The Indy Awards launched in 2007, and are a celebration of the very best unsigned talent. However, this particular celebration of unsigned talent is unique in that it all starts with that much untapped bank of musical knowledge, independent club and gig promoters.

The whole thing works like this: indie promoters nominate the new talent they have been most excited about in the last 12 months, a long list of nominations is then posted online where fans get to vote, and then, finally, a panel of industry and media types (including good old CMU) select overall winners from the five most highly voted acts in each genre category. The winners are announced at an awards bash in London.

Go along to www.indyawards.co.uk to find out more.