The Kid LAROI has seen the world, and, at times, owned it with a string of chart hits, awards and records smashed. On Monday night, Nov. 17, the inner-Sydney raised, Los Angles-based singer returned home in triumphant fashion for a secret gig, a launch pad for ARIAs Week.
Performing with a four-piece backing band, and wearing an all-black ensemble, including a black tie and leather jacket, LAROI is grateful and in a soulful mood, laughing at times as he slides through a mid-tempo collection of songs.
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“It’s been a crazy last year. I don’t no how to process it still,” he tells the gathering at Cell Block Theatre in Darlinghurst, where the likes of Ninajirachi, Baker Boy and members of the Wiggles watch on.
When he last performed on home soil, exactly a year ago, LAROI played arenas for his The First Time tour, and at Accor Stadium, for the NRL Grand Final. On Monday, for this inaugural Spotify Artist Party, LAROI played to a space smaller than some of the L.A. parties he attends.
ARIAs Week is always a special time of year. The Australian sun is typically baking in mid-to-late November, the holiday period is closing in, and the ARIA Awards, the national recording industry’s flagship event, is the crescendo for the year in music.
Homegrown stars Dom dolla,Missy Higgins,Amy Shark and many more will stroll the red carpet,and brave the heat,alongside internationals Kacey Musgraves and Olivia Dean.
LAROI won’t be there. he bailed for a flight early Tuesday. The Kid admittedly has work to do setting up his next record, but he played his part in this annual celebration of Aussie music.
Spotify wants in,too. 2025 marks the first in the streaming giant’s three-year partnership with the ARIA awards, and comes at a time when domestic artists are struggling to impact the national charts, the official singles tally in particular.
According to data supplied by Spotify, this campaign has already driven hundreds of thousands of additional streams for ARIA-nominated artists, and included 800-plus “high-impact” placements across Australia and key global markets, including the United States, united Kingdom, Korea and Japan.
Ahead of the big show, more than 250,000 Australians have already cast votes in-app for the public-voted categories, including best music festival, a new category. That result is said to surpass total engagement for the past.
ARIA Awards See Shift in Voting Trends, Highlighting Australian Music’s Momentum
Recent changes to the ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) Awards voting system, specifically the introduction of in-app voting on Spotify, have led to a notable shift in voter preferences. Traditionally, the International Artist of the Year category garnered the most votes, but this year saw Song of the Year – featuring local Australian artists – take the lead. This change signals a growing enthusiasm for and engagement with Australian music,and points to a perhaps important moment for the nation’s music industry. Furthermore, Australian dance and electronic music are experiencing a global breakthrough, with artists like dom Dollar, FISHER, and Ninajirachi leading the charge.
In-App Voting Drives Local Artist Recognition
The move to in-app voting on Spotify has demonstrably impacted voting patterns at the ARIA Awards. Previously, International Artist of the Year consistently received the highest number of votes. However, the new system has resulted in song of the year, which predominantly features Australian artists, becoming the most voted-for category.
This shift is viewed as a positive advancement for the ARIA Awards and the Australian music industry as a whole. It provides a platform to actively promote and celebrate local talent. As stated in a recent interview, this is “a really amazing moment for us in the arias to really push local music.”
Is Australian Music Having a Moment?
The question of whether Australian music is “having a moment” is met with a resounding affirmation. While Australian music consistently holds a place on the global stage, certain genres are currently experiencing a particularly strong surge in popularity.
Specifically, dance and electronic music are driving a global breakthrough for Australian artists. Artists like dom Dollar, FISHER, and Ninajirachi are at the forefront of this movement,achieving significant international recognition and success. This genre is experiencing an “explosive moment” right now, demonstrating the growing influence of Australian talent on the global music scene.
Key Takeaways
* Shift in Voting: In-app voting on Spotify has led to a surge in votes for Australian artists in the Song of the Year category at the ARIA Awards.
* Local Music Focus: The ARIA Awards are leveraging this shift to actively promote Australian music.
* Dance & electronic Lead: Australian dance and electronic music are experiencing a global breakthrough, with artists gaining international recognition.
* Consistent Momentum: Australian music consistently has a presence on the global stage, with current trends indicating a particularly strong period of growth.
The success of Australian artists in the dance and electronic genres, coupled with the increased engagement through in-app voting, suggests a bright future for the Australian music industry. Continued support for local talent and innovative approaches to fan engagement will be crucial in maintaining this momentum and solidifying Australia’s position as a significant player in the global music landscape.
