Fazerdaze, a musician from Christchurch, won two of the biggest prizes at the 2025 Aotearoa Music Awards on May 29. She took home Album of the Year and Best Solo Artist for her third album, Soft Power.
Fazerdaze, whose real name is Amelia Murray, had tough competition. Other finalists included Georgia Lines, Stan Walker, Troy Kingi, and Aaradhna. This was a strong comeback for the 32-year-old artist, who stepped away from the spotlight after her first album, Morningside, became a hit in 2017.
Stan Walker, aged 34, also had a successful night. His te reo Māori song Māori ki te Ao won the Te Māngai Pāho Mana Reo Award, and he was named Best Māori Artist.
Pop star Lorde, also known as Ella Yelich-O’Connor, won Single of the Year for Girl, so confusing, a song she made with British singer Charli XCX.
Rock duo Earth Tongue, made up of Gussie Larkin and Ezra Simons, were awarded Best Group for their album Great Haunting.
Two special honours were given in the Te Manu Mātārae category, which celebrates artists who shape New Zealand’s music scene. Winners included popular band L.A.B and producer 9Lives. L.A.B also won Radio Airplay Record of the Year, and Six60 was named Highest Selling Artist.
