2010 Nominee Q+A: The Red Eyes
| 2010-09-24 10:00 | Written By:
Melbourne band The Red Eyes [pictured right] are nominated for Best Blues and Roots Album at this year's Jagermeister Independent Music Awards for their LP Red Army. The music video for their song 'Inside Out' is embedded above.
Ahead of this year's awards night - more details on that at the bottom of this post - we briefly caught up with The Red Eyes' guitarist, producer and founding member Damien Charles to talk independent music.
What's your favourite song of 2010 so far by an Australian artist, Damien?
'Will You Be There' by The Raah Project [music video embedded below]
Favourite musical moment of 2010 so far?
Listening to the finished version of our album Red Army in Benchmark Mastering on Don's mindblowing speakers.
What does being independent mean to you?
It means the freedom to make your own decisions and own your career, plus the responsibility that goes with it.
What's the biggest challenge you face as an independent musician?
Lack of finance in the early stages of producing and promoting the albums/videos etc
Conversely, what's the best thing about being independent?
Having all the say in how we do our thing from art to track listing etc. It really means if you work hard you can present your vision unadulterated to the world.
As a musician, what would you ultimately like to be known and remembered for?
Killing it at scrabble, having great nicknames and a killer live show.
Favourite music video of all time by an Australian artist?
Anything with Peter Garrett dancing is OK by me! [Live footage of Midnight Oil performing 'Power and the Passion' embedded below]
What's the best thing about being associated with AIR and the Jagermeister Independent Music Awards?
All the Jagermeister! That and its great to be in such good company, with some of the best and most credible acts in Australia at the moment doing music for the right reasons.
Which Australian independent act deserves to be the 'next big thing'?
Ronit. Amazing songwriter with a beautiful voice.
Finally, who do you think is going to win your category this year?
Dan Sultan.
Thanks for your time, Damien! For more info on The Red Eyes, visit their MySpace.
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/
