'I Can Die Now, Farnsy Knows My Name': The 2019 ARIAs Nominees Are Ready For Tonight

As an Aussie artist, what do the ARIAs mean to you?

Dean Lewis: The ARIAs are an incredible opportunity for Australian artists to be recognised for the work they have done! It’s a great time to come together and celebrate the past year.

Guy Sebastian: To me, the ARIAs are about community. I love that we all come together to celebrate how diverse and unique the talent is in Australia. I am all about breaking down the walls that divide us within this community, and acknowledging that music is bigger than us; it is such a powerful medium that moves us all. 

Danzal Baker: Getting recognition from my peers in the industry at large (and the general public for the voted awards!) is a pretty cool thing.

Thelma Plum: I grew up watching the ARIAs every year, so it means so much to be nominated for this many of them. It’s quite a surreal feeling.

What's your favourite ARIAs moment and why? 

DL: For me it was performing Be Alright live last year! Really enjoyed it. It was a super special moment to be able to play a song of mine in front of so many of my peers.

GS: I still remember my very first ARIAs in 2003. My entry into the industry was not how I ever imagined. It was so fast and I was so naive, wide-eyed and green. I accidentally bumped into John Farnham and there I was, saying hi to one of my vocal heroes, in person!! When I apologised for bumping into him he actually said, 'No worries, Guy,' and I walked away thinking, 'I can die now, Farnsy knows my name.'

DB: Dr G at the 2008 ARIAs was very special. He was singing in language, and I use language in all my songs, so he proved it could be done and also have commercial success.

TP: Delta [Goodrem] in 2003. I was obsessed with her music growing up (still am) and was so inspired that she won so many. I could only watch half that night 'cause it went past my bedtime, but my mum taped it and I woke up so insanely early to finish it.

Who are you hoping to rub shoulders with on the evening and why?

DL: It’s always great running into G Flip and Tones & I! I think it’s going to be a big night for both of them!

GS: I have been in the industry now for 16 years. Over that time I have built so many relationships with other artists, musos and industry peeps. To be honest, I just want to be around musicians and mostly I want to see them perform live. The live element of the ARIAs is what inspires me the most. I don’t get to see many live shows, so watching these artists showcase what they have done to make such a mass connection is so good!

DB: Looking forward to celebrating with my team. I'm also really keen to catch up with Thelma Plum, I did a few gigs she was at before her album dropped and I'm keen to show her some mad love and respect for Better In Blak.

TP: Lee Kernaghan. So excited.

If you win, where will your very pointy, very heavy award live and why?

DL: I would keep it at my parent's place! As I’m travelling and touring so much all my stuff just has been piling up at their house!

GS: They used to live in my studio but now they are downstairs in the main living area, out of reach of the kids. Those things are bloody lethal!

DB: I've been fortunate to already win a few awards in my career so it will live next to the others. They all are very special to me.

TP: At my parent's place. My mum has a semi shrine of me at their home, so she would probably want to add it to that.

The 2019 ARIA Awards take place tomorrow night, airing on Channel 9 from 7.30pm.