Ninajirachi & Folk B*tch Trio Win Big At 2026 AIR Awards

Ninajirachi continues to dominate the awards circuit following the release of last year's 'I Love My Computer'.

The Australian Independent Record Labels Association Music Awards – best known as the AIR Awards – returned to Adelaide Town Hall last night (30 July) for the country’s independent music industry’s night of nights.

Held in Australia’s first and only UNESCO designated City of Music, the annual awards were a celebration of the myriad artists, producers, and teams that help make the country’s music scene so vibrant and impressive.

Hosted by Dylan Lewis and Jessica Braithwaite, and featuring performances from The Tullamarines, Cookin’ On 3 Burners, Georgia Knight, and Elsy Wameyo, the attention of the evening was firmly placed on Ninajirachi, who took out a whopping five awards across the night.

Alongside Independent Album Of The Year, Independent Producer Of The Year, and Best Independent Electronic Album Or EP for I Love My Computer, Nina Wilson also took out Best Independent Electronic Single and Independent Song Of The Year for iPod Touch.

Additionally, NLV Records and The Orchard won Independent Marketing Team Of The Year, while Twnty Three scored Independent Publicity Team Of The Year for their work on the album.

As part of her win, Ninajirachi will receive marketing and global pitching support valued at $30,000 to assist with her next release thanks to Amazon Music.

It wasn’t just the Ninajirachi show across the evening, of course. Folk Bitch Trio also took out three gongs, including Best Independent Blues And Roots Album Or EP, Breakthrough Artist Of The Year, and Independent Music Video Of The Year for Cathode Ray.

They also took home a cash prize, with YouTube providing $5,000 to help fund their next music video release.

Ruby Gill's Some Kind Of Control was named Best Independent Country Album or EP, while Devaura's Vol 1. Learning In Public won the hip hop category, and Temporary Blessings' Sumbisori took out the jazz award.

VV Pete's Wassa won best Independent Dance/Club Single, while These New South Whales' GODSPEED, Thornhill's Bodies, and Playlunch's Sex Ed took out the punk, heavy, and rock categories, respectively. You can see the full list of winners below.

Additionally, the 2026 Outstanding Achievement Award went to Sebastian Chase, having been nominated by AIR members in recognition of his significant contribution to the industry over the last 30+ years.

“The South Australian Government is proud to support the AIR Awards through the Music Development Office and to welcome artists, industry leaders and music professionals to Adelaide for this celebration of Australia’s independent music sector,” said South Australian Deputy Premier and Minister for Arts, Kyam Maher.

“For 20 years, the AIR Awards have recognised the outstanding achievements of independent artists, labels and industry professionals, highlighting the strength, creativity and success of the sector. Congratulations to all nominees and award recipients announced tonight, and to AIR for delivering another successful event that showcases the depth of talent across Australia’s independent music community.”

“Congratulations to all the nominees and award recipients announced tonight at our 20th AIR Awards!” echoed AIR CEO, Maria Amato.

“We thank all our sponsors and are especially grateful to the South Australian Government, through the Music Development Office, for their continued support. This partnership enables us to keep holding our national events in Adelaide—Australia’s only UNESCO-designated City of Music."