Bespin's Jonathan Lee. Photo: Supplied
Auckland band Bespin have taken out this year’s Critics’ Choice Prize.
Held ahead of the New Zealand Music Awards, which take place later this month, the Critics’ Choice Prize aims to award up-and-coming acts and potential NZ Music Award recipients.
Bespin were one of three nominees chosen to perform last night at The Kings Arms in Auckland. The psych-rock outfit faced off against two other Auckland acts – indie-rock four-piece New Gum Sarn and songwriter/producer Alistair Deverick, who plays under the name Boycrush.
But ultimately it was Bespin that was championed by the 10-judge panel. The band, who just released their debut EP Osiris, took home a $10,000 NZ On Air recording and music video grant, as well as mentoring sessions with “several music industry heavyweights”.
NZ On Air music manager Brendan Smyth said he looked forward to seeing where the band go from here.
“The quality of this year’s NZ On Air Critic’s Choice Prize finalists is yet another reminder of the talent we have in our local industry. We look forward to following Bespin’s promising career and seeing what they do with the NZ On Air grant.”
The Critics’ Choice Prize was introduced back in 2010. Previous winners include Street Chant, Kimbra, Watercolours, Sheep, Dog & Wolf, and Randa.