Australian Independent Music Awards 2013

 

 Last night I attended the Australian Independent Music Awards in Pyrmont. I sauntered over to The Star in the stickiest of Sydney weather to rub shoulders with our countries 'soon-to be' somebodies. I headed into the theatre early whilst everyone was schmoozing on the deck, to catch some of the early performers. It was interestingly intimate... A huge theatre with only scattered attendees. 

First up was one man band Claude Hay from Katoomba. Hay took to the stage to perform 3 songs on his double neck guitar. Although a lone performer, Hay gave the impression of a full band through the use of his surrounding drum kit, looping pedals and backing track. His Blues n Roots style is similar to that of John Butler Trio. I particularly enjoyed his song Don't Give Me That Shit. Hay went on to winning Best Live Performance later in the evening, and it was clear why.

Next up we were shown a pre recorded intro from MusicOz spokesperson Richard Wilkins. He spoke of some of Australia's finest who started out as independent artists looking to MusicOz for support. Artists such as Cog, Blue King Brown, Porcelain, Lior, Regurgitator and Bliss n Eso. The intro was basically a toast to the good work MusicOz do for Australian musicians. Rightly So.

Pop star Adam Katz performed two songs unfortunately without any keys due to technical issues. Regardless, he held his own and did a fantastic job of capturing the attention of the crowd filtering in for the show. Katz had a very energetic performance accompanied by a very talented tap dancer for the first song and a couple of dancers for the second. One of the dancers was easily recognisable due to her firey red locks as Rihannon Villereal, from So You Think You Can Dance. Adam Katz won Best Pop Artist, I was beginning to see a pattern with the performers also being winners. No complaints though, it just meant we were getting to see the best of the best.

Bliss n Eso (winners of the 2003 and 2004 awards for Best Urban Artist) paid their respects to MusicOz for helping them start out by introducing the next performance from The String Angels. By far the best dressed artists there on the night, this trio of violinists performed in gold evening gowns. Whilst their playing was spectacular, I secretly hope they never become a quartet. I feel three violins is the unspoken quota for a song, if unaccompanied by any other instruments. Otherwise it will get a little screechy.
 

Other live performances of the night included Kid Mac (last years winner of Artist Of The Year), Blind Monkey who paired their screamo tunes with black leather dusters and gimp masks, Steve Balby (formally of Rose Tattoo and Noiseworks), Crooner Liam Burrows covering Frank Sinatra's My Way, 456 (I don't know who they were or what they sang. They didn't announce themselves at all),  Neon City and Irwin Thomas AKA Jack Jones from Southern Sons. 

Irwin Thomas (photo from MusicOz website)

My absolute favourite live performance of the night was from a lady named Kada. She performed her new song In Memory. It's electronica/dub style was delivered to perfection. Kada was on keyboard and vocals. She was joined by two salsa dancers which only served as a distraction from the artist herself, she didn't need them at all. Everyone in the audience was enthralled by her alone. 

The night as a whole was either the most terribly organised show I've ever been to, or a testament to the easy-going nature of Australian Musicians. I'd like to believe the latter. The Awards were plagued with technical issues and it was as if the screen was running on a PowerPoint slide-show that the presenters had to attempt to keep up with. There were awkward moments when NO ONE was on stage and the crowd was just waiting for something to happen. It seemed none of the performers had had a sound check and the vocalist from Neon City claimed "it's easier to get a tequila here than a water", and as a result his vocals weren't up to scratch. The absence of a host was a real setback, it's important to have someone available to be on stage the whole night if necessary, announcing presenters and bands, keeping the audience entertained and keeping the show on track. 

Also, Just a side note to independent artists and musicians performing in front of competitors and industry professionals.... ANNOUNCE YOURSELF!! Say who you are and what your song is called!! There are a number of bands from the night I had to research before writing this article to find out who the fuck they were. You need to sell yourself to your audience if you want to make it in music guys. Jesus Christ!

All criticisms aside, the show itself was a laugh. The ludicrousy of the night's issues added to the hilarity of the whole affair. The presenters and bands made a joke of it to lighten the tense, awkwardness of the mishaps. All in all it was a lot of fun. 

Kudos to MusicOz for organising the AIM Awards and congratulations to all the winners:

Rock Artist - July Days

Heavy Metal/Hardcore - Gay Paris

Country Artist - Kate Cook

DJ/Producer  - Joni Fernandez 
People's choice - Thank You City 
Urban Artist - Blaq Carrie 
Best Live Performance - Claude Hay 
Schoolies Award - Exit 
Instrumental Artist - Ouma Kapila 
Acoustic Artist - The Short Fall 
Dance/Electronica - Rose Wintergreen 
Blues/Roots Artist - Mama Kin 
Pop Artist - Adam Katz 
Alternative Artist - Battleships 
Video Of The Year - Leisure Bandits 
Artist Of The Year - I Am Sam

Apologies, this is not the full list of winners, I will post the rest as soon as they are released.

 Claude Hay at the 2013 AIM Awards