AIR Awards of 2021
The 2021 AIR Awards is the fifteenth annual Australian Independent Record Labels Association Music Awards ceremony. It took place virtually on 5 August 2021 in Adelaide.
The nominations were revealed on 2 June 2021 with all material being released in 2020.
At the virtual event, AIR CEO, Maria Amato said "Congratulations to all the nominees and winners tonight. In a year of continued lockdowns and enormous challenges it was great to see Australian independent artists continue to create new music and connect with engaged audiences."
Minister for Innovation and Skills David Pisoni said "Congratulations to all the nominees and winners. You all richly deserve the recognition after what has been a challenging year for the music industry. The South Australian Government is proud to support these awards, showcasing the amazing artists that we have in this country across a wide range of diverse genres of music."
Performances
- Emma Donovan & The Putbacks "Yarian Mitji"
- DMA's with "Silver"
- Wolf & Cub "Blue State"
Nominees and winners
AIR Awards
Winners are listed first and highlighted in boldface; other final nominees are listed alphabetically.| Independent Album of the Year | Independent Song of the Year |
| |
| Breakthrough Independent Artist of the Year | Best Independent Blues and Roots Album or EP |
| Best Independent Children's Album or EP | Best Independent Classical Album or EP |
| Best Independent Country Album or EP | Best Independent Dance or Electronica Album or EP |
| Best Independent Dance, Electronica or Club Single | Best Independent Heavy Album or EP |
| Best Independent Hip Hop Album or EP | Best Independent Jazz Album or EP |
| Best Independent Pop Album or EP | Best Independent Punk Album or EP |
| Best Independent Rock Album or EP | Best Independent Soul/R&B Album or EP |
| Best Independent Label | 2021 Outstanding Achievement Award |