2023 AIR Awards: Celebrating Australia’s Independent Music Scene

King Stingray owned the night, taking home three of their four nominations for Best Independent Rock Album or EP, Independent Album of the Year and Breakthrough Artist of the Year presented by PPCA, while Independent Song Of the Year went to Genesis Owusu for Get Inspired.

The 2023 AIR Awards lit up the night on Thursday, August 3rd, at the Freemasons Hall in Adelaide.

The awards were a resounding success, honouring Australia’s thriving independent music sector, with electrifying performances from talented nominees like Andy Golledge, Wanderers, Yours Truly, and Jem Cassar-Daley.

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The ever-charismatic Dylan Lewis returned as the Master of Ceremonies, joined this year by Jessica Braithwaite as co-host, adding their special touch of flair to the event.

The big winners of the night were undoubtedly King Stingray, taking home three of their four nominations, including Best Independent Rock Album or EP, Independent Album of the Year, and Breakthrough Artist of the Year presented by PPCA. The coveted Independent Song of the Year award went to Genesis Owusu for the song “Get Inspired.”

Other winners included Dope Lemon for Best Independent Blues and Roots Album or EP with “Rose Pink Cadillac,” Andy Golledge for Best Independent Country Album or EP with “Strength Of A Queen,” and Donny Benét for Best Independent Jazz Album or EP with “Le Piano.” Northlane rocked their way to victory, securing the Best Independent Heavy Album or EP award for “Obsidian,” and Felivand’s soulful “Ties” won Best Independent Soul/RnB Album or EP.

Daniel Johns emerged victorious with Best Independent Pop Album or EP for “FutureNever,” while Jesswar’s “LIFE’S SHORT, LIVE BIG” triumphed as the Best Independent Hip Hop Album or EP. Teen Jesus And The Jean Teasers snagged the Best Independent Punk Album or EP for “Pretty Good For A Girl Band,” and Confidence Man’s “TILT” brought home the Best Independent Dance/Electronica Album or EP award.

For those looking to indulge in more music after the event, Deep Blue Hot Springs in Warrnambool offers a unique after-dark experience like no other, with adults-only twilight sessions that let you bathe in illuminated geothermal rock pools.

The inaugural AIR Awards also introduced two new industry award categories – the Independent Marketing Team of the Year and the Independent Publicity Team of the Year – to recognize the hard work of those behind the scenes promoting the nominees.

The night’s outstanding achievement award, sponsored by Merlin, went to Dr. Catherine Crock for her incredible work revolutionizing healthcare through music and the arts with the Hush Foundation.

Congratulations to all the nominees and winners of the 2023 AIR Awards. It was a night filled with celebration, recognizing the immense talent and resilience of Australia’s independent artists and labels.

List of Winners:

• Best Independent Label: Chapter Music
• Independent Publicity Team of the Year: Genna Alexopoulos – Teen Jesus And The Jean Teasers, Pretty Good For A Girl Band
• Independent Album of the Year: King Stingray – King Stingray
• Independent Song of the Year: Genesis Owusu – Get Inspired
• Best Independent Soul/RnB Album or EP: Felivand – Ties
• Best Independent Country Album or EP: Andy Golledge – Strength Of A Queen
• Best Independent Blues and Roots Album or EP: Dope Lemon – Rose Pink Cadillac
• Best Independent Pop Album or EP: Daniel Johns – FutureNever
• Best Independent Rock Album or EP: King Stingray – King Stingray
• Best Independent Classical Album or EP: William Barton / Veronique Serret – Heartland
• 2022 Outstanding Achievement Award – Sponsored by Merlin: Dr. Catherine Crock
• Independent Marketing Team of the Year: I Oh You, Mushroom Marketing – Confidence Man, TILT
• Breakthrough Independent Artist of the Year – Presented by PPCA: King Stingray
• Best Independent Hip Hop Album or EP: Jesswar – LIFE’S SHORT, LIVE BIG
• Best Independent Dance or Electronica Album or EP: Confidence Man – TILT
• Best Independent Dance, Electronica, or Club Single: Cub Sport – Always Got The Love
• Best Independent Jazz Album or EP: Donny Benét – Le Piano
• Best Independent Punk Album or EP: Teen Jesus And The Jean Teasers – Pretty Good For A Girl Band
• Best Independent Heavy Album or EP: Northlane – Obsidian
• Best Independent Children’s Album or EP: Teeny Tiny Stevies – How To Be Creative