There’s no doubt that the 2017 ARIA Awards categories are brimming with talented nominees. Whoever takes home the trophy in each category will do so knowing they won against some serious competition. There are 19 categories across a variety of genres, and we’ve picked out the ones to watch:
APPLE MUSIC ALBUM OF THE YEAR
A.B. Original took home the honour in the same category at The Age Music Victoria Awards. In this case, they’re up against the likes of Gang of Youths, Illy, Paul Kelly, and Amy Shark (whose album is actually an EP).
BEST AUSTRALIAN LIVE ACT
This is one difficult category in which to be crowned victorious. Client Liaison, Flume, Gang of Youths and Violent Soho, with King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Tash Sultana, Peking Duk and more thrown into the mix. There’s a good chance this result could be a contentious one.
BEST FEMALE ARTIST
It’s emerging artists against seasoned acts in this category. Amy Shark, Julia Jacklin, Meg Mac, Jessica Mauboy, and Sia have all received nods for this one. It’s going to be difficult, but just one artist in this category also features in Album of the Year, so Amy Shark might win this prize.
BEST MALE ARTIST
D.D Dumbo, Illy, Dan Sultan, Paul Kelly, and Vance Joy are nominated for this award. All have produced sensational work in their own right this year, but it’s not every artist who can produce such an incredible album so far into their career. For that reason, Paul Kelly deserves this one.
BEST ROCK ALBUM
Very tough category with nominations for Dan Sultan, Dune Rats, Polish Club, Gang of Youths, and The Preatures. Some of these albums will definitely make various ‘Top Ten’ lists for 2017. Our pick: Gang of Youths with Go Farther In Lightness.
BEST URBAN RELEASE
While Remi, Illy, Thundamentals and Tkay Maidza would all be worthy winners, A.B. Original are likely to clean up at the ARIAs. We’re tipping this one will go to their LP Reclaim Australia.
BEST HARD ROCK / HEAVY METAL ALBUM
Full-length material from Airbourne, King Gizzard (with one of their many releases of 2017), Northlane, Frenzal Rhomb, and sleepmakeswaves comprise the contenders in this category. Northlane’s Mesmer has received a lot of praise – and for good reason – which suggests they might receive this trophy.
BEST INTERNATIONAL ARTIST
There’s an awful lot of nominees for this one, and it’s going to be a tough call. Adele, Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, Harry Styles, Shawn Mendes, and The Weeknd have all been acknowledged with a nomination, but we predict the real battle is between music veterans The Rolling Stones and Metallica, and recent icons Lorde and Kendrick Lamar.
BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST
Another appearance by A.B. Original and Amy Shark, plus competition from Tkay Maidza, Tash Sultana, and Dean Lewis makes this yet another close contest. Whoever takes home this award is going to receive some serious recognition given past winners include Flume, Courtney Barnett, and Montaigne.
HALL OF FAME INDUCTION
Of course, we can’t forget that Daryl Braithwaite will be inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame and plans to celebrate with a live performance. Nominees Amy Shark, Paul Kelly, Dan Sultan, and more are also set to perform, but a spirited rendition of ‘The Horses’ is surely going to be the highlight.
