Nominations for the 39th annual ARIA Awards have been unveiled, showcasing a vibrant array of Australian musical talent vying for recognition across 29 categories. This year’s nominations highlight the strength and diversity of Australia’s music scene, reflecting a year of significant achievements and creative output.
At the forefront of the nominations is Central Coast producer Ninajirachi, who has received an impressive eight nods. Her debut album, I Love My Computer, is in contention for major awards such as Album of the Year, Best Solo Artist, and Best Independent and Electronic Release. Ninajirachi, known offstage as Nina Wilson, has been a formidable presence in the music industry since her teenage years, branding her unique sound as “girl EDM.” Her work has been described as an “instant classic that rewires nostalgia into a deliriously fun, addictive, innovative rush of rave-ready electro-pop.”
Close behind is Dom Dolla, with seven nominations. The internationally acclaimed DJ and producer is competing in categories including Best Solo Artist, Best Australian Live Act, and Best Dance/Electronic Release—a category he has dominated in the past. Dom Dolla’s consistent excellence in electronic music has made him a staple at the ARIAs, where he is once again a frontrunner.
Amyl and The Sniffers: A Strong Return
Melbourne’s pub-punk band Amyl and The Sniffers have secured six nominations, marking a strong return to the ARIA Awards stage. Following two wins in 2022, the band has continued to captivate audiences worldwide with performances at major festivals like Glastonbury and Coachella. Their third album, Cartoon Darkness, has matched their previous ARIAs nominations record, with the band competing for awards such as Best Australian Live Act, Best Group, and Album of the Year.
Other notable artists include Hilltop Hoods and Thelma Plum, each with five nominations. The Hilltop Hoods, an Adelaide-based hip hop trio, are in the running for Best Group and Best Hip Hop/Rap Release with their ninth album, Fall From The Light. Meanwhile, Thelma Plum is vying for Best Solo Artist and Album of the Year with her second album, I’m Sorry, Now Say It Back.
New Categories and Hall of Fame Inductions
This year’s ARIA Awards also introduce a new category: Best Music Festival. Contenders include Dylan Alcott’s Ability Fest, Beyond the Valley, and the Laneway Festival, among others. The category reflects the growing importance of live music events in Australia’s cultural landscape.
In addition, the ARIA Hall of Fame will welcome Australian rock legends You Am I. Frontman Tim Rogers expressed his surprise and gratitude, stating, “We are bemused, flattered and surprised to be asked to sit at the parents’ table.”
Looking Ahead to the Ceremony
The winners of the 2025 ARIA Awards will be announced on Wednesday, November 19, at a ceremony held at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion on Gadigal Land. The event promises to be a celebration of the past year’s musical achievements and a glimpse into the future of Australian music.
As the ARIA Awards approach, anticipation builds around who will take home the coveted trophies. With a diverse range of nominees and categories, this year’s awards are set to be a memorable event, showcasing the best of what Australian music has to offer.
