Big night in NZ music coming to the town hall

Graeme Downes, Metitilani Alo, Sophie Morris, Darren Stedman, Rob Burns, and Tom McGrath, with members of the Dunedin Symphony Orchestra, performing at the Apra Silver Scroll Awards in Dunedin. Photo: Craig Baxter

Almost 10 years since it was last held in Christchurch, one of the biggest nights for New Zealand music will return next year.

The 2020 APRA Silver Scroll Awards will be held at the Christchurch Town Hall on September 10 to celebrate the achievements of New Zealand songwriters.

The glamorous night was last held in the city in 2009, when it was hosted by actor Oscar Kightley.

Past winners include Lyttelton musicians Aldous Harding and Marlon Williams, as well as Lorde, Neil Finn, Dave Dobbyn, Bic Runga, Don McGlashan, Che Fu and Scribe.

Said an APRA spokesperson: "The city has a rich musical history, and it's a wonderful opportunity to highlight the traditions and scenes that have grown out of Christchurch while recognising some of the best songs and compositions of the year from across the country.

Aldous Harding. Photo: Peter McIntosh

"The diversity of music developed in the city ranges from bands and singers like Max Merritt, Ray Columbus, and Dinah Lee, through the Flying Nun movement, mainstream rock with the Dance Exponents, a strong dance/dub/drum 'n' bass scene with Salmonella Dub and Shapeshifter, while songbirds like Bic Runga, Julia Deans, Anika Moa, and Lawrence Arabia were cultivating emotional intelligence with their alt-pop songs.

"It also fostered hip-hop talent with Scribe and Ladi6, and a heavyweight DIY-underground scene that brought acts like The Shocking Pinks, Pig Out, Tiger Tones, Bang Bang Eche, and Bachelorette to the fore.

"Across the last decade, the folk/country community of Lyttelton has become famous with the rise of Delaney Davidson, Marlon Williams, Aldous Harding, Nadia Reid, and The Eastern."

The awards night was held at Spark Arena, Auckland, earlier this year with more than 600 songwriters, musicians, industry and media coming together.

Harding won the top award, which is voted for by APRA members.

Each year a group or individual is inducted into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame at the event for having a significant impact on New Zealand life and culture through music.

Past inductees include Jordan Luck, The Topp Twins, Shihad and The Exponents.