Behind every great musician there's a great manager, be it the actual musician themselves. Calling the shots, sending the emails, following up the emails, shaking hands, executing *viral* social media campaigns, following up the follow-up emails, and squeezing recording funding out of thin air, it's a tricky (but rewarding) business. The MMF Music Managers Awards help recognise the tireless efforts of those individuals with seven alluring prizes. This year's awards will be held at Auckland's Tuning Fork on Wednesday 11 May. The finalists for this year's awards are: Recorded Music NZ Manager of The Year Alastair Burns (Marlon Williams, Julia Jacklin) Ashley Page (Broods, Jarryd James, Joel Little, Alex Hope) Scott Maclachlan (Sol3 Mio, Leisure, Thomston, Parson James) Breakthrough Manager of The Year Alastair Burns (Marlon Williams, Julia Jacklin) Jaz Kapow (Bailey Wiley, Laughton Kora) Mel Parsons (Mel Parsons) NZ Music Commission International Achievement Alastair Burns (Marlon Williams, Julia Jacklin) Ashley Page (Broods, Jarryd James, Joel Little, Alex Hope) Scott Maclachlan (Sol3 Mio, Leisure, Thomston, Parson James) Self-Managed Artist of The Year Mel Parsons (Mel Parsons) Nick Atkinson (Hopetoun Brown) Tami Neilson (Tami Neilson) Best Independent Tour James Southgate (Devilskin 'Mountains and the Moon' Tour) Mel Parsons ('Drylands' Album Release Tour April/May 2015, Theatre Tour Oct/Nov 2015) Teresa Patterson (I Am Giant 'Kiss From A Ghost' Album Release Tour) OneMusic Best Small Venue San Fran, Wellington The Tuning Fork, Auckland The Wine Cellar, Auckland OneMusic Best Large Venue Isaac Theatre Royal, Christchurch The Powerstation, Auckland The Studio, Auckland