Violent Soho, Courtney Barnett, Sheppard and Remi were among the big winners Wednesday night (Oct. 8) when the trophies were handed out at Australia’s Independent Music Awards. There was no glory for either Sia or Chet Faker, however, who each had three nominations but failed to win a prize.
Brisbane four-piece alternative rock outfit Violent Soho converted two of their leading four nominations, while their music company I OH YOU was named best independent label. Violent Soho, which earlier this week grabbed four ARIA Award nominations, saw their third album release Hungry Ghost win indie awards for best independent album and best independent hard rock, heavy or punk album. A Mushroom Group company, I OH YOU counts DMA’s, Bleeding Knees Club, City Calm Down and DZ Deathrays among its signings.
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Violent Soho, Sia Lead Australia’s Independent Music Awards Nominations
Also during the ceremony in Melbourne, rising star Courtney Barnett nabbed best independent artist and best independent single/EP for “Avant Gardener,” the singer-songwriter’s breakout track she performed to millions back in April on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.
Newcomer Remi took out the hip hop award for this sophomore album Raw X Infinity and he claimed the Carlton Dry Global Music Grant, which comes with a $50,000 winner’s check. The prize money is specifically designed to help musicians boost their profile overseas, and it’s expected to help fund the urban artist’s forthcoming European and U.S. touring commitments over the next few months.
Chet Faker, Sia, 5SOS, Iggy Azalea Nominated for ARIA Awards
Six-piece pop outfit Sheppard took out the breakthrough independent artist of the year category while rock ‘n’ roller Dan Sultan won the best independent blues and roots album category for “Blackbird” (Liberation). Both acts have multiple chances to win ARIA Awards later this year.
In the indie electronic music categories, RÜFÜS (also known as RÜFÜS DU SOL) won for best independent dance/electronica album for their debut, ARIA albums chart-toppping release Atlas, while Peking Duk took out best independent dance/electronica or club single for their hit “High,” which features vocalist Nicole Millar.
Performers on the night included Remi and Sheppard, DMA’S, Safia and Meg Mac. Sponsored by drinks brand Carlton Dry, the 9th annual awards ceremony was organized by trade body AIR.
Winners at Australia’s 2014 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”