Feline Groovy: TimeOut's Music Awards Predictions

Izzy, TimeOut's feline futurist, has made her predictions for the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards, 2016. Photo credit: Karl Puschmann

If the mindboggling events of the past week have taught us anything it's that critics, commentators, pundits and pollsters know absolutely nothing.

In that spirit TimeOut told the panel of experts we'd assembled "you're fired", and instead enlisted the help of the animal kingdom to make our predictions for tonight's music awards.

Hey, it worked out at the football World Cup with Paul the Octopus so we're more than confident that Izzy, our expert cat, will absolutely nail the predictions.

Maybe...

Album of the Year: Water or Gold, Hollie Smith
When asked to comment on her first selection Izzy kinda just mooched off disinterestedly.... But our review earlier this year described the album as, "something special," so this seems like a solid first pick from our feline futurist.

Single of the Year: Don't Worry 'Bout It, Kings
Again, Izzy was more interested in attempting to slip away then she was in commenting on her winner. But as Kings' infectious breakthrough smash is an instant Kiwi classic, a modern-day How Bizarre, we're confident there are no worries with this prediction.

Best female solo artist: Tami Neilson
Izzy leapt off the table and hoofed it down the stairs, so I was in no mood to ask her about her pick after I finally caught up with her again. But Tami Neilson's live performances are rightly raved about and our review of her new album Don't Be Afraid called it, "a rich tapestry of humanity at its most raw" so this seems like a deserved call.

Best male solo artist: Dave Dobbyn
I can't tell if Izzy's immediate selection of local music legend Dave Dobbyn was due to her growing grumpiness at this game or a genuine show of heartfelt respect. Maybe a bit of both? But whatever it was we believe it was the right call. Go Dobbo!

Best group: Fat Freddy's Drop
You can't have a summer barbecue without a Fat Freddy's soundtrack and you can't heal a freshly scratched up arm without a band aid ... Our review of Freddy's latest album Bays called it "more focused and dynamic than ever", so we reckon Izzy's right on the money here. She's also right off to the vets to get those flippin' claws trimmed. Ouch!

People's choice: Broods
With a slightly scary hiss, Izzy knocked the final ball off the table indicating her selection of Broods as the people's - and cat's - choice. It feels like a winning prediction. That's because Broods have fostered a loyal and growing audience for many years now, touring hard around the country, and not because we're actually slightly scared of our cat when she starts getting feisty...

The Lowdown
What: The Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards 2016
Where: Vector Arena
Watch: TV3, 8:30pm, tonight