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Australian singer, songwriter and guitarist Jeff Lang [pictured right] is nominated for Best Blues and Roots Album at this year's Jagermeister Independent Music Awards; the music video for his song 'Southern Highlands Daughter'' is embedded above.

Ahead of this year's event - more details on that at the bottom of this post - we briefly caught up with the man himself.

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

For me personally it would be the last show of my recent Chinese tour in Shanghai. Small rock club, absolutely jammed full of people, 400 of them in a room that probably should only hold 300, energy peaking - just an awesome feeling, the sort of thing you get into music for in the first place.

What does being independent mean to you?

It means making the recordings the way I choose without interference or distraction.

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

I guess that your visibility is not as high as it would be with major-label type cash being spent on getting your name out there. Maybe that sort of thing is dying out anyway, I wouldn't know. 

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

I've always enjoyed the feeling of moving at my own pace, meandering steadily around the edges, following my own little path in the business. Being independent certainly gives you that option.

Favourite song of 2010 so far by an Australian artist?

'The Other Side Of The Mountain' by Chris Altmann. It's one of those songs that sounds like a classic straight away, which is very difficult to achieve. [Promo video for Chris Altmann's 2010 album, Que Paso, embedded below]

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

For playing music with passion and some measure of originality.

Favourite music video of all time by an Australian artist?

No real high concept in this one: both 'Hell's Bells' by AC/DC and 'You Got Nothing I Want' by Cold Chisel [embedded below]. They both simply depict the band in a room playing the song, and they both made me want to play guitar. That direct, simple representation of a band appearing live - even though they were miming in the clip - had a powerful impression on me as a young lad.

Which Australian independent act deserves to be the 'next big thing'?

Jordie Lane. Great songwriter.

Finally, who do you think is going to win your category this year? Who deserves runner-up?

Well, obviously I should win... Right? Hello...?Hmmm... Maybe Dan Sultan will win this time - he's great. Three-way tie for runner-up between Ash Grunwald, Mama Kin and I, with it being decided by arm wrestling contest - Mama Kin ultimately kicking Ash and my arses!

Thanks for your time, Jeff! For more info on Jeff Lang, visit his 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/