Live Review: Carlton Dry Independent Music Awards

It takes quite a while to get the crowd – who are clearly relishing the idea of free booze – organised and in their seats before the night gets underway. But finally, after the bar closes and the last tray of spring rolls is pounced upon by hungry, artfully disheveled dudes, the sizable crowd is seated and HG Nelson graces the prize podium. This year's host snagged the gig through a chance meeting with Nick O'Byrne, Australian Independent Record Labels Association (AIR)'s General Manager, at Splendour, but he really could have got the gig on avuncular charm alone. However he got there, Nelson informs us why we're all here: this is Australian music's “night of nights” (and before anyone gets confused, he lambasts that other “night of nights”, the ARIAs).

Nelson introduces The Cat Empire's Harry James Angus to open proceedings and wax lyrical about what it means to be an independent musician. The speech is touching and ends on a light note when Angus idealises an apocalyptic world where only musicians are left with any skill from which to make a living. Saskwatch get things started in a musical sense, performing new single Hands. The nine-piece are an energetic live act and Nkechi Anele's soaring vocals prove a treat.

The first two awards of the night are new ones and it's heartening to see AIR acknowledging classical and jazz music, which are oft unrepresented in crowds like this. Amy Dickson and Jonathan Szwartz win the two respective awards, and Basil from ABC Records accepts both on their behalf (which becomes something of a running joke throughout the night).

Nelson then introduces a man who needs no introduction, such is his captivating talent: Archie Roach. The audience watches in hushed silence as this national treasure plucks and strums his way though the familiar Heal The People.

Immediately after the award for Best Independent Heavy, Hard Rock Or Punk Album is awarded to King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard (12 Bar Bruise), Violent Soho hit the stage to demonstrate their thrashing, distinctively Aussie take on the genre with Covered In Chrome.

The awards for Best Independent Dance/Electronica Or Club Single and Best Independent Dance/Electronica Album are no-brainers, and a rep from record label Future Classic (which later takes out Best Independent Label) accepts these awards on behalf or Flume (aka Harley Streten). The 21-year-old boy wonder snags a further two awards, Best Independent Album and Best Independent Artist, accepting the latter via satellite. Streten speaks to us mid-NZ headline tour, which reminds us of his impressive career trajectory.

Rüfüs give us an atmospheric rendition of their single Desert Night, and Big Scary deliver their meandering cut Twin Rivers. The frantic applause that greets the latter band is indicative of their popularity amongst industry types.

Seth Sentry shows us precisely why he deserves the Best Independent Hip Hop Album gong (for This Was Tomorrow). The Melburnian is all charm and jokes and presents a refreshing take on Aussie hip hop, free from bros and fist-pumping.

Finally, it's King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard's turn to storm the stage and close proceedings. The boys are riding high on their success, adding the $50,000 Carlton Dry Global Music Grant to their previous win this evening. The band's sheer joy at this unexpected acknowledgement is evident as they rip through I'm Not a Man, Unless I Have a Woman. They sound loud and dirty, their enthusiasm evident.

As soon as the lads leave the stage, a stream of attendees shuffle out the door to board the free buses headed for our designated after-party venue, Ding Dong Lounge. With these Independent Music Awards, AIR succeeds in uniting age and genre for a truly sophisticated showcase of the talent we have in this country. As has been repeated all night: it's an exciting time for music in Australia.