The 2010 JagermeisterIndependent Music Awards @ TheForum Theatre, Melbourne(01/10/2010)

Mon 4th Oct, 2010 in Gig Reviews

In the music industry, the term ‘independent’ is thrown around quite a bit, and at large, its meaning can get confused. Independence affects every day life; from going to buy groceries to remembering to pay your electricity bill. It is seen as a defining step in life, the time you go out to make it on your own, to fill big shoes with big dreams and show your worth. The 2010 Jagermeister Independent Music Awards stands in recognition and celebration for those that have paved their own way to reaching musical stardom, and creates a lasting memory for such artists in a moment that condenses all their hard work into success.

The Forum was filled with mixed emotions, from those that actively got involved in alcoholic dancing games, to the hipsters that just stood still and tried to look cool. The energy was both nervous and excited, and the buzz didn’t take long to cement into action, when the host for the evening took to the stage in style.

The presenter chosen for the night had caused quite a stir, both before the awards and during, but this came as no surprise seeing that he is now a host on Nova FM in Sydney. Scott Dooley, who was made known by his funny skits while broadcasting on Triple J, seemed like an odd choice to some nearby spectators; his inclusion feeding in to the great debate between commercial radio’s mainstream airplay conflicting with independent culture. Nova FM, as a major promoter for the awards, presumably saw this as a positive way to broaden the demographic of their listeners, hoping that they too will find love in the good grace of independent music and will support the awards.

Dooley ran onto the stage and opened with a joke, “Oh, I thought this was the Alan Border Medal Ceremony”, after curtains opened to a very ‘70s inspired dance routine that involved minimal gymnastics and light hearted humour (and this was only the beginning of Dooley’s endless cricket jokes). Dooley also made it known that a disgruntled hipster was at the foot of the stage taking note of the night’s events and posting them on his blog.

The comfortable presenter soon welcomed The Amity Affliction to the stage, opening the show with their hit Anchors. Their may have remained relatively still throughout, but their vocals were very strong and somewhere in between the interjecting bouts of screaming, their performance gained momentum, with the small group of adoring fans happily banging their heads and shaking their long multicoloured hair.

Following suit thereafter, the award for Best Independent Hard Rock or Punk Album was announced, with last year’s winners The Nation Blue presenting the award to Parkway Drive for their album, Deep Blue.

Next up was Best Independent Blues and Roots Album, with the gorgeous and humble Dan Sultan beating contenders such as Ash Grunwald and The Beautiful Girls for his album Get Out While You Can. Sultan accepted the award with humility and thanks, and with approving nods all around, it was obvious his album of rock and soul was deserving.

The next category saw Midnight Juggernauts dethrone Art Vs Science for Best Independent Dance/Electronica Album. Their acceptance speech started in French, generally went nowhere before ending with smiles and waves as they meandered back through the crowd.

Then, the band that most had been anticipating for the evening finally arrived, the effervescent Cloud Control, performing their latest release There is Nothing In The Water We Can’t Fight. This is a group that looks truly happy all the time and with smiles and a sparkle in their eye as they danced and sang, they looked confident and content with whatever the night was to offer.

Most Popular Independent Artist was awarded to John Butler Trio, whose acceptance speech was via a video message, as they are currently on tour throughout Europe.

Dooley wasted no time having fun with the announcement of Best Independent Country Album going to Kasey Chambers, Poppa Bill and The Little Hillbillies, as he accepted the award on her behalf, hinting in jest that the award came as no surprise.

Joe Chindamo took to the stage with a pleasing and easy listening performance, and soon after the award for Best Independent Jazz Album was announced, with Stu Hunter taking home the title for his album The Gathering.

Best Independent Hip Hop/Urban Album was granted to Urthboy for his album Spitshine, which was praised by fellow contenders such as Horrorshow, and his work ethic noted in the acceptance speech made for him by good friend Count Bounce.

Cloud Control took home the award for Breakthrough Independent Artist who, in their speech, congratulated te other nominees, with a special mention to friends Richard In Your Mind, “whose album is just awesome!” After many a thank you, they left the stage made way for the beautiful and heartwarming Sally Seltmann, who played the title track of her latest album Heart That’s Pounding to a very appreciative crowd. It wasn’t long before ‘band of the moment’ Cloud Control were back on stage to accept the award for Best Independent Album. Bliss Release is delightful and spontaneous, and with it being their debut, there would seem to be many ‘blissful’ milestones ahead.

Most now have a soft spot for Little Red, and those present were all pleased when their catchy single Rock It from their sophomore album Midnight Remember took home the award for Best Independent Single or EP.

M Phazes rocked the stage to its core, leading a number of singers through their paces along with a large group of impressive marching drummers. His refreshing set woke the night up again, as people were starting to get very chatty and lose sight of what was going on at some points.

As the event was drawing to a close, the last and perhaps most significant award was still to be announced. Dan Sultan was crowned with the honour of Best Independent Artist, overcome with gratitude and a big smile as he made his way to the podium to say thank you once more.

It was time for British India to close the night and didn’t they do it fashionably?! It wasn’t enough that they were having troubles with their equipment, their attitude was nothing short of disrespectful and childish. After blowing two amps and smashing a bass guitar, the group stormed off in a huff announcing something along the lines of “this is shit! It wouldn’t happen if we were at the ARIAs” Many thought their act was priceless, others were left in disbelief – what an ending to an otherwise fantastic night.

Later in the evening, Sultan explained to FasterLouder just what makes these awards so special.

“It’s the fact that independent artists aren’t known to a vast majority, and these awards make them known, get their names heard and give them a chance to really go places.”

“There is just so much talent out there, it is crazy! I think it is great how these awards highlight independent artists like no other’s do, and take the time to hand out that recognition and offer such support.”

Whilst Sultan was ever so articulate and direct, The Amity Affliction had a different take on life as an independent musician, “well, we don’t get paid enough”, but their tips for being a hardcore punk may be of use to some “just wear a black shirt and shave your head, you’ll do alright”.

Like most things, The Independent Music Awards have their place. Yes British India – they aren’t The ARIAs, but they are arguably no less important. Everyone from industry types to punters seemed to enjoy themselves and share delight in the winner’s achievements. As long as event’s such as these awards are around to support and congratulate independent musicians, they will continue to flourish; they may even fly into commercial territory someday (and that isn’t such a bad thing)