MUSIC NEWS: Nominations now open for 2026 AIR Awards

NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN FOR 2026 AIR AWARDS

EXCITING CHANGES MADE TO DANCE CATEGORIES 

The Australian Independent Record Labels Association (AIR) is thrilled to announce the 20th edition of its annual AIR Awards, marking two decades of championing Australia’s independent music sector.

The 2026 AIR Awards will take place on Thursday 30th July 2026 at the iconic Adelaide Town Hall, in Australia’s only UNESCO designated City of Music, a fitting backdrop for this milestone celebration.

AIR members are invited to nominate eligible artist releases issued between 1st January 2025 and 31st December 2025.

Nominations close at 5:00 pm (AEDT) on Friday 13th March 2026.

To see if you qualify for AIR membership, click here.

Reflecting the immense cultural impact and global export power of Australian dance and electronic music, AIR has expanded its Dance/Electronic Award categories for 2026.

BEST INDEPENDENT DANCE/CLUB SINGLE
This award recognises the year’s most outstanding release by an Australian independent artist in club and dance genres, including (but not limited to) house, techno, trance, drum & bass, garage, breaks and related sub-genres.
Eligible releases must be standalone singles and accompanied by a DJ service.

BEST INDEPENDENT ELECTRONIC SINGLE
Celebrating excellence across the broader electronic spectrum, this award recognises electronic music created using electronic instruments, software and technology — for releases that are not solely dance/club focused.

In line with these updates, the former Best Independent Dance or Electronica Album or EP category is now titled: BEST INDEPENDENT ELECTRONIC ALBUM OR EP. Whether through clubs, DJs or festivals, dance music is one of Australia’s most influential genres. These changes ensure the AIR Awards continue to spotlight its growing impact both locally and on the world stage.

THE 2026 AIR AWARDS CATEGORIES ARE:
BREAKTHROUGH INDEPENDENT ARTIST OF THE YEAR – PRESENTED BY PPCA
BEST INDEPENDENT BLUES AND ROOTS ALBUM OR EP
BEST INDEPENDENT CLASSICAL ALBUM OR EP
BEST INDEPENDENT CHILDREN’S ALBUM OR EP
BEST INDEPENDENT COUNTRY ALBUM OR EP
BEST INDEPENDENT DANCE/CLUB SINGLE
BEST INDEPENDENT ELECTRONIC SINGLE
BEST INDEPENDENT ELECTRONIC ALBUM OR EP
BEST INDEPENDENT HIP HOP ALBUM OR EP
BEST INDEPENDENT HEAVY ALBUM OR EP
BEST INDEPENDENT LABEL 
BEST INDEPENDENT JAZZ ALBUM OR EP
BEST INDEPENDENT POP ALBUM OR EP
BEST INDEPENDENT PUNK ALBUM OR EP
BEST INDEPENDENT ROCK ALBUM OR EP
BEST INDEPENDENT SOUL/RNB ALBUM OR EP
INDEPENDENT ALBUM OF THE YEAR
INDEPENDENT MARKETING TEAM OF THE YEAR
INDEPENDENT MIX, STUDIO OR MASTERING ENGINEER OF THE YEAR
INDEPENDENT MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
INDEPENDENT PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
INDEPENDENT PUBLICITY TEAM OF THE YEAR
INDEPENDENT SONG OF THE YEAR
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD SPONSORED BY MERLIN

Since their inception, the AIR Awards have recognised, promoted and celebrated the achievements of Australia’s independent music community. Over 250 individual awards have been presented to date, often marking the first major industry recognition for artists who go on to achieve national and international success.

Past AIR Award nominees and winners include Amyl and the Sniffers, Genesis Owusu, Courtney Barnett, Fanny Lumsden, Flume, Sampa the Great, Alice Ivy, Miss Kaninna, Emma Donovan, The Amity Affliction, Kasey Chambers, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, Confidence Man, G Flip, A.B Original, King Stingray, Violent Soho, Good Morning, Electric Fields, Telenova and many more.

As AIR celebrates its 20th event, the 2026 AIR Awards will honour the artists, labels and industry professionals shaping the future of Australian music.

AIR’s Indie-Con Australia Conference and A2IM’s Indie Week Australian Edition Conference will be held from the 29th of July to the 31st of July at the Mercury Cinema and Nexus Arts. Early Bird tickets will go on sale later this month. 

Follow AIR and join the conversation: 
air.org.au | twitter.com/ausindies | facebook.com/australianindies | instagram.com/ausindies
@ausindies | @southaustralia | #AusIndies | #indieconaus | #ADLCoM