Dom Dolla, Royel Otis Managers Take Home 2025 AAM Awards

This year’s Association of Artist Managers Awards – also known as the AAM Awards – took place today (30 April), honouring the most impressive behind-the-scenes folk of the Australian music industry.

Presented at a ceremony at the Northcote Social Club this afternoon, six awards were given out, including Manager of the Year, Breakthrough Manager of the Year, Community Engagement Award, Legacy Award, and the Patrons’ Gift, as curated by AAM Patrons. A new award was also handed out, with the Emerging Manager of the Year Award being distributed for the first time.

Before the ceremony took place today, an award had already been handed out to Legacy Award winner John Watson, one of Australia’s leading artist managers, who has represented the likes of Cold Chisel, Midnight Oil, and Missy Higgins.

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Manager of the Year went to Andrew Klippel (Ourness), who represents breakthrough indie rockers Royel Otis and hip-hop star Genesis Owusu. James Fava, founder of Intergalactic Fantastic Worldwide, took home the Breakthrough Manager of the Year award for an incredible roster starring electronic artists Dom Dolla, Anna Lunoe (co-manager), Torren Foot (co-manager), and Airwolf Paradise (co-manager).

Elise Naismith, senior manager at Lemon Tree Music, was named Emerging Manager of the Year after overseeing the career-defining milestones of client Kita Alexander, who opened for Dua Lipa on her recent Australian and New Zealand arena tour.

The Community Engagement Award went to Nala Music’s Louise Sawilejskij, who represents Tijuana Cartel, Declan Kelly, and Ren Stone, while launching the CMAA Monthly Meetup, leads the Tubular Festival, and is the Festival Director of Gossy Weekender 2024.

Last but not least, the Patrons’ Gift was awarded to Summer King of Topic Artists. Representing Sycco (co-manager), Mel Blue (co-manager), and Oscar The Wild, King has received praise for redefining what’s possible in artist management.

AAM’s Executive Director, Maggie Collins, said of this year’s winners and nominees, “The AAM Awards are a celebration of the incredible dedication, creativity and care that artist managers bring to their work every day. This year’s nominees reflect the depth and diversity of talent in our field — people who go above and beyond to support artists and help shape the future of Australian music.

“We’re thrilled to recognise this year’s winners, whose achievements truly stand out, while also acknowledging the extraordinary contributions of every nominee. These awards are about shining a light on the people behind the strategy, and the impact they make deserves to be seen and celebrated.”

Read on for the celebrations of this year’s winners.

Genesis Owusu for Andrew Klippel

I’ve never heard Andrew say, “It can’t be done.” When it comes to people who say that, it’s usually the work that Andrew has overseen and toiled over that proves them wrong. Andrew is my closest collaborator, partner and mentor. The kind of artistic and cultural boldness that would have other people quaking in their boots is just a matter of fact for him. When presented with sheer audacity, it’s not received with fear or indecision, the response is usually: “Cool, when can we get this shit started?” In short, my GOAT.

Royel Otis for Andrew Klippel

It goes to show after working alongside you for the past few years that your love, care and passion towards music and your team is unmatched. You’ve steered us into a world of possibilities and for that we are so grateful.

Dom Dolla for James Fava

I’m so incredibly proud of James, he truly deserves this recognition and so much more. Not only is he one of the hardest working people I’ve ever met, but his exceptional work ethic is matched only by his brilliant mind and kind nature. Bravo, James! We’re all so proud of you.

Kita Alexander for Elise Naismith

Firstly, congratulations to my incredible manager!! Elise is so deserving of this award. She pursues wellbeing for everyone around her and encourages hard work like no one I have ever met in this industry. I truly believe it is this balance of virtues that helps me to be the best I can be. I love working with Elise and couldn’t be happier that she has won this award.

Peter Garrett for John Watson

Congratulations on your AAM Legacy Award John, well deserved... And what can you say about good managers? You know, that they have to wrangle record companies, road crew, accountants and lawyers. They have to be counsellors, psychologists, best friends - occasionally the kind of best friend that tells you what you need to hear but don't really want to.

They've got to love their music, and understand and believe in the artist. And they've got to be in for the long haul...Coupled with that, they have to, hopefully when they have mastered all those many tasks, be willing and prepared to share it with others, so lots of artists get the benefit of having great managers. That's why you got this award. Well done, Mate.