The Australian Independent Record Labels Association (AIR) has revealed the nominees for the 2025 AIR Awards, recognising excellence across the independent music sector.
The prestigious AIR Awards will return to Adelaide, the UNESCO City of Music, celebrating the achievements of Australia’s independent music community. This year’s event will mark another milestone in AIR’s commitment to promoting and recognising independent artists and labels across numerous categories spanning diverse genres.
AIR Awards
- Where: Adelaide Town Hall, Adelaide
- When: Thursday 31 July 2025
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Amyl and the Sniffers lead the nominations with multiple nods, including Best Independent Rock Album or EP for Cartoon Darkness and Independent Album of the Year. King Stingray also feature prominently with their release For the Dreams, while newcomers like 3%, Gut Health, Miss Kaninna, Queenie and The Dreggs are recognised in the Breakthrough Independent Artist of the Year category.
The awards span 19 categories covering various genres including rock, pop, soul/RnB, heavy, dance/electronica, blues and roots, hip hop, country, jazz, classical, children’s music, and punk. Industry awards will also recognise outstanding work from independent labels, marketing teams, publicity teams, music video directors, producers, and engineering professionals.
This year introduces a new category – Independent Mix, Studio or Mastering Engineer of the Year – acknowledging the technical expertise behind Australian independent releases.
The AIR Awards form part of a larger celebration of independent music, with AIR’s Indie-Con Australia Conference and A2IM’s Indie Week Australian Edition running from 30 July to 1 August at Mercury Cinema, followed by Scouted.
South Australian Government’s Music Development Office continues its support of the AIR Awards, reinforcing Adelaide’s status as a UNESCO City of Music and its commitment to Australia’s independent music sector.
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