Silicon has been honoured with the top prize in New Zealand music, receiving the Taite Music Prize in Auckland tonight.
Electro-pop Personal Computer was described by judging panel member Emma Smith as being beautifully executed.
"It's a singular vision, beautifully executed, that speaks to now. And it's funny."
Frontman and former Mint Chicks star Kody Nielson also receives $10,000 cash, free recording time at Red Bull Studios, a year's supply of Red Bull and two magnums of Moa beer.
In 2012, Nielson was awarded the Taite Music Prize alongside his brother Ruban as Unknown Mortal Orchestra (UMO) for their self-titled album.
Other past winners include Lorde and Lawrence Arabia.
UMO was also in the running tonight, along with SJD, the Phoenix Foundation and Anthonie Tonnon.
This year's winner was announced by last year's winners -- Jakob, who sent a video message from overseas.
But Nielson, known for his elusiveness, was a no-show, despite his album being deemed "exceptional".
Named for music journalist Dylan Taite, in the seven years the award has been running it's quickly become one of the industry's top accolades.
Instead of examining sales figures and how well an album charts, the prize looks at originality and creativity in an entire album's music.
The event, run by Independent Music New Zealand (IMNZ), was a quiet, exclusive affair, with around 300 attendees at Galatos Live in Auckland.
IMNZ's Classic Record award, recognising a group that changed the face of local music in its time, went to Upper Hutt Posse for their 1988 album E Tū.
Band member Te Kupu says they were surprised but pleased to receive the prize.
"It's great for a conscious song of resistance to be respected in this way, and although it already has a firm place in the hip-hop musical history of Aotearoa, this award is somewhat unexpected and therefore a little extra pleasing."
Newshub.
