Barnett lead the nominations with four when these were announced last month.
Currently on tour in the US – she plays Madison Square Gardens in New York tonight with Blur – she accepted her award via a video message. “Thank you for this award for Best Independent Artist. This one means a lot to me, it’s important as an artist to be able to create what you want, when you want to and I’m very grateful to be able to do that right now.” Her trophies were picked up by partner Jen Cloher.
Seth Sentry also could not accept the award for Best independent Hip Hop Album for Strange New Past in person from last year’s winners Remi and Sensible J. He has just undergone surgery on his leg.
Similarly, Frank Yamma had to cancel at the last minute due to a family emergency. His producer David Bridie had to get up on the winner’s podium to accept Best Independent Country Album for Uncle on his behalf.
Other winners were:
Breakthrough Independent Artist of the Year: #1 Dads.
Best Independent Blues & Roots Album: CW Stoneking’s Gon’ Boogaloo.
Best Independent Hard Rock, Heavy Or Punk Album: King Gizaard & The Lizard Wizard’s I’m In Your Mind Fuzz.
Best Independent Dance/Electronica Album: Flight Facilities’ Down To Earth.
Best Independent Dance, Electronica or Club Single: Hayden James’ Something About You.
Best Independent Jazz Album: Barney McAll’s Mooroolbark.
Best Independent Classical Album: Australian Branenburg Orchestra’s Brandenburg Celebrates.
John Butler, just back from a three month tour through the US and Europe, was a surprise guest, performing Better Than. Also performing were Airling (who kicked off the night with new single Stallin), Bad//Dreems, Dead Letter Circus and Harts.
The awards’ 10th anniversary and AIR’s 20 years. were celebrated with a reel, and a speech by original AIR CEO Julie Owens (now a Federal MP). Murray Cook of The Wiggles in his keynote emphasised the importance of remaining an indie acts, as his band has done, to “stay passionate” and to “hang on to your publishing.”
“What a fantastic way to celebrate the 10th Awards and AIR’s 20th year. It’s so great to see the independent sector come together and pay tribute to the great work that is seeing our artists find local and international success,” AIR CEO, Dan Nevin, summed up the night.
