I’m a little late on my ARIAs post this year as Australian music’s night of nights coincided with another big night for me: my husband’s birthday. So I’ve spent the morning catching up with all that went down. As these things go, I thought it was pretty average.
It was far from a debacle, polished and professional, but also lacking the wow factor of some of the other ceremonies. Watching the ladies from The Jezabels pay tribute to Chrissy Amphlett so beautifully was a real highlight, as was watching those classy fellows from Air Supply inducted into the Hall of Fame. I was also thrilled to see Matt Corby take home Song of the Year for the stunning “Resolution,” although his “speech” left plenty to be desired. Perhaps he should have taken notes from the eloquent Guy Sebastian.
By and large though, I felt the performances were a bit bland and predictable. Sheppard excited me more from the red carpet than most of the entertainers in the auditorium. I also thought it was odd that Michael Gudinski, as the recipient of the first “icon” award, didn’t take to the stage. Surely he deserved a moment in the spotlight rather than simply waving awkwardly from his seat. The same goes for the winners of the “minor” awards, many of whom weren’t even acknowledged. I miss the days where we at least saw all their names once we returned from commercials, not just the ones the broadcaster thinks we might be interested in. I always sit transfixed to awards shows, but I felt this one dragged. I’m not sure what it was missing, but I was left yawning despite watching the thing when I was well awake.
What was your take on this year’s ARIAs? And what do you think of this year’s winners?
Album of the Year: Lonerism – Tame Impala
Song of the Year: “Resolution” – Matt Corby
Breakthrough Artist (Release): Flume – Flume
Best Male Artist: Flume
Best Female Artist: Jessica Mauboy
Best Group: Tame Impala
Best Independent Release: Push The Sky Away – Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Best Adult Contemporary Album: Push The Sky Away – Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Best Blues and Roots Album: Sharkmouth – Russell Morris
Best Children’s Album: A Little Day Out with Justine – Justine Clarke
Best Comedy Release: The Bits We’re Least Ashamed Of – Tom & Alex
Best Country Album: Wreck and Ruin – Kasey Chambers and Shane Nicholson
Best Dance Release: Flume – Flume
Best Pop Release: Armageddon – Guy Sebastian
Best Rock Album: Lonerism – Tame Impala
Best Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Album: Asymmetry – Karnivool
Best Urban Album: Bring it Back – Illy
Best International Artist: One Direction
Best Australian Live Act: Guy Sebastian
Best Video: “Firestarter” – Samantha Jade
Best Cover Art: Dave Homer & Aaron Hayward of Debaser (Ice On The Dune – Empire Of The Sun)
Engineer of the Year: Virginia Read (Sally Whitwell)
Producer of the Year: Harley Streten (Flume)
Best Classical Album: All Imperfect Things: Solo Piano Music of Michael Nyman – Sally Whitwell
ARIAs Best Jazz Album: Smile – The Idea Of North
Best Original Soundtrack/Cast/Show Album: Conversations With Ghosts – Paul Kelly, James Ledger, Genevieve Lacey & ANAM Musicians
Best World Music Album: Chameleons of the White Shadow – Joseph Tawadros