Conchords up for Grammy award

DAVID ALEXANDER/The Press

FLYING HIGH: Eagle vs Shark writer/director Taika Waititi not only guest stars in but also directed this week's episode of Flight of the Conchords.

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Kiwi comedy duo Flight of the Conchords have earned a Grammy nomination - and they didn't even know there was a category for their kind of music.

Their EP The Distant Future has been nominated for best comedy album.

Bret McKenzie, currently in Wellington, said he was surprised to get a call from their American agent yesterday morning.

"It's quite incredible, isn't it? I didn't even know there was a comedy section."

He and fellow Conchord Jemaine Clement will attend the awards in Los Angeles. "I don't think the comedy award is part of the main ceremony. But there is definitely an award ceremony," McKenzie said.

"There could be some spectacular parties to go to ... Hopefully we get to meet Jay-Z and the like." The rap artist picked up five nominations.

The "digi-folk" musicians are up against four other artists, including comedian Harry Shearer, who is responsible for many of the voices on The Simpsons.

McKenzie said they had been working on a full-length album while in Wellington, to be released at the end of April.

The Conchords have picked up a string of awards and nominations recently, including being named Wellingtonians of the Year.

But despite all the accolades, McKenzie said: "I'm living at my mum's place at the moment. It's glamorous."

The Grammy winners will be announced on February 10.

- © Fairfax NZ News