The 2025 AIR Awards celebrated the achievements of Australia's independent music commmunity at the Hordern Pavilion in Sydney. The ceremony was highlighted by a massive multi-category win for Ninajirachi and the announcement of new state funding to support the industry in Adelaide through 2028.
Ninajirachi’s triple win for ‘iPod Touch’
Ninajirachi emerged as the dominant force of the 2025 AIR Awards, securing three major honors during the ceremony at the Hordern Pavilion. The artist claimed the titles of Breakthrough Artist, Best Independent Release, and Best Solo Artist. Her standout track, "iPod Touch," which she co-wrote with Darcy Baylis, also earned top honors for both best independent electronic single and independent song of the year.
The success of the track follows a period of intense creative effort. as the report states, the song was "one of the hardest songs to finish, ever." Ninajirachi's momentum has been significant; in addition to these wins, she has recently picked up the Australian Music Prize for album of the year and the NSW Music Prize for breakthrough artst.
Folk B*tch Trio and the genre-specific winners
The awards ceremony underscored the diverse landscape of the Australian independent scene by recognizing talent across a wide array of musical genres. Folk B*tch Trio was a major winner of the night, taking home three awards: best independent blues and roots album or EP, breakthrough artist of the year, and best independent music video for their work "Cathode Ray."
The breadth of the independent sector was further demonstrated by a long list of genre-specific winners. According to the source, these included Wilsn for best independent soul/RNB, Devaura for hip hop, and Ruby Gill for country. Other notable winners included Way Dynamic in the pop category, Playlunch in rock, Thornhill in the heavy category, and These New South Whales for punk.
Sebastian Chase and the MGM Distribution legacy
The ceremony also provided a moment to honor long-standing industry leadership. Sebastian Chase, the founder of MGM Distribution, was presented with the outstanding achievement award. His son, Michael Chase, was present at the Hordern Pavilion to deliver a speech prepared by his father.
This recognition comes at a milestone moment for the Australian Independent Record Labels Association (AIR), which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this month.. While the AIR organization was founded in July 1996,the specific awards ceremony was established in 2006 to promote and celebrate the success of the nation's independent music sector.
Hilton Gumbys’ funding for Adelaide through 2028
A significant strategic shift was announced regarding the future location and stability of the awards. Hilton Gumbys announced that two additional years of state funding have been secured to support both the awards and Indie-Con. This financial backing is intended to anchor these events in Adelaide until at least 2028.
This move represents a broader effort to decentralize the Australian music industry, moving major celebratory and professional gatherings away from the traditional Sydney-centric model. By securing Adelaide as a hub for the awards and Indie-Con, the organizers are attempting to build a more geographically diverse foundation for the independent sector.
The unanswered details of the Indie-Con expansion
While the announcement of state funding offers a sense of security, several specific details regarding the transition to Adelaide remain unverified. The report does not clarify the exact amount of state funding being provided, nor does it outline the specific logistical roadmap for the upcoming Indie-Con.
Furthermore, it remains to be seen how the move will impact the participation of the industry's major players. There are questions regarding whether the shift to Adelaide will affect the attendance of artists and professionals who are primarily based in New South Wales, or how the scale of Indie-Con will be maintained in the new location.
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