Independent Music Awards 2015 Q&A: Jim Lawrie

How did you find out you were nominated for a Carlton Dry Independent Music Award? I got a text from a friend while I was on my way to work. It was a screenshot of mine and Troy Cassar Daley's names next to each other...I didn't really know what it meant until my friend clarified.

What was the last thing you won? I think when I was in primary school I entered a newspaper competition to win a limited edition Don Bradman five dollar coin. Surprised I haven't spent it yet...

What's been a highlight of your year artistically? Releasing my first vinyl with music that I'd written was a really awesome feeling. And getting to work on that release with my friends from Barely Dressed Records was ace!

What does being an independent artist mean to you? Contributing to the colour and fire of a group of artists who want to create something innovative. Creating for the worth of its existence.

How did you finance your last release? We just released a single that relied heavily on the kindness and expertise of friends. Any cash that was put into it came from gigging and working hard.

Will you prepare a speech for the awards just in case or fly by the seat of your pants? No prep. Nothing worse than seeing someone struggle to read their own handwriting, and mine's pretty illegible even on a good day...