The Association of Artist Managers (AAM) celebrated its fifth annual awards ceremony on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, with a distinguished lunchtime gathering at Sydney’s Crowbar. The event, held just hours before the prestigious APRA Music Awards, saw Sundowner Artists’ Simone Ubaldi and Andrew Parisi emerge as the evening’s most celebrated recipients, clinching the coveted Manager of the Year award. This marks the second time the duo has achieved this significant recognition, having also won in the inaugural AAM Awards in 2022, underscoring their consistent impact and leadership within the Australian music management landscape.
Ubaldi and Parisi are widely recognized for their instrumental role in guiding the international breakthrough punk rock phenomenon, Amyl and The Sniffers. Their success in the Manager of the Year category is a testament to their strategic vision, dedication, and ability to foster the careers of their artists in a highly competitive global market. The AAM Awards, established to acknowledge the pivotal role of artist managers, recognize individuals who drive strategy, navigate complex industry landscapes, and execute the crucial behind-the-scenes work that empowers artists.
Amy Taylor, the formidable frontwoman of ARIA Award-winning Amyl and The Sniffers, offered a glowing endorsement of Ubaldi and Parisi. In a statement that highlighted their exceptional commitment, Taylor remarked, "They’ve helped each of the Sniffers through areas they didn’t need to, which is a testament to their generosity. Not only are they music managers, they also run a live music venue and contribute to community radio, and love going to watch live music. They’re not persuaded by dodgy deals and they’re fiercely protective, as anyone whose come in their crossfires I’m sure is aware of. Their job isn’t easy, but they’ve not only managed us as a band, they’ve also managed to not blow their brains out dealing with our shit for eight-odd years." This candid and heartfelt tribute emphasizes the deep trust and multifaceted support Ubaldi and Parisi provide, extending far beyond traditional management duties.
The Manager of the Year award was one of seven categories presented, each celebrating significant achievements and activity between January 2025 and December 2025. These awards serve as a crucial benchmark for the industry, highlighting the talent and dedication of those working tirelessly to shape the careers of Australian musicians.
Maggie Collins, Executive Director of the AAM, articulated the significance of the awards and this year’s honorees. "The AAM Awards recognize the managers at the center of artist careers; the ones driving strategy, navigating complexity, and making the work happen behind the scenes," Collins stated. She further elaborated on the caliber of this year’s nominees: "This year’s nominees reflect the strength, diversity, and ambition of our community. Our winners set the benchmark for modern management: forward-thinking, resilient, and deeply invested in their artists’ success. But they’re also part of a broader ecosystem of managers who are all shaping the future of Australian music." The selection process involved consultation with a distinguished panel of representatives from various sectors of the Australian and international music industry, ensuring a robust and credible evaluation of nominees.
Legacy of Excellence Recognized
Beyond the competitive categories, the AAM Awards also bestowed the prestigious Legacy Award upon Melita Hodge of Six Boroughs Management. This honor, curated by the AAM’s board, acknowledges individuals who have made an indelible mark on the industry over an extended period. Hodge’s long-standing relationship with ARIA Hall of Fame inductee and country music legend Kasey Chambers was a central theme of the tribute. Chambers, visibly moved, was present to honor her manager, sharing a poignant anecdote and a heartfelt musical performance.
"I wouldn’t be the artist, I wouldn’t be the woman, I am today without you," Chambers remarked, her voice thick with emotion. "Let’s do it for another 30 years, if you can put up with me," she added with a warm quip. Chambers then delivered a solo rendition of "The Captain," the very first song she and Hodge collaborated on, culminating in a moment of shared joy and happy tears, underscoring the profound bond between artist and manager.
Emerging Talent and Future Leaders Honored
The ceremony also shone a spotlight on emerging talent and future leaders within the management sphere. The Patron’s Gift Award was presented to Ben Pierpoint of Ben Pierpoint Management, an accolade curated by the AAM patrons. Furthermore, the 2026 APRA AMCOS Lighthouse Award was presented to Kristie McCarthy of Neon Tiger Mgmt. This award not only recognizes outstanding achievement but also includes a grant valued at A$5,000, designed to support McCarthy’s business and professional development.
McCarthy expressed her profound gratitude for the Lighthouse Award, noting its particular significance given recent personal and professional milestones. "Receiving the Lighthouse Award at this point in my management career feels incredibly special – just days before my daughter’s first birthday and only a month after launching my own business," she shared. She also touched upon the challenges of balancing motherhood and a demanding career: "Like many first-time mothers, I was apprehensive about how I would manage maternity leave, especially as an artist manager. I’m so grateful to my former teammates for looking after The Cat Empire while I was away, and to Felix and Ollie for taking this next step with me as I begin Neon Tiger Mgmt." Her candid reflection highlights the evolving landscape of the music industry and the increasing importance of supporting managers through significant life events.
Acknowledging the Pillars of the Music Industry
The ceremony was expertly emceed by Matt Okine, a familiar face in the Australian music scene, who had recently co-hosted the Queensland Music Awards. His engaging presence provided a warm and celebratory atmosphere for the attendees.
The event also featured a keynote address from John Graham, Special Minister of State, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Transport, and Minister for Music and the Night-Time Economy. Minister Graham emphasized the enduring importance of skilled artist managers in navigating the ever-changing music industry. "When you look at the music industry, so much has challenged the years, but one of the constants has been a value of high-quality managers, guiding us through an incredibly complicated system, and changes every time you turn around," he remarked. "That’s why it’s so good to be here to acknowledge the role that managers play." His words resonated with the audience, reinforcing the vital contribution of managers to the health and dynamism of the Australian music ecosystem.
The AAM Awards, presented this year by White Sky, have become a significant fixture on the music industry calendar. This edition, like all previous ones, was a lunchtime gathering preceding the APRA Music Awards, this year hosted at the Hordern Pavilion. The event’s relocation from Melbourne, where last year’s ceremony was held, reflects the AAM’s commitment to rotating the event and engaging with different music hubs across Australia.
The not-for-profit Association of Artist Managers (AAM) represents a significant force within the Australian music industry, boasting over 400 members who collectively manage more than 1,250 Australian artists on a global scale. This extensive network underscores the AAM’s crucial role in advocating for and supporting artist managers, fostering a robust and sustainable future for Australian music.
2026 AAM Awards Winners
Manager Of The Year (Presented by White Sky)
- Simone Ubaldi & Andrew Parisi, Sundowner Artists
- Roster: Amyl and The Sniffers, Grace Cummings, The Gnomes, Girl and Girl, Nice Biscuit (Consultant Managers), Baby Cool (Consultant Managers)
Breakthrough Manager Of The Year (Presented by DMT Law Firm)
- Christopher Kevin Au, 24 Karat Enterprises
- Roster: POSSESHOT, SPEED (Co-Manager), Shady Nasty (Co-Manager), FUKHED (Co-Manager)
Emerging Manager Of The Year Winner (Presented by PPCA)
- Ali Tomoana, Soul Has No Tempo
- Roster: Miss Kaninna
Community Engagement Award Winner (Presented by The Orchard)
- Tani Webb, First Nations Focus (FNFocus)
- Roster: FLEWNT, Inkabee, Taija
Legacy Award Winner (Presented by Frontier Touring)
- Melita Hodge, Six Boroughs Management
- Roster: Kasey Chambers, Andy Golledge, Denvah, Ball Park Music (Co-Manager), Ruby Jackson (Co-Manager)
Patron’s Gift Award Winner (Presented by the AAM Patrons)
- Ben Pierpoint, Ben Pierpoint Management
- Roster: Dino Dimitriadis, DOBBY, GODTET, Jamaica Moana (Co-Manager), Milan Ring, Ngaiire (Co-Manager), Rose Riebl, Wallace
Lighthouse Award (Presented by APRA AMCOS)
- Kristie McCarthy, Neon Tiger Mgmt
- Roster: Riebl Tedesco McGill and The Cat Empire
