For the first time in two years, the 2022 AIR Awards were held live and completely in person – to celebrate the success of the Australian independent music sector.
Sprinkled throughout the night were performances from Jesswar, Telenova, Teenage Joans, Jaguar Jonze, and Andrew Swift. Hosting the proceedings was Dylan Lewis, winner of 'I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here' 2022 and long-time AIR Awards Master Of Ceremonies. He was joined by Jessica Braithwaite as co-host.
Genesis Owusu owned the night, taking home three trophies for Best Independent Hip Hop Album or EP, Independent Album Of The Year and Independent Song Of The Year for 'Smiling With No Teeth'.
Also dominating was Liz Stringer, taking home one of her two nominations in Best Independent Blues And Roots Album Or EP with 'First Time Really Feeling'. Courtney Barnett scored Best Independent Rock Album Or EP with 'Things Take Time, Take Time'.
Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham claimed Best Independent Country Album Or EP with 'The Song Club', and Best Independent Jazz Album Or EP went to Hiatus Kaiyote for their album 'Mood Valiant'. Wolf & Cub won Best Independent Heavy Album Or EP with 'Dusk At The Watagan Forest Motel' and Emma Donovan & The Putbacks took out Best Independent Soul Or EP for 'Under These Streets'.
Flight Facilities took out Best Independent Dance/Electronica Album Or EP with 'Forever', while Shouse earned Best Independent Dance/Electronica Or Club Single with the David Guetta remix of 'Love Tonight'.
The highly coveted Best Independent Label award went to I Oh You, with Telenova taking away this year's Breakthrough Artist Of The Year award. The 2022 Outstanding Achievement Award was given to Warren Costello, recognised for his work supporting independent artists for more than 30 years. Warren sadly passed away recently and will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing or working with him.
“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!” AIR CEO Maria Amato says. “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.”
