Last night, the Australian independent music industry was celebrated at the historic Meat Market in North Melbourne – the Carlton Dry Independent Music Awards. For its 10th anniversary, AIR put on a ceremony that brought together artists from all realms of the industry, not to mention the people who toil away behind the scenes for an evening of recognition, live music and of course, beers.
Courtney Barnett, who is also up for a tonne of ARIA Awards this year, was the big winner of the night, taking home awards for Best Independent Artist, Best Independent Album and Best Independent Single. Milk Records also took home the final award of the night, Best Independent Label. Barnett, currently on tour, sent through acceptance messages via video, while Jen Cloher was on hand to take home the awards personally.
Highlights of the night included some great performances by Bad//Dreems, Airling, Dead Letter Circus, Harts and John Butler, who made a solo appearance after arriving back in the country off a three month international tour, performing “Better Than”. Hosted by Dylan Lewis, the ceremony saw some memorable speeches, a keynote delivered by original Wiggle Murray Cook as well as former AIR Executive Officer and now MP Julie Owens.
Congratulations to all the winners!
2015 CARLTON DRY INDEPENDENT MUSIC AWARD WINNERS
Best Independent Artist
COURTNEY BARNETT
Best Independent Album
COURTNEY BARNETT – Sometimes I Sit and Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit
Best Independent Single or EP
COURTNEY BARNETT – “Depreston”
Breakthrough Independent Artist of the Year
#1 DADS
Best Independent Hip Hop Album
SETH SENTRY – Strange New Past
Best Independent Country Album
FRANK YAMMA – Uncle
Best Independent Blues and Roots Album
C.W. STONEKING – Gon’ Boogaloo
Best Independent Hard Rock, Heavy or Punk Album
KING GIZZARD AND THE LIZARD WIZARD – I’m In Your Mind Fuzz
Best Independent Dance Album
FLIGHT FACILITIES – Down To Earth
Best Independent Dance, Electronica or Club Single
HAYDEN JAMES – “Something About You”
Best Independent Jazz Album
BARNEY McALL – Mooroolbark
Best Independent Classical Album
AUSTRALIAN BRANDENBURG ORCHESTRA – Brandenburg Celebrates
Best Independent Label
MILK! RECORDS
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