Two Northland artists named finalists in Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards

Alien Weaponry are in the running for four Tuis at the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards. Photo/Lisa Crandall

Two Northland artists have been nominated for Tuis at this year's Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards.

Band Alien Weaponry lead the charge as finalists in four categories, while Kerikeri's Troy Kingi is a finalist in two.

Alien Weaponry made up of three Waipu teenagers is in the running for Album of the Year for their album Tū, best rock artist, best group and Te Māngai Pāho Best Māori Artist.

It is the second consecutive year the group have been nominated for the Te Māngai Pāho Best Māori Artist. Last year the award was won by fellow Northland artist Teeks. This year they will have to see off Katchafire and another Northland artist, Troy Kingi.

Kingi is also a finalist in the Best Soul/RnB Artist, alongside Israel Starr and Vince Harder.

In the best group category, Alien Weaponry come up against heavyweights Six60, Drax Project and Unknown Mortal Orchestra.

For the first time, all finalists are eligible for the Vodafone People's Choice Award, which is announced at the 2018 Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards on 15 November at Spark Arena. Voting for the Vodafone People's Choice Award will be opening soon to the public.

Both Northland artists have recently tasted success at the 2018 Waiata Maori Music Awards.

Kerikeri singer, songwriter and actor Kingi won the award for best Maori pop album/Kaipuoru Maori for his latest album Shake That Skinny Ass All the Way To Zygertron.

Alien Weaponry had a win in the category for best music video by a Maori artist/Ataata Maori Hira o te Tau for their earth-shaking single Kai Tangata.

Kingi could yet pick up more silverware before the awards, as a finalist in the Silver Scroll Awards.

He is a finalist for best song for his song Aztechknowledgey. The Silver Scroll Awards will be presented at Spark Arena on October 4.