Taite for Milne

Lawrence Arabia has been crowned the first winner of New Zealand’s equivalent to the annual UK Mercury Prize, the Taite Music Prize. UK-based Lawrence Arabia ó whose real name is James Milne picked up a $10,000 cash prize and accepted his award via a video message from the UK. Named after the late Dylan Taite, respected New Zealand music writer, the contest is modeled on similar international awards, which honour artistic merit and creative excellence. The Taite Prize is the second major award for Milne in the last six months. Last year, he won the APRA (Australasian Performing Right Association) New Zealand Silver Scroll best song award for ‘Apple Pie Bed’, taken from his latest album Chant Darling. The artist is currently on a US tour, booked by Paradigm Agency, supporting UK folk-pop outfit Fanfarlo.