Whether it’s the rugged charm of rock n’ roll down at the local, or the vibration of bass-filled belters spilling from a warehouse party, our independent music scene is something to be celebrated.

That’s been happening each year at the Carlton Dry Independent Music Awards. Staying independent is a courageous path to take in today’s day and age, but one that ensures diversity and an omnipresent creative spirit around Australia’s music scene.

Last night, the Carlton Dry Independent Music Awards returned once again, gracing North Melbourne’s historic Meat Market in dazzling fashion. The vast hall quickly filled with industry figures, musicians, burgers and booze before we were moved onto the night’s proceedings in the next room.

Greeted by a chandelier made from empty Carlton Dry beer bottles, the night began in a refreshingly casual manner as Dylan Lewis hosted the night with side-splitting humour. Highlights included DMA’s taking the stage for ‘Delete’ with members draped in Nike, Adidas & Burberry, while SAFIA’s live electronic act mixed vocals and instrumentation in slick fashion. Sheppard’s performance of ‘Geronimo’ was prefaced with a reminder that the track has gone four times platinum, and will also be featured on The Ellen DeGeneres Show later this month – proof that independent artists can still make it big time.

Winners on the night included notorious party-starters Peking Duk, who took out Best Independent Dance/Electronica Single for their signature anthem ‘High’. Never ones to disappoint, they ended their acceptance speech with this message: “And last but not least, fuck Barry O’Farrell!”

Our pals in RÜFÜS took home the accompanying award for Best Independent Dance/Electronica Album with their brilliant debut Atlas. The trio chimed in via video from London, and we can’t wait for their follow-up album which sits on the distant horizon.

As anticipated, Violent Soho took home two awards on the night for their album Hungry Ghost, which was named the Best Independent Hard Rock, Heavy or Punk Album and Best Independent Album overall. After 10 years in the game, it’s beautiful to see them gain this sort of acknowledgement.

Finally, we’ve really got to take our hats off to Remi. Not only did he take out the award for Best Independent Hip Hop Release with his sprawling masterpiece Raw X Infinity, but he also won the $50,000 Carlton Dry Global Music Grant. Undoubtedly, this will help Remi as he tours Europe and America in the coming months to spread his sonic goodness across the globe. Fittingly, the night closed with a performance from Remi – and another congratulations for wearing Nike Tech Fleece trackpants to the event.

The Carlton Dry Independent Music Awards assures us that the Australian music scene is still thriving. You only have to look at the diverse range of winners accepting awards and taking the stage on a night like this, and it won’t be long before you shed a green and gold tear of pride. Until next year’s festivities, we’ll be sitting at home trying to construct that damn beer bottle chandelier.

Results:

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

Carlton Dry Best Independent Album Nominees