2010 Nominee Q+A: Joe Chindamo
| 2010-10-01 11:30 | Written By:
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/
