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Australian country group Kasey Chambers, Poppa Bill and The Little Hillbillies [pictured right] are nominated for Best Country Album at this year's Jagermeister Independent Music Awards for their debut album, Lost Music Blues - music video for the title track embedded above.

Ahead of this year's awards night - more details on that at the bottom of this post - we briefly caught up with Poppa Bill (better known as Bill Chambers, Kasey's father) to talk independent music.

What's your favourite musical moment of 2010 so far, Bill?

Playing around the campfire with Rohan Powell and Jo Ahern on The Great Australian Cattle Drive. It took me back to where i started singing with Nash and Kasey around the campfire years ago.

Favourite song of 2010 so far by an Australian artist? 

'The Great Divide' by Kim Cheshire, from the album Dead Man's Shoes. The song is great, and so is the production.

What does being independent mean to you? 

It means having the freedom to perform and record the music you want. 

What's the biggest challenge you face as an independent musician? 

Getting the music heard for music's sake, rather than who you are associated with.

Conversely, what's the best thing about being independent? 

I'm my own boss.

As a musician, what would you ultimately like to be known and remembered for? 

Having songs that meant something to the listeners.

Favourite music video of all time by an Australian artist? 

'To Her Door' by Paul Kelly, because it tells a story and Paul Kelly is great. [embedded below]

What's the best thing about being associated with AIR and the Jagermeister Independent Music Awards? 

It's helping Independent artists get recognition.

Finally, which Australian independent act deserves to be the 'next big thing'? 

Kevin Bennett.

Thanks for your time, Bill! For more info on The Little Hillbillies, visit their website.

The 5th Annual Jagermeister Independent Music Awards are held at The Forum Theatre, Melbourne on Friday October 1st, 2010, featuring live performances from British India, Cloud Control, The Amity Affliction, M-Phazes, Sally Seltmann and Joe Chindamo. Doors open at 8:00pm; tickets are $29+BF and available now via Ticketmaster.

For more info on AIR and Australian independent music, visit http://www.ausindies.com.au/