REVIEW: The Indy Awards 2008
- Posted on April 29, 2008 10:56 AM
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THE INDY MUSIC AWARDS 2008
Friday 25 April 2008
The Forum, Kentish Town
by Peter Coulston
I was very pleased to be at The INDY Music Awards 2008 on Friday night for a number of reasons, the first being that Indy is where I live, and I celebrate any opportunity to promote the wealth of talent out there that is too often ignored by other sectors of the music industry. Secondly, I could not hide my joy at the fact that so many category winners were acts that we have championed over the past year in Last Week In London, a practice that we shall continue over the year to follow. Last, but by no means least, it was great to party with all my Indy friends and hear some good music to boot.
Let me say at this point that I had the easy job on this gig, which entailed moving effortlessly from bar to auditorium and back, mostly having a celebratory drink with the winners and drowning sorrows with the less successful; for there were no losers at this gig. It was a tough job but I’m never one to complain. Anyway, if you want to know what really happened on this auspicious occasion, be sure and check out Katie Spain’s article and her video interviews with everyone who was anyone. You’ll wish you’d been there.
So who were the winners? The categories covered all genres of music and there were awards for venues as well. The show was hosted by Radio 2’s Andy Davies and opened with Starsailor performing an acoustic set of lots of their best songs. Check out Katie’s interview with guitarist James Walsh. The voting started out badly for me as Simon Jaymes, the guy that I have supported for some time and who I voted for, lost out to Vince Freeman in the Best Male Solo Act category. Mr Freeman also won the People’s Choice Award, which he received from Chas Smash of Madness. I think that I need to check this guy out (Mr Freeman, that is).
The Ben Sherman Best Punk/Ska Act was won by Bury St. Edmonds’ Thee Vicars, who also gave us a storming performance that was anything but holy. Litmus won the Best Heavy Rock category, which was presented to them by ex Bush drummer, Robin Goodridge. I was on familiar territory in the Best Female Solo Act when Pennsylvania girl, Dawn Kinnard took the prize and reinforced my enthusiastic review of her performance at the Troubadour last October. She also did a short set which was not assisted by the poor sound, a problem that continued intermittently all night.
Best Electronica Act went to You Love Her Coz She’s Dead while The Penny Black Remedy took home the Gibson Guitar Award for Best Alternative Act as well as giving a very well received performance. The award was presented by Mike Rutherford of Genesis and Mike + The Mechanics and Katie obtained a good interview with him as well.
The Guitar Hero Best Rock Act was presented by James Walsh of Starsailor to Camden’s Little Fish, from whom we enjoyed another great performance. Last August I said lots of good things about Molloy when they appeared at the Clockwork in Islington, so I was very pleased to see them receive the award for Best New Wave/Progressive Act, which was well deserved. Best Pop Act went to Miss Pink Shoes and Lewisham’s The IRS took home Best Urban Act.
Moving right along, the Best Soul/Funk/Jazz Act award went to Vimala, while London’s The Brent Flood were awarded Music Uncharted Best Indie Act in their absence (they were performing in Ireland). I have yet to hear the entire band, but did enjoy a good set from one of the band members at The Half Moon last December. The high spot of my night was when one of my favourite bands, Feldspar, won Best Folk/Country/Blues Act. I have reviewed these guys very favourably on two occasions for their performances at Zarathustras nights at the 12 Bar Club, and was glad that I was not the only one to recognise their talent and potential.
The Pub, Bar and Club Awards went to Nambucca, The Halo Bar and 93 Feet East respectively, FeedMe Music were named Promoter of the Year, and TRUCK Festival was chosen as the first winner of the Virtual Festivals Festival of the Year Award. A fitting end to the evening was a great performance from The Buzzcocks, who were also awarded INDY Music Award for Inspiration. Needless to say a great time was had by all, and all will be revealed in Katie Spain’s excellent coverage on this website. You can also catch us on TV on 5 May on Sky Channel 368. This event is open to the public so, next year, get yourself a ticket.
Related links:
Peter Coulston's weekly music column.
The Indy Awards 2008 official site.
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