Watch the 2023 AIR Awards highlights HERE

The 2023 AIR Awards were held live tonight, Thursday, August 3^rd, at the Freemasons Hall Adelaide, thanks to continued support from the South Australian Government’s Music Development Office. The awards celebrated the success of Australia’s independent music sector and featured performances from nominees Andy Golledge, Wanderers, Yours Truly and Jem Cassar-Daley.

Dylan Lewis, long-time AIR Awards Master of Ceremonies, was joined again this year by Jessica Braithwaite as co-host.

King Stingray owned the night, taking home three of their four nominations for Best Independent Rock Album or EP, Independent Album of the Year and Breakthrough Artist of the Year presented by PPCA, while Independent Song Of the Year went to Genesis Owusu for Get Inspired.

Dope Lemon came away with the gong for Best Independent Blues and Roots Album or EP with Rose Pink Cadillac, while Andy Golledge took home the award for Best Independent Country Album or EP with Strength Of A Queen. Best Independent Jazz Album or EP went to Donny Benét for his album Le Piano, and Best Independent Heavy Album or EP went to Northlane for their album Obsidian.
Felivand took out the Best Independent Soul/RnB Album or EP for Ties, and Best Independent Pop Album or EP was awarded to Daniel Johns for FutureNever.Jesswar came away with this year’s gong for Best Independent Hip Hop Album or EP for LIFE’S SHORT, LIVE BIG and Teen Jesus And The Jean Teasers took home the award for Best Independent Punk Album or EP with Pretty Good For A Girl Band.

Confidence Man took out the Best Independent Dance/Electronica Album or EP category with TILT, Cub Sport took out the Best Independent Dance/Electronica or Club Single with Always Got The Love, and the Best Independent Children’s Album or EP went to Teeny Tiny Stevies for How To Be Creative, while Best Independent Classical Album or EP went to William Barton and Veronique Serret for Heartland.

The highly coveted award for Best Independent Label sponsored by Moshtix recognised the efforts of Chapter Music and will see them take home digital a marketing campaign valued at $3,000, providing access to Moshtix’s vast audience reach.

The 2023 Outstanding Achievement Award sponsored by Merlin, including $5000 for continued development, went to Dr. Catherine Crock, nominated by AIR members in recognition of her work revolutionising healthcare through music and the arts and for establishing the Hush Foundation. Dr Catherine Crock’s received a two minute standing ovation, moving the crowd with her dedication to using music help heal  – read more about the Hush Foundation here. 

This year, AIR announced two new industry award categories – the Independent Marketing Team of the Year and the Independent Publicity Team of the Year. These awards recognise the work of those that work behind the scenes to promote and build media and fan engagement for the nominees in this year’s awards.

The inaugural winner of the Independent Marketing Team of the Year was I Oh You and Mushroom Marketing for the Confidence Man, TILT campaign and the winner of the inaugural Independent Publicity Team of the Year was Genna Alexopoulos for the Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, Pretty Good For A Girl Band campaign.

Minister for Arts, the Hon. Andrea Michaels, said – ”The Malinauskas Government is proud to host the wonderful artists and music businesses that make up the independent music sector on their night of nights. We would like to congratulate tonight’s winners and nominees for excellence in their categories and look forward to seeing their continued success.”

AIR CEO, Maria Amato commented – “Congratulations to all the nominees and award recipients!  It was a great night of celebration and recognition for the talented, and resilient Australian independent artist and label community.  We thank the South Australian Music Development Office for being our major sponsor and extend thanks to our supporting partners and label members for their continued support.”

THE 2023 AWARD RECIPIENTS ARE…