Carlton Dry Independent Music Awards: Violent Soho, Courtney Barnett, Remi Win Big

Now in their ninth year, the Carlton Dry AIR Independent Music Awards have announced their winners for 2014, handing out 14 awards to some of our most renowned veterans and buzzed-about up-and-comers, including multiple award winners Violent Soho, Courtney Barnett, and first-time nominee Remi.

Undeniably her breakout year, Barnett has been busy kicking goals over the last 12 months, appearing on US talk shows and nabbing coveted spots at prestigious international festivals like Glastonbury. She’s the recipient of both the Best Independent Artist award and the award for Best Independent Single/EP.

This year it seemed as though you couldn’t open a music blog without seeing one particular Mansfield four-piece. Having birthed several new hard rock anthems, Violent Soho have walked away with the Best Independent Album award and the award for Best Independent Hard Rock, Heavy or Punk Album.

Meanwhile, not only has Remi scored the award for Best Independent Hip-Hop album with sophomore effort Raw X Infinity, but fans are about to see his star rise even higher with the Melbourne emcee announced as the recipient of the Carlton Dry Global Music Grant. The $50,000 grant, bestowed with a view to raising the musician’s profile overseas, will help fund Remi’s forthcoming European and US tours.

“I am really excited to learn that Remi has become the recipient of The Carlton Dry Global Music Grant for 2014,” said Carlton Dry Brand Manager Rob Elder. “Having seen King Gizzard explode over the last year I have no doubt that this grant will go along way in helping Remi take his music to the next level in 2014.”

Brisbane’s Sheppard scored Breakthrough Independent Artist, while Dan Sultan‘s latest effort, Blackbird, was named Best Independent Blues And Roots Album. Electronic stars Peking Duk and RÜFÜS were also winners, taking home Best Independent Dance/Electronica or Club Single and Album respectively.

This year’s award recipients were announced during a ceremony at the Meat Market in North Melbourne this evening, which featured performances from nominees Sheppard, Remi, DMA’s, SAFIA, and Meg Mac. Readers can check below for the full list of this year’s Carlton Dry Independent Music Award winners.