Nominations Open for Expanded 2026 AIR Awards

The AIR Awards are coming back in 2026, with nominations now open, marking two decades of championing Australia's independent music sector.

Taking place on Thursday, July 30th 2026, at the iconic Adelaide Town Hall, the 20th edition of the awards will, as always, recognise the achievements of Australia’s independent music community.

To reflect the immense cultural impact and global export power of Australian dance and electronic music, AIR has expanded its Dance/Electronic Award categories for 2026. There are three updated awards up for grabs - Best Independent Dance/Club Single, Best Independent Electronic Single, and Best Independent Electronic Album or EP.

Other categories include Best Independent Country Album or EP, Best Independent Pop Album or EP, Independent Album of the Year, Independent Song of the Year, and many more.

Since the AIR Awards' inception, over 250 accolades have been presented, 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.

AIR members are now invited to nominate eligible artist releases issued between January 1st 2025 and December 31st 2025. Nominations will close at 5pm (AEDT) on Friday, March 13th. To see if you qualify for AIR membership, click here.