News
The inaugural Taite Music Prize: in search of 2009's finest New Zealand album
After much deliberation and more than a few heated discussions, the finalists for the Inaugural Taite Music Prize have been decided. Named after the late Dylan Taite, one of the country's most highly respected music journalists; The Taite Music Prize has been established to champion the finest release by a New Zealand artist or group, specifically focusing on the artistic merit and creative excellence of one album released in the previous calendar year. Acknowledging creativity and musicianship regardless of sales figures or genre, it is the first of its kind in New Zealand. The first ever finalists from a lengthy list submitted by IMNZ members are:
- The Checks - Alice by the Moon
- David Dallas - Something Awesome
- Kerretta - Vilayer
- Lawrence Arabia - Chant Darling
- Shapeshifter - The System is a Vampire
The judging panel has also been decided, and will consist of industry names Sam Wicks (Real Groove), Jim Pinckney (Round Trip Mars), Dean Cameron (1157 Records), David Farrier (TV3), Kirsten Johnstone (Radio NZ), Ross Flahive (The Edge), Scott Maclachlan (Universal Music), Francesca Rudkin (Freelance music journalist), Bernie Griffin (Flaming Pearl) and John Taite, Dylan’s son. “What perfect timing to celebrate our creative excellence as the NZ music industry goes from strength to strength,” says Taite. “This award is all about artistic achievement and giving the status quo a good kicking. It’s an honour to be asked to join the panel of judges.”
The winner will receive a cash prize of $10,000, to be spent as they wish. Independent Music New Zealand (IMNZ) and PPNZ are the principal music industry supporters of the Taite Music Prize in conjunction with the Taite family. The winner will be announced at a function at Auckland’s Plaything gallery on March 31, 2010.
IMNZ and PPNZ are the principal music industry supporters of the Taite Music Prize in conjunction with the Taite Family. IMNZ and PPNZ would also like to acknowledge the assistance we have had from the NZ Music Commission, The Australasian Performing Right society (APRA), Jagermeister, online community Made from New Zealand and Native Tongue Music Publishing who have all lent their support and encouragement in drawing attention to this critical award.
Dylans son John says that the family are ecstatic about the new award, which acknowledges both the work of the respected journalist and great New Zealand talent. "Never mind the bollocks... here's the Taite Music Prize," he says. "Dylan and music went together like gunpowder and matches. He was always ahead of the bounce, a creative pioneer who took risks and believed in the long shots... the same qualities all great New Zealand Music has at its core. I often meet musicians who say they're gutted they never got their 'Dylan Piece' before he shuffled off this mortal coil. Perhaps this is the next best thing."
The NZ government favours a three-notice procedure to deal with illegal copying of material over computer networks Commerce Minister Simon Power said on the 16th December. Mr Power announced the release of a Cabinet Paper that outlines the basis of new legislation, which will be introduced to Parliament early next year. This follows a review of Section 92A of the Copyright Act
The main points of the proposal are:
· Right holders will be able to request that internet service providers (ISPs) give alleged infringers notice to stop infringing activity.
· The first notice will inform the account holder that infringing has occurred and is illegal. Two further notices may be sent.
· If infringing continues after three notices, the right holder may seek a penalty of up to $15,000 at the Copyright Tribunal. The amount will be based on the damage to the copyright owner.
· Where serious and continued breaches occur, right holders will be able to go to court to seek a range of remedies, including the suspension of accounts for up to six months.
· Account holders will be able to issue counter notices, and can request a hearing if they feel they should not be penalised.
Mr Power said the three-notice procedure was the key to the process.
"The procedure will both educate and warn file-sharers that unauthorised sharing of copyright works is illegal, and in turn stop a large proportion of illegal file sharing.
"A great deal of work has gone into finding a fair, effective, and credible process for the enforcement of copyright against illegal peer-to-peer file-sharers.
Mr Power said though right holders will be able to seek suspension of accounts through the courts, he expected that would happen only in cases of serious offending.
"I want to stress that account holders will have the opportunity during each of these processes to defend claims by right holders."
"This was a complex issue to work through, and industry groups, intellectual property experts, and officials worked hard to ensure the issues raised in the submissions were addressed. "I'm confident we now have a workable solution."
The public will be able to make further submissions at the select committee stage.
Further information can be found here: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/govt+favours+three-notice+procedure+s92a
And a copy of the Cabinet Paper is available at: http://www.med.govt.nz/s92a-cabinet-paper-p2p
Read More...
