PLUG co-founder Gerry Hart says, "Having Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds perform at PLUG has been a dream of ours since Amaechi (Uzoigwe, co-founder) and I started PLUG." Additionally, seminal U.K.-based rapper and Mercury Prize winner DIZZEE RASCAL--whose Maths and English LP is nominated for "Best Hip Hop Album"--has been confirmed to perform.

The PLUG AWARDS were founded to highlight outstanding accomplishments within the independent music community, and has been exemplified by (Australian Recording Industry Hall of Fame inductee) Nick Cave ’s rich history and influence upon the music landscape. In addition to performing, Cave will accept the 2008 PLUG Impact Award which honors his influence on the independent music community through his exceptional work and career. Last year’s Impact Award was presented to Stephen Malkmus (Pavement, Silver Jews and solo career).

This year’s PLUG AWARDS will have amplified online presence as they partner with DELL. The Dell Lounge is supporting the independent spirit by becoming an integral part of the 2008 PLUG INDEPENDENT MUSIC AWARDS and will be simulcasting the awards live via the Dell Lounge site. Dell’s presence at the PLUG AWARDS celebrates the personal computer as the enabler of making, discovering, sharing and influencing music and enhancing entertainment lifestyle.