I just cast my votes for the Plug Independent Music Awards. The nominations are made by a group of a couple hundred people in the music industry, but the voting is open to anyone. You can vote here.

To be nominated, an album or artist is required to be on an independent record label. The awards also acknowledge a wide range of other music-related entities including: producers, labels, album art/packaging, festivals, blogs, internet radio stations, record stores…and more. The festivities culminate in a live concert/ceremony that will be held on February 10, 2007 at Irving Plaza in NYC.

You can only vote for the nominees (no write-ins), so it’s not a complete free-for-all. Here are a couple thoughts on this year’s candidates:

I was a little disappointed to see that my Top 2 albums of 2006 so far (The Evens Get Evens & The Coup Pick A Bigger Weapon) weren’t nominated in the Album of the Year category. Though they were both nominated in more specific categories – The Evens for Punk Album of the Year and The Coup for Hip Hop album of the year. So it’s good to see that they’re represented.

V2 Records was snubbed completely. The label was once part of a major, Virgin, but have been independent for a couple years. Assuming V2 artists should be eligible, it was surprising to see no Blood Meridian, Blood Brothers or The Raconteurs represented. Though skipping The Raconteurs feels more justified, since Jack White’s presence makes them feel like a major label artist (even though he’s never been on a major).

It was great to see my friends at 3wk.com nominated for Internet Radio Station of The Year. They’ve been fighting the good fight since 1997 by playing an expertly programmed mix of underground music. The station is still one of the best places online to discover new and exciting indie rock. If you’ve never heard 3wk.com, give ‘em a listen.