The Carlton Dry Independent Music Awards are taking place tonight, and we’re ready! Here, we’ve collected out Top 10 favourite nominees, representing some of the country’s best and brightest.
Check out the full list of nominees here.
RÜFÜS
We documented a day with the RÜFÜS boys up at Splendour In The Grass, and given the worldwide success of Atlas, it’s no surprise that the sun-soaked house trio are up for several awards. They’re currently recording the follow-up full-length in Europe, and by the looks of things, we’re in for a treat.
DMA’S
Although their throwback UK vibes often earn them comparisons to Oasis, the fact is that DMA’s have a real ear for catchy, melancholy songwriting. Pop tunes delivered with real instruments? Yes please. The refrain from ‘Delete’ has been in our heads for weeks now.
HORRORSHOW
Along with the rest of Elefant Traks stable, Horrorshow have been shaping the local hip-hop scene for years with their storytelling straight from the Inner West of Sydney. King Amongst Many is a triumph in more ways than one – introspection is championed both lyrically and production-wise.
CHET FAKER
While we still prefer his Thinking In Textures EP, Chet Faker’s follow-up effort Built In Glass is still a stellar accomplishment. Throughout 12 tracks, he manages to blend down-tempo electronic beats with soulful R&B vibes – all stamped gracefully with his signature brand of weathered crooning.
REMI
Remi released his buzzing album Raw x Infinity through his own imprint in 2014, and also trekked across the nation on a headline tour to back the release. He’s not only up for two awards tomorrow night – he’s also in contention for Carlton Dry’s $50,000 Global Music Grant. A star in the making.
VIOLENT SOHO
Violent Soho gave the rock scene a swift kick up the ass with Hungry Ghost, an album full of meaty riffs and grand hooks. All of this was amplified as the band played on the amphitheatre stage at Splendour In The Grass – a festival where one in every three punter donned a tie dye Violent Soho shirt.
THUNDAMENTALS
The Blue Mountains boys absolutely blew us out of the water with So We Can Remember, and we couldn’t be happier that they’re up for an award for this significant accomplishment. Thundamentals might still be known for their famed Like A Version cover, but they continue to be Obese Records’ most relevant act.
GUERRE
Guerre’s brand of production isn’t what you’d call accessible, but perhaps that’s what makes it so exciting. Released via the ever-consistent Yes Please Records, Ex Nihilo is a collection of haunting tunes that holds an omnipresent sense of tribal danger. Brilliant stuff.
TA-KU
Master of aesthetics and all-round cool producer, Ta-ku definitely channeled the pensive R&B vibes for Songs To Break Up To. This is a very emotive experience – listen to this on a gloomy day while you’re wearing all black, and follow it up with Drake’s entire discography.
PEKING DUK
It feels like only a matter of time before Peking Duk gain international stardom, with their belting anthem ‘High’ on repeat for the past several months. Combine this with a sizeable live show and their infamous party-starting antics, and Peking Duk are a winning formula in the making.
