As bookish types may have noticed, yesterday we sat down for a lengthy discussion with AIR head honcho Nick O'Byrne, as to exactly what "independent" means in 2011. The context of this discussion, of course, was the 2011 Independent Music Awards, which took place in Melbourne last night at superb new arts space Revolt. A multi-roomed warehouse-type complex that boasted bars, a photography exhibition curated by Kane Hibberd, a DJ dancefloor and more, the well-pitched ceremony took place in a long, artfully lit room that did well to wrest the spirit of the awards back from the slightly shambolic event at the Forum Theatre in 2010.

While the discussion about what defines an act as independent will always be a talking point, there were few qualms with the actual winners on the night. As predicted (and hoped), Adalita ran away with the award for Best Independent Album for her self-titled debut solo album, which has rarely been off the stereo at TheVine HQ since it was released in March. The Magic Dirt singer capped the win off with an on stage dedication to friend and mentor Dean Turner, who passed away in 2009, before silencing the gathered room of industry and musos with a gorgeous rendition of 'Fool Around'.

Apart from Adalita, the big winners on the evening were Sydney band The Jezabels — they won the awards for Best Independent Artist and Best Independent Single or EP. Ben Andrews from My Disco, who's Melbourne band had just recently returned from an overseas tour, accepted the award for his groups win in the awkwardly-named Best Independent Hard Rock and Punk Album category for Little Joy, while Pnau's Soft Universe took out the prize for Best Independent Dance / Electronica Album.

We were also gratified to see excellent Sydney trio Seekae win Best Independent Dance / Electronica Or Club Single for their song "Blood Bank" — they tied for first place with Tommy Trash and Tom Piper's "All My Friends". 360 made up for not having a contender in the hip-hop category (that award went to Drapht for The Life of Riley) by winning the personality contest for the Most Hunted Award, as well as on stage. The gangly rapper boomed into the microphone with a rambling thanks that ended with a hilarious nod to sponsors: "I went up to the bar and asked for a Jagerbomb. They said, 'We don't do Jagerbombs.' I said can I have a Jager and red bull? That's a Jagerbomb." Elsewhere, Wagons stretched the definition of "country" by winning the Best Independent Country Album, Gurrumul won Best Independent Blues and Roots Album and much Jagermeister was drunk by all and sundry. The complete list of award winners is right here:

Best Independent Artist
The Jezabels

Breakthrough Independent Artist Of The Year
 Emma Louise

Best Independent Album
 Adalita — Adalita (Liberation Music)

Best Independent Single Or EP
The Jezabels — "Dark Storm" (Independent)

Best Independent Blues And Roots Album
Gurrumul — Rrakala (Skinnyfish)

Best Independent Country Album
Wagons — Rumble Shake and Tumble (Spunk)

Best Independent Hip Hop Album
Drapht — The Life Of Riley (The Ayems)

Best Hard Rock And Punk Album
My Disco — Little Joy (Shock Entertainment)

Best Independent Dance / Electronica Album
Pnau — Soft Universe (Etc Etc)

Best Independent Dance / Electronica Or Club Single
Seekae — "Blood Bank" (Rice Is Nice/Popfrenzy)
Tommy Trash and Tom Piper — "All My Friends feat. Mr Wilson" (Ministry Of Sound)

Best Independent Jazz Album
Sandy Evans — When The Sky Cries Rainbows (ABC Music)

Most Hunted Award
360