SIA, Chet Faker Dominate ARIAs

Both received a resounding welcome from fans. Perry, sporting a crystal-laden Australian design, declared herself an honorary Aussie who would change her diet to Tim Tam chocolates, Vegemite and kangaroo meat.

But also making their presence felt as winners and presenters were Aussie celebrities including 5 Seconds of Summer, INXS, Delta Goodrem, Sheppard, Chet Faker, DJ Havana Brown, Hilltop Hoods, Justice Crew, Jessica Mauboy and Dan Sultan.

The awards came at the tail end of a glorious 12 months for Australian music, with a high volume of acts topping the domestic and global charts.

SIA took four trophies. The chart-topping 1,000 Forms of Fear picked up album and pop album of the year. She also won best female artist, and best video for “Chandelier,” which she co-directed with Daniel Askill. The singer-songwriter, born Sia Furler in Adelaide, sent a video message from her New York base that featured comedian Carrot Top in a Sia wig.

Electronica act Chet Faker, nominated in nine categories, went home with best male artist and best independent release for Built On Glass, which debuted at No. 1 on the ARIA chart in April. Faker revealed he went to school with fellow hit making troubadour Vance Joy, and that his school counselor advised him not to pursue music as a career.

Six-piece Sheppard took best group, as a result of the band’s “Geronimo” single going five-times platinum downunder and Bombs Away peaking at No. 2 on the ARIA chart. It was the first ARIA win for the act, which is managed by Michael Chugg and Scooter Braun and signed to Decca for world release.

The breakthrough artist gong for Iggy Azalea was a testament to her fast rise internationally in the last 12 months. She got UK singer Star, who featured on her “Fancy” hit, to collect her trophy. The ARIA awards were broadcast through Australia on the free-to-air Ten Network and in Asia through pay TV’s Fox International.