the mix for the Best Record category, which sees a mix of diverse genres nominated, with eight music works recognised. 

“The other multi-award nominee is L.A.B. who are up for Best Single, as well as the Rolling Stone Global Award. The latter is judged by Rolling Stone’s global staff members to acknowledge the Kiwi artist they just can’t get enough of.

“To sponsor this event is a great honour! All the best to the nominated artists, we look forward to having a beer with you there.”

“The inaugural award saw the editorial team crown international superstar Lorde, while 2023’s stellar shortlist includes The Beths, Unknown Mortal Orchestra (UMO), Six60, Bic Runga, BENEE, Mitch James, MELODOWNZ.

“Meanwhile, several artists/releases featuring te reo Māori will be honoured on the night, with Te Kaahu, Stan Walker, Coterie, Six60, L.A.B. and Bic Runga all nominated.

“After the hugely successful launch of the Panhead Rolling Stone Aotearoa Awards last year, we can’t wait to do it all again this year and join with the music industry to celebrate the diverse and unique music scene in New Zealand.

“Once again we’ve been treated to a year of New Zealand talent competing on the global stage.”

Panhead brand & creative manager Rebecca Sinclair said: “What a night it will be! Aotearoa has some incredible talent and that is worth celebrating. To be the naming sponsor of this event is a great honour! All the best to the nominated artists, we look forward to having a beer with you there.”

Out now
“The latest issue of Rolling Stone New Zealand featuring The Teskey Brothers on the cover is now available on newsstands.

• More here: au.rollingstone.com/t/new-zealand