Meet this year's ARIA Award nominees

The 2023 ARIA Music Awards, marking four decades of celebrating Australian music, have unveiled their list of nominees ahead of the ceremony scheduled for mid-November. Set to take place at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion, the awards will honor a wide range of artists spanning numerous genres, reflecting the evolving landscape of the nation’s music scene.

Dominating this year’s nominations are two prominent figures: Genesis Owusu and Tame Impala, each securing eight nods. Owusu, a Ghanaian-Australian artist known for his innovative blend of sounds, has been recognized for his third studio album, which continues to challenge genre boundaries. His previous two albums earned him multiple ARIA awards including Album of the Year, underscoring his significant impact on contemporary Australian music.

Meanwhile, Tame Impala, the project of Kevin Parker from Western Australia, is also a major contender with nominations linked to his recently released fifth album. The album, which features the internationally successful track "Dracula," underscores Parker’s ongoing influence within pop, dance/electronic, and alternative categories. His extensive ARIA history includes fifteen previous wins, highlighting his established presence in the industry.

Ecca Vandal emerges as a fresh force within the awards, receiving her first solo nominations. Raised in Melbourne and carrying a South African and Sri Lankan Tamil heritage, her eclectic style merges elements of punk, neo-soul, metal, and hip hop. Her sophomore album has earned her recognition in key categories such as Album of the Year, Best Solo Artist, and Breakthrough Artist, signaling her rising profile.

The Best Alternative Release category, returning after a hiatus since 2016, features a competitive field including Owusu, Vandal, and Tame Impala. Other nominees here include notable acts like Gang of Youths, with their latest single, and Meg Mac, whose fourth album continues to garner attention.

Emerging and established artists alike are well represented across the nominations. Electronic producer Ninajirachi, last year’s breakout winner, has received five nominations, matching the tally of several other prominent artists including Yolŋu sensation Baker Boy and singer-songwriter G Flip. Indigenous artist Miss Kaninna and the Australian-Samoan artist Boy Soda also feature prominently.

The pop genre is represented by figures such as Troye Sivan, while rock and electronic music see multiple nominations for groups and DJs like DMA’s and Dom Dolla, the latter known for commanding large audiences at major venues.

Veteran artists and iconic Australian musicians maintain a strong presence with nominations for Paul Kelly, Vika & Linda, Keith Urban, Hilltop Hoods, and Kylie Minogue, who is slated to perform at the upcoming Grand Final.

Children’s music continues to receive recognition, with The Wiggles competing against former member Emma Memma, and a nominee linked to the popular children’s series Bluey, highlighting the genre’s ongoing vitality.

The awards also reintroduce a category celebrating live music culture, the Best Music Festival award, featuring major events such as CMC Rocks, Laneway, Spilt Milk, Beyond the Valley, and Groovin The Moo’s Lismore edition.

The ARIA Awards ceremony will be broadcast on Paramount+ and Channel 10, offering a platform to celebrate Australia’s dynamic and diverse music talents in a ceremony held on Gadigal Land. This milestone event not only honors artistic achievement but also reflects the country’s rich cultural fabric and its vibrant contemporary soundscape.