Media release
13 October 2016
BIC RUNGA CELEBRATED WITH 2016 NZ HERALD LEGACY AWARD
Bic Runga to be inducted into the NZ Music Hall of Fame at the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards on November 17.
The NZ Herald Legacy Award is recognised as one of the highest honours for Kiwi musicians. Every year we celebrate the
impact that one artist has had on our national identity, and this year we are acknowledging one of our most successful
and lauded songwriters and recording artists, Bic Runga.
When Bic Runga released her debut album Drive, she started a career that has gone from strength to strength.
Bic has received the most Tui’s by a New Zealand solo artist, counting 20 throughout her illustrious career – including
Album of the Year for her debut Drive, and Best Female Vocalist on four separate occasions
She’s been involved in the music industry since 1994 winning the APRA Silver Scroll in 1996 for her song ‘Drive’, and
has since released four critically acclaimed albums, a live album, one B-Side compilation, one Greatest Hits and brand
new album Close your Eyes will be out in November.
Her music has dominated our airways for years – and rightfully so.
Timeless classic like ‘Sway’, ‘Suddenly Strange’, ‘Something Good’, and ‘Listening for the Weather’ are among some of
New Zealand’s most iconic tracks.
They’ve been used across film and television, and consistently rank as some of the top singles of any given year – not
to mention selling out concerts, both here and overseas.
The international box office sensation ‘American Pie’ featured Bic Runga on two tracks of the soundtrack – ‘Sway’ and a
duet with American folk rock singer Dan Wilson on ‘Good Morning Baby’ – and helped cement her as one of our nation’s
most successful artist.
Her contributions and services to music were recognised in 2006 when she was honoured with the New Zealand Order of
Merit.
“Bic is one of our most loved and treasured recording artists, her songs are instantly recognisable and have been part
of the fabric of New Zealand for more than 20 years. We’re honoured to present Bic with the 2016 Legacy Award and induct
her into the NZ Music Hall of Fame,” said Recorded Music CEO Damian Vaughan.
Bic’s debut album Drive was released in 1996, is certified 7-times platinum and features kiwi classics Sway and Suddenly Strange. Her second
album Beautiful Collision debuted at #1, was the Highest Selling Album in 2003 and is certified 11-times Platinum by Recorded Music NZ. The lead
single ‘Get Some Sleep’ spent 24 weeks on the New Zealand charts.
Bic’s third LP Birds was released in 2005 and garnered strong reviews, reaching platinum status by the end its first week of release. It
also became her third #1 in the New Zealand album charts,
She worked with partner Kody Nielson (The Mint Chicks, Opossom, Silicon) on the follow up album six years later,
releasing Belle in 2011. The release was followed by two tours – 17 dates across New Zealand, and 13 dates across Ireland, the United
Kingdom and Australia.
A new album Close Your Eyes is on the way. Produced by both Bic and Kody, the record will be a collection of 12 new recordings featuring a
selection of her favourite songs and 2 new original tracks.
Bic Runga is a sensational musician, a talented artist, and a national treasure. Please join us in celebrating her
contributions to New Zealand music on November 17th at Vector Arena for the 2016 Vodafone Music Awards.
Key dates for 2016 Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards:
· Thursday, 13 October:
Finalist’s announcement, Artisan finalist announcement and Critics’ Choice line-up
· Thursday, 20 October:
Artisan awards (Pullman Hotel)
· Wednesday, 2 November
Critics’ Choice Prize event and winner announcement (Tuning Fork)
· Thursday, 17 November
Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards ceremony (Vector Arena)
The Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards will be broadcast live on TV3, streamed live on TV3.co.nz from 8.30pm and then
available on 3NOW.
Tickets available from Ticketmaster, $25 general admission + booking fee.
Check out the awards on social media at @VNZMA and use the hashtag #VNZMA.
Follow the Awards news online: www.nzmusicawards.co.nz
@VNZMA and use the official hashtag #VNZMA
Ends
About Recorded Music New Zealand: Recorded Music NZ is a non-profit industry representation and licensing organisation for recording artists and their
labels. It divides its services into three main areas. The Member Services team delivers projects including the Vodafone
NZ Music Awards, the weekly Official NZ Top40 Charts and the Music Grants programme. Recorded Music NZ’s licensing
division administers broadcast and public performance licensing either directly or through its joint initiative with
APRA called OneMusic. The Pro-Music team is dedicated to protecting and promoting the interests of artists and labels
across the New Zealand recording industry.
About the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards: The Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards is owned and hosted by Recorded Music NZ and produced for Recorded Music NZ by J Productions Limited.
About Vodafone: Vodafone New Zealand is passionate about music and proud to be the principal sponsor partner of New Zealand’s premier
music awards. Through their leading loyalty programme, Vodafone Fantastic Fridays, Vodafone are saying a big thanks with
exclusive deals on the hottest music events, tickets offers and chances to win awesome music experiences for their
customers.