The Beths Dominate the 2024 Aotearoa Music Awards: Aotearoa’s Indie-Rock Powerhouse Takes Home Two Major Prizes

In a night that celebrated New Zealand’s vibrant music scene, indie-rock band The Beths emerged as the standout winners at the 2024 Aotearoa Music Awards, securing both the Album of the Year and Best Group honors. The awards, held at Auckland’s Viaduct Events Centre on May 30, 2024, marked a triumphant return for the country’s music industry after a two-year hiatus, showcasing the depth of talent across genres from pop to Māori music.

— ### The Beths’ Double Victory: A Moment for Aotearoa’s Indie Icons The Beths, fronted by Benjamin Sinclair and Tristan Deck, claimed their second consecutive Album of the Year award for *Expert in a Dying Field*, a record that has solidified their status as New Zealand’s most dynamic indie-rock act. Their victory at the Aotearoa Music Awards followed a globally acclaimed tour, including a headline performance at Coachella, which further cemented their international appeal. “This award is for everyone who’s been with us since the beginning,” Sinclair told the crowd, acknowledging the band’s loyal fanbase and the support of their home audience. The win underscored a year of significant growth for The Beths, who have become a defining voice in both Aotearoa’s and the global indie-rock landscape.

“The Beths did not just win—they dominated.”

Despite their double victory, The Beths missed out on the Single of the Year award, which went to Avantdale Bowling Club for their raw, anthemic track *“Friday Night at the Liquor Store”*. The competition among finalists—including Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Tiny Ruins, LEISURE, and Mermaidens—highlighted the breadth of talent in New Zealand’s music scene. — ### A Night of Diversity: Highlights from the 2024 Aotearoa Music Awards Beyond The Beths’ triumph, the awards ceremony celebrated a wide range of artists and genres, reflecting the cultural richness of Aotearoa’s music industry: – Georgia Lines took home the Best Pop Artist award, continuing her rise as one of New Zealand’s most beloved pop stars. – Aaradhna was named Best Soul/R&B Artist, showcasing the growing influence of soulful and R&B sounds in the local scene. – Racing won Best Rock Artist, proving that rock music remains a vital force in New Zealand. – Tawaz secured the Best Māori Artist award, a testament to the enduring impact of Māori music on the national stage. – Six60 was crowned Highest Selling Artist of the Year, though they were unable to attend the ceremony to receive their award. – Hori Shaw won the People’s Choice Award, reflecting his deep connection with fans. – Corrella took home Breakthrough Single of the Year for *“Blue Eyed Māori”*, a track that has resonated widely with audiences. The ceremony also paid tribute to Dame Hinewehi Mohi, a legendary figure in New Zealand music, who was inducted into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame to a standing ovation. Mohi’s contributions to Māori music and her influence on generations of artists were celebrated as a cornerstone of Aotearoa’s musical heritage. — ### Why The Beths’ Win Matters: The Rise of Aotearoa’s Indie Scene The Beths’ double victory is more than just a personal triumph—it signals a broader shift in New Zealand’s music industry. Here’s why their success stands out: 1. Global Recognition Meets Local Roots The Beths’ international breakthrough—culminating in their Coachella performance—has brought unprecedented attention to Aotearoa’s indie scene. Their ability to translate their sound for global audiences while maintaining deep local relevance is a model for other New Zealand artists. 2. Awards as a Barometer of Industry Health The return of the Aotearoa Music Awards after a two-year hiatus marked a significant moment for New Zealand’s music community. The event’s success, with a packed Viaduct Events Centre and a diverse lineup of winners, suggests a resurgence in interest and investment in local music. 3. Diversity in Sound and Representation From pop to rock, Māori music to soul, the 2024 awards showcased the diversity of New Zealand’s musical landscape. Winners like Tawaz and Corrella highlight the importance of platforms that amplify voices across cultures and genres. — ### What’s Next for The Beths and New Zealand Music? With their latest album and awards under their belts, The Beths are poised for further international expansion. Fans can expect more live performances, potential new music, and possibly even more festival appearances in the coming year. For New Zealand’s music industry, the 2024 Aotearoa Music Awards served as a reminder of the country’s creative potential. As artists continue to push boundaries and connect with global audiences, events like these will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Aotearoa’s sound. —

Key Takeaways

• The Beths won Album of the Year and Best Group at the 2024 Aotearoa Music Awards for *Expert in a Dying Field*.
• Avantdale Bowling Club took home Single of the Year for *“Friday Night at the Liquor Store”*.
• The ceremony celebrated diversity, with winners spanning pop, rock, Māori music, and soul/R&B.
• Dame Hinewehi Mohi was inducted into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame.
• The awards marked a return to live music events in New Zealand, signaling industry recovery.

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FAQ: The 2024 Aotearoa Music Awards

Who won the most awards at the 2024 Aotearoa Music Awards?

The Beths won the most awards, taking home both Album of the Year and Best Group.

Was the 2024 ceremony held in person after a hiatus?

Yes, the awards returned to a live event after a two-year absence, held at Auckland’s Viaduct Events Centre.

Which artist won the People’s Choice Award?

Hori Shaw was named the winner of the People’s Choice Award.

What does the Aotearoa Music Awards’ return signify for New Zealand’s music scene?

The return of the awards suggests a resurgence in live music events and industry engagement, following challenges posed by the pandemic. It also highlights the growing global profile of New Zealand artists like The Beths.

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