Dunedin City Council album project nominated for music award

Released during NZ Music Month in May 2026, Ōtepoti Hou is among 10 finalists in the category Te Kohinga Waiata Mariu - Favourite Compilation.

The DCC’s Ara Toi/Creative Partnerships team, which headed the Ōtepoti Hou initiative, invited music organisations and communities to recommend suitable artists from a range of priority groups (youth, Māori and Pāsifika musicians). The final track listing was based on meetings and discussions with artists, assessing proposed tracks, and considering the best musical fit for the album.

Building connections between different areas of the local music ecosystem was an important driver for Ōtepoti Hou, which satisfies key elements of the Ōtepoti Live Music Action Plan, including providing rich learning, networking and professional development.

University of Otago and Radio One staff, sound engineers, producers and music advisors from across Dunedin collaborated with artists to contribute to the success of the project.

Notably, nominations for the Aotearoa Alternative Awards Favourite Compilation category include another Dunedin release, DUN Records’ 4Eps – more proof that music-making in Ōtepoti is diverse, alive and kicking.

Sean Norling, Creative Partnerships Advisor says, “Having the Ōtepoti Hou compilation project nominated as part of the Aotearoa Alternative Music Awards, alongside other incredible Ōtepoti-based selections is a testament to the project's authenticity and inclusive kaupapa.

Ōtepoti Hou album listing: Crash Out, Cuck, Dunedin Youth Jazz Orchestra, HŌHĀ, Keira Wallace, Scapegoat MERCY, Seek Help!, Suge Sound, Tough Guy, Turama ite Ara.

Ōtepoti Hou is available as a free download on Bandcamp

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