The official home of Australian Independent Music, a place for music industry professionals alike, featuring the cream of the crop of Australia’s diverse and thriving independent music sector.

Let's get to know the Melbourne-based independent label Rice Is Nice, whose act Richard In Your Mind is nominated for the 2010 Jagermeister Independent Music Award for Breakthrough Independent Artist [music video for Richard In Your Mind's 'Candelabra' embedded above]

Below is an interview with Rice Is Nice's founder, Julia Wilson [pictured right].

How and why did Rice Is Nice start, Julia? 

I had always wanted to start my own label so when I met SPOD, that was my chance. I saw the options available out there for bands and thought its time for me to start. 

Who was involved at the beginning?

Ben [Shackleton] and I started Rice Is Nice. Ben does all our design, websites, posters album art and I run it. I’m lucky to have someone to work with who can do all of those things, as it is so important for a label. 

What does being independent mean to you?

It means a lot to me.It means freedom, fairness, more money for bands, stress,  but loyalty is a really big part of it. 

What are some of the label's proudest moments and success stories?

Every band we have signed is our proudest moment and biggest success!There have been many successes, but I do think that finding them in the first place was the biggest. 

Conversely, any artists or investments that didn't take off as you'd hoped?

I think we are realistic here, not too many smoke and mirrors and we don’t get completely carried away. We have a strong commitment to all of our bands and a realistic approach to their definite success. So no real dissapointments here. 

What's your definition of a successful indie label? 

The public listening and caring about its bands. I guess that is obvious? But this results into a happy band, which is success. 

What are some of the values that your label adheres to (or tries to adhere to)?

Be realistic.Be good, honest, trusting & fair with your bands and others in the industry. It’s too small to be a snakey...Keeeeep goooooing.  

What measurable effect has illegal mp3 downloading/'piracy' had on your business?

I suppose a lot, it would effect anyone trying to sell music.But we think of different ways to counter act that. Everybody must be. It’s been like this for a long time now, you just have to think of other ways to make things work. 

How have you been involved with the Independent Music/AIR Awards over the years? What are some of your wins and losses?

RIYM RIYM RIYM THIS YEAR! WIN WIN WIN! Fingers crossed. 

Looking to the future, do you see the role of your label changing at all?

We have different facets to the label, so they will and are developing which is very exciting -  but as a whole i see it changing into a bigger, stronger, more love filled / fuelled label.  

Finally, give us a hot tip - which local band are you watching closely?

Straight Arrows.

Thanks for your time, Julia! For the latest on Rice Is Nice, head to 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/

Sydney psychedelic pop band Richard In Your Mind [pictured right] are nominated for Breakthrough Independent Artist at this year's Jagermeister Independent Music Awards; the music video for their song 'Candelabra' is embedded above.

Ahead of this year's event - more details on that at the bottom of this post - we briefly caught up with Richard In Your Mind's singer, guitarist and general mastermind, Richard Cartwright.

What does being independent mean to you, Richard?

It means working for yourself and creating things the way you want them created.

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

Generating an income so that we can spend more time making music and less time working at part time jobs.

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

Collaborating with friends and being proud of the work we create.

Favourite song of 2010 so far by an Australian artist, and why?

'This Is What I Said' by Cloud Control [music video embedded below]. I like the way Al breaks down the verse into a confused sounding conversation instead of straight singing before busting into a classic "ya yayayaya" catchy chorus.

Favourite musical moment of 2010 so far, and why?

A kind of favourite extended musical moment was touring with Cloud Control and getting to watch and play with them, they are a real inspiration. Great people in a great band.

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

For being unique and prolific.

Favourite music video of all time by an Australian artist?

Brent Griffin's clip for Richard In Your Mind's 'Candelabra' [embedded at the top of this post]. I know it's our band and everything but I'm trying to think back on other Aussie clips and the pure majesty and imagination of that man's art keeps blocking my mind from thinking about anything else. What a legend.

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

It's just a great feeling to know that somewhere someone is listening to our music and enjoying it enough to think we deserve an award, its very encouraging.

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

Kyu are a band who I see as really refreshing in the Australian musical landscape, making a very evocative kind of music that they clearly love making.

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

We're all winners aren't we, really? And may the runners up be winners next year!

Thanks for your time, Richard! For more info on Richard In Your Mind, 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/