Sydney’s Flume triumphed at last night’s Carlton Dry Independent Music Awards, held in Melbourne.

These were attended by up to 900 indie music executives as well as representatives of new sponsor Carlton Dry. They were again held at Revolt in Kensington but in a new space.

Vance Joy and King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard picked up two gongs each. King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard wondered whether to melt one of theirs down to make a bong. Their second award was the inaugural Carlton Dry Global Music Grant of $50,000 to help them record or tour abroad behind their recently released album Float On – Fill Your Lungs. Or as one of the seven piece quipped, they could always blow it all on 50,000 Zinger pies.

They also performed unexpectedly on the night, alongside previously announced Archie Roach, Big Scary, Seth Sentry, RÜFÜS, Violent Soho (who pumped hard!) and Saskwatch.

Paul Kelly took out Best Independent Blues And Roots Album for Spring And Fall.

The Cat Empire member Harry James Angus set the tone for the night with a well received opening speech about the passion that indie musicians have, and how growing up all he wanted to be was a musician. (Speaking of passion, TCE returned to Melbourne from their last show on their tour, in Cairns, and were in the recording studio the next morning).

Jagwar Ma and Big Scary, who had eight and four nominations, respectively, left empty handed.

Jagwar Ma were a no-show as they were touring abroad, as were Flume who was touring in New Zealand and Paul Kelly who was on his way back from U.S. dates.

Best Independent Artist – Flume

Best Independent Album – Flume – Flume

Breakthrough Independent Artist – Vance Joy

Best Independent Single/EP – Vance Joy – ‘God Loves You When You’re Dancing ‘

Best Independent Hip Hop Album – Seth Sentry – This Was Tomorrow

Best Independent Country Album – Catherine Britt – Always Never Enough

Best Independent Blues And Roots Album – Paul Kelly – Spring And Fall

Best Independent Hard Rock, Heavy or Punk Album – King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard – 12 Bar Bruise

Best Independent Jazz Album – Jonathan Zwartz – The Remembering And Forgetting Of The Air

Best Independent Dance/Electronica Album – Flume – Flume

Best Independent Dance/Electronica or Club Single – Flume – ‘Holdin’ On’

Best Independent Classical Album – Amy Dickson – Catch Me If You Can

Best Independent Label – Future Classic

Carlton Dry Global Music Grant winner – King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard

Image: Wilk

For more information on the awards, charts and independent music check out air.org.au

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