The annual ARIA Awards celebrated the best in Australian music, recognizing both established veterans and emerging talent. The event took place in Sydney, where the hard rock band Amyl and The Sniffers dominated the evening, securing four awards, including album of the year and best rock album.
In addition to the band’s accolades, Ninajirachi, an up-and-coming independent producer, impressed with three awards. She was honored for best independent release, breakthrough artist, and best solo artist for her debut album, I Love My Computer. At just 26 years old, Ninajirachi expressed her excitement about the recognition. “I guess a lot of people here probably have never heard of me before tonight or this year, but I put out my first album this year,” she remarked.
The evening also highlighted the achievements of Dom Dolla, a prominent figure in the Australian house music scene, who took home two awards for best dance/electronic release and global impact. Drawing on his extensive experience, he humorously referenced AC/DC guitarist Angus Young, suggesting he would continue to thrive on the dance floor for decades to come.
In a significant moment, legendary rock band You Am I was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame. Frontman Tim Rogers encouraged the audience to support lesser-known artists performing at smaller venues. “By buying a ticket, going to those shows and taking a punt on something… you may be in a crowd of 12 people, but by doing that, you’re part of this great art experiment,” he stated.
Indie pop sensation Missy Higgins won best adult contemporary for her album The Second Act, which draws inspiration from her personal experiences of divorce and single motherhood. With this win, Higgins added to her impressive total of 10 ARIA Awards. She candidly noted, “Being a 42-year-old woman and singing about divorce and single parenting isn’t like the sexiest thing you can do in this industry.” Higgins emphasized the importance of representation, saying, “We just want to feel heard. We want to feel seen.”
The award for song of the year went to The Kid Laroi for his hit “Girls,” while Troye Sivan was recognized as best Australian live act. The ARIA Awards not only spotlight the breadth of talent within the Australian music industry but also serve as a reminder of the diverse narratives that artists continue to share through their work.
