The year that was is so often the perfect vantage point, from which to name check the most liked locals from our insatiable app-etite for all things digital. From the countless dozens of ditties streamed around our islands to the decent downpour of downloads snapped on to our many devices, Kiwi culture shone bright in 2015, for all to see and hear.Following in the well- travelled footsteps of the Kiwi road-trip came the ‘oh so’ photographable Marlon Williams. Proving that simply getting out there and performing is still the best way to engage with the people, Marlon toured the country, garnering all the cool kids and hipster parents with his sultry slant on bluesy acoustic surfside soul.

He also wooed the industry by taking out both the ‘best male solo artist’ and ‘breakthrough artist of the year’.

         

Also, nurturing a nostalgic nod to sixties retro rock, Tami Neilson built on her loyal fan-base with a simply irresistible second release entitled ‘Don’t be Afraid’. Sitting somewhere between the smoky late night jazz of Amy Winehouse and jangly jailhouse rock, Tami touches bad guy ballads with a tattooed heart. Again, a must see live, up close and personal with your besties at the Tuning Fork.