AIR AWARDS WINNERS 2006

Best Performing Independent Album

Hilltop Hoods - The Hard Road
Debuting in April this year, and the fourth LP for this Adelaide hip hop crew, Hilltop Hoods has
spent over 24 weeks in the top 5 of the V Energy AIR Charts this year, and a staggering 22
weeks at #1. This was a release that broke new ground for the genre, being the first Australian hip hop album to debut at #1 in the ARIA charts, securing Gold status in less that 3 weeks; an amazing achievement for an independent label in Australia.

Best Performing Single / EP

Blue King Brown - Blue King Brown
A testament to their grass roots following, percussive roots act Blue King Brown spent some 42 weeks in the V Energy AIR Charts top 20 with their self-titled EP this year. This included 21 weeks in the top 5 and a week at #1. In a little under two years of gigging, the act is an established name in the Australian indie scene, with their grassroots approach also a strong part of their touring ethos. The single 'Water', off this EP, broke new ground for the band, earning high rotation on Triple J as well as an APRA songwriter award.

Independent Artist of the Year

Hilltop Hoods
The lead up to the recent success of Hilltop Hoods has been a long, rewarding road allowing them to develop as artists and hone their performance skills while always upholding their integrity. A band that set a new benchmark for Australian independent music in 2006, this stellar year for the Hilltop Hoods included the amazing success of LP The Hard Road, the sold out grass roots "stopping all stations" national tour, and a swag of awards. Released and distributed by Obese Records, Hilltop Hoods have cemented their status at the forefront of Australian hip hop and earned respect and accolades both nationally and internationally.

Most Outstanding New Independent Artist

Gotye
A break through artist of the Australian independent scene in 2006, Gotye is 26-year-old Wally DeBacker, who plays drums, percussion and piano, writes, sings and produces Gotye tracks at home in his bedroom. His most recent releases Like Drawing Blood and the remix/covers album Mixed Blood, are distributed through Creative Vibes and have achieved phenomenal independent success including Triple J album of the weeks, and an ARIA nominations and ARIA Awards.