Lady power led the way at last night's 2025 AIR Awards with a trio of acts walking away with multiple awards, and a slew of female performers winning awards as well.
Staged at Adelaide Town Hall (31 July), with Dylan Lewis and Jessica Braithwaite returning as MCs, the pair entertaining the crowd with playful banter and wit throughout the evening. The annual celebration of the country's independent music sector also featured live performances from Alice Ivy (who scooped up three awards), Parvyn (winner of the Jazz Album or EP award), Queenie (nominated twice inducing Breakthrough Artist Of The Year), and Emily Wurramara (nominated for Album Of The Year).
'In My Mind' and 'Chasing Stars' hitmaker, Alice Ivy won Best Independent Dance/Electronica Album or EP as well as Independent Producer Team of the Year and Best Independent Dance/ Electronica or Club Single.
Led by vocalist Amy Taylor, punk rockers currently taking over the globe Amyl & The Sniffers also scored three awards winning Independent Album Of The Year and Independent Song Of The Year as well as Best Independent Rock Album or EP.
Rising hip hop, country-pop singer-songwriter (and 2023 Unearthed Artist Of The Year recipient) Miss Kaninna was awarded Breakthrough Artist Of The Year as well as Best Independent Hip Hop Album or EP.
Country legend Kasey Chambers added Best Independent Country Album or EP to her glittering resume, industry stalwart Emma Donovan won Best Independent Blues And Roots Album or EP. While soul chanteuse Ella Thompson (who was mentored by the late Renee Geyer) walked away with the Best Independent Soul/R&B Album or EP gong.
Acclaimed contemporary musician David Bridie, who has championed world music and indigenous artists for four-plus decades was awarded 2025 Outstanding Achievement Award recognising his work through Wantok Musik Foundation.
Other notable winners included The Amity Affliction (Heavy award), Good Morning (Pop) and Gut Health (Punk). "Congratulations to all the nominees and award recipients," AIR CEO, Maria Amato says.
"It was a great night of celebration and recognition for our hard working sector. We thank all our sponsors and are especially grateful to the South Australian Government through the Music Development Office for their continued support."
Added Minister for Arts, the Hon. Andrea Michaels: 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."
