The Parachute Band have taken home the People’s Choice Award at the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards, held in Auckland last night. Out of the 100 plus artists nominated for awards, the New Zealand public has voted the Parachute Band their favourite.

Parachute Music Founder & CEO, Mark de Jong, says “To be recognized by the people of New Zealand is such an honour for the Parachute Band. Our aim has always been to take NZ written worship songs to the world. To receive accolades for our music is icing on the cake.”

The band was formed in 1995 to lead worship at the Parachute Music Festival and their successes in the Christian music circuit have turned their love of music into a full time endeavour. The re-invigorated band, who came together in 2006, consists of Omega Levine (vocals), Sam de Jong (drums), Rhys Machell (bass), Alister Wood (keyboards) and Simon Moore (guitars).

The award was received by Parachute Music’s A&R Manager, Brendan Vucich on behalf of the band who is currently touring South Africa.

The Parachute Band will be taking the stage at Parachute 09, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest four day music festival. The festival will be held at Hamilton’s Mystery Creek over Auckland Anniversary weekend (23rd-26th January 2009), boasting a strong suit of international headliners as well as some Kiwi favourites including Dave Dobbyn and Nathan King.

The band’s new project, Technicolor, will be available at Christian retailers across Canada next Tuesday, October 14th. Preview the album on Parachute Band’s YMZ artist page.

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