Sneaky Sound System, John Butler Trio and British India were amongst the winners at the AIR Awards at Melbourne’s Toff in Town on Monday night. The industry audience were treated to performances from Urthboy and Blue King Brown.
Perth blues and roots outfit John Butler Trio was presented with the award for Best Performing Independent Album for their ‘Grand National’ release.
From an incredible six nominations, Sneaky Sound System was presented with the awards for both Best Performing Independent single for ‘UFO’, and Best Independent Artist. The Best New Independent Artist Award went to Melbourne act, British India.
The act followed up their win with an amazing live performance to close the event’s formal proceedings. C.W Stoneking was awarded the Best Independent Blues and Roots Release for ‘King Hokum’. The Best Independent Dance / Electronic Release was awarded to Midnight Juggernauts for ‘Dystopia’ The Best Independent Country Release went to Gina Jeffreys’ album, ‘Walks Of Life’.
After taking out the award for Best Independent Jazz Release, The Ben Winkelman Trio performed for the packed crowd.
The Awards represent the hard work and sheer passion needed to make it as an independent artist. 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 came together to celebrate the work of the most innovative and hard working record labels in the business
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The winners of the 2007 Jagermeister AIR Awards are:
Best Performing Independent Album
Grand National –The John Butler Trio (Jarrah Records / MGM)
Best Performing Independent Single /EP
UFO – Sneaky Sound System (Whack Records / MGM)
Best Independent Artist
Sneaky Sound System (Whack Records / MGM)
Best New Independent Artist
British India (Flashpoint / Shock)
Best Independent Blues & Roots Release
King Hokum! – C.W. Stoneking (Low Transit Industries / Inertia Music)
Best Independent Dance / Electronic Release
Midnight Juggernauts – Dystopia (Siberia / Inertia Music)
Best Independent Country Release
Walks of Life – Gina Jeffreys (Independent / MGM)
Best Independent Jazz Release
The Spanish Tinge – Ben Winkelman Trio (Jazzhead / MGM)
