The 2022 AIR Awards were held live and completely in person tonight, Thursday August 4th, to celebrate the success of the Australian Independent Music sector, with performances from Jesswar, Telenova, Teenage Joans, Jaguar Jonze, and Andrew Swift.

Dylan Lewis, winner of I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here 2022 and long-time AIR Awards Master of Ceremonies, was joined by Jessica Braithwaite as co-host for another great night.

Genesis Owusu owned the night with 3 trophies for BestIndependent Hip Hop Album or EP, Independent Album of the Year and Independent Song of the Year for Smiling With No Teeth.

Liz Stringer also dominated, taking home one of her two nominations for Best Independent Blues and Roots Albumor EP with First Time Really Feeling. Courtney Barnett also took one of two nominations home with Things Take Time, Take Time winning BestIndependent Rock Album or EP.

Felicity Urquhart & Josh Cunningham took home the award for Best Independent Country Album or EP with The Song Club. Best Independent Jazz Album or EP went to Hiatus Kaiyote for their album Mood Valiant,Best Independent Heavy Album or EP went to Wolf & Cub for their album Dusk at the Watagan Forest Motel, Emma Donovan & The Putbacks took out the Best Independent Soul Album or EP for Under These Streets, and Best Independent Pop Album or EP was awarded to Big Scary for Daisy, and Amyl and the Sniffers took home the award for Best Independent Punk Album or EP with Comfort to Me.

Flight Facilities took out the Best Independent Dance/Electronica Album or EP category with Forever.Shouse took out the Best Independent Dance/Electronica or Club Single with Love Tonight (David Guetta remix), and the Best Independent Children’s Album or EP went to The Wiggles forLullabies with Love, and Best Independent Classical Album or EP went to Genevieve Lacey and Marshall McGuire for Bower.

The highly coveted award for Best Independent Label sponsored by Moshtix recognised the efforts of I OH YOU, while Telenova took away this year’s award for Breakthrough Artist of the Year presented by PPCA, and the 2022 Outstanding Achievement Award sponsored by Merlin went to Warren Costello. Warren was nominated by AIR members for this award in recognition of his work supporting independent artists for over 30 years through iconic labels Liberation and Bloodlines. Sadly, Warren passed away recently and will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing or working with him.

The $5,000 Professional Development prize awarded by Merlin will go to Warren’s daughter, Caitlin Costello, to further her career as an entertainment lawyer.

AIR CEO, Maria Amato commented – “Congratulations to all the nominees and winners tonight. It was great to come together to celebrate the success of the vibrant and resilient indie sector! We thank the South Australian department of Industry, Innovation and Science, the Music Development office, Tourism SA and Events SA for being our major sponsor and extend thanks to our supporting partners and label members for their continued support.”

The Hon. Andrea Michaels, Minister for Arts,  said:“The South Australian Government, through the Music Development Office and Events South Australia, is proud to support the 2022 AIR Awards.” “The AIR Awards recognise, promote, and celebrate the work and success of Australia’s independent music sector, which has a significant impact on our culture, wellbeing and economy.” “I would like to congratulate all nominees and winners this year and hope they have enjoyed their time in Adelaide – Australia’s only UNESCO City of Music.”

THE 2022 AWARD RECIPIENTS ARE…