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Australian jazz pianist Joe Chindamo [pictured right] is nominated for Best Jazz Album at this year's Jagermeister Independent Music Awards for his LP Another Place, Some Other Time. The music video for the track 'Raising Arizona' 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 Joe to talk independent music.

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

Launching my latest CD at the Stonnington Jazz Festival in May this year. This album was a collection of adventurous excursions into bluegrass territory, film, folk etc.. It's strictly not jazz, ( most of my music isn't, actually), and it was exciting to add Lucky Oceans on pedal steel guitar. I love that instrument, and of course, what he does with it.

What does being independent mean to you?

Being independent means that I've broken away from what record companies think the masses like. I create music I'm passionate about, and hope there is an audience for it. Luckily, there is.

I guess it's like producing a fine wine. It's not for everyone, but it could be, if  the exposure was there. I have faith in people's abilities to enjoy high quality music. It's like everything - you get used to whatever is on offer. Instant coffee becomes acceptable if that's all you have for a long time. Music is the same, and most people listen to what they're told to listen to by DJs, and watch crap TV for similar reasons. Others make the effort to seek out the good stuff. Being independent doesn't give one exclusivity so much as a right to exist in what otherwise would be a sea of mediocrity.

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

Staying alive.

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

No-one tells me what to do.

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

I'd like to be acknowledged as one of the people who raised the standard of Australian music, I'd also like to be remembered as someone who  created something new. Finally, I'd like to be remembered as someone who's work moved people and made them glad to be alive. My favourite artists, such as Glenn Gould, Joni Mitchell, Bill Evans, really enrich my life, and I hope that in some small way, I could do the same for others.

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

I get to play at the awards night! And my album Another Place, Some Other Time, has been nominated for an award.

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

Apart from me?

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

That's an unfair question.

Thanks for your time, Joe! For more info on Joe Chindamo, visit his 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/

Australian double bassist Jonathan Zwartz [pictured right] is nominated for Best Jazz Album at this year's Jagermeister Independent Music Awards for his LP The Sea - promo footage for which 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 Jonathan to talk independent music.

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

Performing with my kids Henry (drums) and Martha (guitar and vocals) at a migrant refugee school in MaeSot, Thailand, on the border with Burma. The kids that go to that school have nothing, they tear exercise books and pencils in half so there's enough to go around, they want to learn. And they love music, there was a hip hop band, a heavy metal band, and a full on pop band playing on a bamboo stage to about 150 other kids and teachers, all going crazy! They are resolutely positive in the face of impossible hardship. To see the way they live was a reality check, that's for sure.

What does being independent mean to you?

I'm an independent jazz musician - that's like having leprosy where record companies are concerned. Getting music heard, getting music on mediums other than community radio, getting a gig! These things are extremely hard to achieve on a constant basis. But I'm glad that the majors don't have an interest in improvised music, they really wouldn't know what to do with it. Michael Buble, Harry Connick, Diana Krall and Nora Jones is just about the extent of their idea of what jazz is. So there was never an option of being anything other than independent for me. This is not a bad thing especially lately with the worldwide breakdown of the status quo in regards to the music industry. These are exciting times.... 

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

Getting my music heard.  

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

Not being seen as a commodity... 

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

That my music stood the test of time.

Favourite music video of all time by an Australian artist? 

That's hard! One that sticks in my memory is Silverchair's 'Across the Night' [embedded below]. I love its references to Silent Movies and Directors like Fritz Lang and Cocteau.

More recently, Art vs Science 'Parlez Vous Francais' and also 'Big Jet Plane' by Angus and Julia Stone, are great videos....

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

It's pretty amazing to be recognised by one's peers. For me it means the best kind of attention, people in the industry saying "keep it up, keep working, keep going, we value what you do", and that can mean the difference between art and death. I'm pretty passionate about what I do, and fiercely proud of this part of the world's contribution to the music scene worldwide. I would not be anywhere else right now, I think we're at the cusp of a something big.........

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

Tina Harrod!

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

Tough field in the jazz area this year.....Mike Nock because he's a legend, and Stu Hunter, cos he wears his heart on his sleeve, but Allan [Browne] and Joe [Chindamo] are worthy winners also. As I said, tough field! 

Thanks for your time, Jonathan! For more info on Jonathan Zwartz, 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.au/