Formerly an impenetrable six hour staring competition between the entire Australian music industry, 4-6 random international pop stars and the Home and Away or Neighbours players with the nicest hair that year, the ARIAs are now more inclusive than ever with the launch of its first ever ARIA Week – and everyone’s invited. The week, open to plebs anybody and taking place across venues throughout Sydney from November 25th – 28th, will include label showcases featuring the likes of Jessica Mauboy, Bertie Blackman and The Preatures, industry masterclasses from record companies, publishers and artists and a dance music conference featuring Tiesto and Diplo.
Speaking with us last month, ARIA boss Dan Rosen had this to say about the initiative: “With ARIA Week we just wanted to extend the footprint of the awards. With such a strong focus on Australian music we want to increase that exposure for more artists and give the industry a focal point for the year…It’s the one music event that Australia gets together for, so I guess we want to extend the week out a bit more so that if people are already in Sydney there will be other events going on.”
And those other things are…
MONDAY NOVEMBER 26
Universal Showcase – Oxford Art Factory
Featuring Bertie Blackman, Art Of Sleeping, The Preatures and Harts.
FasterLouder Night- Upstairs Beresford Hotel
Featuring Alpine, Oh Mercy and Oliver Tank.
Industry Masterclass – Rock Lily, The Star
Industry forum discussing the opportunities for Australian record companies, publishers, artists and promoters.
Best Video ARIA Award presented by You Tube – Rock Lily, The Star
Presentation of the ARIA Award for Best Music Video.
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 27
triple j Unearthed Night – Oxford Art Factory
Featuring The Rubens, Yes You and Astra.
Sony Music Showcase – Upstairs Beresford
Featuring Jessica Mauboy, Justice Crew, Timomatic and Johnny Ruffo.
EMC Conference (TUES NOV 27 & WED NOV 28)- Jones Bay Wharf
Keynote speakers include Tiesto, Diplo and Tommy Trash.
WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 28
The In Sound From Way Out & Inertia Music Showcase Present Girt By Emcee – Oxford Art Factory
Featuring Pez, Grey Ghost, Seth Sentry and Urthboy.
MGM/ SPA Showcase – Upstairs Beresford
Featuring The Trouble With Templeton, The Falls & more…
EMC Closing Party (presented by Neon/ Ministry Of Sound/ One Love) – Ivy Pool
Featuring Ivan Gough, Feenixpawl, Walden, Tom Piper, The Only and Kaz James.
