Bertie Blackman

Bertie Blackman and The Drones were among a number of artists to take home top awards at this year’s Australian Independent Record (AIR) Awards.

Melbourne-based Blackman took home the award for best breakthrough artist for her new album, Secrets and Lies.

“I’ve never won an award before,” Blackman said.

“It’s an honour that my first ever trophy is for independent breakthrough artist. This is just the starting point and means that I have much more to achieve in the future.”

Melbourne act, The Drones took home two awards: best independent album for their fourth studio release, Havilah and independent artist of the year.

The Drones will no doubt stash their awards somewhere safe next month when they jet off to the UK to join the Melvins, Mudhoney, The Dirty Three and Deerhoof at the All Tomorrow’s Parties (ATP) festival.

Following the event, The Drones will head back into the studio to begin work on their next album.

The band will perform again at ATP in 2010.

Tags | awards, Bertie Blackman, The Drones