Held for the first time in late 2006 on a wind swept balcony in central Sydney, the inaugural AIR Independent Music Awards signalled the beginning of something new and genuine in the Australian music industry. Amongst the countless number of awards held each year, the 200 strong crowd knew that they were witnessing something significant, an event that would grow, and a platform that is a barometer for the next’s year’s big acts.

Gotye, who won last year’s ‘Best New Independent Artist’ prize performed one of his first ever live shows at the awards in November 2006; Blue King Brown, who took out the award for ‘Best Performing Independent Single / EP’, have continued to mark their place at the forefront of Australia roots music with larger shows and growing audiences; and Hilltop Hoods, winners of ‘Best Independent Artist’, have had an amazing 2007, staking their claims as the kings of Australian hip – hop.

“It’s a fact that independent recording sector is responsible for the development of the majority of, and arguably the best quality music, produced in Australia,” AIR CEO Stuart Watters said.

“These awards are designed to honour the quality and diversity of music made by Australian people, and supporting a music culture that is alive and thriving both here at home, and also in an international context.”

This year’s nominees reflect the width and breadth of independent Australia music, from some of the biggest names in music today (*John Butler Trio, Hilltop Hoods and Sneaky Sound System*), to the next crop of artists who will shape the industry in the coming years (*Wolf & Cub, The Cops, British India*), who come together to celebrate the work of the most innovative and hard working record labels in the business.

The AIR Awards differ from every other music awards in Australia as they provide recognition of outstanding achievements by 100% Australian independent artists – specifically those artists who are released through an Australian owned independent record label AND also distributed through an Australian owned distribution company. The pool of nominees is drawn from the V AIR Independent Charts, which are compiled by AIR and calculate sales rankings of independent releases.

This year’s AIR Awards are made possible with the support of our major partner Jagermeister, who support the event for the first time in 2007.

Jagermeister is proud to be the major sponsor of the AIR Awards”, Jonathan Howells, Australian brand manager for Jagermeister said recently.

“Jagermeister is all about expressing yourself and living loud, and we’re pleased to support artists that are getting out there and creating some of the most exciting music in Australia today.”