The 2025 ARIA Awards, held at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion, saw Melbourne’s punk rock band Amyl and the Sniffers take center stage with a remarkable performance. Arriving with six nominations, the band quickly secured three wins within the first hour of the ceremony, including Best Group and Best Rock Album for their latest release, Cartoon Darkness.
Their success at the ARIAs marks a significant milestone in what has been a whirlwind few weeks for the band. They are currently supporting AC/DC on a national tour and have been nominated for a Grammy Award. However, not all has been smooth sailing; their planned free concert at Federation Square was canceled due to security concerns over crowd size.
Lead singer Amy Taylor, known for her energetic performances and candid humor, accepted the award for Best Cover Art with a playful remark, “I know you just like it because I was flashing my titties,” before throwing up a peace sign. The cover, designed by John Stewart and Thomas Rennie, features a cheeky depiction that perfectly encapsulates the band’s punk ethos.
A Night of Electrifying Performances
The ARIA Awards ceremony was kicked off by Keli Holiday’s electrifying performance of Dancing2, setting a vibrant tone for the evening. The audience was treated to a diverse range of performances, including a standout cameo by Baker Boy with his yidaki, or didgeridoo, and G Flip’s saxophone solo, which captivated attendees.
Keli Holiday later took home the award for Best Video for Dancing2, a tribute to his girlfriend, Abbie Chatfield. The musician expressed gratitude towards his muse, highlighting the personal inspiration behind the song.
Record Nominations and New Awards
Ninajirachi, a self-taught artist, led the nominations with a record eight nods, while Dom Dolla followed closely with seven. Dom Dolla was honored with the inaugural Global Impact Award, presented by Spotify, recognizing his influence on the international music scene. He expressed his hope to continue his career for decades, drawing inspiration from legendary acts like AC/DC’s Angus Young.
“Don’t worry about the destination, you just gotta really enjoy it, and you might be really surprised where you end up,”
Dom Dolla advised the audience, emphasizing the importance of the journey in a musician’s career.
Meanwhile, Taylor Swift’s win for Most Popular International Artist came as no surprise. This marks her fifth win in this category and her third consecutive year receiving the accolade, underscoring her enduring global appeal.
Celebrating Australian Music Talent
The ARIA Awards continue to celebrate the diversity and talent within the Australian music industry. The full list of nominees and winners spans a wide array of genres, from rock and pop to jazz and classical music. The awards also highlight emerging artists, with Ninajirachi winning the Michael Gudinski Breakthrough Artist award for her album I Love My Computer.
Other notable winners include BOY SODA for Best Soul/R&B Release, Missy Higgins for Best Adult Contemporary Album, and Gurrumul for Best World Music Album. The Teskey Brothers took home the award for Best Blues & Roots Album, further showcasing the rich tapestry of Australian music.
Looking Ahead
As the ARIA Awards wrap up for another year, the spotlight remains on the artists who have not only achieved success but also pushed the boundaries of their respective genres. The awards serve as a reminder of the vibrant and dynamic nature of the Australian music scene, with artists like Amyl and the Sniffers leading the charge.
Looking forward, the industry anticipates the continued rise of these talented musicians on both national and international stages. With new awards such as the Global Impact Award, the ARIAs are evolving to reflect the changing landscape of the music industry, celebrating not just local talent but also those making waves globally.
The ARIA Awards 2025 have once again highlighted the exceptional talent within Australia, setting the stage for another year of groundbreaking music and artistic innovation.
