AIR Announces Performers for the Carlton Dry Independent Music Awards
The Australian Independent Record Labels Association (AIR) is pleased to announce the performers for the eighth Annual CARLTON DRY INDEPENDENT MUSIC AWARDS. This year’s exceptional lineup promises to showcase very special performances by some of the Australian Music industry’s finest talent.
On the eve of the release of their highly anticipated album ‘Hungry Ghost’, Violent Soho bring their riffs, hooks and the trademark wail of frontman Luke Boerdam to centre stage at the Carlton Dry Independent Music Awards. After playing nearly 250 shows around the world in their last year of touring, these four long-haired punk skateboarders from the streets of Brissy knuckled down in their hometown to record their soon to be released third album. And the result is astounding. Following the 2008 debut ‘We Don’t Belong Here’ and the band’s self-titled second album, ‘Hungry Ghost’ – due to hit the shelves September 6th – is a record that is Intelligent, melodic, and dripping with attitude.
Beloved, respected and admired musician, Aboriginal singer/songwriter Archie Roach joins the lineup to perform for the first time at this years awards. Producing his first recorded work since 2009, the critically acclaimed and much lauded album ‘Into The Bloodstream’ was released this past October. Since the album’s release Archie has taken his ensemble all over Australia to perform at both major music festivals and in some of the country’s finest concert halls. Archie has also rightfully picked up a number of awards over the last few months, not only winning 3 at the National Indigenous Music Awards in Darwin, but on the night was also acknowledged for his body of work and was inducted into the NIMA hall of fame.
Also joining the lineup are past AIR Independent Music Award nominees, Big Scary. The duo’s 2011 nominated album ‘Vacation’ saw the alt-pop outfit tour the globe playing to sold-out audiences across Australia, US, Canada and India. The first Australian act to sign with US label Barsuk Records, (home to Death Cab for Cutie, Menomena, Phantogram and Ra Ra Riot) the Melbourne outfit released their second album ‘Not Art’ locally through their own label Pieater, distributed by Inertia. This stunning sophomore release showcased Big Scary’s unique sound, and saw them break free of the minimalist shackles of being a two-piece rock band, and fashion an album that was beautiful, colourful and complex.
Filling the dance card slot for the evening will be RÜFÜS. The band have gained plenty of attention over the past few years with multiple sold out shows in Australia, releasing remixes and originals through the French tastemaker label Kitsuné, invitations to play at CMJ Festival, sold out parties in NYC and main stage festival appearances in Moscow. All this made enough noise to get the attention of the late Australian Dance Legend, Ajax, who signed the band to his label, Sweat it Out in early 2013. The culmination of all their hard work was the recently released debut album, ‘Atlas’ which has gained widespread critical acclaim and airplay across the country, including the coveted feature record slot at triple j, and an amazing #1 debut on the ARIA chart.
Another superb addition to the evening’s performances is Melbourne 9-piece soul outfit Saskwatch. Every band has a story to tell about how they started out and where playing their music has taken them. But few can say they have gone from busking on the streets to gracing the stage at Glastonbury in just four years. Yet for Melbourne band Saskwatch, this is just one of many remarkable feats in their short history. Releasing their debut album, ‘Leave It All Behind’, to widespread acclaim in 2012, the band also established their reputation as one of the city’s most electrifying live acts, with ecstatic horns and one of the tightest rhythm sections in town.
One of Australia’s most acclaimed hip-hop artists Seth Sentry will also perform at this year’s awards. Since the release of his critically acclaimed ARIA Top Ten debut album ‘This Was Tomorrow’ in September last year, Seth Sentry has been achieving milestones in leaps and bounds. From multiple high-rotation radio singles on triple j to extensive national sell out tours across the country, appearances at festivals including Breath Of Life, Fat As Butter, Come Together, Sprung, Big Day Out and Groovin The Moo, he’s also spared a moment to make history in becoming the first Australian hiphop artist to perform on US late-night talk show, Jimmy Kimmel Live.
Stay tuned for further announcements including new Awards, nominations, and guest presenters. For more info on the Awards, Charts and Independent music check out www.air.org.au
The 8th Annual
CARLTON DRY INDEPENDENT MUSIC AWARDS
Wednesday October 9th, 2013
Revolt, 12 Elizabeth Street, Kensington
