Well, given how much good stuff is coming out of the Canadian independent music scene just now, I suppose we can justify dedicating a few lines to the Canadian Independent Music Awards, which kicked off Canadian Music Week in Toronto on Wednesday night.
Arcade Fire scored well taking Best Album and Best Video, while in the international categories Bloc Party and Franz Ferdinand were both winners. Nominees are selected in these awards by a panel of industry bods, while winners are picked through a combination of public and industry votes. Full list of winners as follows:
Album: Arcade Fire - Funeral
Single: Bedouin Soundclash - When the Night Feels My Song
Solo artist: City and Colour featuring Dallas Green.
Group or duo: Death From Above 1979.
Video: Arcade Fire - Neighbourhood 3 (Power Out)
International artist or group: Franz Ferdinand.
International album: Bloc Party - Silent Alarm
New international artist or group: Rumble In Rhodos.
Artist website: Neverending White Lights, http://www.neverendingwhitelights.com.
Blues artist or group: Garrett Mason.
Children's artist or group: Mike Whitla.
Classical artist or group: James Ehnes.
Country artist or group: Brad Johner.
Electronica artist or group: The Hermit.
Folk artist or group: Corb Lund.
Francophone artist or group: Annie Villeneuve.
Jazz artist or group: Sandro Dominelli.
Latin alternative artist or group: Cache.
Metal/hardcore artist or group: Cryptopsy.
Pop artist or group: Rosette.
Rock artist or group: Boys Night Out.
Urban artist or group: Divine Brown.
World artist or group: Muna Mingole.
Rising star (music critic's choice): Elliott Brood.