The Australian Record Labels Association has just uncovered the 2018 nominations for its Best Independent Label award. Recognising talent from around the country, the likes of Milk! Records, ABC Music, Dot Dash Recordings, Bad Apples Music and UNFD have been shortlisted for an award which will see the winner take home a digital marketing package of $20,000.
Such funds will help these indies propel their work further, gaining more exposure and opportunities for their bands and artists in the process.
Introduced in 2012, the Best Independent Label award category is designed to shine a light on the unspoken heroes of our music industry; those working assiduously behind the scenes, often without recognition.
First off the top, Milk! Records has been industrious in propelling Courtney Barnett, Jen Cloher and a number of other respected musicians within Melbourne’s underground.
A subsidiary of the Australian Broadcasting Commission, ABC Music works around the clock with the likes of The Audreys, Tim Rogers, Melbourne Ska Orchestra and Ben Salter on its roster. All profits from the organisation are put back into the running of the ABC.
Remote Control set up Dot Dash Recordings in 2004 and ever since it’s been fostering some of Australia’s most exciting acts. Think of Banoffee, Donny Benet, friendships and Gabriella Cohen and you’re in the ballpark of Dot Dash.
Bad Apples has been crucial to Australia’s exciting contingent of Indigenous artists. A.B. Original, Birdz, Nooky and Philly are here today largely because of Bad Apples.
Then there’s UNFD, Australia’s pre-eminent heavy record label. We can feast on music from Bodyjar, Architects, Cursed Earth and Hellions because of UNFD.
