Nashville-based Kiwi wins country music award

News release
June 3, 2005

Nashville-based Kiwi wins country music award

Kylie Harris, a Kiwi singer based at the home of country music, is the winner of the 2005 New Zealand Music Award for Best Country Music Album with her self-titled album Kylie Harris.

The award has been presented tonight (June 3) at the New Zealand Country Music Awards as part of the week long Gold Guitar Awards in Gore.

Runners up are Timaru’s Noel Burns with his third album Special to Me and Pat Hannah of Christchurch with her first album, Moods & Memories.

Kylie Harris has lived in Nashville in the United States since 1997. Her father, Clem Harris accepted the award on her behalf.

She has previously won three Country Music Album Tuis in 1995 and 1997 as well as two Gold Guitars, in 1990 and 1992. Kylie also won a Tui in 1995 for her song Rising Star.

Currently she hosts a TV show called The Edge of Country reaching 30 million homes in the USA. Kylie has also performed on the Grand Ole Oprey in 2001 and 2004 and is receiving radio airplay in New Zealand, Australia and the United States.

It is the second year the Country Music Tui has been presented at the Gore Gold Guitar Awards at which the APRA Best Country Song for 2004 will also be announced.

The award was presented by Adam Holt, President of the Recording Industry Association of New Zealand and convenor of the annual music awards.

Mr Holt says: “We're delighted to present the Tui for the Best Country Music Album at the Gold Guitar Awards, the centre of country music in Gore.

“Moving the award here has greatly increased its profile and it fits with our desire to contribute to the growth of country music recordings in New Zealand.”

“It’s great to see such an exciting talent as Kylie Harris being recognised at home as her career continues to develop in Nashville. Kylie is a leading light of New Zealand country music and her self titled album is a brilliant addition to the heritage of the Country Tui.”

Gold Guitar Awards convenor Philip Geary says it’s a great thrill to have the Tui Award in town again.

“It really is a privilege and honour to have the Best Country Music Album Tui award here in 2005. The New Zealand Gold Guitar Awards go from strength to strength every year and having the Tui presented at our Friday night concert really sets off the event.”

The week-long Gore country music festival and Gold Guitar Awards are now in their 32nd year while country music Tuis have been presented as part of the New Zealand Music Awards since 1983.

Audience levels at the festival reach more than 5,000 and entries across all sections and events total more than 700 artists.

ends

Issued for the Recording Industry Association of New Zealand by Pead PR

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