Back to reality, I burrowed my head, two-stepped it through the shooting gallery, grabbing a cold Red Bull as I went up the stairs, and made a bee-line straight for the overcrowded bar. I ordered a Jagermeister and Red Bull, a Jagermeister and ginger, and one beer. Before I could feel too bad about exploiting the open bar, some cunt demanded ten beers (I’m guessing all for himself), only to drop three bottles on the floor while trying to gather his swag. Fuck that guy.
We took our seat in the ceremony hall as Dylan Lewis took to the stage as MC. His presence was a result of his radio network’s support of the independent awards – the same network which was the subject of a recent Crikey exposé on nepotistic playlist wrangling. Hmmm.
The first gong to be handed out on the night was that for Best Independent Dance, Electronica Or Club Single. There was a condescending muttering afoot as some dude named Tommy Trash went up to pick up his trophy, which gave way to an equally condescending applause of relief as Seekae were announced as joint winners. Such was the mood of the night – self-congratulations from those with ‘taste’, and an ostensible rejection of all that falls outside the pre-conceived notion of independent.
My Disco picked up Best Independent Hard Rock Or Punk Album for Little Joy, with Ben the only band member on hand to pick up the trophy. But hey, that’s one more than Seekae and The Jezabels.
Illy and the always delightful Owl Eyes performed their airwave conquering hit It Can Wait. What couldn’t wait was my need to expel my massive intake of Jager, so I was treated to a brief side of stage on the way to the loo.
Despite all the bullshit and politicking surrounding the awards, it’s hard to argue that bequeathing more exposure on Adalita’s self-titled record is anything but a good thing. After picking up the award for best independent album, Adalita thanked both Jagermeister and her late, great bandmate Dean Turner. She then went on to perform a stunning floor-tom assisted version of Fool Around. It was a stunning reminder that above all, the music reigns supreme.
Loved: Jagermeister .
Hated: Jagermeister.
Drank: Jagermeister.
