To say that Flume’s had a stellar year is an understatement. So it will come as no surprise to learn that he pretty much cleaned house at the ARIA Awards on Wednesday night. His sophomore album Skin set a record with 8 awards, including Album of the Year. He also won Best Male Artist, Best Dance Release, Best Pop Release, Best Independent Release, Producer of the Year, Engineer of the Year and Best Cover Art
Perhaps one of his most notable moments came during his acceptance speech for Best Dance Release. He addressed one of the hot topics in Australia at the moment – the Sydney lockout laws, an initiative put in place to mandate lockouts and time restrictions at bars and clubs in the area.
“I want to say a big thank you to…the small venues and the small parties that are doing what they’re doing, because that’s where music evolves, that’s where all the exciting stuff happens, and that’s what’s getting shut down right now. To our policy-makers and our politicians, please keep Sydney open so that the young artists of the next generation can have the same opportunities that I had,” the Australian producer said.
This isn’t the first time Flume made it public about his stance on the issue. His song “Heater” and the video that accompanies it is a direct protest of the point. His reasoning for being so passionate on the issue comes across crystal clear in both his acceptance speech at the ARIA Awards and his tribute track; he wants young, talented musicians in the Australian music scene to have the same abilities he had.
To see where Flume has taken his career over the past few years, it definitely shows that there is importance in humble beginnings. His newest EP, Skin Collection drops this Friday, so be on the lookout. In the mean time, here are a few of his favorite tracks to get you ready.
