The local music industry gathered last night at the Meat Market in North Melbourne for the 2014 CARLTON DRY INDEPENDENT MUSIC AWARDS. Brisbane’s Violent Soho and Melbourne’s Courtney Barnett were multi-award winners, while hip hop act Remi is $50,000 richer thanks to the Carlton Dry Global Music Grant.
The awards opened with a stunning performance from Meg Mac, whose stage presence was arresting. In fact all of the performers on the night showed why Australian independent music is so alive and well and developing to such an extraordinary level. Despite initial sound problems, Sheppard nailed their global hit ‘Hey Geronimo’, SAFIA put in a strong performance and DMA’s were a revelation. The choice of Dylan Lewis as host was perfect. Remi wrapped up the show with an added spring in his step due to the amazing financial windfall he’d learned about only moments earlier. Awarded to emerging independent artists, the prize money must be used exclusively to help tour, showcase, record, or relocate overseas to further their careers.
Other things we learned on the night … Dan Kelly is recording a solo album. The Drones are recording. Cat Empire will begin recording an album in early 2015. Sheppard will make two trips to America before the year’s end and will soon appear on the worldwide TV smash chat show Ellen.
Here’s a complete list of winners for the 2014 CARLTON DRY INDEPENDENT MUSIC AWARDS:
Carlton Dry Global Music Grant Winner – Remi
Best Independent Artist – Courtney Barnett
Best Independent Album, presented by Rdio – Violent Soho – Hungry Ghost
Breakthrough Independent Artist Of The Year, presented by PPCA – Sheppard
Best Independent Single/EP, presented by Levi’s – Courtney Barnett – Avant Gardener
Best Independent Label – I OH YOU
Best Independent Hip Hop Album – Remi – Raw x Infinity
Best Independent Country Album – Halfway – Any Old Love
Best Independent Blues And Roots Album – Dan Sultan – Blackbird
Best Independent Hard Rock, Heavy or Punk Album – Violent Soho – Hungry Ghost
Best Independent Jazz Album – Paul Grabowsky Sextet – The Bitter Suite
Best Independent Dance/Electronica or Club Single – Peking Duk – High
Best Independent Dance/Electronica Album – RÜFÜS – Atlas
Best Independent Classical Album – Gurrumul / Sydney Symphony Orchestra – His Life And Music
For more info on the Awards, Charts and Independent music check out www.air.org.au